As soon as I downloaded the video of the comedian/magician and the contortionist, it was obvious that she should've been standing on a chair. Comedian/magician David Harris looks very tall next to 5-foot-2 contortionist Cheryl Birch during our interview in the Fox 9 green room. While keeping her muscles warm by assuming unimaginable positions, Birch claimed that nothing on her body popped. But I know I heard a bone-like pop, as opposed to a muscle pop (something I know about, having blown out a calf muscle on a tennis court). This little woman is one giant muscle, but her forearms are most startling because they are as muscular as a boa constrictor (and thanks, I know boa constrictors don't have arms).
Upcoming Harris performances are Dec. 14 at Running Aces Casino & Racetrack in Forest Lake; Dec. 23 at Joke Joint Comedy Club, St. Paul; and New Year's Eve at Dancing Dragonfly Winery, St. Croix Falls, Wis.
Q: A comedian/magician. Why?
A: [Big laugh] I've always loved performing and it's nice to be able to combine the two. I've been lucky to win two Midwest Emmys for my work. I've always wanted to celebrate others' talent and so I kind of put together this vaudeville remix — comedy, variety, music and talk show — where we feature the top talent in the Twin Cities.
Q: Does being a contortionist help in romantic situations, Cheryl?
A: [Laughter] No, not really. Mostly it just sounds good on paper.
Q: Who inspired you, David?
A: A lot of different magicians. I always liked watching David Copperfield as a kid and local magicians. Same thing with comedians.