Genii Magazine – October 2025 (pdf)

The Cover
This 9th issue of the new Genii era features a Carl Mercurio story about AGT winner Matt Franco and the successful ten year run of his ever-evolving Magic Reinvented Nightly show in Las Vegas.

The Genii Speak
Executive Editor Jim Steinmeyer talks through the issue and includes a great photo of then President Obama at the White House reacting to Kevin James performing his “Operation” routine, which is featured in a photo montage near the end of the issue. The video Genii Speak includes a conversation between Jim and Las Vegas comedy legend, Mac King.

Columns
The Mailbox this month includes is a previously unpublished letter sent to Genii 55 years ago by 14-year-old Davino (aka David Kotkin) offering to write a column for younger readers like himself. I wonder whatever happened to him?
The Almanac for October notes the birthdates of Peter Godfrey (on the 16th) and Professor Herwinn (on the 31st) and tells us why they are worth remembering. Also noted, the invention and patenting of Karson’s Zombie trick and the historic performances of Robert-Houdin in Algiers at the behest of the French government in 1856.
The Eye features the latest news, opening with an expansion of Magic Castle Enterprises (MCE) partnership with Princess Cruise Lines, a podcast interview between journalist Karl Johnson and gambling history expert David Hill, discussing Vernon’s search for center dealer Allen Kennedy, Rob Lake’s imminent Broadway debut in a magic show with the Muppets, a documentary about Norwegian illusionist Alexx Alexxander, a run of Lady Magic, a satirical view of magic from the viewpoint of the female assistant, and a New York Times article about Penn & Teller on their 50th anniversary in show business together.

Features
In addition to the aforementioned cover story on Matt Franco, Vanessa Armstrong reports on this summer’s edition of the Magic Live convention in Las Vegas, including an interview with producer Stan Allen, and Martin Pacheco’s new Spanish language edition of David Bamberg’s biography, Una Vida para la Magica, is excerpted in an English translation.
Voices
Jason Bishop on “The Evolutions of an Illusionist,” Mac King answers the Genii Questionnaire, and David Belmont discusses lessons learned long distance from Darwin Ortiz.

In Practice
Richard Kaufman's Magicana column teaches Kazayuki Hase’s handling for John Bannon’s popular Play it Straight version of the Triumph plot, but from a shuffled deck. Richard teases that this is a preview from the new edition of Greater Magic.
Blake Vogt spends an hour brainstorming with Denmark’s Rune Klan and they create a transposition routine with water in cups, without slush powder.
Adam Elbaum teaches a “Spectator Cuts to the Aces” routine.
David Regal teaches a ring to nest of boxes that he featured at the Magic Castle.
In Performance
Shawn McMaster talks about the Taiwanese contingent recently at the Magic Castle.
Vanessa Armstrong introduces us to Ricardo Rosenkranz’s Rhapsody Theater in Chicago.

Marketplace
David Regal brings out attend back to the late Doug Bennet’s Bewildering in the “Not Forgotten” section.
The Onosaka family of Tokyo and their Magic Land shop are featured in “Staff Picks”.
In the Book Reviews, Bill Malone goes through the recently reissued Marlo Magazines, pointing out some personal favorites. Noah Levine reviews Nick Diffatte’s Sub-Genius Center Tear, and James Alan reviews Guillaume Botta’s Gold, “a love letter to the Jerry O’Connell JOL Plus Wallet” and Red Nist’s Redemption, “a collection of six short card effects,” translated from French into English.
Unnamed “industry professionals” review three tricks this month: Cosmos, a deck-sized Bluetooth thermal printer, No Risk, a borrowed ring to shoelace loop on your shoe, and the ProKito Coin Box, an innovative Okito type box for coin workers.

Workshop
Dr. Matt Pritchard describes his “warped deck,” a three-dimensional optical illusion crafted from a deck of cards and their case.
Pete McCabe gives advice on scripting material, encouraging the reader, sight unseen, to insert more of him or herself into their scripts.
Sara Crasson describes how to make negotiations less adversarial, leading to better outcomes for both parties.
Harrison Greenbaum shares lessons learned after doing 10,000 shows.

Perspectives
Jim Hagy reminisces about his first FISM convention in Amsterdam in 1970, profiling Dutch dealers Eddie Taytelbaum and Tony Anverdi.
Ben Winn describes a depression era three-year-old mindreader, Jackie Merkle.
Jim Steinmeyer describes Kevin James‘ Operation routine, well-illustrated with photos.

Finally, Alexandra Duvivier talks about why she doesn’t talk about herself on the “Café avec..” page.