Ricky Jay & His 52 Assistants

In 1996, Ricky Jay released the TV special that cemented his reputation as a master of card artistry. Ricky Jay & His 52 Assistants was directed by David Mamet (!) and won a pile of awards, including the Lucille Lortel and Obie Awards for Outstanding Achievement.

After the special, Jay took the show on the road:

Subsequent productions were staged at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater, the Melbourne International Arts Festival, the Tiffany Theater in Los Angeles, The Spoletto Festival in Charleston and the Old Vic in London.

Thanks to the magic of YouTube, the special is online in its entirety. It’s one part history lesson, one part illusion, and fifty parts showmanship. It’s an educational and entertaining way to spend your lunch hour.