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Marko’s Showstuff: A Review

The popularity of closeup, mentalism and kid show venues has spawned many books and DVDs on those subjects. But good books with fresh ideas are few and far between for the general practitioner of club or stage magic. Marko states on the back cover of his book, Showstuff : “This book might contain your next club or stage show!” He may be right!

If you are a serious amateur who wants to build a standup club or stage repertoire or if you are a working professional who is looking for practical, creative additions to your repertoire, then you’ll most certainly want Marko’s book, Showstuff ! However, if you are interested in closeup card and coin magic with complicated plots and near impossible sleights, if you are a “move monkey” duffer who just plays around with magic, if you want a new trick to fool your magic buddies, then Marko’s Showstuff book is probably not for you.

Although there are some closeup gems in the book, much of the magic is suitable for standup platform or stage situations. Many of the routines are colorful, have terrific comedy possibilities and would be fine additions to any professional’s show. You can put most of the routines together without spending a bunch of money on new props. Most likely, you will already have the props you’ll need.

The tricks in Showstuff have simple plots and straight forward, easy handling. This allows you to go out and entertain the crowd without worrying about complicated methods and handlings. It is important to note that the simplicity of the tricks is never trite. It is always creative, clever and sometimes really “inspired.” Do these routines take practice and time to develop into “great” presentations? Just like any piece of magic, of course they do. But Marko’s writing makes the trip to great presentations as easy as it can be. The time and effort spent will be well worth it!

For me, there are many “highlights” in Showstuff . About fifty routines are included with a wide variety of articles and various interesting plots. Many of the routines are based on classic plots, but Marko approaches each with a freshness and simplicity that I admire. You have a wealth of material from which to choose. I’ll mention only two routines, but all are really “top-notch.”

If you are looking for a good opener, Marko’s Rope Routine is a good place to look! This uses some of the best standard effects and deceptive moves, but Marko has arranged them into a great, practical routine. All you need is a length rope, a pair of scissors and a chair. If you are not experienced with rope magic, this routine will take some real practice, but the result will be well worth it!

THE highlight of the book is Marko’s Eyeless Vision Act. Marko gives you all the details of his presentation of this great classic trick, including how to make the ungimmicked blindfold used in the act. His methods are time-tested, tried, proven and practical. His presentation is terrific! Ted Lesley thought so much of it, he translated it into German. Ted said that it was the best thing he had ever seen on the blindfold act. To the working professional, this routine alone is more than “worth the price of the book.”

Although Spanish is Marko’s native language, his command of English is excellent. There are inaccuracies in syntax and typos in the book, but they are minor and do not in any way disturb the clear descriptions of the routines. Many times, Marko gives you his complete patter. As always, you’ll want to consider his patter, but modify it to fit your own style. He has some great comedy lines you’ll be sure to use.

The construction of the routines in Showstuff reflects the approach of a skilled, experienced, long-time professional entertainer, who understands the art of magic and knows how to entertain an audience. This describes Marko. I can recommend highly Showstuff for any conscientious, performing magician’s library.

Marko has a special occasionally around $30, usually $35-$40. The book is 230 pages. For more information about Showstuff and Marko’s terrific, popular “The Learned Pig Project”, contact magomarko@yahoo.com.

Best regards,
Gerald Edmundson