* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #136 Date: Sunday 1st September 2002 Editors: 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. William Spencer Estate Magic Auction--9/21 3. Memories of Helga Moretti - From Frances Willard 4. It's Magic! Show 5. Las Vegas Show - Darren Romeo 6. 20 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Be A Part Of Magical History 7. A Gigantic Collection Of Books For Sale 8. The Las Vegas Magic Invitational 9. 3 Cows Restaurant And Bar 10. Needle Thru Balloon – Ideas Needed 11. Performing At Science World, Vancouver 12. Balloons Around The World 13. ROCCO Lecture - Miami 14. Brian Flora’s Marketing Tapes 15. The Orchante Saga #121 16. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Magic New Zealand e-zine archives Have revamped the Magic New Zealand e-zine achieves. 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: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) ------------------------------------- Ross Skiffington (Aust) has received great reviews from The Age, The Herald Sun, The Australian and the Geelong Advertiser for his latest show The Comedy of Errors. ----------------------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. William Spencer Estate Magic Auction--9/21 ---------------------------------- Message from Shelly Dubick Dear Magic Collectors: The Extensive Library and Magic Collection from the Estate of William Spencer of Indianapolis, IN are scheduled to be sold at public auction on Saturday September 21 at 9 am. This is a very unique auction that has something for any fan of magic!! Preview is Friday September 20 from Noon to 6 pm. Please visit our website www.rjbappraisals.com for complete details. If you have any questions feel free to email me or you can contact Robert J. Brown at 317-507-0639. Look forward to seeing you! Shelly Dubick Business Manager Robert J. Brown Appraisal Services 317-826-8771--office --------------------------------- 3. Memories of Helga Moretti - From Frances Willard ---------------------------------- Message from Frances Willard (US) Thank you for letting us know about Helga Moretti. We were last together in December performing for Ron McMillan at "Her Majesty's Theatre" at London's West End. Glenn and I visited briefly backstage, and we were amused at the "Phantom Costumes" which were lofted overhead for the rest of the week's performances. After our performance, Glenn and I rushed around to watch Hans and Helga thrill the audience with their incredible showmanship with the Crossbow and Swordbox. It took Glenn and I back to l978, when we worked on the bill with Han Moretti, Jr. and Maureen for "It's Magic". It was fun at CBS Magician's Favorite Magicians to watch Hans emerge from the box laughing and dressed as a clown, with chickens and balloons, etc. Thanks to our video of the show, that moment is captured to recall. We have had the honor of performing at IBM Norfolk with the Moretti's, when Glenn narrated Han's upside down straitjacket routine suspended from a burning rope. They were always a dynamite act, and their dramatic, Viking like appearance and personalities were fascinating both on and off stage. Every illusion in their hands turned to superb. We never had an opportunity to see his mental act, but it must have been strong. We saw the Crossbow, bullet catch, swordbox, papertree suspension on a number of occasions, and they always left the audience spellbound. We shall miss her very much, and our thoughts and hearts are with our friend, Hans and her family. It is a real credit to her that during her lifetime she and Hans were generous enough to share their act with their son and pass it on. In this way, her spirit and magic lives on. ---------------------------------- 4. It's Magic! Show ---------------------------------- Message from Milt Larsen (US) Terry Hill and Milt Larsen produced the first "Magic! Under The Stars" show at the John Anson Ford Amphitheater which is the 1200 seat open air theater across from Hollywood's famed Hollywood Bowl. The Acts were Goldfinger and Dove, Whit Haydn, Jay Scott Berry, The Gleasons, Willie Tyler and Lester and Chuck Jones and Company. Jim Bentley did the Houdini Upside Down Strait Jacket escape. The show was very well received and may very well end up an annual event. The It's Magic! show that has been an annual event in Southern California since 1956, will take place this year at one of the Greater Los Angeles area's most prestigeous venues, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. This year's edition will star Ray Pierce, Dana Daniels, Juliana Chen, David & Dania, Brad Cummins and Greg Wilson and Company playing five performances Sept. 13-14 & 15. Billy McComb and Milt Larsen will be opening for the Amazing Johnathan at the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino the week of October 8 - 13. ---------------------------------- 5. Las Vegas Show - Darren Romeo ---------------------------------- Message from Don Drake (US) I don't often go out on a limb, and recommend a Las Vegas Show, but Darren Romeo is probably not only a terrific magician, but also a world class singer! When you combine the two, the combination is unbeatable! He truly has one of the greatest singing voices I have ever heard, this side of Broadway. The show is at the Mirage and is on every afternoon starting at 3 PM Tuesday through Saturday. Darren fills every moment of his show with terrific music! I hope to see all of you soon, either at a convention here in Las Vegas, or at SAM National, which will be at the Riviera Hotel in July of 2003. ---------------------------------- 6. 20 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Be A Part Of Magical History ---------------------------------- Message from Warren J. Kaps (US) S.A.M. Past National President 1) Pride of Membership – The opportunity to be a member of the oldest and most prestigious magic society in the world. 2) Improving Skills – By joining a local assembly where you can enjoy magic, have social fellowship and the opportunity to perform, learn and interact with fellow magicians and participate in monthly meetings. Your skills as a magician will improve. 3) General Liability Insurance – A $ 1,000,000 liability insurance policy is an optional benefit available to members of S.A.M This policy is available at a reasonable cost through a Best ‘A’ rated insurance company. The program covers all participating S.A.M. members who are residents of the United States for their performances in the U.S.A., Puerto Rico, U.S. territories and Canada. Coverage provides spectator liability and premises liability including property damage. Participating members will receive individual certificates of coverage. Most standard magic tricks are covered (there are a few exceptions). An additional named insured certificate is available on request for an additional fee. For specific coverage and information contact: Steve Scollard, 1-800-676-8818. For applications contact National Administrator: Richard Blowers, 1-314-846-5659. 4) Each year our membership participates in National Magic Week (October 25-31) – We encourage the general public to participate and attend magic events during this week. 5) The Good And Welfare Committee invites members to give cheer to those who are ill. For further information contact Fred Schlosshauer, 8 Alanon Street, Whippany, NJ 07981, (973) 887-2617, OscarBOJ@aol.com. 6) Your organization supports The S.A.M. Hall of Frame And Magic Museum – Founded in 1967, this is a non-profit educational corporation based in Hollywood California. It features many interesting attractions, including a library and museum with tours, performances and lectures. The museum illustrates the history of magic from ancient Egypt to the Twenty-first Century. Life sized figures of many famous magicians are displayed performing their famous tricks and illusions. The Hall of Fame Gallery has a display of photographs of history’s most famous magicians. The Ronald and Ruth Haines Memorial Gallery contains one of the world’s most extensive collections of playing cards. There’s no charge for visiting, but you must make advance arrangements. For further information contact John Engman, Vice President, S.A.M. Hall of Fame, 2617 Whitney Drive, Alhambra, CA 91803, Telephone 626-281-4943. 7) We provide an Occult Investigation Committee which investigates psychic and occult phenomenon and expose fraudulent claims when brought to our attention. 8) As a result of our support, the US Post Office will issue, on July 3, 2002, a Commemorative Magic Postage Stamp honouring our Centennial and our past president, Harry Houdini. First day covers will be issued and available at the Centennial Convention. 9) The S.A.M. Ethics Committee which rules on ethical problems among magicians and dealers, opposes the indiscriminate exposure of magic especially in the public media. 10) Members can enjoy our National Conventions. Here is where members can see and attend lectures on stage and close up magic, meet other magicians, exchange ideas, and see attending magic dealers demonstrate their wares. You can watch and/or take part in the contests and see superb evening shows at adjacent theatres. 11) Gifts And Insignia – All S.A.M. members have access to authentic merchandise with the S.A.M. logo. Products include official certificates, wands, costume jewellery, coffee mugs, banners, plaques, and many more useful items. For an order form, contact Jean Kinnicutt, P.O. Box 4191, Albany NY 12204, (518)434-4001, SAMGADGETS@aol.com or our National Administrator. 12) S.A.M. Website – We maintain an internet website to provide members with up to date news and information. SamOnLine presents tricks, film clips and photos each month. Membership may be applies for online, gifts and insignias may be ordered and you may register for attendance at conventions. The website also emphasizes the many activities of the Society. Sign on at www.magicsam.com 13) Sponsoring SAM talk email newsgroup where members with email access can exchange email comments on the daily basis in digest format. This is a moderated site with discussions of all phases of magic. Having problems with a particular trick? Ask those who are on the website for their comments and thoughts. Sign on by sending an email to SAMtalkBruce@cox.net, including your name and S.A.M membership number. 14) Our organization supports a program of magic instruction for the mentally disadvantaged. 15) Video tape recordings of senior members of the Society in order to preserve the history of our time. 16) The Society of Young Magicians is part of the S.A.M. The young magicians group is a resource for future senior members while at the same time instilling good character traits. The S.Y.M was founded in 1984 to encourage boys and girls between seven and seventeen to consider magic as a hobby. Today there are more than 100 chartered S.Y.M. assemblies with adult leaders to provide guidance and instructions to young members. Members receive a membership card, membership pin, and a monthly publication, The Magic SYMbol. For more information on this program, contact Charlene Gott, Young Member Program, 8.1 E. Tyler, Morton, IL 61550, (309) 266-6910, Magichar@dpc.net 17) The public Relations chair is available to publicize magic events and to help with individual press release on behalf of members. 18) Life Membership – Over 215 members (including Lance Burton, David Copperfield and Siegfried and Roy) made substantial lasting contributions to the Society in the advancement of the are of magic. For further information contact Clem Kinnicutt, Life Membership Chair, P.O. Box 4191 Albany, NY 12204, ( 518) 434-4001, LIFEMEMBERS@AOL.COM 19) Moving – Get special discounts from National Van Lines for moving household items and magic props. 20) The S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund is the philanthropic partner of the Society. Further information as to membership may be obtained by writing to Richard Blowers at: 7566 John Street, St. Louis, MO 63129, or e-mail at RMBlowers@aol.com, or by going to the S.A.M. website, magicsam.com. Each new member will receive a Centennial Coin containing the likeness of Jay Marshall, Dean of the Society, as well as S.A.M. money which is redeemable only from certain magic dealers. The S.A.M. money is in the amount of $50 and as a result, if you buy magic from dealers you will be getting a discount equal to the amount of dues. With over seven thousand members, the Society is truly a worldwide organization. ---------------------------------- 7. A Gigantic Collection Of Books For Sale ---------------------------------- Message from Paul Diamond (US) I've acquired a gigantic collection of books....collector's books and a magic collection from the widow of Argee The Magician. List is available by sending your e-mail to: mrhumble@prodigy.net --------------------------------- 8. The Las Vegas Magic Invitational ---------------------------------- Message from Robert G. Allen (US) TIME IS RUNNING OUT! You have been invited to attend The Las Vegas Magic Invitational The hottest Close-Up & Cabaret Magic Convention of the year starts in only 20 Days! September 15-17, 2002 * San Remo Hotel * Las Vegas, Nevada SUPER STAR SHOWS * LECTURES * DEALERS JAM SESSION SHOWS * WORKSHOPS * PARTIES "It's the most fun you can have at a magic convention" We are almost full! If you are coming Register Now! You can register on line at www.LVMI.net or you can print the form below and fax it back to us at (702) 434-5204 ---------------------------------- 9. 3 Cows Restaurant And Bar ---------------------------------- Message from Kyle Southam (NZ) I will be performing bar magic at the "3 Cows Restaurant and Bar", Cnr Williams and Sewell Sts, Kaiapoi (outside Christchurch) - Opposite the Kaiapoi Police Station. 8pm - 9:30pm. Friday, 13th September. No cover charge. If you wish dinner you must book at least a week in advance for a table as this place packs out!!! The portions are huge!!!! Or, just come and have a drink at the bar where I'll be performing all sorts of "stuff". Look forward to seeing you there! ---------------------------------- 10. Needle Thru Balloon – Ideas Needed ---------------------------------- Message from Adrian Smith (South Africa) I’m trying to make my kids show pack flat - play big. I want to incorporate back into my show the (needle thru balloon) just don’t really like the normal routine - Can anybody help with some ideas. Magical Regards Adrian $mith - Web - page - members.freemail.absa.co.za/adrian3/ ---------------------------------- 11. Performing At Science World, Vancouver ---------------------------------- Message from Lon Mandrake (Canada) The Society of American Magicians Assembly # 95 will be performing at Science World, Vancouver, Canada from December 26 till January 5, 2003.They will be performing in the theatre and walk around during the Center's daily visiting hours. Over 20 magicians including many "award winning" magicians will be performing over the season. Going through some storage containers with my mother, Velvet, I discovered Kellar's blooming rose bush that my father purchased and used for years in the 1940s and 1950s. It is well used but belonged to both Harry Kellar and Leon Mandrake. Any ideas on a museum or private collector that might be interested? ---------------------------------- 12. Balloons Around The World ---------------------------------- Message from Jeff Brown I'd like to remind people that NOW IS THE TIME to sign up for Balloons Around the World! It's scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, 2002. Twisters find and schedule a good cause in their community to donate an hour or more of their time to. We have close to 200 people twisting in 43 of the U.S. states/territories, as well as in 10 countries. if you look over the participants, you'll see a great outpouring of the spirit of giving. Thanks to all who have signed up so far! Also a big thanks to Larry Moss and all the great folks at Balloon HQ, who help with the web part of making it possible! www.balloonsaroundtheworld.com/participating.php Everyone who signs up gets a free OFFICIAL TWISTER button. It's fun, it's rewarding, and it's also a great opportunity to tell your local media about the magic of balloons! ---------------------------------- 13. ROCCO Lecture - Miami ---------------------------------- Message from Rick Del Vecchio (US) Remember, Ring 45 will feature ROCCO on Tuesday Aug 27th. See below; Everyone is invited... Rocco will conduct a lecture at Ring 45 in Miami on Tuesday August 27, 2002. His lecture will start at 8:00pm. This is free Ring 45 members and $10.00 for non ring 45 members. Prior to this lecture, Rocco will hold an optional workshop for $25.00. This will take place at the Polish Club from 6:00pm-7:30pm. This will be a one on workshop limited to 10 people. Registration is on a first come first serve basis. You may reserve a spot by emailing Rick Del Vecchio. we have four positions remaining. NOTE; If you take the workshop, bring a deck of cards, six coins, half dollars or quarters, a sport coat (fpr sleeving), a rubber ball. Refreshments will be served. ---------------------------------- 14. Brian Flora’s Marketing Tapes ---------------------------------- Message from Roy I have several of Brian's Marketing tapes but am missing a couple. Any idea of where I might go to complete my collection Telephone: (925) 455-0600 Email Address: RPMagic@attbi.com Web Site: www.magicshows.org ---------------------------------- 15. The Orchante Saga #121 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) A Poem Back on page 107, I began the ‘Trevor King story’, which was beginning to show all the signs of becoming a ‘Saga’ in it’s own right – well, I did say that I may have bitten off a lot more then I could chew, and that several volumes would probably be needed! I got a wee bit waylaid when Alan and Michele Watson received the Dragon Award (pages 112/113), and again when I ‘bored you all to tears’, with my autobiography (pages 118 –120). I’m finishing Trevor’s story with a poem he sent to me few years ago. It is not the world's greatest poem, but his sentiments are there. Nostalgic Memories of a Theatre Manager - by Trevor King QSM I remember the ‘Tivoli’, the heyday of the stars, The Matinee on Saturday, Those crazy ‘Keystone Cops’ and Cars, And I remember the ‘Plaza’, the ‘Mayfair’, The ‘Regent’, ‘State’, and ‘St James’ - Oh wonderful and memorable - The Magic, Their Names… The quiet, the plush, the plaster - the circle and the stalls, The ornamental staircase, the marble entrance halls, (the parrot) The lights that dimmed to darkness - the curtains silent rise, the stars - The hush -ness and breathless stillness, the concentrated eyes… The flickering shaft of whiteness that threw upon the screen, Such images of dreaming as sleep has never seen, The Cowboys on the prairie - the girl whose heart was his - The funny man (YOUR favourite), the villain - “LOOK OUT, THERE HE IS….” It’s homeward bound for teatime - we went by tram or train How desperate were their battles, we fought them once again; “Bags I be the hero”; he never missed of course, You always knew which one he was - he rode the whitest horse… The ‘Hollywood’ at Sumner, the ‘Century’ at St Albans, The ‘Rex’ at Riccarton, the ‘Metro’ at Sydenham, The ‘Vogue’ at Spreydon – unbreakable in their spell; How strong was the enchantment, how willingly I fell. I can't forget the ‘Majestic’, the ‘Avon’, The ‘Regent’ the ‘Grand Crystal Palace’, When they were in their prime - All the cinemas - all day long Ah, how sadly I recollect The glories that are gone But I remember the ‘Avon’, the carpet on the floor, The manager who met you - The ushers at the door, The music from the movies that introduced the show - Ah yes, I remember the ‘Avon’ but, THAT WAS LONG AGO. Thank you Trevor, for sharing your treasured memories with me. I treasure our friendship, one that has lasted - for 41Years! By the simple expedient of altering Theatre names and places, your poem conjures past memories of the ‘FLICKS’ for us all, like the unforgettable sound of rolling ‘Jaffas’, as someone spilled or threw them down wooden aisles; remember the stamping when the screen went dark! Oh, the memories! . ------------------------------------- 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 Magic New Zealand e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Magic New Zealand e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday. The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors and not those of Magic New Zealand. Neither Magic New Zealand or Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand e-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree that they will not hold Magic New Zealand and/or Alan Watson liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed herein. We reserve the right to edit, correct or, in our discretion, choose not to publish any submissions provided to Magic New Zealand for potential publication. Magic New Zealand welcomes readers to submit timely articles or news items which appear to be of interest to our readers. Those submitting to this e-zine agree that we have permission to publish their submissions and that they have the full copyright to the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand are fully protected by international copyright as provided by law, and articles cannot be published for profit by anyone other than the individual author without the written permission of Magic New Zealand. >>This publication may be freely redistributed (but not sold) to other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer.<< © Copyright 2002 Alan Watson