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The Passing of the Wand:
Shazam Magic purchases the collection of magician Richard Kitterman
Zeryln the Wizard’s magic will now be performed by Peter and Matthew Wood, of Shazam Magic. On September 12, 2006, magic collector and magician Richard Kitterman passed along a large collection of magic effects, props, and memorabilia to the Wood brothers, as he and his onstage persona “Zerlyn the Wizard” move into retirement. “Much of my collection simply was not being used and would not fit in my dwindling living space,” Kitterman said. “I have watched Peter and his brother Matthew grow to manhood and continue their love and dedication to the art.”
“It’s an honor to now be the owner of these magic effects, some of which inspired me at a young age to pursue magic” Peter Wood noted. “Many of my early routines were based on those that ‘Zerlyn’ perfomed, so to own his original props is really amazing. It’s come full circle.”
The collection includes magic tricks for children and adults, over 450 items in all, many from shops or manufacturers no longer in business. Three giant cards, made by “Night Court” star and magician Harry Anderson, allow for a stage version of the classic three-card monte. An oriental-themed magic box (see photo below) transforms a white balloon into a live white rabbit. Silk scarves in a large clear tube magically change into bubble gum. And the list goes on. “What we’re really excited about,” Wood said, “is the chance to create new magic routines with these props, as the addition of Mr. Kitterman’s collection nearly doubles our previous inventory.”
“I was happy to have Peter and Matthew as friends and devotees to our hobby,” Kitterman continued, “and was pleased to be able to pass along many of my treasures to them where I know they will be loved, used and shared with the next generation.”
(Left) In 1996, Magician Richard Kitterman welcomed a young Peter Wood into the International Brotherhood of Magicians by passing along their trade journal, The Linking Ring. A decade later, "Zerlyn the Wizard" passed most of his magic collection onto Peter, as well.
Originally published September 12, 2006