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Scot Author Liz Lochhead – Keeps Magic Secret

The Grand Rapids Press reports this morning even children know how to keep magic secrets secret.

The Sparta Middle School spring play, Magic Island, featured several magic tricks and illusions borrowed or made with the assistance of magicians.

They were sworn to secrecy and for the most part, they kept their promise. Even under threat of causing severe mental distress to friends and loved-ones:

“I had friends come up to me in school telling me that they were going to have nightmares if I didn’t tell them how some of the tricks were done,” said Chelsea McKinley, 14, who got stuck in the box used to saw a lady in half when she first started rehearsals.

Ms. McKinley was close to blowing the cover — after all, no one wants to be the cause of another’s nightmare. “I even got a little scared — but I still wouldn’t tell them.”

The tricks were so secret even the directors were initially in the dark. The school ordered the script to Magic Island but learned the publisher did not include the secrets for the effects the script required.

The directors were forced to buy the instructions and building plans from a magic supply company. The parents helped to build the illusions in time for rehearsal. Still, all admitted it was unnerving to push a sword into a box holding a fellow student.

The parents deviated from the plans only to make the props sturdier and “save for the kids.” But in a call for authenticity, the students rejected using fake swords or saws. The directors petitioned the School Superintendent to use real swords and real saws.

What can they do with the effects, the very sturdy and safe effects, now that the show is complete? The cast and crew are willing to sell the illusions and invites magicians to call if interested. If you’re interested, call (616) 877-8211 and ask for David Oudbier.