February 2026 by Genii Magazine

ebruary 2026 • Volume 89, Number 2

In this issue...
The Genii Speak • Jim Steinmeyer Our February look at magic shows; Freer almost kills the boss; our new editor takes a chair.

Mailbox Changing roles; the value of a letter to Genii.

Almanac for February The original Lulu, and a few other lulus.

In Memoriam: Robert A. Olson • Andrew Pinard The popular magician combined history with performance.

The Eye • Vanessa Armstrong A magician gets crowd-worked; Asi Wind; Amanda Seyfried; and The King of the Bluff.

Features

Stephen Bargatze: The Royal Road to Madison Square Garden By David Kaye The popular magician has found his second wind on tour.

The Ehrlich Brothers: The Diamond Tour By Noah Levine A bigger-is-better spectacular, direct from Germany, has been touring the U.S.

Freer of St. Albans By Paul Heller The magic inventor was a small-town boy, and that town was St. Albans.

The Best Seat in the House By John Reid Mario the Maker Magician brings his magic to New York City—a whirlwind of magical energy and an inspiration for kids.

Voices

Eclectica • Chris Power The name that mysteriously appeared, a hero to magicians and comic fans.

The Genii Questionnaire • John Gaughan The famous magic creator considers kids in the audience, a French dinner, and a full house.

The Currency of Connection • James Harrington Not just “tricks,” learning to take a hard look at everything in our act.

In Practice

Duke ’Em Out • R. Paul Wilson A Hold’em routine designed to dazzle Hold’em players—and laypeople.

Inventing Magic • Blake Vogt Chris Kenner comes up with Deepish Sympathy.

An Ace Laydown • David Regal Using two moves for an efficient Ace Assembly.

The Egg Game • Abby Segal A little game of Two Egg Monte, with more than a little magic.

In Performance

The Magic Castle • Shawn McMaster Holiday magic and variety at The Magic Castle.

Liberty Magic • Vanessa Armstrong Pittsburgh’s popular magic theater has developed its own formula for success.

Marketplace

Best in Show • Jeff Prace William Kennedy’s reputation as a backstage master.

Staff Picks: Magic Inc. Chicago’s great magic shop at 100 years old.

Book Reviews Mr. Fingers: The Magic of Irv Weiner; Conover.

Trick Reviews Event Horizon; Optix Pro; Materializer Wallet; Tech Deck.

Advertiser Index

Workshop

Making Creative Connections • Dr. Matt Pritchard It all depends on how you look at it.

Negotiating: Part 2 • Sara Crasson Know thyself; know thy BATNA.

No Compromises • Nick Diffatte Who says that you’re supposed to be pleasing every single person?

Perspectives

Sleightly Astonishing • Jim Hagy Magic with animals; magic at wartime.

Harry Leat • Ben Winn To use apparatus, or not to use apparatus?

Meet Micky • Tobias Dostal A temporary costar makes his appearance.

Coffee With… Doc Eason How the pieces came together for this popular magician.