Do not confuse the Human Phone Number With The Lame Phone Book Test Performed On NBC's Phenomenon. They are not the same!
"The Human Phone Number has been my #1 CLOSER for 18 years!" Bob Kohler
The Human Phone Number has been one of my most closely guarded secrets. Until now I’ve only shared it with three performers: Tim Conover, Michael Weber and Jon Stetson. Thanks to all of them for keeping the secret.
Intrigued…Read on.
The Phone Book Test is a classic of mentalism. The basic effect is very direct. The performer introduces either a prediction or target to the audience. A spectator randomly chooses one phone number from the thousands and thousands in the book. When the prediction or target is revealed the audience is amazed because it’s a perfect match of the selected phone number! What makes any routine a classic? What attributes do all classics share? I believe all classics have three attributes. First, the effect is easy for the audience to understand. Second, the effect must be memorable. The audience should talk about seeing it FOREVER. Third, the reaction the routine generates must be tremendous . I’m talking about standing ovations. The Human Phone Number is destined to become a classic.
There have been many notable versions of the Phone Book Test in the past. Routines that stand out are Dunninger’s, Anneman ‘s, Bob Cassidy’s and Barrie Richardson’s. I first became enamored with the effect in 1987 after reading Bob Cassidy’s routine is his book "The Art of Mentalism." I tried the routine out for a test drive and liked the results. It was strong. It also got me started on my addiction to the plot.
In 1988 my good friend Barry Wood worked out an excellent Phone Book Test that he shared with me. Bob Cassidy’s test reveals a name chosen at random from the White Pages. Barry’s routine revealed a phone number from the Yellow Pages. To Barry’s credit his routine used known mentalism methods combined with two brilliant new concepts. It was then and still is a very strong routine.
Next in my quest for the ultimate Phone Book Test was Barrie Richardson’s "One In A Million." Barrie’s routine revealed a randomly selected phone number from the White Pages. Great method. Great presentation. Barrie’s routine was tipped to me with his permission long before it was released and I thank him for helping inspire me.
So why am I telling you this? I want you to understand how many years my work on the Phone Book Test has been under development. Since 1987 I’ve used various versions, methods and presentations of the Phone Book Test to close many of my shows with tremendous success. Along the way I discovered every possible problem you can run into, solutions for the problems, better methods and the Holy Grail of reactions.
So exactly what is the Human Phone Number? The best way for you to think of it is this: it’s a Swiss Army Knife for the professional mentalist. The Human Phone Number is a kit that provides both props and training that will allow the pro to perform a killer version of the classic Phone Book Test in virtually any situation.
Where can I perform HPN? We’ve all been there. It’s like getting tossed to the lions! The agent tells you you’re going to do a formal close up show for 40 people. When you get to the show there’s 150 people in the audience. What do you do? Here’s the same situation in reverse. You’re expecting to perform on stage for 500 but when you get to the show you find yourself only working for 75 folks in a parlor situation.
No problem. The included training e-book will provide you with all the solutions necessary to handle any working situation. These solutions are not just good enough to get you by, they’re incredible solutions that will allow you to dominate and close your show with tremendous applause.
So what’s included with the Human Phone Number? First, is the training. Michael and Lisa Close have authored an amazing e-book that covers all of the work in extreme detail. In his definitive writing style Michael covers each and every facet making it easy for the reader to quickly grasp the solutions. Lisa layout insures you’ll understand the tiny details with great photos and Quicktime movies.
Many of the necessary props are items you probably already have or are easily attainable wherever you are. The training CD covers solutions for close up, parlor and stage. Also included is Barry Wood’s routine. Each routine uses a slightly different variation of the necessary props so I decided to leave acquiring them up to you to keep costs down.
The props you do get have been professionally manufactured. I can assure you that they are manufactured to my specifications out of the highest quality materials and will last you for many years to come. My trial and error has resulted in an exceptional set of props for the discerning professional.
But is HPN professional caliber? The Human Phone Number is the epitome of the golden adage "Packs Flat, Plays Big." The entire kit is 2"x10"x13". It will easily fit into a briefcase. Included on the CD is the routine I personally use 85% of the time. It’s called the Human Phone Number hence the title of this release.
The routine easily plays for audiences of 1000 without video support. Variations of this routine let you perform it in both close up and parlor situations as well. On stage it’s perfect for any type of performance from corporate to cruise ship, to college stage shows.
And here’s the best part…you don’t have to carry a huge, heavy phone book with you when you travel. Just use the phone book in your hotel room. The provided solutions cover every possibility. Sometimes you’ll find White Pages in your room, sometimes it’s Yellow pages. You can even run into phone books that are half white/half yellow. Not a problem. Every possibility is covered!
The "Human Phone Number" isn’t just for mentalists, it’s a great addition into any magic show. It’s simply the most versatile routine soon to be in your repertoire!
Here's part of a review from the entertainment section of the Atlantic City Courier. Franz Harary's Illusion Show has a ten minute interlude by Travis Winkler. Travis features the Human Phone Number. Here's the review:
"The production is enhanced by the stage-filling sets and props, and by Harary's warm, non-imperious stage presence, which contrasts nicely with his grand illusions.
"Mega Magic" also features a mid-show turn by Travis Winkler, who actually delivers the evening's most amazing stunt. Using sealed envelopes given to audience members who are arranged onstage in an ostensibly random manner, he divines a telephone number chosen by another volunteer from the crowd.
Somebody should give this guy his own show!"
Here’s the e-books Table of Contents:
-Foreward
-Introduction
-What You Get
-A Brief History
-The Barry Wood Routine
-The Combined white Pages/Yellow Pages Test
-The Scroll
-The Human Phone Number Routine
-The Paper Airplane
-A Final Word
