Magic in Braun Ct.

continued

Barry has been in and out of Ann Arbor for years. He's had a store within a store at Elmo's and a kiosk at Briarwood, but more recently he was living in Naples, Florida, where he ran into some trouble. "I'm the Robert Downey, Jr. of magic," he says, pointing out that he even looks like the actor. "I'm in recovery. All of my problems are alcohol related. Part of recovery is making amends and taking care of the past." This shop is a fresh start brought about by his friends Martin Contreras and Keith Orr, who own the building and "know everything."

The shop sells magic paraphernalia--some of which require no skill at all beyond the ability to read the directions--as well as jokes and gags like "remote control whoopee cushions, cigarette loads, creepy-crawly things. We can turn everybody into a magician."

Kip Barry's Tricks and Treats Performing Arts Center, 325 Braun Court, 985-5184. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. noon-5 p.m. (shop also open during shows).    

[Originally published in January, 2013.]