Smushies is one of my pet routines and original to me in many ways. A simple sponge ball routine and a series of magic wands combine to create fun and surprises as an onstage volunteer tries to fulfill every kid's dream of being a magician. A natural progression of more 'smushies' and larger wands seems to hit a snag when an oversized wand fails to produce any magic. The issue is resolved when flying snakes erupt in the air, leading to an unexpected ending and a dream fulfilled. This is yet another example of practical entertainment that produces outstanding results for the Hometown Magician. The basic props pack small and even the jumbo wand is an easy addition to the equipment list, combining to be showy enough for stage work. The routine allows the audience to be charmed by the volunteer's surprise in having the "smushies" appear in their hands and empathize with their dilemma in handling the unwieldy jumbo magic wand. The surprise appearance of the spring snakes is a memorable moment in any show. It all re-sets quickly and is appropriate for kid and family audiences.
Daryl Hurst's Hometown Magic routines are laser-focused on practical entertainment that can be performed in a variety of formal and informal venues without significant restrictions, giving professional results with simple props and minimal staging. Going beyond the traditional instruction sheets that take a minimalist approach to effect and method, each of Daryl's in-depth guides focuses on storytelling, playfulness, artistry, and education, the fundamentals of creating wonder that elevate magic as a performing art. Sections for each guide include Description, Evaluation, Background, Props, Storyline, Fundamentals, annotated Script, and Keys to Success. These guides can be a valuable resource for researching props and their potential before making a purchase.
1st edition 2026, PDF 14 pages.
word count: 5333 which is equivalent to 21 standard pages of text
