2013-06 Reaction Frustration

(ed. note: from the archive of "Lost Submissions", with apologies to Dan for the delay)

In the last few days I performed four shows, all different in content but using some similar items. But four completely different "ethnic" audiences..all spoke English, they were all American's (although we can't assume that all American's speak English...which many don't.)
And I can't assume that all shapes and sizes would understand my humor, heck, even my own kids and my wife sometime questions my sanity.
But I have never encountered four consecutive audiences who just sit and stare. And it wasn't just for my jokes. They also looked like Zombies after I performed appearing/ disappearing birds, the Sub Trunk...you name it.
Each show "organizer, tried cheering me up by explaining that this was typical of "their" group in reacting towards not only magic, but comedy as well..English-American comedy.
I must admit, after the show various audience members would come up to me and tell me, in perfect English, how much they enjoyed the show and thought the whole thing amazing. It's when I wanted to say, "Why didn't you let your face show it?"
Two of the shows, my two daughters assisted me and asked, "Dad, I've seen you get standing ovations. What's with these people?"
I said, 'Two things, Honey, first, whom ever said "there is no such thing as a bad audience" is a bull shitter!"
The second thing is a very important lesson every entertainer learns at one time or another. "What's that Dad", she asked.
I replied, "Just take the money and run!"
-Dan Stapleton