2008 Woodie Awards
Maze Magic draws large crowd
KEVIN TALLEY
Culture Writer
Issue date: 9/24/07 Section: Culture
- Page 1 of 1
|
The two traveling illusionists spent time on the sidewalks of Boise State University just as they have been doing all across the country.
Friday night an abnormally long line to get into the Special Events Center started forming.
The MAZE team was brought onto campus by the student organization Boise State Crew. Billy Mogensen, an advisor for Boise State Crew, took the stage to welcome everyone. After doing so he gave a quick lesson on how to put a cell phone on silent.
Mogensen conveyed his hope of witnessing the first show in history to not include an inconsiderate cell phone user.
These hopes were then smashed not once, but twice during the evening.
The goal of the show was not only to entertain, but to enlighten.
The mix of illusion and evangelism made for an interesting night.
The performance itself was very engaging and left audience members undoubtedly confused.
Most all of the acts of deception involved members of the audience, selected by throwing a stuffed cow throughout the room.
The acts of deception were no doubt complex, and like most magic shows, audiences left the room in speculation.
The question of “how” is what the two performers Jim Munroe and Tennyson McCarty focus on.
They believe that when we are exposed to the deceptions of everyday life we become confused.
When we become confused we become lost.
An image of being lost in a maze comes to mind, harkening the stage name MAZE.
A short five-minute intermission was given so that anyone offended by the religious plugs could leave.
The second half was more about finding the savior of the lord, so much so that some people who decided not to leave during the planned intermission left during the performance.
McCarty and Munroe wanted to deliver one message to the student body at Boise State with their performance.
They wanted us to see that no matter how much we get lost and confused in this maze, there is a light at the end, whatever that may be and it’s worth continuing on.
The highlight of the evening was definitely the last deception of
the night.
Called the “Bullet Catch,” the performers boasted that more than a dozen illusionists have died performing it.
A bullet was fired by one performer through a piece of glass and then caught in the mouth of the other performer.
Afterward audience members left, having witnessed magic tricks and heard a meaningful message.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Billy Mogensen
posted 9/24/07 @ 9:58 AM MST
If you wonder why you've never heard of Boise State Crew, it's because BSU doesn't have a crew team. It's actually BSUCRU that brought MAZE to Boise State. (Continued…)
criscocavingkid
Steven Ahlborn
posted 9/24/07 @ 1:22 PM MST
I am glad to hear that the show of the illusionists went well! Way to go BSUCRU for standing up for what you believe in, bringing some excellent entertainers, and being respectful of the fact that people come from all walks of life. (Continued…)
Ryan Salladay
Ryan Salladay
posted 9/25/07 @ 9:05 AM MST
WWJD? Apparently ruin a perfectly good magic show after suckering hundreds of people to attend by shameless bouts of self promotion. Oh Jesus, you duped us once again!
Post a Comment