RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - The Rancho Murieta Women’s Club resorted to magic to celebrate their 33rd anniversary at the Rancho Murieta Country Club on Jan. 29. The sold-out luncheon featured a performance by renowned magician and illusionist Andy Amyx and his wife, Georgia.

Despite some club members trying to avoid the magician’s attention by sitting at a back table, others eagerly participated in his performance, which had the audience laughing uncontrollably for 80 minutes. 

Erin Bailey volunteered for the most astonishing routine involving a $100 bill that ended up inside an orange hidden inside a paper bag several tables away from the stage. Amyx used sleight of hand and clever misdirection to achieve his illusion.

“I tried to trick them with all my choices,” Bailey said. “I know it was magic, but it was real.”

Audience member Diana Frazinetti was astonished when the magician introduced Flight, his 17-year-old white dove, which promptly escaped. “The bird flew all over, and then he went and got it,” she said. “It was a live bird. It wasn’t fake.”

Amyx mentioned that people often ask if his birds are mechanical. “I just tell them I wind them up before the show,” he joked.

Throughout his career, Andy has performed internationally, including at venues such as the Magic Castle in Hollywood, Musgi Resorts in Japan, The Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, Bally’s in Las Vegas, and The Riviera in Las Vegas. He has also entertained notable celebrities like Alanis Morissette, Julia Roberts, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. 

Beside the stage, his poster displayed quotes from Morgan Freeman: “That was just fantastic. I want to see it again,” and from Hugh Hefner: “Truly one of the best acts I have ever seen.”

Based in Sacramento, Amyx previously performed for the club just before the pandemic.

Program

A short business program preceded the hilarity. It began with Past President Vickie Joyer presenting Cindy Shamrock and Barbara Armstrong with butterfly-adorned catchers in recognition of their dedicated efforts managing the luncheon reservations. 

President Bonnie Kirschman reported that the membership stood at 177 and urged another 61 to renew. She explained the need in the group’s newsletter, “The Activity Line.” 

“We do have a challenging year ahead of us with increases in food, facility fees, and just about everything you can think of,” she said. “Please try to support all of our luncheons and invite your friends, relatives, and especially new neighbors…The more the merrier.”

Patti Keating, co-chair of the blood drive committee, reported that the Jan. 27 drive had succeeded even though the blood bank, Vitalant, had some computer system problems. 

Erin Bailey, who is chairing the fashion show on May 7, asked committee member Theresa Ilaga to explain this year’s theme—A Royalty Affair. “We are encouraging all of the ladies to wear tea hats and gloves,” she said. Another thing is we really would like you all to come and spill the tea.”

The phrase “spill the tea” has become popular in recent years, especially on social media platforms, and is commonly used to prompt someone to share intriguing or scandalous details about a situation or person.

Vice-President Toni Anani enthusiastically encouraged members to attend the March 26 luncheon titled “Spring Bling Bingo & Beans.” She explained that “bling” refers to the costume jewelry to be awarded as bingo prizes. “But we are not going to be eating beans. It’s just a reminder to bring an optional food donation,” she clarified.

All nonperishable food items and sundries like diapers and travel-sized toiletries collected at the upcoming luncheon will be donated to the Wellspring Women’s Center, which supports women and children. See the community brief with luncheon details in this issue.