The John Cassidy magic show was a successful show with an unsuccessful turnout. Around forty-five students showed up to the magic show, held at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Sept. 6, and most of them appeared to enjoy it.
He made incredible balloon animals and sent the crowd home with most of the ones he made. He specializes in balloon magic, but he also adept at card magic. He tried to include the audience in his act, and he even included his daughter for part of the show.
With one trick he performed, John Cassidy gave away some of his own hard-earned money to the crowd. He did so as a sort of a shock factor and as a way to keep the crowd’s attention.
“The magician just did crazy tricks. I didn’t see them coming, and I just had a blast.”
Cassidy, after the magic show, revealed that all of his tricks are self -taught. His love for slight-of-hand and balloon animals began at a young age. Cassidy’s wife discussed how every year they change about a third of the entire show to “keep it fresh.” Cassidy said that his wife and child are always on the road with him, and he is constantly working on new tricks.
John was inspired by Robin Williams from a comedic standpoint, and from a magical standpoint he was inspired by Tommy Wonder. He had one great inspiration, and that was his dear father.
“The greatest gift my father ever gave me was the gift to find something that I love. He loved his job every day and I love this,” said Cassidy.
He went on to share his personal philosophy on career seeking for college students.
“Whatever you guys are studying in school, find something you love because if you’re doing it for the money, you’re going to be an empty solid person inside,” he said.
Despite the low count of students, the show was a success. Nobody left mid-show, and the audience gave an applause after every trick. However, the applause can only be so loud when one-sixth of the theatre is filled. Whether this was a coincidence or the lack of marketing around the show, empty seats far outweighed the filled ones.
By William McDonough, Contributing Writer
mcdonowo19@bonaventure.edu
