“What you think is impossible in life is possible.”
— David Copperfield
As a magician, I deal in the impossible. I make objects vanish, read minds, and bend reality—at least, that’s what it looks like to the audience. But sometimes, real-life impossibilities appear, and no amount of sleight of hand can change them. That’s when adaptability, preparation, and quick thinking turn what seems impossible into reality.
Take today, for example.
The Magic Show That Almost Didn’t Happen
This afternoon, I arrived in Wynnewood, PA for a four-year-old’s Spider-Man-themed birthday party. I was early, as I always am, ready to set up my meticulously prepared show—except there was one problem.
My table and all of my props were missing.
Somehow, they hadn’t been loaded out. They were still sitting back at my studio—50 minutes away. Even if I left immediately, I wouldn’t make it back in time. I briefly considered canceling the show. But then I remembered something crucial: the show must go on.
I had prepared mentally for this exact scenario. I remembered spotting a shopping center just a mile back. So, I made a mad dash to Five Below and Target, grabbing anything that could serve as magic props—playing cards, Easter toys, a jump rope, scissors, and a few other odds and ends.
Armed with nothing but these items and my experience, I walked back into that party and performed a 40-minute magic show.
It wasn’t my usual lineup, and I didn’t have my best material, but I made it work. I bookended the show with an engaging spongeball routine that got all the guests involved and ended with a card-to-impossible-location effect full of comedy. In between, I included:
✔ A cut-and-restored rope trick that was both visually strong and interactive.
✔ A bank night routine that built excitement and laughter.
✔ Pure, sleight-of-hand card magic, without relying on any gimmicks.
Was it the best show I’ve ever done? No. But was it a solid show that left the kids and parents entertained? Absolutely.
As David Copperfield suggests, nothing is impossible. I’m grateful that my training allowed me to pull off this last-minute miracle, and moving forward, I’ll always have a backup set of props ready—just in case.
What It Means for Magicians
A magician’s job isn’t just to perform tricks—it’s to entertain and adapt. Unexpected things happen all the time in live performances, and being prepared for the impossible is just as important as knowing the mechanics of a trick.
At a show in Wynnewood, I was reminded that:
✔ You don’t need fancy props—strong fundamentals and presentation can carry an entire show.
✔ Improvisation is a magician’s greatest tool—if you stay calm and focused, you can turn anything into magic.
✔ Preparation isn’t just about what you bring—it’s about mentally rehearsing for when things go wrong.
Today’s experience reinforced what I already knew: a magician should never rely entirely on their props—because the real magic is in the performance, not the objects.
What It Means for Everyone
Copperfield’s quote isn’t just about magic—it’s about how we handle challenges in life. There will always be moments when something crucial goes wrong. Maybe a work presentation doesn’t load. Maybe an event falls apart at the last minute. Maybe an opportunity disappears. In those moments, we have two choices:
- Give up, believing that it’s impossible to fix the situation.
- Find a way to make it work, even if it’s not how we originally planned.
At today’s show, I could have walked away. But instead, I took a deep breath, reassessed my options, and made the best out of what I had. And that’s a lesson that applies far beyond magic.
Everyday Magic: How to Make the Impossible Possible
- Prepare for the Unexpected
- In Magic: I now carry a backup set of props for situations like today.
- In Life: Always have a backup plan, whether it’s for work, travel, or important events. Being prepared reduces stress when things go wrong.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure
- In Magic: A magician must never let the audience see their panic.
- In Life: When things don’t go as planned, staying calm helps you think clearly and find creative solutions.
- Improvise and Use What You Have
- In Magic: With just a few store-bought items, I pulled off a full show.
- In Life: Sometimes, you don’t need everything to be perfect—just use the resources available and make it work.
- Confidence is Everything
- In Magic: A trick is only as good as the magician’s presentation.
- In Life: Even if you don’t feel fully prepared, carry yourself with confidence, and people will believe in you.
- Trust Your Skills
- In Magic: My years of training allowed me to rely on pure sleight-of-hand and showmanship today.
- In Life: The time you invest in learning and improving your skills will pay off when you least expect it.
Wrapping Up: The Impossible Show in Wynnewood, PA
Today’s show in Wynnewood reminded me why I love performing magic. It’s not just about tricks—it’s about thinking on your feet, making people smile, and turning obstacles into opportunities.
So, the next time you’re faced with something that feels impossible, ask yourself: Is it really impossible, or do I just need to find another way?
Because more often than not, you already have everything you need to make magic happen.
