Grand Opening by Jay Sankey

Effect

The Grand Opening trick creates a stunning visual transformation that leaves audiences in awe. A magician hands out a small piece of plastic that resembles a folded card. After the audience examines it, the magician visually unfolds the plastic, revealing it has transformed into a signed, selected card. The effect is clean, direct, and highly interactive, making it a memorable moment in any performance.

Full details

Grand Opening is a gimmick-based trick that builds on Jay Sankey’s popular "Paperclipped" effect. The gimmick is made from thick vinyl plastic, designed to look like a folded card. It’s durable, easy to handle, and can be examined by the audience. The trick involves a series of subtle techniques, including the Mercury Card Fold, which allows for a seamless transformation. The gimmick can be warmed slightly (e.g., with a lighter) to enhance the visual effect of unfolding. The selected card can even be signed, adding an extra layer of impossibility to the trick.

Who should consider the trick

Grand Opening is ideal for magicians who perform close-up or stand-up magic and want to add a visually striking, interactive effect to their repertoire. It’s particularly well-suited for performers who enjoy gimmick-based tricks and are comfortable with sleight of hand. The trick works well in both casual and formal settings, making it versatile for a variety of performances.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The difficulty level of Grand Opening is moderate. While the gimmick does most of the heavy lifting, the trick requires practice to master the handling and subtleties, such as the Mercury Card Fold and the timing of the transformation. The tutorial provided with the trick covers multiple methods, including a no-switch version, making it accessible to magicians of varying skill levels. Beginners may need more time to get comfortable with the techniques, but experienced performers will find it straightforward to integrate into their acts.

What magicians say

Jay Sankey describes Grand Opening as a "shocking visual moment of magic" that enhances the original Paperclipped effect. He emphasizes the durability of the gimmick and its ability to take the audience’s focus away from predicting the final reveal. Sankey also highlights the versatility of the trick, offering multiple methods and presentations, including "Shut My Mouth" for dramatic impact and "Closing Time" for a nested boxes effect. Reviewers appreciate the detailed tutorial, which covers everything from the original handling to advanced techniques like the Full Lotus, a two-card transposition. Overall, magicians praise Grand Opening for its visual impact, practicality, and the variety of ways it can be performed.