The New Illusion

         Daniel sat reading in his dressing room. A voice outside the door said, “Five minutes to curtain, Mr. Mason.”

         “Ok,” Daniel answered and marked his place in the small book with a piece of yellow ribbon. He picked up his hat and gloves and headed to the stage.

         Backstage four beautiful women, all dressed in short, sequined costumes and black fishnet stockings joined him. “Hey Danny, what do you think of our new costumes?” Barbara asked.

         He looked at them and smiled. “You ladies are so hot. No one’s going to care what I’m doing; they’ll be too busy watching you.”  Then he added, “We put the Water Escape in tonight at the end. Are you sure you all know what to do?” 

         They all assured him that they did.

         Lacey said, “It’ll be great. I know what’s going to happen and it still scares me. I wish you‘d tell us how you do it.”

         “I will, but for now, I know if standing as close as you are, you can’t tell, no one in the audience can tell either.” Daniel put on his cape. “All right Ladies, take your places and get ready.”

         As the curtains opened Daniel appeared in the center of the stage in a flash of flame and smoke. He bowed and introduced his assistants. Then he mystified and thrilled the audience moving smoothly from one trick to another.

         When it was time for the new illusion. Lacey took a microphone and cautioned the audience to be quiet. A second set of curtains was opened to reveal a large glass tank filled with water.  In silence they watched as Daniel was manacled, hands and feet. Two men set him into the metal chest and he knelt and bowed down so they could close the lid. Chains were fastened around the chest and a crane lowered it into the water.

         The audience sat in silence waiting for Daniel to make his escape, as a large timer at the end of the stage began counting off the minutes

         Lacey stood wringing her hands as she watched the timer. Suddenly she screamed, “It’s taking too long! He’ll drown! Get him out!”

         The stagehands hoisted the chest out and fumbled with the chains and locks while Lacey walked around them crying, “Hurry! Hurry! Get him out of there!”  Many people in the audience rose to their feet as they watched anxiously.

         When the men finally opened the chest they gasped with surprise, and tipped it, so all could see. Except for the manacles, it was empty.

         Everyone’s eyes followed the spotlight as it moved to the back of the back of the theater. There was Daniel. Smiling he bowed and then ran his fingers through his wet hair. As the audience cheered, he walked down the aisle. When he reached the first row a woman stood up. Daniel took her in his arms, kissed her passionately, and then led her by the hand onto the stage.

         He took the microphone and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to introduce the woman who puts the real magic in my life, my wife, Cassandra.” After she bowed he said, “Well, folks that’s our show. Goodnight and God bless. He took her hand and they bowed together. As the audience applauded, Daniel and Cassandra embraced and kissed and then disappeared in a flash of flame and smoke. 


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