* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #85 Date: Sunday 12th August 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. Review on Joe Labero's international magic show 3. Comments on a few statements - Joe Labero & Ross Skiffington 4. ELECTRICKS 5. Rip-off Reply from Christine Tait - President: South African Magic Council 6. "Catch A Rising Star" comedy club at the Excalibur in Las Vegas 7. Sell out IBM and SAM called the Bendable Pen 8. Rocky racoon 9. re Ms Taylor's comments on Joe Labero and Ross Skiffington 10. Duck Cameron (Aust) responding to Diana Taylor's and Alf Hayes comments 11. The date should read 1969 12. The Orchante Saga #41 13. Diarise these events 14. MagicNZ e-zine archives 15. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Joshua Jay close-up lecture Auckland Friday 10th August It was very gratifying to see such a young man at the age of 19 that has accomplished so much with our art. Josh has a great future ahead of him. His repertoire was presented in a very slick, professional manner and even the seasoned pros were very impressed. If you ever have the opportunity to see Joshua's lecture don't miss it! ------------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. Review on Joe Labero's international magic show ---------------------------------- Message from Michele Watson (NZ) Joe Labero well known Swedish magician is now at the Sky City Casino Auckland. Alan and I have seen the show twice already (tickets available from Ticketek 09 307 5000). We loved every minute of this extremely entertaining, professionally produced show and most important, the lay audience were enthralled. Joe is the consummate showman with his large scale international magic show, big strong illusions, it's fast, exciting and highly visual. Enhanced with high tech sets, state of the art lighting and sound, brilliantly choreographed dance routines, equals a fantastic experience! I personally loved the way he interwove close-up into his show with the aid of a video and very large screen so the audience could see his every move. Joshua Jay was our guest Thursday night and said Joe's show "was an absolute blast". Joe's season at Sky City, Auckland is 9th to 23rd August and in Wellington is 14th to 28th September. Go and see it, you will not be disappointed. Check out his website go to: www.labero.com ---------------------------------- 3. Comments on a few statements - Joe Labero & Ross Skiffington ---------------------------------- Message from Gene McCarthy (NZ) The issues just keep getting better. Anyone in our business that can sustain a living is truly a success and worthy of any performer's admiration. I have never seen Ross Skiffington perform but I understand he is a talented actor and fine magician. And he is working. He is out there, alone, in the heat of the lights taking a chance. If his show 'opened' rough, what show hasn't? And I saw Joe Labero in Sydney and although I felt the presentation of a couple of items 'might' be improved the audience thoroughly enjoyed the show. And Joe is working. Slugging away while many of us stand on the sidelines armed with criticism. Joe and Ross and so many other wonderful performers are in the arena. Not in the bleachers. And I salute them all. And admire each one. And extend a 'thank you' for allowing me to renew an old acquaintance, the child within me. ------------------------------------- 4. ELECTRICKS ------------------------------------- Message from Ross Skiffington I cannot give any credence to the article by Ms Taylor as published in MagicNZ e-zine #84. Rather, I would like to inform readers of this column that the preview was our dress rehearsal. The following evening was opening night and that performance, plus all subsequent ones, was technically spot on. It is a pity Ms Taylor didn't come and see the show on opening night (Taylor's Magic was on the invite list) and also my kids show Patrick's Hat Trick, which I was presenting during the daytime. From our perspective both shows were great successes, artistically and financially. You can't ask for more than that! I have included two independent professional reviews of ELECTRICKS. One from the Sydney Morning Herald and the other from The Manly Daily. It should be noted that the reviewer from the Manly Daily attended the same performance as Ms Taylor. I guess that, in the end, people only see and hear what they want to. With regards to the Origami Box, I had correspondence with Mr Steinmeyer way back in 1991 and I politely suggest that Ms Taylor should really mind her own business. It might be of interest that the Sydney publicist for Joe Labero came to see my show and loved every aspect of it, in particular the opening and closing sequences. Also, every night at the end of the show, without fail, the backstage crew gave me a round of applause as I made my exit from the stage to the dressing room. It was completely unsolicited and very flattering. After all, backstage crews have seen everything, are not easy to impress and these guys had worked for both Copperfield and Labero. ------------------------------------- SYDNEY MORNING HERALD Date: 20/07/2001 ELECTRICKS Glen Street Theatre July 17 Reviewed by Doug Anderson Is it still possible to believe in magic? Miracles maybe, but magic has been so debased and dwarfed by the titanic egos of high-profile practitioners in recent years that much of its traditional allure has been devalued. Politicians, too, resort increasingly to sleight of hand and shabby tricks which we know - and they know - are manifestly fake, reinforcing our cynicism. Electricks is a blend of the old and the new styles of trickery. Ross Skiffington manifests an air of charm and a finesse in a show which combines traditional hand conjuring with big-ticket "arena"-style illusions and he offers showmanship and glamour in an enjoyable array of illusions and legerdemain. He makes a sports coupe vanish from the Glen Street stage faster than Nicolas Cage in Gone in 60 Seconds, he makes women appear and disappear at will and he produces a live goose from inside a hankie ... do not try this at home. A portentous Vangelis soundtrack which accompanied much of Act 1 was a little too intense for my liking and an opening interlude, featuring a rumpled janitor character, was less than inspired. There were card tricks, ball tricks, magic scarves and a handy fishes-and-loaves routine in which a single bottle of port magically turned into a dozen. Best in this segment was an illusion involving The Australian newspaper - a publication that, in Skiffington's hands, is more than a good read. Among the more mind-boggling routines was one in which Skiffington set out to reveal the mechanics behind an illusion. Not surprisingly, after some exposition, an even more confounding effect was produced. There were levitation, nostalgia, slicing, segmenting and sawing up of attractive assistants - conjured from a tongue of flame inside a tiger's cage, and later from a perspex box. Technically attractive, with abundant variety, it's an entertainment with plenty of value and even a nostalgic reflection on the nature of magic from the pen of philosopher/practitioner Hayes Gordon. The presentation has a structure but lacks a sustainable through-line and, in attempting to give it a sense of direction, Skiffington has gilded the lily somewhat. If only he could conjure up a late-night bus service outside the Glen Street Theatre on a cold night. I'd like to see that! Electricks ends tomorrow ------------------------------------- The Manly Daily Friday July 13th 2001 Show: Ross Skiffington Electricks At: Glen Street Theatre, French's Forest Bookings: 9975 1455 Reviewer: Julie Moffat Magic Still Has A Place On The Stage Old-fashioned magic remains fascinating for most audiences despite our modern tendency to question, seek and find out how it really works, so this magical tour provides some relaxing entertainment. Using a mix of illusion, levitation, magical appearances and unexplained disappearances Skiffington and his team kept their audience enthralled. A couple of seemingly impossible card tricks and mind reading demonstrations mixed with some surrealistic manipulation of inanimate objects (large and small) which are seen to take on lives of their own, all add to the fun. Funky music, some electric dance routines from a crew that includes a couple of particularly supple performers and an unhurried sense of drama all add up to a show that obviously delighted audiences this week, with extra support coming from the many youngsters who were particularly enthralled. ------------------------------------- 5. Rip-off Reply from Christine Tait - President: South African Magic Council ------------------------------------- Message from Christine Tait - President: South African Magic Council Rip-off Reply from Christine Tait - President: South African Magic Council. I have been following the rip-off saga over the past few weeks and, as President of SAMCO, I categorically state that we do not support or condone rip-offs of any kind. SAMCO has 10 member societies that abide by our SAMCO Constitution. In fact we applaud and support original ideas and inventions. We believe those inventors are entitled to the acknowledgement and financial compensation due to them, without fear of being ripped-off. After all it is their creative ability and dedication that gives us something new and brilliant to enjoy! In Exor's first letter, E Zine # 81, he states: "Hence most magicians and manufacturers of magic in South Africa have specialized in rip-offs - can you blame us??" This is a sweeping statement, which placed South Africa in a very poor light, because "most" S.A. magicians do not specialize in rip-offs. Yes, there are a few "rip-off artists" here, and indeed around the world, and I suspect they will be with us in the future. We need to discourage this practise by instilling in them a sense of honesty and magical integrity. We, in South Africa, have worked hard to gain recognition from the magic fraternity worldwide. My correspondence, as President of SAMCO, with Walter Zaney Blaney and our support of WAM will attest to our credentials and that position remains unchanged. SAMCO and its membership appeal to you, the reader, not to judge all South African magicians as "rip-off artists" because we are not. I would like to reply to Bill Robinson (US), who stated in E Zine # 83: "The South Africans justified apartheid, too." Please don't tar us all with the same brush, by generalizing! There were many of us, here in S.A., who did not support or justify the system! ---------------------------------- 6. "Catch A Rising Star" comedy club at the Excalibur in Las Vegas ---------------------------------- Message from Susan (Lewin) - US Nick Lewin has been touring all over the world this year. Happy to say that he will be headlining the "Catch A Rising Star" comedy club at the Excalibur in Las Vegas August 13 through August 19. There are two shows nightly at 7:30 and 10:00 PM (except Friday--when there is only a 10:00 PM) and the tickets are a very reasonable US$16.95 with two for ones Monday through Thursday. Nick started his Las Vegas comedy career at the "Catch" when it was at Ballys and followed over to the MGM. The room at the Excalibur is upstairs where the old Neon coffee shop was once located. Please be sure and say "hello" after the show, if you are able to come by. ---------------------------------- 7. Sell out IBM and SAM called the Bendable Pen ---------------------------------- Message from John Cornelius (US) I just found out that my website has been down for some time. It is back and running. Just added was a sell out IBM and SAM called the Bendable Pen. ---------------------------------- 8. Rocky racoon ---------------------------------- Message from Ross Harlick (NZ) - rossco@quicksilver.net.nz I am looking for a mate for my Rocky Racoon. If anyone out there has a second hand Rocky for sale please ring me on (09) 521.3327 ---------------------------------- 9. re Ms Taylor's comments on Joe Labero and Ross Skiffington ---------------------------------- Message from Alfred Hayes (Aust) Acknowledgement re Ms Taylor's comments on Joe Labero and Ross Skiffington ... I suggest you re-read carefully both items again. Much was contained within and between the words that you appear not to have seen ... My Labero reflections were based on "feed-backs" from both Sydney and interstate seasons by magicians as well as lay people ... Regards Skiffington, I was there opening night (tickets paid for too) and it went smoothly ... We should support local talent (they are the people that make a magic shop viable!). Zealous eyes should hunt to be constructive, not destructive. Any magician performing as Joe and Ross do to the general public, should be encouraged and welcomed. They bring their specific style of our ancient craft 'alive'. ---------------------------------- 10. Duck Cameron (Aust) responding to Diana Taylor's and Alf Hayes comments ---------------------------------- Message from Duck Cameron (Aust) Why is it that some people feel the need to review others passion? Why is it generally people that have not made a name for them selves as a performer? Is it nothing more than human's need to inflate self importance? How does it help the art of magic? If people that feel the need to review other's work are so knowledgeable, why are they not also sensitive to the way magic should be promoted? Tearing a show apart in a newsletter does not help anybody. If anything, I consider it downright mean. Art of any sort is of personal taste and what one might love, another might loathe...that's why we create so many options for people. God forbid if we all loved the same thing! As for trashing a show for it's technical errors on the net, that in my opinion is far more inexcusable than making the mistakes themselves. They are just that, mistakes...and if any magician can perform for years and years and not make any..then they are not human. Yes, it is a shame when we expose effects accidentally, but if one was caring, wouldn't you approach the performer with notes after the show, rather than posting them on the net? (I wonder if Diana Taylor approached Mr. Skiffington with her concerns, and if she did, I'm sure he was grateful). Reading them on the net, I'm sure he is not! Didn't these people's parents instill in them the old saying "If you can't say something nice..then shut the @#$% up" It is my opinion that those that review are intelligent enough to write, but stupid enough to think it matters... ---------------------------------- 11. The date should read 1969 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard - (Orchante) - (ex-pat Kiwi) For those of you who are saving my Saga for posterity (or whatever), please note: - on pages 37, 38 and 39, of the Orchante Saga, in the first paragraph where it says Tahiti - December 1967 - I made a mistake - the date should read 1969. Sorry about that. ---------------------------------- 12. The Orchante Saga #41 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) "Those were the days" Although this episode is aimed primarily at New Zealand variety entertainers, who were based in Auckland during the early Sixties and Seventies, many may find it interesting from a historic point of view -and perhaps, bring up some faded memories for many kiwi 'old-timers' like myself. A few months ago Sally Phillips, (nee Metzer) my dear friend of many moons, sent me a copy of a newspaper cutting dated July 1971, which also displayed various photographs that brought back some special memories for me (it's a shame that Alan's magic e-zine can't display photos). The write - up is headed "on with the show, they say." In the first 'pic', Sally is bending over me as I'm laying on my bed of nails, asking if I'm okay, (she actually remembers saying that) in the foreground is Peter Newberry, juggling his club's. (Sally and Peter worked together as 'Peter and Gaye' - a trick cycling and juggling act) Beneath the photo, the newspaper report says quote, 'three of 12 Auckland entertainers staged a 10minute demonstration at the intersection of Queen and Victoria streets this afternoon, before being asked to move on by the traffic department. They were voicing their objections to a Licensing Control Commission warning that Live entertainment could be infringing the 'Sale Of Liquor' act at a North Shore restaurant, the 'Ranch House'. The entertainers, with their respective tools of trade, were not permitted to demonstrate. Traffic moved among them throughout the time they were on the intersection!' unquote. Another photo, which again depicts myself lying on the bed of nails, shows a trolleybus going by - the huge right wheel is just inches from my head (I do remember that, I could feel the heat coming off the tyre, on the side of my face,) - a third picture shows magician, Jon Zealando, with cane in one hand and doffing his top hat with the other, standing on top of me - again with Peter Newberry in the foreground, juggling three clubs - his unicycle lying in the middle of the road, as I was, just behind me. In the background are the other entertainers, unfortunately I can't recognise them. Also pictured is Curly Del Monte, (he was, I think, the secretary of the NZ. variety artists convention - V.A.C., at that time) he's carrying a large sign which says, 'ENTERTAINERS OUTLAWED BY LICENSING LAW'. The caption under this photo reads, quote, 'Auckland's lunch hour traffic was brought to a sudden stop when several local variety artistes decided to bring to the notice of the public that the licensing commission had announced its intension to exercise the existing licensing laws, prohibiting 'visual' performances in licensed restaurants. Hundreds of startled Aucklanders were intrigued with the performance'. Unquote. I often wonder about this apparently incurable disease that strikes so many of those who have been voted into office - turning their brains and all sense of reasoning, into - mush. This disease is particularly virulent here in England and I notice that the current Presidency of the United States of America is absolutely riddled with it. It wasn't just the Ranch House - every restaurant, hotel and nightclub in Auckland - in fact, the entire country, would have been affected. The potential effect this ludicrous law would have had on the livelihood of those artistes who entertained on a full-time professional basis, would have been devastating. This is a bit of a nostalgia 'kick' for me, and perhaps for many other Auckland entertainers also - here is a list of some of the nightclubs/restaurants that we all used to work during the Sixties and early Seventies, that would have been put 'out of bounds' if this law had come into effect. The Toby jug, the Back O the Moon, my personal favourite, The Dutch Kiwi, The Colony, the Poenamo, Peter Pan Ballroom, The Montmarte, Paris Boulevard, the Shiralee, the Mocambo, and the Sorrento. I'm sure there are many more, but offhand I can't think of them right now. The first nightclub in Auckland was, as far as I'm aware, a joint called the 'Heaven and Hell', I believe that Ricky May, the famous Australasian jazz singer, (he died some years ago), began his career making toasted sandwiches etc. at the Heaven and Hell, and occasionally doing the odd singing spot as well. I had a list of fellow Artistes names to include from yesteryear - I'm out of room, so - NEXT EPISODE! ------------------------------------- 13. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- Jay Scott Berry Lecture Tour Auckland 9th October 2001 Wellington 10th October Christchurch 11th October ------------------------------------- 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 ------------------------------------- 14. 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 ------------------------------------- 15. 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