Alex Ramon is no David Copperfield.
And that is a good thing.
We love David Copperfield but loathe magicians – young and old – who do their version of Mr. Copperfield’s act.
Some just borrow his music, patter or effects and put some of their own spin into the mix. Others steal the music, patter and effects and add nothing.
We have seen Origami and Twister performed across the country – often to the identical music used by Mr. Copperfield. No matter how good the imitators are, they are still not the real thing. Sometimes they are interesting to watch and other times they are annoying or sad.
We saw Alex Ramon and his lovely assistant Megan Doyle take the Palace of Mystery stage at The Magic Castle Monday night and were surprised and delighted. We assumed the worst, though.
Here is a young illusionist with a good reputation within the magic community. We knew of him but had never seen him. We hoped he would not be a David Copperfield Knock-Off guy. Or, if he was going to knock off Mr. Copperfield, he would do so in a unique way.
Our fears were unfounded. Mr. Ramon and Ms. Doyle are their own people and they have put out a show that is thoroughly their own.
They are a wonderful team and work so well together. Ms. Doyle is not merely a prop but appears to be a full partner in the act. Mr. Ramon’s energy and enthusiasm is evident from the opening levitation, through his card manipulation routine, audience participation bit and big finale. The audience – a good mix of lay and magic folks – loved it.
For the magicians in the audience, Mr. Ramon offered a set of illusions that were certainly not the common Copperfield Knock-Off fare. His opening levitation was tight and powerful and featured several mini-crescendos along the way to the big pay-off. His sawing a woman in half was done without boxes (thin or otherwise) under seemingly impossible conditions. Ms. Doyle was curled within a small metal cage assembled around her tiny frame before a sinister blade was brought down through her. Amazing stuff.
Mr. Ramon stepped way out of the realm of typical with his presentation of a vanishing light bulb. The routine was perfectly scripted and wonderfully done. Magicians and magic history students should see Mr. Ramon perform if only for this one effect. Great principle performed perfectly.
There are times when David Copperfield imitators will end their routine with the question, “Would you like to see one more?” and we think – but do not say out loud because that would be rude and weird and we assume the question is rhetorical – “no, thank you.”
Mr. Ramon asked the question before his sub-trunk finale and we wanted to respond verbally, “heck yes, thank you, please!” But we didn’t because that would still be weird – although not rude.
We had not seen Mr. Ramon perform before but will return to The Magic Castle at least two more times this week to enjoy the show again. It was that good.
Inside Magic Review: Five out of Five – Our Highest!
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Not only does r. Ramon separate himself from Copperfield, but from the current trend of “dark, brooding” magicians that are starting to get a little tiring for me. Mr. Ramon has an entertaining personality, and a great chemistry with Ms. Doyle that paces the show well.
I have seen him perform and he is outstanding. Not to be missed.
Absolutely fantastic and Amazingly entertaining. I was delighted with both Ramon and Megan energy. The audience and I was capture by his sense of style and up beat music. A must see show!
I’ve been a fan since he started performing as a teen at our local library. I always liked his originality, likability, and sense of humor.
I first saw Alex in Lake Tahoe in 2012, He was excellent. Saw him again in Modesto Ca. earlier this year with a complete different show and he was truly amazing. My grand kids (13-12-8) just love him. Would not miss him if he is ever in your area.