She Likes to Watch

Last night, I got up close with David Copperfield.

We weren’t exactly sharing a toothbrush. But by a surprising twist of fate, I found myself in front of a packed Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo, just feet from the master magician himself.

He’s older and a little more haggard than he looks on television — not surprising for an illusionist who’s been performing professionally since age 12. The 52-year-old does more than 500 shows a year.

He’s got a strong, slightly bawdy sense of humor. And he also bears the slightest resemblance to actor Hank Azaria; maybe it’s his roots as the son of Jewish immigrants in New Jersey.

Did I mention that David Copperfield’s a hell of a showman?

We watched as the illusionist impregnated a female audience member onstage (not really, but it was funny), vanished 13 people into thin air and transported himself and a woman to Perth, Australia.

Oh yeah, and there was a naughty bit with a live duck.

Then it was my turn to take the stage.

I acted as one of two lovely assistants, holding a plastic tray with heavy rubber gloves and then shuffling a deck of cards and picking one card. (I’m afraid I’ll never make it to Vegas as a dealer; I was so nervous that my leg was shaking.)

Copperfield took a live black scorpion out of the box held by the other woman — poor girl! — and selected my card using its tiny pinchers.

At the end of the trick, I leaned over (per instruction) and gave him a peck on his soft, slightly scented cheek.

That’s right. These lips have kissed David Copperfield.

So how does he do it? I have my theories, but I’m probably grasping at straws.

I’m just relishing my brief moment with one of the world’s wealthiest, most renowned magicians. Hey, can’t a girl dream?

– Sarah L.