http://johnnythompson.com/index.php?page=1
Johnny Thompson has some DVDs out, and hes often mentioned as a mentor by big names like Lance Burton and Penn and Teller.
Heres a great clip of his stand up manipulation act. I think its genuinely, side splitting funny: An old showbiz magician trying to do his act with a knackered, spiteful assistant and an over eager orchestra.
It's a real evoulution of Cardinis comic manipulator act and it has a great ending. Enjoy!