The word "magician" brings to mind many common images:

Top hats, tuxedos, wands, and rabbits.

The magician, once on stage, is in control of his surroundings. The stage is his domain and the world he weaves for his audience is full of wonder, mystery, and sometimes, danger.

The audience thrills to the spectacles the magician has to offer, and no matter how perilous things may become as they watch, they trust that he must know what he's doing and therefore allow it all to unfold without protest.

Then there's Ed Alonzo...