Latest News

America’s Escape Hero Michael Griffin performs at SRS Rehearsal Stage

Thursday, June 2, the SRS Rehearsal Stage room hosted by Gretchen Reise Kelly presented an intimate performance featuring Dayton comedian Jack Wilson and renowned escape artist Michael Griffin.

Though comedy is a form of escapism Wilson’s set was more adult orientated, with sharp wit and calculated timing. He’s done 1500 shows appearing at the Funny Bone, Wiley’s and Diesel Bar among others.

Material included Grove City and Fairborn “highlights,” church chides, garage sale sign grammar and gym jokes with toilet humor. Dollar store commentary included the perils and accuracy of cheap home pregnancy tests and cigarette “burns” were made alongside pediatric punch lines. Though, the unintentional chivalry of kidnappers and eye popping Viagra jokes got the biggest reactions.

He’s the recipient of Best Escape Artist and Ultimate Escape Artist by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. He’s performed worldwide and been tied up by Howard Stern… (publically). The only two time winner of TV’s World Magic Awards for Best Escape Artist dubbed, “The world’s greatest living escape artist.” It seems like only father time has command over him as the reaper keeps trying.

From sealed coffins to packing crates, handcuffs to filled and sealed oil drums, secured mailbags, shackled prison cells and weighted deep water submersion he’s escaped death more times than mortality should allow. He’s also reenacted Houdini’s 1912 water submersion, escaping in 45 seconds. He performs the East Indian Needle Mystery swallowing 40 needles, 20 a time without thread, choking them up threaded eight-feet long. He’s offered $100,000 to anyone who can effectively, inescapably trap him. He still has the money.

What’s his secret? Besides a strong mind, straight edge lifestyle, heart and self-belief system, he’ll never tell.

escape artistHe began the show, breaking special chains after an audience attempt. The needles were next. After swallowing, oral cavities were inspected, all clear. Slamming his stomach for reverse digestion he slowly pulled the needles out thread bound stage length.

He told a story about his first card trick pulling out his big deck playing a number game with the crowd. Next, he tied himself up with rope to the choking point, wrangling free. As seen on YouTube, the duel assisted hand rope trick impressed the crowd. A smaller deck was used for a different game with three “volunteers” tossing the deck, in a three way dance.

The four cupped spiked torture board was tested, secured, twisted and turned while Griffin prepared. If he was wrong, it was really gonna hurt. A few practice swings in, he slammed the first two down, full force… without screaming. Suspense built as he steadied for the last two, slammed both hands down, pulling one back, smashing the third, empty cup to an ambulance free conclusion.

A numbers game sent an envelope air born segueing into a memory game. Event co-host Jim Foreman helped tie Griffin up nice and snug in the, for decades long, inescapable Posey straight jacket. After some force, maneuvering, bones and socket popping, he escaped.

Verified by MonsterInsights