A Comedy & Magic Society show that is much more than just Magic!

Here is the announcement from producer Mark Phillips:
Summer is here; the relatives are all in town for the fireworks, but you still have a weekend you want to fill with fun. We can help! Come join the Comedy & Mystery Society on Friday, July 1st and Saturday July 2nd at 8 PM at the Arts Barn in Gaithersburg. We've got a special treat with two guest acts appearing both nights! (We may run out of room backstage...)

We have been trying to get Jesse & James to do our show since we started. Though they live nearby; they entertain all over the world, in theaters, on cruises, and as a featured act at Dollywood. Our schedules have finally aligned and they are bringing their newest show, "Mutts Gone Nuts" to the CMS both nights. These two consummate entertainers always stop the show and now they have a troupe of performing dogs to add even more action to their hilarity. Who says Vaudeville is dead!

In keeping with the variety theme of this week, we are pleased to have Haywire join us again for both nights. With these two, you never know what to expect - magic, physical comedy, verbal fireworks - its all part of the Haywire package.


Our two magical guests, Eric Henning (Fri.) and Mike Kaminskas (Sat.), are both back for more fun with the CMS. Both are experts at magic up close and on stage, and both bring unique charm to each performance.

Our alternating producers and emcees for these shows are Brian Curry (Sat.) and Barry Wood (Fri.). Brian and Barry will prove to you that some of the best magic in the world happens in our own back yard. We hope you decide to come to both shows!

Once again, summer is our busiest season at the CMS and we hope to use this time to double our email list. We would be extremely grateful to have you contribute to our viral success by forwarding this article to any and all friends and family you think would enjoy our lighthearted, family friendly entertainment. They can sign up for future emails by sending one to me at markcards@gmail.com.

Close-Up Magicians George Woo, Jeff Eline and Nick Decutis will be on hand, ensuring that there is always more magic per square inch at the Comedy & Magic Society.

Come enjoy the air conditioned splendor and laugh until your sides hurt! The Arts Barn is at 311 Kent Square Road, the Kentlands, Gaithersburg, Maryland. For further information or tickets, please call the Arts Barn at 301-258-6394.

Comedy & Mystery Society Show in Gaithersburg!

I'll be at the Gaithersburg Arts Barn TONIGHT, May 28, at 8:00 p.m. in the Comedy & Mystery Society show, alongside Brian Curry and Mark Phillips. We'll also have more magicians doing Close-up magic during the intermission! That's a crazy amount of LIVE entertainment for only $12-$15! The show is appropriate for adults and children age 10+

May 28, 2011
Comedy & Magic Society
Astounding magic and sleight of hand with interactive theatre and hilarious fun!.

Saturday at 8 p.m.
$15 Nonresidents / $12 City of Gaithersburg Residents
For tickets call 301-258-6394 or visit RecXpress online at recxpress.gaithersburgmd.gov

311 Kent Square Rd
Gaithersburg, Md 20878
Map & Directions

What Laryngitis Taught Me

Since today was dominated by my laryngitis, this story came to mind.
I actually learned something from being sick once, and perhaps this will help someone else.

First, please understand that I had Crohn's disease for 15+ years and I know very well when I am sick and how serious it is. I spent 15 years in continuous, sit-on-a-tack pain with a constant low-grade fever. So I've probably spent the majority of my magic career performing sick.

However, on this occasion, I was getting over a cold. Have you ever had this? It's that day where you're no longer contagious, in fact, you feel fine, and you KNOW that you're well again - but your voice is gone. Totally absent. No other symptoms. It's like the cold's final practical joke on its way out.

Well, this happened to me on a Sunday when I was working brunch at Clyde's, and I was frantic. I do talking magic, with lots of storytelling, and how in the world could I perform?

Here's what I learned in a nutshell:

• I got MUCH better responses from my audiences. Looking back, I realize it was because I was gentler in my approach to the tables. I am 6'4" tall, 250 lbs., with dark hair, a dark beard and a loud voice. when approaching a table, I am standing and my audience is seated. It's easy to forget that all this together can be intimidating. My laryngitis evened the playing field, so to speak, and folks felt more comfortable. I now approach tables with more relaxed body language and lower vocal volume.

• Many of my routines need few, if any, words. I found I was able to get very far into many of my pet routines with no words at all. This also helped focus attention on the magic, and I got much more applause and laughter. So I have gone back and severely trimmed my scripts.

• If you simply tell people "My voice is gone," you build rapport very quickly. I think most people have been in that situation. So rather than trying to hide it, I was honest about it. But of course, not being contagious helped!

Hope this helps,

Eric Henning
http://www.HenningMagic.com