Magician and actor Ricky Jay passed away this weekend at age 72.  He was one of my favorite magician and I will always treasure his performance in one of my favorite movies “House of Games.”  I had the great luck to see him live onstage at Second Stage Theatre in “On The Stem.”  It was a reflection on the history of magic and New York City, two of my favorite topics.  I had the pleasure of sitting in the front row and being selected for one of his tricks onstage.  Yes, as a magician, I did understand how he pulled it off but my companion attending the show was completely mystified.  He was a giant of the magic business and he will be missed mightily.  But I am happy to have met him and have a signed Playbill from an amazing performer.

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