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Welcome back to Behind the Magic! The Gamesters' show, Manhattan Mayhem, is finally in production. New illusions are currently being built in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and the scenery and costumes are being produced out of New York
Here is the new show logo, hot off the press. Currently, this is the only place that Gamester fans can see the logo, until the Sands begins its advertising campaign.
This month the Gamesters started working with renowned clown Mark Gindick. As a graduate of Ringling Bros. Clown College, Mark toured with Ringling Bros. and will soon be featured in the newest incarnation of the Big Apple Circus. Mark's one-man show in New York, How to be a Man, received rave reviews. The Gamesters are excited to have Mark on the production team. His comedic genius will certainly help to make the show a hit.
In the next few months, look for more great developments in the Gamesters' show, right here on Behind the Magic.
This is a photo of one of the Gamesters' newest props. This taxi cab was originally built by MagiCraft for country singer Reba McEntire's tour. After the tour, the car had a brief stint in Las Vegas in Steve Wyrick's show. The car is electrically powered so that it can legally be driven on stage. Go check it out at the Gamesters' show in Atlantic City!
 Erich Troudt is one of the Gamesters' truest friends. He facilitated their first show as the Gamesters, and has been a part of their creative process for years. Erich has made quite a name for himself, not only with his own large illusion show, but also guest starring in Franz Harary's Imagine Nation at Genting Highlands, the world's largest resort, in Malaysia. For five months, Erich was the star performer in Imagine Nation, which was one of the largest magic productions ever put together. You may have also seen Erich Troudt perform his new Crusher illusion on Masters of Illusion on PAX television.
ERICH TROUDT: In 1995, I was an instructor at West Coast Wizards Magic Camp. It was there, that I met Doug and Seth. When I asked them about their act, they gave me visions of Zoot suits, money, phone booths, and a fast-paced act. I was impressed. I felt a close bond to them and after camp I started going to Hollywood to visit them. It was then that I realized that "The Gamesters" was still just in the beginning stages, props still being built, with blocking and routining still being worked out. I would go to Hollywood as much as possible and help in anyway I could.
The help was not all one sided either. In 1997, when I decided to become an Illusionist, Seth and Doug were right there to help me with routining, music selection, and support.
Jan 14th 1996, I was there for the first "Gamester" show. I did 25 minutes, provided the lights, backdrops, and music, all of which fit in my van. For their 12 minute act, they showed up in a 14ft U-Haul truck. They literally brought everything they owned. Back up props, extra costumes, even a TV. That night they rocked the house, giving birth to "The Gamesters". Since that night, they have gone on to perform all over the world, for casinos, Royalty, and celebrities. They have turned into one of the best magic/variety acts today.
Over the years not only have they become successful, but they have become two of my closest friends. To this day we are in constant contact, giving each other support, help and encouragement. They came back to California for my Wedding, and have taken time out of there busy schedule to see me perform on many occasions. We have even taken shows just because we know the other will be there.
We have had some great times together, Vegas, Hawaii, Thailand, Vegas, Malaysia, Michael Jackson's house, Vegas, Hollywood,... oh yeah... did I mention Vegas? I know there will be more to come during our lifelong friendship
Find out more about Erich Troudt
on his web site at
www.MagicofErichTroudt.com
There is also a great interview
with Erich on Photolog at
www.wowbound.com/troudt.html
 This month we are not only recommending something, but we are also recommending someone. Buster Keaton is truly one of the all-time greats of comedy. He originated countless gags that seem commonplace today. Three of his films that we highly recommend are The Frozen North (1922), The Playhouse (1921), and Steamboat Bill Jr. (1928).
In The Playhouse, Buster plays numerous roles. At this point in American cinema, multiple exposure was not only uncommon, but very difficult. At one point Buster Keaton is playing 9 characters on screen simultaneously. In another scene, Buster plays 3 different members of an orchestra playing 3 different instruments at the same time!
Steamboat Bill Jr. is a particular favorite of the Gamesters, because a gag from their new show is derived from the movie's most famous scene. Click on the picture below to view a clip from the movie.
For a wealth of information about Buster Keaton, check out the Buster Keaton Society's website at www.BusterKeaton.com.
Check back each month to find out new info.
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