Renowned Mentalist Makes An Impression
WARSAW — “He has a gift, it’s absolutely undeniable,” Harley Schwartz said of George “The Amazing Kreskin,” as he waited in line at the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts Saturday, March 19, for an autographed copy of Kreskin’s book, “In Real Time.”
After Kreskin’s show, the audience gathered in the lobby waiting to buy an autographed copy of Kreskin’s latest book, purchase an autographed photo and have a picture taken with the renowned mentalist.
While they waited, people discussed their favorite part of the show. Sarah Ellison said, “He’s a good showman.” Her favorite part was when Kreskin accurately guessed random words written on a piece of paper.
Kreskin had passed around small, square pieces of paper and told the audience to write what they were thinking. It could be random words or complete sentences, whatever was on their mind.
Kreskin then told the audience to fold the slips of paper and put them in envelopes being passed around. Kreskin asked for a volunteer to pick a random piece of paper and confirm or deny his impressions of what was written:
Kreskin: “Does it say married?”
Audience member: “Yes.”
Kreskin: “Does it have a date?”
Audience member: “Yes.”
Kreskin named the date written. He was correct. Kreskin then wrote in a notebook and asked the year written. It was 2009. Kreskin turned the notebook; he had written “2009.” He also knew there had been something written then scribbled out on the paper, which was confirmed.
The other favorite of the night was Kreskin’s infamous “Hide Kreskin’s paycheck” segment. Kreskin picks six members from the audience to form a “committee” whose members do not know each other or Kreskin. Kreskin is then escorted from the stage to a location where he cannot see or hear what is going on, while the committee hides his payment.
When Kreskin returns, there are no questions asked; it is total silence. He sets off through the auditorium, the committee member who last touched his check in tow. If he doesn’t find his check, he’ll give it up. He’s only failed 10 of 6,000 attempts.
One of the most bizarre places he’s found his check was under a gentleman’s upper denture plate. Luckily, he didn’t have to explore anyone’s mouth that night, as his check was hidden in a lidded cup.
Overall, impressions were good and most said they would see Kreskin again. Virgina Freel and Joe Cazier said they loved everything about the show, especially the humor. What Cazier likely found most amusing was, before the show, people would approach his father, John Cazier, in the lobby, thinking he was Kreskin.
Kreskin told Ink Free News he thought the show had gone, “extremely, extremely well.”
The IFN reporter asked Kreskin how his act has varied over the years and he said, “I’ve never been asked that. That’s interesting. You’re the first person to ask me that in my entire career and I’ve been interviewed in-depth.” Kreskin said the reason is probably because his show relies heavily on audience interaction and the audience always varies. It’s like seeing the show the first time, every time.
Kreskin said he’s been doing this 67 years. When asked how long he would continue, he said, “Until I die. I’ll officially retire 10 days after I pass away.” He said his epitaph will read, “I still know what you’re thinking.”
For the closing of the show, and the interview, Kreskin reiterated his heartfelt sentiment, “To those who believe, no explanation is necessary. To those who do not believe, no explanation is possible.”