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by Tom Boyle [email protected] Although the public library generally conjures up images of people quietly enjoying their books and newspapers, it was a different scene altogether Thursday when Dan Runfola, �Magician for All Occasions,� brought his show to Titusville. The magic word for the show was �believe� and children of all ages who attended Runfola�s performance no doubt left the Benson Memorial Library in the firm belief that despite computer games and television, a crowd still reacts to a good magician. �Are you boys and girls ready to see a real live magic show?� asked Runfola as his act began. With the help of his assistant Miss Joanie, Runfola amazed the audience with his dazzling magic, while also allowing the children to be a part of the act. �Audience involved magic,� explained Runfola of his technique after the show, �this make a big a difference to the kids than just watching an act on TV. I like to keep them involved with the show.� Involved they were. Whenever Runfola wanted help, a score of hands would pop up from kids wanting to join in on the fun. Runfola was first drawn to magic at the age of 14 after having seen a magic show at a wild west theme town. �I was enthralled by the idea,� he said. Runfola�s first performance was at a birthday party in 1977, for which he was paid $5 and received a $2 tip. �For a half-hour show, it was good money then,� he sad. Runfola honed his skills during the summers while in college at places like Darien Lake (now Six Flags) near Buffalo. He even spent time working the crowds on a pier in the City of San Francisco. �I learned a lot about keeping peoples� attention and keeping them engaged in the show,� said Runfola of his California experience. One memorable experience for Runfola took place in Jamestown, N.Y. when he was performing in a restaurant during the Lucille Ball Festival. Two well-known performers who happened to be in town � known as The Smother Brothers � dropped by the eatery to relax, and like so many others soon became part of Runfola�s show. Runfola noted that his sidekick Miss Joanie does the �behind the scenes work� and generally keeps things running smoothly. She also co-wrote and directs the act. Over the years there has been countless performances before people of all ages for Runfola. Nowadays, he generally shares his magic with school and library audiences. Sometimes he does eight or nine shows a week, and up to three in a single day. Cambridge Springs and Saegertown are his next stops in what Runfola called a �whirlwind tour� of the area. From his home base in Fredonia, N.Y., he does about half his shows around Buffalo, and the rest �all over the place.� In early March, Runfola will appear in Union City. Following the show in Titusville, kids lined up for autographs and also to take with them a handout describing various tricks. �A prize for coming to the show,� Runfola said. He expressed appreciation to the library staff for their part in making the show a success. �Magic is the theatre of making illusions seem real,� he said. The reality of Runfola�s magic is found in the joy of the thousands of kids who have seen and believe in him. For more information on Runfola call (716) 673-1738. Add a comment |
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