Historical clue formulations

• Famous figure known for off-the-cuff performances? — 2026-04-07
• Whose performances were as astonishing as all get-out? — 2024-04-28
• Subject of the 2006 biography "Escape!" — 2020-03-26
• Big name in escapism? — 2009-09-06
• Master escapologist — 2007-07-25
• Erich Weiss, on stage — 2007-03-13
• Escapist? — 2004-06-27
• Author of "Miracle Mongers and Their Methods" — 2004-01-16
• Chinese Water Torture Cell inventor — 1996-07-29