The Chair by Creative Entertainment

Effect: First, you may have seen the advertisement and wondered just what they were talking about. The item in question is a comedy accessory prop called, appropriately, THE CHAIR. It is offered by Stephen Thomas of Creative Entertainment. It was originally developed and used by Dwight Damon. What you will receive is an ordinary looking, all metal folding chair. It is, in fact, a gimmicked breakaway chair which will collapse at your lightest touch – and yet it will support the sitting weight of a 200 pound man!

First, about the chair itself. It is not a modified commercial chair. Rather it has been formed from tubular and sheet steel to look exactly like the real thing. It has a tough (that’s important) baked enamel finish. This prop is built to take the pounding it must receive during the routine.

Secondly, about the routine. You receive a printed, photo illustrated booklet of twenty pages. In the original routine, the performer walks out carrying the chair in its folded condition. The comedy ensues when he tries to unfold and setup the chair. Parts and pieces swing around and tip up and down and succeed in foiling the performer in his task. Arms and legs get tangled and entwined in the chair parts. It’s a visual comedy of errors. Finally, the performer gets the chair setup and, very tentatively, sits on the chair. Later, when the performer is once again standing, he attempts to rest his foot on the edge of the seat, and the chair collapses to the floor! (An alternate presentation would be to have the chair already setup, and when moving it to a different stage position, have it fall apart. This would then be followed by the regular routine.)

The advertisement promises a seven minute routine filled with laughs and gags. That is true! The booklet also carries the following disclaimer: The following is made in lieu of all warranties, expressed or implied: Neither seller nor manufacturer shall be liable for loss, injury, or damage, direct or consequential arising out of the use of or inability to use the product. Before using, user shall determine the suitability of the product for his or her intended use, and user assumes all risk and liability whatsoever in connection therewith. All goods sold as is. This item must be kept out of the reach of children.

Perfect for comedy magicians, clowns, masters of ceremonies – in fact, anyone who can deliver physical and visual comedy! Highly recommended! Available from Abbotts.

(The New Tops – December, 1992)
Text Source: lybrary.com – click for details

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