* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #77 Date: Sunday 10th 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. Siegfried & Roy - The Magic Box 3. Note from an ex-pat Kiwi 4. World of Magic 2001 5. Community backlash to gambling 6. Allan Williams hosted in Scottsdale Arizona 7. I had known Graham Grant for forty years 8. I am in Barcelona 9. The Magic of Mandrake hits the small screen! 10. Antarctica Simply Magic Show 11. Magic Camp Scholarships 12. Congratulations to organisers - Palmerston North Convention 13. The Orchante Saga #33 14. Diarise these events 15. MagicNZ e-zine archives 16. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One GREAT NEWS Shamada and Skip Banks will be touring NZ with Chuck Jones and Company with this years World Festival of Magic. The Australian side of the tour will feature Chuck Jones and Company, Elio & Eva Simonette and David & Cheryll Hooker - doing comedy straightjacket escape on a unicycle. More details to follow shortly. Over the last week, have been full on with shows and it has been a real challenge to get time to put the e-zine together. ------------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ------------------------------------- 2. Siegfried & Roy - The Magic Box ------------------------------------- Message from Matthew Donaldson (NZ) Siegfried & Roy to play on the Imax big screen as part of the 33rd Auckland international festival. Friday 6 July to Sunday July 22. SIEGFRIED & ROY: THE MAGIC BOX.(Review) / (movie reviews) Author/s: Godfrey Cheshire Issue: Oct 25, 1999 (DOCU -- IMAX 3-D) An IMAX Ltd. release of an L-Squared Entertainment production in association with Lexington Road Prods. and Foundry Film Partners. Produced by Michael Lewis. Executive producers, Lou Gonda, Jon Ein, Robert Greenhut, Bernie Yuman. Co-producer, Jini Dayaneni. Directed by Brett Leonard. Screenplay, Lyn Vaus, Leonard. Camera (color, Imax 3-D), Sean MacLeod Phillips; editor, Jonathan P. Shaw; music, Alan Silvestri; production designer, Steve Suchman; sound (Imax DTAC), Miguel Rivera; supervising sound editor, Steve Pederson; sound designer, Michael Starns; visual effects supervisor, Phillips; visual effects production designer, Michael Hartog. Reviewed at Sony Lincoln Square, N.Y., Oct. 13, 1999. Running time: 50 MIN. With: Siegfried Fischbacher, Roy Uwe Ludwig Horn, John Summers, Andrew Dunlap, Dillon McEwin, Cameron Alexander. Narrator: Anthony Hopkins. Siegfried & Roy: The Magic Box" brings to the big Imax screen subjects unbeatably suited to its lavish scale and the slightly surreal effect of 3-D: the stage show and personal legend of phenomenally successful Las Vegas entertainers Siegfried & Roy, they of the gold capes and disappearing white tigers. Added to the well-nigh universal appeal of its stars, pic's 20 minutes of computer graphics, the most extensive so far in an Imax film, provide an appropriate and alluring storybook visual setting that should help make this one of the most popular Imax 3-D films yet. No mere record of a Vegas extravaganza, pic cleverly interweaves dazzling performance segments with a charming, fairy-tale-like chronicle of its heroes' early lives. Tale opens with two boys sneaking backstage, hoping for a peak at the tricks behind S & R's stage show. Instead, the magicians appear and escort their fans on an imaginative tour of their realm and its kismet-touched history. Shown separately, the future showmen grow up in a Germany ruined by World War II. Blond, classically Aryan Siegfried climbs mountains and later becomes interested in stage magic, hoping to dispel the gloom of his soldier father. Dark-haired, delicate Roy has a lifelong affinity for animals, beginning with a dog that rescues him from quicksand and continuing with a cheetah, Chico, that he takes with him when he gets a job as a steward on a cruise ship. On shipboard, Roy discovers Siegfried performing magic tricks and asks if he could make a cheetah disappear. Thus is showbiz history made. With its combination of romance and innocence, pic's account of duo's real-life meeting could provide incidental appeal to gay ands as well as to families. Throughout these biographical episodes, computer effects provide backdrops such as illustrated cityscapes and giant clocks, which give a magical aura to the real-life events. The interspersed performance segments, featuring Siegfried and Roy before live audiences, boast all manner of pyrotechnics and lavish costumes. But the emphasis is on magic and animals, and helmer Brett Leonard wisely shows the most impressive tricks in single takes in order to further the illusion. Pic culminates at S & R's lavish estate outside Vegas, where they live in Arabian Nights splendor and raise their animals, some belonging to endangered species they hope eventually to return to the wild. Tale concludes with the duo's hope that the new millennium will bring humankind "an enlightened respect for nature." COPYRIGHT 1999 Cahners Publishing Company ---------------------------------- 3. Note from an ex-pat Kiwi ---------------------------------- Message from David J O'Connor (South Africa) Just a brief note from an ex-pat Kiwi to firstly congratulate Barry Brook on being awarded the coveted Grand Master of Magic award. This is truly a great honour and well deserved Barry. I must say how much the articles in the E-zine are enjoyed by those of us overseas. In particular the ongoing historical narrative from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante) which has brought back tremendous memories, not only geographically, but of the personalities Tommy has encountered along the way. I was delighted to hear about Frankquin and the legendary Tex Morton again as I must have been Tex's greatest fan. I put nearly all my pocket money into juke boxes just to hear Tex sing his brand local of country music. Also appreciate hearing all about Paul Rohmany's exciting magical travels overseas and of course Michele brought us up to date on her recent trip to the Palmeston North convention, and the magic friends along the way. Thanks also to Burns Scandrett for reminding me of "Hays" roof top amusement centre. (it has memories for me). It is just so good to hear about these places and events again. Glad to hear Pat Sweeny you are home from hospital again. Perhaps that fertile mind of yours will produce yet another magic book soon? Keep well. How many of you made up Peter Marucci's "Groaner Wand" from E-zine #76. Believe me it is really funny and goes straight into my children's show. Highly recommended for laughs, so thank you Peter. Just wanted you all to know that those of us not residing in Aoteoroa really appreciate the content of the E-zine, so keep the input coming, and the Kiwi magic flag flying. Regards to all down under. ---------------------------------- 4. World of Magic 2001 ---------------------------------- Message from Jaime Enrique Well, in BOGOTA, D.C., Colombia, S.A., people will enjoy a new issue of Mundial de Magia 2001 - World of Magic 2001 - with Magicians from all over the world. Among them at the Teatro Nacional "La Castellana" (National Theater, from june 5 to 12, will perform : Edmundo Miller (Mexico) Vladimir Danilin (Russia Fed.) Norbert Ferre (France) Merpín (Argentina) Amos Levkovitch (Israel) Julius Franck (Germany) and Gustavo Lorgia (Colombia) Thanks to Gustavo Lorgia, who organize and bring us the wonder world of Magic. Jaime Enrique IBARRA TORRES TRansversal 40 No. 150-29, Suite 415 Mazurén BOGOTA, D.C., COLOMBIA, S.A. Tel-Fax: 057 (1) 258 8799 E-mail: jaimeibarrat@latinmail.com ------------------------------------- 5. Community backlash to gambling ------------------------------------- Message from Warren Jackman (Aust) Alan, the community backlash as such to the increase in gambling has seen the Pokies Organisation become more community and family minded and fortunately I am reaping the rewards. Apart from my usual stand up comedy magic spots I am working many Tatts Pokies gigs, which makes for busy weeks. I am on the web at www.thelad.net/jackman. I also have an identical site at www.thelad.net/magic which address I give to booking agents...........see the differences with the contact details on each site............it works well and the agents love it. ------------------------------------- 6. Allan Williams hosted in Scottsdale Arizona ------------------------------------- Message from Robert Bluemle Allan Williams, mentalist from Mount Warren Park, Australia, was hosted in Scottsdale, Arizona at a luncheon on June 2 by the famed 6 1/2 mentalism group and other magicians from the Phoenix area. Allan was driving cross-country across the American Southwest, returning from the Psychic Entertainers Association Meeting of the Minds in New Orleans. Among those present to greet Allan were mentalists Larry Becker, Lee Earle, Gene Urban, Kenton Knepper and Robert Bluemle (aka Dr. Juris). Others hosting Allan included magic book dealer Andy Greget and IBM Board nominee Mel Kientz who recently moved to Arizona from Napa, California. There was so much hilarity that the hostess finally closed off the room so that the laughter would not disturb the other diners. Allan is now on his way back down under. ------------------------------------- 7. I had known Graham Grant for forty years ------------------------------------- Message from Jack Grant (Aust) After serving my magic apprenticeship in concert parties, free shows and charity shows I was able to move into the N.S.W. Registered Clubs successfully for many years. Then after taking early retirement from my Education job I ventured also into entertaining children in shopping centres throughout N.S.W. and was having a lovely time until I was compelled to give it up and help run a family business. Early mornings and late nights cut me off completely from magic and my contacts for almost six years until the business was sold. Now I am back and I have found MagicNZ e-zine invaluable in putting me back in touch with things. I don't know how you do it every week, Alan, but as they say if you have an important job to do give it to a busy man. Congratulations. In the last issue following the Palmerston North Convention I was sadden to read of the passing in the last twelve months of Ross Hill, Graham Grant, Frank Newmarch and Jack Wood. I don't think I knew Ross Hill personally but I read Ken Ring's tribute to him with interest and feel that our paths may have crossed. However I had known Graham for forty years and through him I got to know Jack. Frank was known to everyone. The three were regular visitors to Australian conventions and next year's will not be the same without them. Graham and I will not be able to slip away for our quiet time together. We always said we were "cousins" but as far as we could work out we were not related at all. I lost contact with him due to reasons given above and strange in the last year I searched for him and was on the verge of seeking help from MagicNZ e-zine when I read the sad news. Perhaps some readers know some further details and information on the passing of these friends and I would greatly appreciate it if they could please email me at:- jhgrant@telstra.easymail.com.au I well remember Graham and Val with their polished manipulative act but sticking in my mind is a night when Graham moved around adjoining tables at a Sydney banquet showing a close - up trick called "Off the Cuff". Graham told me on a later trip that he had since lost a necessary small gimmick and was no longer doing the trick. I wonder if anyone knows the trick and if it is still available. I think it was originally put out in England by Harry Barron. With the passing of Graham I don't feel that I have lost a "cousin" but more of a magical "brother". Vale my old friends. ------------------------------------- 8. I am in Barcelona ------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Here I am in Barcelona again, what an amazing place, so much history. Just finished the most amazing cruise which included Cannes, Monte Carlo and Monaca. As soon as I drove in to Monaca I thought, now here´s a place I could live. I met a professional female close up magician who told me there were 30 full time magicians in the area, obviously it is very popular there. The other day I visited Rome and saw where the Pope lives and the amazing cathedrals. I have visited some incredible cathedrals on this tour including here in Spain. I caught a 9 year old boy trying to pick my pocket in Rome, I didn´t feel him but looked down and saw his hand in my pocket. You have to be on your guard the whole time. I have since bought myself a pair of pants with a button on the pockets so they can´t get in. At the end of this trip I visit Paris then the next day meet up with my twin brother Peter and his wife Amanda for a few hours. I had the time of my life in Cannes because I managed to purchase some very old original photos, posters and memorabilia of Charlie Chaplin, you can imagine how excited I was. I will have to leave it with my brother because of course I don´t have anywhere to put it. Today, while looking around in Barcelona I found the most amazing Charlie Chaplin marrionnette puppet (which I purchased). I am managing to save my money which is fantastic as I don´t need anything and as I said, nowhere to put it. ------------------------------------- 9. The Magic of Mandrake hits the small screen! ------------------------------------- Message from John Williams (Aust) Make Believe Media Presents: "Mandrake, a Magical Life" World premiere on Canadian television Tuesday June 20 2001 7pm It's show time. With vaudeville fanfare, the curtain rises on the life of Leon Mandrake. Award winning Editor and Director Mary Ungerleider showcases the Mandrake who captivated audiences worldwide from the 1930s into the 1980s. The BC magician from New Westminster became hooked on magic at the age of 8. His life was lived in tawdry nightclubs and on grand stages. Along the way he married his lovely assistant Velvet. Soon he was adding his own children to the act. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the King Features comic book magician with which he shared a name, the real Mandrake reinvented his own persona to suit the times. Mandrake s own story is also a study in the history of magic in the 20th Century. In the end, following the winds of show biz, Mandrake managed to translate his act for the newest craze the small screen. Mandrake: A Magical Life is a timeless classic. Archival footage of Mandrake in performance and stunning visuals from a bygone era are combined with interviews with his widow and sons, two of whom are also magicians. A swinging original soundtrack adds to a joyful and haunting film about an incredible man. A Make Believe Media Inc. Production. Directed & Edited by Mary Ungerleider. Produced by Lynn Booth. Original Music Composition by Dennis Burke. Produced in association with the History Television, Canal D and Knowledge Network. Produced with the participation of BC Film, the Canadian Television Fund - Licence Fee Program, and Rogers Cable Network Fund. The best is at http://www.aladdin.com.au/ ---------------------------------- 10. Antarctica Simply Magic Show ---------------------------------- Message from Greg Britt (NZ) Where: International Antarctic Centre, Main Theatre 38 Orchard Rd (Next to Chrischurch international Airport) Christchurch, New Zealand www.iceberg.co.nz Freephone 0504 Penguin When: Saturday 30th June till Sunday 15th July. 11am and 1.30pm daily (32 SHOWS) Entry: Adults $ 16 Children $ 8 Family 2x adults, 3x children $39 Haglund Ride Adults $ 15 Children $8 Family $42 Show: Features International Magician Elgregoe. Special Guests Pom Pom the Penguin who will attempt to do magic? And Percy the penguin puppet. It will be snowing down at the Antarctic Centre all part of Elgregoes fast paced fun show for the whole family. With a couple of Grand Illusions to surprise it will definitely be Simply Magic. ---------------------------------- 11. Magic Camp Scholarships ---------------------------------- Message from George Schindler- Public Relations SAM The Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund is proud to announce the award of three full tuition scholarships to attend summer camp at Tannen's Magic Camp. The scholarships include tuition as well as travel expenses, where applicable. The first winner of a full tuition scholarship is James Ebbrecht, 15 years old, of Shoreham, New York, who has won a scholarship to attend Tannen's Magic Camp. Jamey attends the Shoreham-Wading River School and he is in 9th grade. He entertains and focuses mainly on stage tricks but performs walk around close-up magic at restaurants and children's birthday parties. He works at two magic shops and also performs regularly at an ice cream parlor. The second award winner of a full tuition scholarship and travel expense is Michael Jacobson, 14 years old of Los Angeles, California. Michael attends Palisades High School and is in the 9th grade. Michael belongs to the Junior Program at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. He doesn't simply perform a trick but weaves contemporary routines. He performs at birthday parties, banquets, Bar Mitzvah's and his high school's Casino Night, as well as regularly at a Senior Retirement Home and for the City of Hope Children's Hospital. The third award winner of a full tuition scholarship plus travel expense is Ezra Deutsch-Feldman 13 years old of Bethesda, Maryland. Ezra attends the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and is in the 7th grade. Ezra has been a member of the S.A.M.'s Society of American Magicians Young Magicians (S.Y.M) since 1999. What he enjoys most is card and coin tricks and developing his sleight-of-hand. He formed a magic business with friends when he was in 5th grade and they have been performing at local children's birthday parties ever since. He also donates his time to charitable causes and regularly performs at the local homeless shelter. We look forward to their continued development in the magical arts. For Further Information Contact: Warren J. Kaps 15 Warren Street Hackensack, NJ 07601 Tel. (201) 489-5277 -------------------------------- 12. Congratulations to organisers - Palmerston North Convention ---------------------------------- Message from Michael Woolf (NZ) Editor Magicana Magazine Congratulations to the organisers of the Mini-Convention held last weekend in Palmerston North. "Magicana" was there, and a full report together with pictures will appear in the next issue of "Magicana." Michael Woolf Editor/Publisher, "Magicana" Magazine Box 38046 Wellington Mail Centre Wellington New Zealand 64 4 587 0045 fax 64 4 587 0042 mobile 25 577774 -------------------------------- 13. The Orchante Saga #33 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Dr. Robert (Tex) "The Great" MORTON plus Orchante Before I relate my experiences with 'Tex', here are a few more facts about this fascinating man. Robert Morton was best known overseas (as opposed to New Zealand and Australia), as the 'Great Morton; - one of the greatest attractions ever to tour the World's legitimate Theatres - including Carnegie Hall, New York. Throughout the Universities of Canada and the U.S., he was well known as a learned research worker, and lecturer in the field of psychosomatic and Hypnotic Therapy. Because of his lifetime hobby of collecting Folk songs, he is still fondly remembered by older New Zealanders and Australians, under his nickname 'Tex', entertainer extraordinaire. Since 1934, he was an Entrepreneur and Producer/Promoter of some of the most successful radio and stage productions Australasia has ever seen. In the middle/late thirties, no stage Hypnotist was complete without a beard - Tex was no exception. At one stage, he shaved his off, but when he later did a return tour to French Canada he was obliged to grow it again, as the 'Canadians' stubbornly refused to believe he was the original 'Le Grande Morton - Hypnotiser'!! The late Walter Braemer, of Auckland, New Zealand, was one of his early tutors, who in later years claimed to have also taught other well known hypnotists of the time - Franquin, Van Loewe and Dormia (she was billed as 'the World's First Lady Hypnotist'). Franquin denies, however, ever having taken any lessons from 'the Old Master'. PHEW!! And there's more! The 'TEX MORTON SHOW' with Orchante - Opening Night - Mon.13th November 1967, Kaitaia, 8.30 p.m. The show consisted of, first half, Tex singing, reciting monologues, sharp shooting, and his Memory act, interspersed with my Yoga, and Magic acts. The second half was all Hypnotism! Tex liked a drink. Always, backstage, was a bottle of whisky, from which he would imbibe when I was on stage. How did I know that? Well, the very first night, he caught me right off guard - knowing that I was also a Hypnotist in my own right, he took full advantage of that fact. Having got his volunteers on stage - performed his various 'tests', 'popped them off', and got his show going, he then, out of the blue, stops and announces to the audience that 'the Great Orchante, whom they saw performing his marvellous feats in the first half, was also a hypnotist. Would they please welcome back, on stage, the aforementioned Great..........!!!' I nearly fell over! In a mad scramble, I threw on the suit I used for my Magic act, and nonchalantly strolled on stage, as if this was the 'norm' . Tex shook my hand, leaned into my ear, and whispered 'Good on ya, Mate - I'm off for a drink.' He then tells his subjects 'From now on, you will obey any and all instructions from the Great Orchante, until he tells you different'. Then, he left the stage. I carried on, using segments from my own Hypnotic show. After he had 'wet his whistle', he waved to me from the wings. I then told his subjects that Tex was again in control, welcomed him back on stage, and the Great Tex Morton finished off the show in style, with standing ovations, as befits a world famous entertainer. I'll wager that was the first, and probably the last, two man Hypnotism show in history. In an old newspaper dated 1967, I dug out from my bottomless aluminium trunk, there is an advert in the Entertainment pages. On the left hand side of the Advert, it shows a block of the smiling Tex, wearing his famous hat, and is headed 'TEX MORTON plus THE GREAT ORCHANTE - RETURN VISIT TONIGHT - TONIGHT - FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17TH, AT 8.30 PM, WHANGAREI TOWN HALL - ONE NIGHT ONLY! BOX PLANS COMPLETELY SOLD OUT - AGAIN! There are a few door sales left - these will be on sale from 7.30 pm. SATURDAY 18TH - DARGAVILLE' Tex's shows ALWAYS packed out. Next episode - POT-SHOTS, WITH TEX! P.S On Page 22 of my Saga, titled 'It Was Fun-tastic' I wrote about Johnny Cooper, a New Zealand Promoter/Singer from the 50s/60s. I have just received an e-mail from Eddie O'Strange, of the Blue Smoke Music Co. in New Zealand, who says Quote 'I'm pleased to update you on Johnny Cooper QSM. Yes, in the Queen's Birthday Honours list Johnny was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for service to the community. There has been a bit of media attention, especially great was the front page article (with photo) in the Evening Post, Mon 4 June 2001.' Unquote. I know Johnny, that you are reading my Saga, and I just want to say personally, how proud I am for you, as you must justifiably be. It is a well-deserved honour. Good on you mate! ------------------------------------- 14. 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 ------------------------------------- 15. 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 ------------------------------------- 16. 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 << © Copyright 2001 Alan Watson