Part 1: A Voyage to the Real World

Working behind a bar for an audience of real people, Eugene Burger makes it clear why he’s one of the world’s most celebrated close-up artists. Then, he’s joined by David Parr to analyze these time-tested routines from Eugene’s actual performing repertoire. Items like his ultra-commercial approach to the Sponge Balls (including his “real work” on breaking them in). You’ll be delighted at the clever method behind David Solomon’s Cutting Ten and impressed with how much excitement Eugene can derive from a Simple Spelling card trick and be drawn in by his presentation for Alan Ackerman’s Gemini Money. And, for the first time, Eugene and David reveal two astonishing new methods for a U.F. Grant classic (which can now be done using the new style bills-or any type of currency) in The 21st Century Bill Transposition.

And there’s more, because Eugene also offers special insights into spectator management, audience involvement, and the concepts and theories that transform his magic into something meaningful.

Part 2: A Voyage to the Unreal World

On this tape Eugene is also joined by Jeff McBride to explore his close-up magic that is offbeat, whimsical and decidedly strange. This journey begins with Flash Spirit Message, as efficient a link to the ghostly realm as you could ever ask for. In Double Reverse, a classic Walter Gibson effect that’s been raised from a card trick into an evocative piece of intimate Spirit Theater (which includes Eugene’s personal handling on Glorpy). Eugene’s version of Al Baker’s The Card in the Hat leads into a detailed discussion of advanced thread technique. Jeff then shows what happens when Mark Twain meets Robert Neale, as he performs and explains The Five Gifts of Life. A darker humor is on display when Eugene teaches Phil Goldstein’s The Wagers of Sin. And finally, there’s a thorough analysis of Matt Schulien’s superb Corner in the Glass.

And there’s much more, because Eugene also offers special insights into presentational framing, rehearsal techniques, and the concepts and theories that transform magic into something significant.

Part 3: A Voyage to the Inner World

If you’ve ever dreamed of a private session with Eugene Burger, now’s your chance. On this tape it’s just the two of you, as Eugene speaks his mind and opens up his heart. Sinology, a simple coin routine, becomes a parable about self-discovery. In his version of Lin Searles’ Cannibals, Eugene combines sly humor with impressive technical chops that will fool you. In New Match Stickler, a Milbourne Christopher item usually thrown away as a bar stunt becomes a powerful mystery. More ominous themes are considered in Robert Neale’s daring Last Dream. To conclude this encounter, Eugene discusses the thinking that led to the creation of two of his most requested routines, which he also performs: The Inquisition, his wickedly dark take on Roy Walton’s Card Warp, and Shakespearean Thread (or, as Max Maven insists on calling it, “Vishnu Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”), an evocative new presentation for the Hindu Thread.

Eugene also offers special insights into artistic expression, performance philosophy, and the concepts and theories that transform magic into something deeply personal.