Sometimes you get what you ask for

As I mentioned in my previous post, last weekend I was performing at the Doc Seaton Street Magic Side Show during Austin’s Pecan Street Festival. This is the first time I had ever performed Street magic or done any type of busking. (more on busking later) There were several opportunities to perform and one was on the main stage. I had been given several time slots on the main stage. One of the routines I did was a chain escape. It is suppose to be humorous escape. But the last performance I had a first time experience. At the start of the routine I talk about how Houdini would have people bring their own chains and locks. That way everyone would know they weren’t gimmicked. I then ask,”Okay who brought the chain?” There usually is no reaction and so I say “Yeah that rarely happens in my show” It usually get a small laugh. But this time when I asked “Okay who brought the chain?” A biker in the back yells “I did.” He had this big long chain attached to his wallet. I was not sure it would work. So I was playing with it. It was barely long enough. I looked at the biker and said, “I am not sure this will work. Is it a real chain?” He responds, “Yeah I made it myself.” Then a magician friend of mine, who was sitting on the front row, yells, “Go for it.” Thanks Chris! So I pull out my lock and the links in the chain are too small to have the lock go though it. I am now thinking I am out of this awkward situation a young girl suddenly tosses a small lock onto the stage. There is now no where to go! They chain me up. I complete the routine with all the comedy bits thrown in plus some obvious extras. Everyone was amazed I escaped. But not as amazed as I was that I actually had a lock and chain from the audience. Houdini, eat your heart out!