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 MILWAUKEE
- “Mind Over Milwaukee” is a stunning show. People were
shaking their heads in disbelief as they left the Stackner
Cabaret recently. I know people have many different
“gifts.” Composers, performers, scientists, athletes
sometimes do astounding things that leave us gasping.
Marc
Salem, with his unique gift for reading subtle cues or vibes,
engages us totally as we watch him read the serial number on a
bill, guess what random word someone is pointing to in a book
or tell someone what trip they just took. While blindfolded,
he could identify an object someone else was holding in his
hand without touching it, slow or accelerate his own
heartbeat, or stop the secondhand on an audience member’s
watch. I could go on and on, but that would spoil all the fun
and the wonder. You’ve got to see this to believe it, and
then you will struggle with believing what you’ve just seen
with your own eyes.
I’m sure
each show is somewhat different because Salem uses many
members of the audience as participants, and audiences change
every day. Salem is very quick-witted and responsive to each
individual as he or she engages with him. He comes across as
an ordinary Joe, an unimposing figure, which makes what he can
do even more fascinating.
Salem
claims there is nothing supernatural or cultish about his
capabilities or practices, but since his gift is so rare, one
wonders how to account for it. To quote from an article Salem
himself provided, “Using psychological techniques, visual
information, a sharp eye for human nature, a quick wit and 20
years of training, Marc Salem breaks that eternal lock on the
mind.” Indeed!
Salem has
performed all over the world to rave reviews. He has been a
guest on many TV shows and was recently interviewed by the
late Mike Wallace on “60 Minutes.” He will be featured on
the Discovery Channel in a show called “Through the
Wormhole” in late January of early February. The show is
called “Hacking the Mind” and will be hosted by Morgan
Freeman. I will certainly tune in to that one.
It is a
rare privilege to see this man. It isn’t like watching a
magician, for though it is fascinating to be fooled by a good
one, there is always some explanation for how they can perform
their “tricks” or subterfuges. What Salem does is an
altogether different experience. It isn’t explained by
sleight of hand or optical illusion.
Not to
worry that he will embarrass anyone. He is very jovial and
respectful and playful with his audience, and though he must
be aware that few people on this planet share his
extraordinary powers, he does not seem to be that
self-impressed. As
I was watching him, I couldn’t help wondering what it would
be like to be married to such a person.
He does
his research on cities he performs in so he can give each run
a personal touch. Milwaukee is the first Midwestern town
he’s ever done a show in. You can tell that he’s enjoying
his stay here, which is nice for us and for him because the
show has a long run, through Feb. 24. I strongly recommend you
take advantage of this unusual entertainment opportunity.
“Mind
over Milwaukee” continues through Feb. 24 at the Stackner
Cabaret, 108 E. Wells St., Milwaukee. Call 414-224-9490 for
show times and tickets.
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