Funny times in Norwalk
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WHO: Comedian-magician Chris Linn.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Aug. 7.
WHERE: Norwalk Main Street Theatre
TICKETS: $5-$7.50.
INFO: norwalktheatre.com or 419-668-8048.
Even though his address reads Michigan, comedian-magician Chris Linn is all about the Go Coast.
Not only is he making his Norwalk debut Aug. 7 at the Norwalk Main Street Theatre, but he’s the featured comedy magician at Cedar Point’s annual fall attraction “Halloweekends.”
“I’ve been doing that six years, and I like to characterize it as a comedy show with some magic moments in it,” Linn said. “The magic is sort of a vehicle for comedy but there’s definitely some unique magic tricks for magic fans and lots of comedy for people who like to laugh. It has a little bit of something for everybody as a variety show.”
He added, “While the show at Cedar Point is sort of customized for the park, for the venue, this is more of my family theater show that I do on cruise ships and things like that. At close to an hour, it’s a longer show than what I do at Cedar Point.”
What began with a simple kids magic kit at the age of 5 has blossomed into a national touring career for Linn, who proudly admits he’s never held another job his entire life. Even though early on he was lured into the concept of stand-up comedy via Richard Pryor, it would be the quirky and odd antics of the banjo-playing funnyman Steve Martin that would influence Linn’s own style.
“The comedy in the show is actually interactive,” Linn said. “It’s based a lot on situational comedy with the audience. It’s very clean. That’s one thing I always strive, to keep the comedy appropriate and fun so anyone who comes to the show can laugh and have a good time without feeling embarrassed or worried about bringing someone with them.”
Linn, who recently captured his act for his comedy DVD “Cool Tricks and Funny Stuff,” which combines tutorials teaching various tricks and jokes with comedy footage, averages roughly 350 shows a year. Considering his two job titles, the comedian-magician discusses which is more of a challenge?
“Comedy is definitely harder,” Linn said. “There’s a lot of practice that goes into the magic, but the comedy is definitely difficult. You can practice a routine and practice delivery but it changes with every audience. It changes night to night. You have to be on tour toes and be able to adapt very quickly to situations and each audience to keep the connection going.
“I kind of started out as a serious magician doing the David Blaine real dramatic stuff but I found it was a whole lot more fun to make the audience laugh. And I really enjoyed the challenge of being able to develop the comedy.”
As a clean comedian, Linn likes the idea of comedy and magic bringing audiences young and old together for a night of fun.
“I think it’s really important for families to be able to laugh and spend time together,” Linn said. “And this is the perfect type of show for them to do that. Everybody can have a good time. It’s not a kid’s show, it’s not a show for adults. It’s truly a family show.”