Smileys by Michael Rubinstein

Effect

The 'Smileys' trick is a coin routine that transforms a sad face drawn on a half-dollar coin into a happy face, then a yellow smiley face, and finally a big smiley face. The transformation is playful and engaging, often accompanied by interactions like 'tickling' the coin. The routine ties magic to a motivational message about positivity, making it both entertaining and meaningful for the audience.

Full details

The 'Smileys' trick requires a half-dollar coin and a pen for the initial setup. The routine involves drawing a sad face on the coin and then performing a series of transformations that turn the sad face into a happy face, a yellow smiley face, and finally a big smiley face. The trick is designed for close-up magic, making it ideal for intimate performances where the audience can appreciate the visual details.

Who should consider the trick

This trick is perfect for magicians who enjoy close-up magic and want to add a fun, visually appealing routine to their repertoire. It is also suitable for performers who like to incorporate motivational messages into their acts, as the trick ties the magic to a lesson about staying positive. Magicians who already use coins in their performances will find this trick particularly easy to integrate.

Information on how difficult it is to perform

The 'Smileys' trick is relatively simple to perform, making it accessible to magicians of all skill levels. The routine involves basic coin handling and a straightforward setup with a pen. While the trick is easy to learn, the playful interactions and motivational message add depth to the performance, making it more engaging for the audience.

What magicians say

Craig Petty describes 'Smileys' as a unique and engaging routine that blends magic with a positive message. He highlights the trick's visual appeal and simplicity, making it great for close-up magic. However, he notes that the trick requires a specific coin (half-dollar) and some setup with the pen. Overall, the routine is praised for its entertainment value and motivational aspect.