Teller's Miser's Dream by Teller

Created by: Teller

Teller's Miser's Dream is a mesmerizing close-up magic trick where the magician seemingly produces an endless stream of coins from thin air, culminating in a surprising and delightful finale where goldfish appear in a bowl. This trick is a silent performance piece, emphasizing the power of visual magic without the need for words, making it a unique and emotional experience for the audience. It's a classic piece of magic that combines sleight of hand with a beautiful, unexpected twist, perfect for magicians looking to add a touch of elegance and wonder to their performances.

Key features

Silent performance piece, emphasizing visual magic
Combines sleight of hand with an unexpected twist
Perfect for close-up or parlor magic settings
Emotional and engaging for audiences of all ages

Pros

Highly visual and engaging
No need for verbal explanation, making it universal
Combines technical skill with a beautiful presentation
Creates a strong emotional connection with the audience

Cons

Requires practice to master the sleight of hand
The finale requires preparation and specific props

Effect

Teller's Miser's Dream is a visually stunning coin production routine performed silently by Teller, the silent half of the duo Penn & Teller. The magician appears to pluck coins from thin air, dropping them one by one into a glass bowl. The climax involves the sudden appearance of goldfish swimming in the bowl, transforming the coins into living creatures. The effect is poetic, elegant, and deeply magical, leaving audiences in awe of the seamless transition from coins to fish.

Full Details

The routine is a refined version of the classic Miser's Dream, where a magician produces coins from the air. Teller's version elevates it with theatrical precision and an unexpected twist—the coins become goldfish. The performance relies on flawless sleight of hand, timing, and misdirection. Unlike traditional versions, Teller's execution is entirely silent, enhancing the mystery and emotional impact. The coins appear to vanish into the bowl, only to be replaced by the fish in a moment of pure astonishment.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This routine is ideal for performers who appreciate strong visual magic with a poetic touch. It suits stage magicians, close-up performers (with adjustments), and those who enjoy silent or pantomime-style acts. Because of its theatrical nature, it works best in settings where the audience can fully appreciate the subtleties of the performance.

Difficulty

Teller's Miser's Dream requires advanced sleight-of-hand skills, particularly in coin manipulation and vanishes. The routine also demands precise timing and smooth transitions to maintain the illusion. While the basic mechanics of the Miser's Dream are learnable, Teller's refined version—especially the goldfish transformation—adds complexity. Performers must be comfortable with silent acting and conveying emotion without words.

What Magicians Say

Richard Young, of Young & Strange, praises the trick as "one of the best moments in magic," noting its universal appeal and emotional connection with audiences. He highlights the brilliance of Teller's silent execution, stating, "It connects with everybody in the room—young, old, any nationality. They don’t see it coming." Young also admires the technical skill behind the coin productions, pointing out that Teller’s method is more intricate than it appears.

The trick’s power lies in its simplicity and surprise. As Young observes, "It’s perfect... every time I see Penn & Teller, I hope they’re going to do it." The silent presentation enhances the effect, making it a standout piece in any magician’s repertoire.

For those seeking a visually stunning, emotionally engaging routine, Teller's Miser's Dream is a masterclass in magical storytelling.

What people are saying about Teller's Miser's Dream

Richard Young says...

I watch that trick and wish I could perform it it is it's perfect [...] it connects with everybody in the room young old any nationality any you know any any type of human being like if they can see it it's going to connect with them.