JONATHAN PENDRAGON & THE SEARCH FOR THE GRAIL :: PART 9 :: CHRISTMAS 2011

The Christmas season is a magical time. Growing up in my family, it meant the high Sierras and a skiing vacation—a chance for a Southern California boy to play in the snow. It also meant that I was likely to get at least one magic trick, wrapped in a box, under the tree. One of the first was a set of Adams multicolored plastic Cups and Balls that my father bought me at the magic shop that used to exist at the Mission Inn in Riverside, California. Being a Yarbrough, my father was a fanatic bridge player, and tournaments were often held at the Mission Inn. I would accompany him just to get a chance to visit the shop. My father noticed me staring at the colorful set; how he got into the shop without my seeing him, I’ll never know. I wish I could tell you I still had them, but they were lost long ago.

A true story that I first published in Genii magazine tells of my meeting John Wayne at Hollywood Magic in Newport Beach, and giving him a half-hour lesson on the Cups and Balls, using an Adams set that he intended as a stocking stuffer for one of his kids. His deal was that he would buy the set, but then I had to teach him the trick so his kid couldn’t fool him; I, of course, was delighted.

So why is a magician known for Grand Illusion writing about what may be the most famous Close-Up and Street effect of all time? The truth is, it is my favorite trick. It always has been. It may be telling that my second favorite trick is the Chinese Linking Rings, since both are considered “classics”—or maybe it’s the fact that I found a set of 4-inch linking rings under the Christmas tree as well.

I actually got to see Dai Vernon perform his definitive Cups and Balls routine live, as well as Johnny Thompson, Tommy Wonder, and Fred Kapps. I have spent a Grail quest of my own, over the years, trying to find the perfect set... for me. This is a very important point, because Cups and Balls performers tend to be really particular about this effect. Suzanne likes wooden cups, and does a wonderful routine with them. One of my favorite routines is Ricky Jay’s “The History Lesson,” which includes a cryptic reference to his preference for copper cups. David Regal and I debate this question almost every time we meet (and, by the way, he uses an Adams multicolored plastic set in his routine); he is of the opinion that “a cup is a cup,” and thus is partial to the coffee mug presentation Lance did on one of his television specials. 

In my life, I have owned many different sets. As I was trying to rebuild my life and career, among the few props that I salvaged were a Johnson brass set and a Gazzo street set, both of which I had to trade for known props in my repertoire. Johnny Thompson gave me a set of legendary Paul Fox cups I had given to him years earlier, so that I would have something to perform with. At the Magic History Conference, looking at Vernon’s cups reminded me of Johnny’s kindness, and the kindness of others over the last year and a half. At this time of year, I want to thank them, and let them know that I will never forget what they’ve done for me.

As we were walking through the booths at the convention, I spied a set of Sherwood brass cups, walked over, held them in my hand, and fell in love. Like my father did so many years ago, West noticed the look in my eyes and whispered, “if you want them that much, I can make them an early Christmas present.” As I said, Christmas is a very magical time of year.

Happy Holidays.