Last time we spoke with Halifax magician Vincenzo Ravina he was making television magic on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Fast forward a few weeks since the episode aired, and he is back. This time though, Ravina is making online magic with his Halifax Fringe Festival show Savour The Sea From a Distance.
“There has been some more interest in my magic certainly, although there hasn’t been much opportunity because we are still in the pandemic,” says Ravina of his life as a magician following his appearance on Fool Us during a recent telephone interview.
That is changing with the Fringe, though, as Savour The Sea From a Distance is not only Ravina’s first show since appearing on the popular television show but also the first full show he has created on his own.
Dealing in luck, coincidence and divination, Ravina uses his collection of self-described “weird stuff” to demonstrate their magical properties in Savour The Sea From a Distance.
While more recognizable items like a crystal ball, playing cards and a fortune cookie fortune make an appearance, Ravina keeps things interesting by plucking other oddities from the wall behind him to tell stories and perform some magic.
Happening in real-time via Zoom, his virtual audience is part of the action.
“From time to time, I’ll turn to one of the audience members, and they will get to make a decision or choice or somehow direct the course of how the show is going to go,” he explains.
It creates a rapport between viewers and the likeable magician. Comfortable, relaxed, and with just the right sprinkling of humour, they are attributes the Fool Us producers undoubtedly saw alongside his magic skills.
“It’s weird and fun, and people will have a good time with it,” says Ravina, who proves it in a quick 40-minute show that is as engaging as it is sometimes confounding.
With ticket prices pay-what-you-can, this is an ideal opportunity to check out this Halifax magician who is undoubtedly destined for bigger things (once the pandemic is over, of course).
And while it may be at a distance, just like Ravina’s television performance, it takes nothing away from enjoying some truly remarkable magic.
Savour the Sea From a Distance continues as part of the 2020 Halifax Fringe Festival until September 30. Visit halifaxfringe.ca for tickets and information.