So it’s Tuesday night and we’re at Skipolini’s, having a pie, enjoying the magic and mystery of Peter Morrison, one of the nations premier “up close” magicians.  That’s right folks, with Peter you not only get the magic of an amazing up close magician but you also get the mystery that comes with it.  By mystery I think that refers to the “huh?” factor.

Now of course I’ve heard the term “up close” used to describe a magician’s performing style but had always assumed it meant that he performed right in front of you, thereby increasing the “huh?” factor while adding in generous portion of “zowie”.  Well you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that most of Peter’s act is actually performed while sitting in your lap. How’s that for up close folks?  I don’t think you could ask for more zowie.  Not without risking arrest.

As you can no doubt imagine, I found this to be a little forward at first. But now I can’t seem to enjoy the vanishing coins and the color changing cards without his reassuring weight on my thighs.  Yes I’m joking of course.  Normally I sit in his lap.

Occasionally, Skipolini’s owner, and reassuring weight in his own right Kent Ipsen, will assist Peter with his performance.  By assist I mean that he stands near by, looking on in amazement, desperately trying to figure out a trick he’s seen “up close” only two dozen times.  Somehow it always reminds me of how a dog will continually run after a ball that you pretend to throw, still amazed each time when he discovers the ball in your hand.  I kid Kent of course.  Actually he really does spruce up the act and I understand he’ll be accompanying Peter to Las Vegas later this summer in the role of “stunned audience member”.  He really is one versatile pizza slinger.

To see the “huh?” factor at its most apparent you need only to watch my children watching Peter. While they obviously enjoy the tricks, the look on their faces depicts more confusion than amusement.  Amazement with a trace of having just been taken.  Picture that same dog playing Three Card Monte. 

My children often wonder aloud why daddy does not perform magic tricks like Peter.  I’ve tried to explain to them the monthly magic I perform by managing to pay the mortgage but somehow this fails to impress them.  They want REAL magic, UPCLOSE magic with plenty of MYSTERY.  I understand this.  Now if only Peter could make my tab at Skipolini’s disappear, that’s a bit of magic I could get behind.

Bio: Clayton Resident, Joe Romano, is a freelance writer for hire. He can be contacted at jromano01@yahoo.com