* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #76 Date: Monday 4th June 2001 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz www.alan-watson.com e-mail AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Palmerston North Mini Convention 3. Richard Ross - top 3 magic memories 4. Just returned from China 5. Ross Hill's death 6. Pat Sweeney (NZ) is out of hospital 7. Comments about Al Horobin 8. Writing this from Gibraltar 9. Close-up Convention in Melbourne - August 5th 10. An Invitation To Magic! 11. Print personalized funny headlines on a newspaper? 12. The Grand Master of Magic Award 13. The Groan Wand 14. Lecture Notes and Magic Effects 15. The Orchante Saga #32 16. Diarise these events 17. MagicNZ e-zine archives 18. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Congratulations to Barry Brook on being awarded The Grand Master of Magic Award refer item 12. And also along with Jenny the Lifetime Achievers Award. ------------------------------------- Dave Sheridan tells me he's in London performing at the moment and it's hot! ------------------------------------- MagicNZ for sometime now has realised that a number of New Zealand magicians and ex-pat kiwi magicians have gone unrecognised for their contributions to the art of magic. We have now set up a Lifetime Achievers Award and plan to add other awards very shortly. Chris Parkinson is in the process of setting up the MagicNZ Hall of Fame on the Internet to recognise these new awards. The site will be going live shortly. ------------------------------------- We now have 2,700+ subscribers, of which 237 are New Zealanders. ------------------------------------------ The 26th NZ Magician's Convention in Auckland update: Oscar Munoz has just been confirmed as another headliner for the convention. Oscar Munoz renowned motivational speaker and entertainer, uses magic as a vehicle to transport his audience to the world of illusion and wonder where dreams are realised in the twinkling of an eye. Oscar's rapport with children and adults makes his performance doubly entertaining. He performs over 480 motivational shows yearly across Texas and was voted "Best School Performer" in Texas. During his 25 years as an entertainer, Oscar has added many wares to his mantle of merit. He has won competitions in Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Mexico City and in 1999 received the highest award a close-up magician can receive the coveted International Brotherhood of Magicians "Gold Cups of Excellence" awarded only six times since its inception. The Gold Cups has been the launching of his career in performing for magician audiences all over the world. There he uses his experience to train other magicians to take positive messages into schools. Oscar is an entertainer for all seasons and for all audiences. ------------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ------------------------------------- 2. Palmerston North Magic Circle Mini Convention ------------------------------------- Message from Michele Watson (NZ) Enroute to Palmerston North we stayed with Bill and Marlene Seagraves well known professional magicians who hail from Aberdeen, Scotland and have been resident in Taupo for eight months. We had a lot of laughs and exchanging of ideas with this lovely couple and if you are passing through Taupo Bill and Marlene would love to see you. The Palmerston North Magic Circle Mini Convention held on Sunday 3rd June. First of all thanks must go in particular to Norm Twigg who did all the organising, registration work, setting up lecturers and all the little details that go to making a convention run smoothly and this one certainly did! Congratulations must also go to President of the Palmerston North Magic Circle Geoff Campbell and his hardworking team especially the refreshment crew. We had top class lecturers from Australia - Sean Taylor from Sydney and Barry Govan (card mechanic) from Melbourne fabulous lecturers and also both entertained us in the evening with their cabaret acts. Sean's lecture and cabaret performance could be easily summed up in one word - AWESOME! Barry's skill with cards blew EVERYONE away! The program started with the Close-Up competition judged 1st- Alan Watson and 2nd Barry Brook. Favourite Trick - 1st Bill and Mandy Reid, 2nd Paul Bates. Juniors Acknowledgement for excellent performances - Evan Mudgway and Terence Ross. A minute's silence to absent friends who have passed away in the last year Ross Hill, Graham Grant, Frank Newmarch and Jack Wood. The highlight for me was when Barry and Jenny Brook were presented with a Lifetime Achievers Award from MagicNZ - In recognition to their lifetime dedication to the magical arts and also when Barry was presented the very prestigious award of The Grand Master of Magic from the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians (B.A.M.) and the Palmerston North Society of Magicians. Both Barry and Jenny received a standing ovation and they were very overcome with emotion from this recognition. ---------------------------------- 3. Richard Ross - top 3 magic memories ---------------------------------- Message from Leo Ward (NZ) Richard Ross was the first act I ever saw that showed me what magic should really look like. It was the late seventies at Ron Macmillans International day of magic, and of course he stole the show. A more pleasant and patient man I have yet to meet as he spent time talking to a young magician, giving him the encouragement to work at it & continue. He will be sadly missed and his performance that night is still in my top 3 magic memories. ---------------------------------- 4. Just returned from China ---------------------------------- Message from Trevor Lewis (Wales) So sorry to read the news about Richard Ross. Such a great talent and to leave us so young. What happened? Just returned from China. We were with Travelsphere. Figured that we'd see a lot more going with a group than trying to do our own thing. Saw many of the impressive sights, Tenemen Square, Forbidden City, Terracota soldiers, Great Wall that Copperfield stepped through and a multitude of other spectacular and ancient wonders. Of course there is a lot of poverty and some of the dwellings we saw were not fit for human habitation. But China is on the move and gradually demolishing the ugly sights. Shanghai is a beautiful city and the Hyatt hotel (over the river) is just 'magic'. There is magic group in Shanghai, but unfortunately I didn't know about them until I'd left. Met Albert Tam in Hong Kong... nice guy...if you're in Hong Kong he can be contacted on Tel. (852) 24338007 E-Mail.... mrmagicalbert@yours.com. Bejing hopes to host the 2008 Olympics and from what I saw of the place I can't see any other cities in the frame. Did a little magic here and there (well what else did you expect) and as I enjoy haggling with the local traders and making cards, coins etc 'mysteriously' appear and disappear, Val and I had a 'magic' vacation. Will be in Orlando for the I.B.M. and Las Vegas, New York and Q.E.2 in August. ------------------------------------- 5. Ross Hill's death ------------------------------------- Message from Ken Ring (NZ) I was very sorry to hear of Ross Hill's passing. He was a wonderful genuine and generous man and in his heyday the continued existence of New Zealands first, biggest and best club, the New Zealand Society of Magicians, was largely due to his efforts. He was always willing to help newcomers in any way he could and there are many pros today, me included, who owe him great thanks. Ken Ring - (President 1993-6) ------------------------------------- 6. Pat Sweeney (NZ) is out of hospital ------------------------------------- Message from Burns Scandrett (NZ) Just a fast note to say that Pat is out of hospital, there for eight days. ------------------------------------- 7. Comments about Al Horobin ------------------------------------- Message from Burns Scandrett (NZ) Regarding Tom Orchard's fascinating biography, further to his comments about Al Horobin, I got to know Al fairly well when he played here in Christchurch. He appeared for a long season on Hay's Roof (now called Farmer's} where they had, apart from many amusement rides, a theatrette. I appeared there for six seasons over a ten year period, but to get back to Al, he had two of his chimps there, Rita and Charlie Brown. Charlie Brown was the baby of the family, an adorable young chimp with an impish behaviour. I wanted some publicity photos, slightly different from other magicians. I had a photographer take some shots of me, with Charlie Brown selecting a playing card from a fan of cards. Al warned me of Charlie Brown's strength and said that in the event of an accident, he would not be held responsible, and that should Charlie Brown take the cards from my hand, to let him. I couldn't imagine that this irresistible little chimp could mis-behave. I got some lovely shots of Charlie Brown taking a card and looking at it as if memorising it, which I used in my publicity brochure for a few years. After the photo shoot, I rode down in the elevator with Al holding Charlie Brown on his shoulders. As we walked through soft furnishing department, a young boy, aged around 12 started poking at Charlie Brown. Al warned him off, saying that the chimp could become dangerous. The boy persisted, and on about the third time, Charlie Brown gave the boy a backhander, which knocked him over a shop counter and into the materials. The boy's parents were hysterical, and tried to sue Al and Hays Ltd. But fortunately there were too many witnesses to dispute their claim, which fell through. I couldn't believe Charlie Brown's strength. Two days later, Al hobbled into the store, obviously in great pain. I asked what the trouble was. Al was stopping on a small farm in Yaldhurst, a suburb of Christchurch. He was woken up in the early hours of the morning, by Charlie Brown rattling the bars of his cage and going berserk. Al picked up a hay pitchfork from nearby, and tried to poke Charlie Brown away from the bars with the wooden handle end. Charlie Brown easily ripped the fork from Al's hands, and thrust it back at him. One of the prongs went straight through the fleshy part of his leg, causing Al to collapse on the ground where he was discovered later. He was rushed to hospital for cleansing, numerous injections and many stitches to close the wound. This was caused by this loveable, harmless little chimp that I had played with and used for my publicity photos. Since then, although I still find chimps very adorable, I have the greatest respect for them strength and their mood swings. ------------------------------------- 8. Writing this from Gibraltar ------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) What a wonderful day I had visiting the famous Rock of Gibraltar and learning the history. I go as an escort which means I take a group of passengers on a tour, I'm not the guide but simply make sure we don't lose any. It's a good way for me to get on these tours. Yesterday was one of the highlights. We were in Casablanca and I had my photo take at Ricks Americana Cafe which was "where the film was made" (although I would imagine it was filmed on a sound stage in Hollywood), anyway, they had original posters etc and photos of the movie. It is one of my favourite movies of all time so being in Casablanca was a real thrill. Tomorrow we head for Monte Carlo, Cannes (famous Film Festival), Barcelona then back to Rome and Italy for the next few days. On board we now have a new cruise director, Jim Everitt who has been with this cruise line for many years and has introduced people such as Charlie Miller, The Professor etc. The stories he has been sharing with me have been wonderful about these 'big stars' of magic of yesteryear. I added a brand new illusion in to my act last night, which was designed by Don Wayne in Hollywood. It is a floating broom and went over very well. I found the perfect piece of music for it and was so happy with it. I have just been booked for extra work in Dubai and Bahrain now, so will only be in London for 2 days before flying out then back to London to continue my journey back to Australia then back on board the Love Boat. ------------------------------------- 9. Close-up Convention in Melbourne - August 5th ------------------------------------- Message from Melissa (Aust) Since Joshua Jay is coming this way we are having a Mini Close-up Convention in Melbourne on August 5th. Its an all day event with lectures, competitions and close-up shows. Its only $65 and lunch is included. The venue is ideal with raised seating and excellent layout. Stars are Joshua Jay, Chuck Fayne, Andrew Wimhurst, Barry Govan, Tim Ellis. To find out more look up the Malarkey Web page www.maskelyne-devant.com/malarkey.htm or email melissa@pat-trick.com.au Folks Come along.... We are giving away a special gift to the first 20 registrations. ---------------------------------- 10. An Invitation To Magic! ---------------------------------- Message from Danny Archer (US) The new Millennium yields a brand new magic convention. Announcing the inaugural "LAS VEGAS MAGIC INVITATIONAL." The first LVMI will be held September13th -15th, 2001, at the San Remo Hotel & Casino, in the magical capital of the world Las Vegas, Nevada. Already booked are a great line-up of lecturers including Daryl, Gregory Wilson, John T. Sheets, Balthazar Fuentes, Troy Hooser, Paul David, Bob Kohler and Chad Long. This brand-new convention will be hands-on in that the focus is on close-up and stand-up magic in an intimate setting. Along with the great lectures there will be close-up and cabaret shows, workshops, dealers and more! Our special guest of honor will the legendary Gary Darwin. This promises to be one of the most talked about close-up conventions of the year. Great performers and a great location; the magic capital of the world, fabulous Las Vegas. The convention hosts are Danny Archer and Robert Allen. Registration is $135.00 For complete information on receiving an invitation, call or e-mail Robert Allen at 702-434-2210 (raprod@juno.com), or Danny Archer at 303-321-6267 (magic@dannyarcher.com). You can also visit the LVMI website at: http://mymajik.freeyellow.com/newfile.html ---------------------------------- 11. Print personalized funny headlines on a newspaper? ---------------------------------- Message from Scott Wells - Past President - TAOM 2000 A member of the Texas Association Of Magicians (TAOM) sent me a request asking if I knew of any way to print a personalized funny, novelty headlines on a newspaper. Lou Berkey used to do it when he ran his shop in San Antonio, but is there anyone out there who still does this commercially? All I could think of is buying blank newsprint and running it through your laser printer; however, that really wouldn't be regulation newspaper-sized. Any ideas or directions to a website would be appreciated. ---------------------------------- 12. The Grand Master of Magic Award ---------------------------------- Message from Stan Goudge Message from Editor: Unfortunately Stan Goudge had taken ill enroute to the Palmerston convention and had to return home. Michael Woolf read the following citation and presented Barry Brook with The Grandmaster Award. ------------------------------------- Citation given by Stanley Goudge, President of The Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians Incorporated On the occasion of the conferring of The Grand Master of Magic Award ON BARRY LAWRENCE BROOK At Palmerston North 3 June 2001 I am Stan Goudge, President of the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians Incorporated. Would you join me in congratulating the Palmerston North Magic Circle on their initiative and organisation of this excellent Mini Magic Convention? I have been asked to remind you that some of our valued magician colleagues are not with us today. I refer to Frank Newmarch, Graham Grant, Jack Wood and Ross Hill who have graced our magic gatherings with skill, and good fellowship over many years, and who have now laid down their magic wands. Will you stand for a moment's silence as we remember them, and honour their memory? Frank Newmarch and Graham Grant were among that select group of nine New Zealand magicians who have worn the Grand Master of Magic Medal. The Roll of the Grand Master's of Magic. 1969 Edgar, the great Benyon 1976 Jack Read 1985 Jon and Janet Zealando 1988 Jim Reilly 1989 Harold Chandler 1990 Frances Newmarch 1995 Peter and Phillipa Evans 1998 Tony Wilson 1999 Graham Grant There is a hidden and secret motivation behind the holding of this mini convention today. It is to honour a new member of the Order, to add another name to that Roll of Honour. Ladies and Gentlemen please greet Barry Brook, Grand Master of Magic. Let me remind you of the criteria for this prestigious award. It was originated by the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians but has become a New Zealand wide honour. Its recipients must be magical performers of a high standard. Sometimes they are originators of magical effects, sometimes administrators, people who have given time and expertise to running societies and conventions. Some are consistent convention competition winners. Some have international standing, and others are well known only in the local setting. But above all they are people who have served magic well, have graced our art, and made a special contribution over many years. Barry it is the judgement of your peers in magic that you are such a person. Barry Brook's interest in magic began while he was a pupil of the Palmerston North Technical College. Two pupils of the College, Barry O' Brien and Trevor Wells, gave a magic show, 2. And young Barry Brook was intrigued as to how it was all done. So he was talked into joining the Palmerston North Magic Club. Meetings were held in the home of a Mr Cowling, and one who attended was Ray Campbell, the father of Geoff Campbell, who is the current President of the Palmerston North Magic Circle. Barry was always looking for magic to purchase; and when he discovered from Mr Nicholls the Caretaker of the Palmerston North Opera House, that there were a lot of magic props in store; and that these belonged to a well known magician of the day, and that he had failed to pay for their storage; a deal was struck, and Barry got the magic gear and the caretaker his storage space back. About 1956 Barry decided to give up magic and to devote his efforts to another love - rugby. He even (horror of horrors) began to get rid of some of the magic gear he had collected. Mind you he had other interests as well, that strange musical instrument - the bagpipes, boxing, and the pursuit of the fairer sex. This latter interest culminated in 1958 when he and Jennifer Shirley Just were involved in some magic welding/wedding. So Barry acquired not only a wife, but a charming and effective magic assistant as well. Jenny was organist in a little church in College Street, and Barry was asked if he was a magician and could he provide some entertainment? So Barry was back into the magic. He built up his magic props, and he dealt with a firm in London. (I guess it was Ken Brook, Barry?) So developed the act we came to admire that smooth and sophisticated manipulation with cards, cigarettes and doves. Stage work in top hat and tails, and Jenny immaculately presented and dressed. A silent act to a musical background. Barry Brook performs all types of magic proficiently and professionally: Stage, cabaret, close-up, children's, comedy, and school gala days. Birthday parties, socials - he has done it all. Three TV spots with a five-minute Act. The Glen Tucker Show on TV 1 and TV2 with nationwide exposure lead to bookings from Auckland to Invercargill. Close Up magic at Fisherman's Wharf. For five years he appeared on the Music Hall Show at the Majestic Hotel Palmerston North in his famous Indian Act. "Mr Ramset Fastener" and Jenny as "Miss Ramajama Bang Bang." Barry's first National Magician's Convention was in Christchurch in 1962 where he won the Manipulation Trophy. He and Jenny were in Wellington in 1964 for the 10th New Zealand Magician's Convention and there they fully established their magical credentials. The "Evening Standard" the Palmerston North paper proudly reported "Pulling rabbits and ringing alarm clocks from a top hat, making things vanish, sleight of hand, ventriloquism, - all these things are second nature to Palmerston North Magician, Mr Barry Brooks. It was his ability to perform these tricks convincingly that won him three firsts and a third at the Magician's Convention, held in Wellington." What happened in Wellington in 1964 has been repeated at subsequent Conventions. Most Convention Trophies have had Barry's name engraved upon them, and on some of them several times. He has been one of the most successful Convention performers. Barry and Jenny for several years ran a business called Gallery Ten where they sold magic, magazines, and giftware. Many members of the Palmerston North Magic Circle made purchases of magic props through Gallery Ten. 3. Barry has been a strong and loyal supporter of the Palmerston North Magic Circle for 51 years and has held office as President on many occasions. He was made a Life Member in 1986, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to his club and our art. An honour well deserved. Of concern has been Barry Brook's health, and following a triple by-pass operation in 1996, he was talking of retiring from magic as he found the strain of carting around his magic gear was becoming a problem. However he has solved that dilemma too, as he now carries a "little black bag" from which he takes all the props he needs to perform a first class show. It is now my great pleasure to call upon Geoff Campbell the President of the Palmerston North Magic Circle, to make the presentation, and to confer upon Barry Brook the award of The Grand Master of Magic. The medal made by Auckland Sculptor Grieg Barnett is simply inscribed: GRAND MASTER OF MAGIC Presented to Barry Brook By the Palmerston North Magic Circle And the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians 3 June 2001 As an recognition of the help, encouragement, assistance that Jenny has given to Barry, and In acknowledgment of her own contribution as a magical assistant, and her charming personality, Trixie Twigge is to make a floral presentation to Jenny Brook. ---------------------------------- 13. The Groan Wand ---------------------------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) Linking Ring columnist Most of us dream about headlining in Las Vegas, but the reality is that the vast majority of our performances are kids' shows. Nothing wrong with that! In fact, as many pros will tell you, that's where the money is for the day-to-day working pro. But probably the best thing about doing kids' shows is that, if you're doing it right, you can have as much fun as the kids. The opportunities for sight gags, awful jokes, and the like are almost limitless -- and the kids love it. And most of us who perform regularly for young audiences use a variety of gag wands -- breakaway wand, droopy wand, expanding wand, and so on. They're always good for a laugh (at the magician's expense; NEVER at the volunteer's) and, even if they don't include heavy magic, you can get a lot of entertainment out of them -- and that's what we're all about. So, for those of you on the lookout for a new type of gag wand, I offer: THE GROAN WAND Effect: The magi has a young volunteer on stage to assist him. The wands fall apart, bend, explode or whatever, making it impossible for the magic to work. One wand emits a loud "moo"-like sound every time the magi goes to hand it to the volunteer. The magi can't figure out where the sound is coming from -- and the audience goes wild! Working: This is simple enough to put together; the only possibly hard part will be finding the right apparatus. Toy stores, flea markets and the like sometimes carry an 18-inch rod in flashy neon colors that is called a Groan Stick, or something like that. They sell for a couple of bucks -- tops! The rod is a plastic tube, capped at both ends. Inside there is a small cylinder with a double reed at each end. If you up-end the tube, the cylinder will slide down and the air inside the tube is forced through the cylinder, vibrating the reeds -- and producing a groan-like sound. Looking at it written down here, it looks complicated but, in fact, it's very basic. And quite clever. Once you've got the groan stick, simply paint the body black and the ends white, to look like a real wand (whatever a "real" wand is). Or you can wrap the body in black Contac paper and the ends in white tape. (Note: The caps on the ends are only about a half-inch deep so you'll probably want to build them up to make about a two-inch white tip on each end.)And you're ready to go. Presentation: You'll want to work out your own, no doubt. But here is a rough handling, as I do it. After the youngster has gone through a couple of gag wands, hand her the Groaner. (Hold it upright, with the interior cylinder at the bottom end. Then, as you go to hand it over, turn it end for end, taking the top end with your free hand and turning the wand perpendicular to the floor. Again, it sounds complicated written down, but you just turn the wand upside down to activate the sound device.) As she reaches for the wand, it will emit its loud moan. Look startled and glance about the room, looking at everything except the wand: "What was that noise? Where did it come from?" Turn back to your volunteer, and again go to hand her the wand. Repeat the whole process. And repeat it one more time. Then STOP. Three times is just right; four times and you'll notice the audience's interest starts to wane. On the final groan, notice that the sound is coming from the wand, and say something like: "It must have eaten too many hot dogs at lunch." Put it away and go on with the rest of your gag-wand routine. Second Thoughts: Note that at no time does the volunteer actually get her hands on the wand. I tried the routine, making the sound in the volunteer's hand at first but it was a bit awkward getting the youngster to hold the wand the right way for the full effect. And even when he or she did, it still was not as funny as the noise happening in the magician's hands and he can't figure out where it's coming from. The kids, of course, will be well ahead of you. This probably wouldn't stand alone (although I suspect someone will want to try it and I'd like to hear about what reaction he or she gets) but it works very well in context -- that is, one of a series of gag wands. Sure, there's very little, if any, magic here but do you really think the kids believe you're using supernatural powers when your breakaway wand collapses? This is strictly for laughs and for entertainment. Everyone could use a few more laughs. And magic could certainly use more entertainment. Have fun with this. Peter Marucci 270 St. Andrew Street East Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 1R1 e-mail: showtimecol@aol.com ------------------------------------- 14. Lecture Notes and Magic Effects ------------------------------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) Linking Ring columnist SPECIAL: Real-Life Table Hopping: Everything you ever wanted to know about performing magic at tableside in restaurants and bars, from magicomedian Peter Marucci, who has been performing at tables and across the bar for more than 10 years. From how to get the job to how to approach tables to the act itself, this is everything you need to know to get into this lucrative field. All that - plus seven tricks that make up a working table act; tricks that have been proven in real-life situations hundreds of times. This is 20 pages of the most useful information you're likely to get. Only $10.00 NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! NEW! Wild West Wonders: The latest by magicomedian Peter Marucci! Eight fully scripted routines, each on a theme from the American frontier. What was Doc Holliday's Dilemma? Who's the guilty one in The Wild Bunch? What's the truth about Wild Bill Hickock? Seventeen pages of magic that you CAN do, each routine an audience-grabber. This is new - and this is good! $8.00 Bizarre Magic: Meet the OTHER side of funnyman Peter Marucci as he takes you on a tour of the occult world with seven fully scripted routines of bizarre magic. This will take your magic to a new, emotional level. (Includes routines - but not props - for Finger of Fate and Message from the Titanic; see tricks on other side) $8.00 "If you are looking for ideas on how to use some old (tried and true) simple tricks to weave a spooky story BUY THESE NOTES." - Larry White, magic editor, M-U-M magazine. "These notes are recommended." - Fred Rosenbaum, review, The Linking Ring. Bar Magic: Fourteen pages including how to get started in the lucrative field, what to do and how to do it. Routines that have been proven across the bar thousands of times. $6.00 "Six tested effects along with pithy and 'right on' advice. Well worth the money." - Phil Willmarth, Linking Ring review. Peter's Patter: Nineteen pages with eight comedy-filled routines, including Marucci's famous Snake Basket on a Budget. Plus how to write your own comedy routines. $6.00 "Some favorites from (Marucci's) popular Showtime column (in the Linking Ring). Highly recommended." - Phil Willmarth, Linking Ring review. Funny Business: Seven laugh-filled original routines, 12 pages; an audience-tested act in itself. All with that special Marucci touch. $6.00 "Typical, easy-to-do Marucci tricks and fun presentations." - Phil Willmarth, Linking Ring review. Bits O' Biz: More than 100 gags, routines, and bits of business for almost any occasion. Designed for magicians but ideal for emcees, clowns, comics and anyone who enjoys a laugh. $6.00 All prices are in U.S. dollars. All items are shipped post-paid, the same day. Please make cheques or money orders payable to Peter Marucci. Send to: Peter Marucci 270 St. Andrew St. East Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 1R1 For more information, e-mail: showtimecol@aol.com -------------------------------- 15. The Orchante Saga #32 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) TEX MORTON Plus The Great Orchante Saturday 28th October 1967 - New Zealand Television producer Kevin Moore, has booked me to perform my Bed of Nails and Sword Swallowing acts for a Live T.V. show. At the studio, I had the pleasure and privilege to meet one of New Zealand's greatest showmen, the late Tex Morton, who was also on the show. Tex kindly loaned his weight by standing on me during my bed of nails routine. Tex was touring New Zealand at that time, playing to packed houses throughout, with his 'one man show' Having a chat after the T.V. programme had finished, Tex, out of the blue, asked him if I'd join him as his guest artist, on the last leg of his nationwide tour - throughout the top end of New Zealand. I was proud to accept - but you could have knocked me over with a feather - the last thing Tex needed, with all his talents, was another act on his show, but for some reason, he'd taken a 'shine' to me. Now, looking back, I personally think that he saw in me, a younger version of himself - not just an entertainer, but a showman with a 'down to earth', 'one of the boys, nothing snobby about me' attitude. Before I go any further, here's a resume/history about Tex, which will be rather lengthy - trying to be brief just wouldn't do justice to one of New Zealand's - and Australia's - best loved entertainers. Tex Morton was born in Nelson, New Zealand, as Robert William Lane. Early in life (because of his parents' disapproval of 'show business') he changed his name, to avoid displeasing them. His first touring show was as a Hypnotist, and Memory Expert, and he later gravitated to the legitimate Theatre, playing every part from light comedy to heavy drama. His two hobbies were always Folk singing and the study of Hypnotism, and he became world famous as a recording artist around 1935, after recording many of the songs he had gathered in his travels. They sold by the millions. Nicknamed 'Tex' by his friends, he amazed everyone by assembling the biggest circus and rodeo Australia has ever known, touring it successfully for 12 years, while simultaneously conducting his ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) network shows. He went to the USA in 1949 to finish his studies, and became a lecturer at the Institute of Hypnotherapy in Los Angeles upon graduation in Psychology. He later lectured at McGill University, Montreal, Canada, and was an honorary member of Students' Executive, at Sir George Williams' College. He then transferred to Toronto and taught many Medical practitioners and Dental Surgeons the use of Hypnotism in Therapy, specialising in the psychosomatic field. He was an Associate at the Canadian Institute of Hypnotherapy, having co-founded this institution in 1954. His return to show business created a sensation - all records across the USA and Canada were smashed. He was unbelievably versatile. The Duluth (Minnesota) newspaper said, after seeing his show 'The greatest display of versatility since Leonardo da Vinci' He was probably the greatest 'one man show' in the world at that time, and was also a very fine monologist and raconteur, and made many recordings of his 'readings'. He was expert sharpshooter, and his spine-chilling shooting demonstrations have baffled experts the world over. Without keeping up any practice whatsoever, he was able to more than hold his own, with the finest in every country he visited - sometimes, even defeating their champions I did say that this wasn't going to be brief. I'll forgive you if you start thinking 'this is the Tex Morton saga' - and I ain't finished yet! Our tour together started on Monday 13th November 1967, in Kaitaia. I'll continue the Tex Morton/Orchante saga next episode - there are some amusing tales to told. P.S. My long-lost friends of 30 years ago, Murray and Margaret Hobson, arrived with the biggest bottle of Jack Daniels I've ever seen - it was a wonderful, emotional meeting - catching up with years of 'what have you been up to, then' etc. etc. Murray used to help me out in the early 60s/70s with my shows, and was my 'best man' when I married my first wife, Sharon. There is a bunch of amusing/horror tales re the young Orchante from the early days, to come. ------------------------------------- 16. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- Joshua Jay (US) NZ Lectures: Auckland Friday 10th August 2001 Christchurch Monday 13th August 2001 The 26th NZ Magician's Convention Auckland Friday 28th to Monday 31st December 2001. The registration form and information is now available on the web go to: www.magician.co.nz/convention1.html ------------------------------------- 17. MagicNZ e-zine archives ------------------------------------- Back issues of the MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: ezine Password: newzealand When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001nov0699.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (nov06) and the last next two numbers the year (99) If you want to print copies of MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine-archive ------------------------------------- 18. Subscription Management ------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. To subscribe or unsubscribe from the MagicNZ e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html MagicNZ e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday. The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors. Neither MagicNZ or Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via MagicNZ e-zine. We reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions as we see fit. >> This publication may be freely redistributed to other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY << (c) Copyright 2001 Alan Watson