THE ESCAPE ARTIST


By Peter Vuono


     Throughout my life I adopted several older men as role models and mentors in an attempt to help me fill gaps that were left along the way. One was a Shriner's Clown, another a powerlifter, an olympic lifter , one an Olympian and others teachers. There was also one who was a veteran, master magician , teacher and one of the kindest of souls that I've ever met. This was my friend and mentor, Don Savoie, who I lost on Aug 5, due to liver cancer.
     About 20 years ago, Don and I were attending an auction at the Magic Art Studio in Watertown. An old movie poster of the little known film, "The Escape Artist" came up. I wanted it because I, at the time I specialized in escape magic. It showed a magic shop and actor Jackie Coogan, who played the owner was mentoring a young Griffin O'Neal. I, was, of course, outbid but I think of that poster more now than ever.
     This is because every time I walked in to Don's Joke shop in Quincy Ma, Don worked his magic on me and taught me some of the most amazing prestidigitation I had ever seen(some of which I use in my current act) using modest household items such as newspapers,cards, coins, play money and even a juice can!
     This is why I entitled this narrative "The Escape Artist". It is because when Don mentored me he had me totally engrossed in a world of delight which helped me escape, even if it were for only a short while, from the many trepidations, stress, and pressures that I go through each day. To me THAT is the consummate "Escape Artist" . I have met so VERY few men who have been able to share that type of magic with me and with Don, I feel so tremendously blessed that I did.


"It is important to remember that we all have magic inside us"- JK Rowling