Dan Sperry just killed!

[David Byron]

Dan Sperry just killed on America's Got Talent with a macabre blend of the needle through arm (or, in this case, throat) and the ring on rope (which, in this case, was a breath mint on dental floss).

Really superb to see the dove production used as a (literal and figurative) throwaway while something sickly fascinating (whether the performer or the trick!) takes pride of place on center stage.

[Seuss]

I was hoping he would do lifesaver. Howie's reaction was priceless. Also... I saw no dove. Was that in the b-roll?

[skeptic555]

I had the same reaction - dude killed it dead.

I think most on the board would be familiar with him, but i've always loved the Marilyn Manson homage, and the fact he doesn't break character. Would have sucked out loud if they would have gone to him for comments and he talked about his dreams, and puppies.

The 'abra cadabbbbbbbbbra!"' and eye gimmick was pitch perfect. Really enjoyed it.

Seuss, the dove was as he ripped off the face mask right at the open.

[David Byron]

Dove-- when he walked on, before the music changed.

[Tabman]

Dang. You scared me with that topic headline. Glad to see its a good thing.

[Magic Newswire]

It was indeed awesome!

[David Byron]

Dang. You scared me with that topic headline.

Yes. Preterite, not participle!

[Kamal]

Wow - that was great! And the reactions from the judges was priceless.

[Magic Newswire]

For anyone that missed it, here's video: http://bit.ly/SperryAGT

[mai-ling]

i am not surprised by howie's reaction considering
his complexes.

i saw the very end of the show last night when all
the acts were on stage and watching dan's eye's
were amusing.

[Anthony Vinson]

Wow! This guy is incredible. I had no idea what to expect and was pleasantly blown away. Thanks for posting the vid, Dodd!

[John McDonald]

From the other side of the pond I have to say thank goodness for you tube and Dan Sperry. Superb pro! Loved the act and am glad to have seen Dan working.'Great character and superb touches especially the assistant limping off at the start. Absolutely Brilliant.

[Raleigh]

Excellent performance , different and kooool !

[Magic Newswire]

Dan will join my friends at iTricks tonight for a live video chat after the results are announced so check it out and tell him what you think!

To clarify, they go live at 9 PM EST and Dan will call in after the results are announced.

[Magic Newswire]

And the results are in! Dan Sperry does indeed move forward on AGT!

[rkosby]

Wow! that was really good!

[Brad Henderson]

I saw Dan years ago at a TAOM. His introduction claimed he was changing the face of magic - he then proceeded to do a rather routine dove act but with spikey hair and leather pants.

I was not impressed.

I then saw him do his dove act on one of those awful Gay Blackstone magic abortions. His technique was much improved, but still, it was just costuming stuck on a dove act.

What I saw on AGT, though, was a completely different matter.

THAT was a character. The way he held his position after tossing the floss. His near aloofness with a "cat that ate the canary smile" just barely peeking out from behind his eyes during the judges commentary, and the very smart decision NOT to talk - just punctuating his appearance with a well placed, abracadabra. Really, really great.

It was also clear that he had choreographed his routine between the beats. Many choreograph the big moments, but don't think about how to move from place to place. Every little transition was intentional and, even when nothing was happening, compelling.

It was, in short, a complete and thoughtful package. Every detail mattered.

It was great.

So I guess it's two duels - Price Poppyock v. little Miss America opera singer (who is proof that if there is a god, he watches reality tv, and sent this one to be their messiah) AND Murray the plasticine demonstrator of stunts v. Dan Sperry.

I hope this performance is exemplary of the direction Dan has grown. I wouldn't walk across the street to see another dove act, but I would pay real money to step into a world created by this monstrous host for his audiences to visit.

[Tabman]

Just talked to Dan on the phone and told him about this topic and how the headline freaked me out. "Funny," says he, "I'll have to take a look."

He's getting ready to tape his next segment with the show. He's a super good guy and dedicated to magic. My old boss/pal Kozak the Magician introduced Dan and me last year and I've been working on some ideas for/with him since then.

Best wishes to him is all I can say.