Month: February 2013

Pulling a rabbit out of a hat is a neat trick. But how about wowing crowds of kids with an old suitcase that performs magic thanks to 18 synchronized, Arduino-powererd servos that whir about hidden from view?

In many respects Mario “the Magician” Marchese, with his narrow suspenders and pork pie hat, is an old-school magician. He performs on the sidewalks of New York City with with nothing but the power of his voice and a bag full of tricks that looks like old timey, slapstick gags — epaulets that unexpectedly pop up in the air, banners that “accidentally” fall behind him, and spinning ribbons on his lapel.