A New Topps Article





	There are shows that are very hard to work and not enjoyable for the performers, and there are easy-fun to work shows. The "Spirit of 76" falls into the latter category. It is a good show, very entertaining, and we have a lot of fun working it. About half of the show is magic which includes the Asrah, Cutting a Girl in 6ths, Zig Zag, Screen Illusion, Cords of Phantasia, Mutilated Parasol, Flagstaff and Zombie. We have a new Zombie performer. She has been seen many times in a different position as an assistant but now she is a performer, my daughter Cindy. And a fine performer, if her Dad may say so. I think her handling of Zombie will even make the Master, Neil Foster, proud. The other half of show consists of 27 puppets, that help to tell the history of our country. Along with slides. The slides and special lighting effects are all automatic and work from inaudible signals on our taped music. It is quite an operation and makes that part of the show easy. However, sometimes it does not cue right and we must operate it by hand. Like any machine it is not infallible. The puppets are a great deal of fun and the whole crew have had fun putting personality into the puppets they work. Speaking of the crew, we have one of the best we've ever had. Each year we have young people, including magicians and assistants, ask us for a chance to tour. And each year, for one reason or another, it is necessary to replace people on our shows. We try to find people that are sincere, reliable, compatible, good personality and willing to work. Living and working together on the road can be a very hectic and a unhappy experience if your people do not get along together. Everyone must be willing to do his	or her share of work and to do everything possible to maintain harmony among the group. We try to have as much fun as possible and occasionally we will have rap sessions to iron out any problems, showwise or personality. Our cast this year includes my wife, Shirley, daughter Cindy, Mike lobe from Colon, Paula Wilson from New Mexico and Spotted Pony (Buddy) Big Mountain, a full blooded Indian from Paris, Tennessee, Tom Lyons is our concession manager. Each one has contributed greatly to the success of the show. We will be in the Michigan, Indiana and Ohio area during May. Drop by to see us. See you Down The Road! Jerry Conk!in % Spirit of '76 Show Colon, Michigan 49040