The Amazing Apollo
Wow:
A few years ago, at a Las Vegas convention for magicians, Penn Jillette, of the act Penn and Teller, was introduced to a soft-spoken young man named Apollo Robbins, who has a reputation as a pickpocket of almost supernatural ability. Jillette, who ranks pickpockets, he says, “a few notches below hypnotists on the show-biz totem pole,” was holding court at a table of colleagues, and he asked Robbins for a demonstration, ready to be unimpressed. Robbins demurred, claiming that he felt uncomfortable working in front of other magicians. He pointed out that, since Jillette was wearing only shorts and a sports shirt, he wouldn’t have much to work with.
“Come on,” Jillette said. “Steal something from me.”
Again, Robbins begged off, but he offered to do a trick instead. He instructed Jillette to place a ring that he was wearing on a piece of paper and trace its outline with a pen. By now, a small crowd had gathered. Jillette removed his ring, put it down on the paper, unclipped a pen from his shirt, and leaned forward, preparing to draw. After a moment, he froze and looked up. His face was pale.
“Fuck. You,” he said, and slumped into a chair.
Robbins held up a thin, cylindrical object: the cartridge from Jillette’s pen.
The first time I saw Harry Anderson (of Night Court fame), he was doing pick-pockety tricks on SNL 30 years ago which used to leave me slack-jawed. It doesn’t look like he has anything on Apollo Robbins — not one little bit. Next time I’m in Vegas, I’ve got to check this guy out. You should, too.
Jeez. Yes, go to see him — just don’t answer any call for volunteers.
I’m sure Robbins is impressive, but he has nothing on Washington DC.
For the win.
Anyone who receives a lovely “Fuck. You.” from Penn Jillette is okay in my book.
What else would is there to say to the dude that swiped your wallet, your watch or your pen’s cartridge? Neato?
No, the correct response is a huge smile and an even huge-er Fuck. You.
Also, Night Court! I grew up on Night Court.
Obama, unions and media — ultimate Whiz Mob
Saw Harry Anderson in Houston a little bit before he started doing cameos on Cheers. Was pretty amazing. Gonna have to check out this Apollo guy next time I’m in Vegas.
I’ve been to a few magic acts over the years. The good ones rank right up there as some of my favorite shows ever. Slight-of-hand has always intrigued me, and the masters are spooky, they’re so good.
The acts that baffle me the most are when an obviously uniquely personal possession ends up buried inside of an item (like a lemon, sealed envelope, etc.) when there’s no physical way for it to get there in the first place. Saw an act in Maui where the magician was able to place a $100 bill inside of a lemon.
After having the original owner read the serial numbers to the audience and then write them down.
And then tear the bill up.
And then burn it.
Yes, obviously, the bill was slipped away at a convenient time. But it was done so smoothly and effortlessly. And it still ended up inside of a fresh lemon!
It’s all slight-of-hand. But the ability of the magician to so completely control the focus of the audience is beyond my ken.
Great article. I’m definitely going to see Apollo the next time I’m in Vegas. Hope he’s still there.
Oh, and Robbins’ setup of Gillette is absolutely priceless. That was a work of art.
That was a great story, very well written. Great fake out of Jillette, who has to be pretty damn tough to pick.