Described as mind-blowing, amazing, funny and delightful, magician Daniel Martin performed in the Little Theatre in Moreau Hall Friday for the Smick @ Nite series.
However, those glowing terms were not crafted by Martin’s public relations representatives. They were used by the St. Mary’s students who packed the theatre to describe Martin’s act.
“I am kind of skeptical of magic shows,” senior Opus Hall resident assistant Katie Theriault said. “This one was a different magic show I had never seen before. It was crazy.”
Theriault emceed the event.
“I got to meet Daniel before the show, and he was really, really nice, and then he blew our minds away," she added.
Saint Mary’s College Residence Life, McCandless Hall and Opus Hall hosted Martin as a part of the new Smick @ Nite series, which aims to provide more weekend activities for Saint Mary’s students.
Martin, a Chicago native, used the appearance as a final rehearsal before his upcoming Netflix special, which he filmed in Los Angeles on Sunday.
“People … are gonna laugh, they’re gonna cry, they’re gonna get their minds blown,” Martin explained. “It’s stuff that no one sees anywhere else in the world.”
Martin, who has been featured on Netflix, Disney+, NBC and Discovery, describes his performances as a combination of “exhilarating magic, psychological illusions and sarcastic improv” and integrates comedy into his routines. He annually performs between 200 to 250 shows in the U.S. and beyond.
He became interested in magic as a six-year-old after he was caught pickpocketing. In an attempt to redirect his interest in sleight of hand, Martin’s grandparents gifted him a magic kit. He thought it was “the coolest thing ever” and sparked his lifelong passion for magic.
The immersive nature of his performances makes Martin stand out from other magicians. He forms relationships with the crowd by sharing personal anecdotes and including audience participation in almost every trick.
“Some of it’s sleight of hand, some of it’s sleight of mind, some of it’s so messed up they’re not gonna know what to call it,” Martin said.
Martin’s show consisted of a series of what appeared to be unrelated tricks that culminated in a surprising finish. According to Martin, his inspiration for his shows comes from the experiences of daily life.
“I just kind of wrap my own style around it,” he said. “If I could take people away from their troubles for an hour and give them hope in some capacity, you know, that's really it.”
His influences are eclectic, ranging from classic comedians like Steve Martin, Martin Short and Robin Williams; chef, author and documentarian Anthony Bourdain; to his grandfather, to whom he dedicates the closing piece of the performance. His personal motivations, however, are fairly straightforward with an emphasis on doing what one loves and seeking fulfillment.
“If you’re not happy with what you’re trying to go into, change it,” Martin said. “There’s never a time that you can’t start over and put joy in your own life — and other people’s as well.”
“I’m doing it,” he said. “I love getting to do what I do.”
Katelyn Sizemore, a Saint Mary’s senior, was excited she was chosen to assist with one of Martin’s tricks.
“It was mind-blowing,” she said.
In addition to wowing attendees, Martin’s act marked another successful installment of the Smick @ Nite series.
“It made for a great Friday night,” Theriault said.
