* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #214
Date: Sunday 9th November 2003
Editor: Alan Watson
www.magicianz.com
www.alan-watson.com
e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================

  1. Editor’s Message
  2. S.A.M. Announce Special Education Program
  3. Open Letter To Francesco Martorana On Ripp Offs
  4. "Magic In Las Vegas" - November
  5. Dr. Brij Sood - Order Of Canada
  6. The Magic Circle Close Up Competition Finals 2003
  7. Magicians Of The Future
  8. Log On To VegasWebcast.com
  9. Defense Of The "Science Of Illusion Exhibit”
  10. Auction At Swann Galleries
  11. Ross Skiffington’s Magical Holiday
  12. Inside Magic Offers Free Classified Ads For Magicians
  13. Magic Capital Of The World - Colon Michigan
  14. Allan Thomas Carmichael 1936 - 2003
  15. A Tribute And Farewell To A Great Entertainer
  16. e-zine archives
  17. Subscription Management

------------------
1. Editor's Message
-------------------
Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One

Just had a message from Bill Reid informing us that Ron Mogridge
(Napier NZ) has now gone into constant care at Parkside Hospital 
Napier.

Stan Goudge (Auckland NZ) has just had two kidney stones removed
from the bladder at Auckland Hospital on Friday 31 October. A third
one 6.5 x 6.5 ml is stuck in the left urethra and he is waiting to
have that stone blasted away by lithotripsy.

Chris Parkinson (Auckland NZ) is scheduled to have triple by-pass
operation within the next two months.

-----------------------------
Message from Tim Ellis (Aust)

Could all New Zealand club secretaries please email me with their
postal details so I can send you out a batch of registration forms
for the next Australian convention in Melbourne in June 2004?

katzkin@tpg.com.au

----------------
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
AW@Alan-Watson.com

-----------------
2. Magicians Announce Special Education Program
-----------------
Message from George Schindler S.A.M. Public Relations and Publicity

The Society of American Magicians announces a new educational
program using Magic Tricks to help Special Education instructors
develop self-esteem mental and physical skills, reading skills and
team performance among their students.

Famous Las Vegas Magician Lance Burton lends his support to the
unique program and is featured in a thirty minute teach-in videotape
produced by the Society. The tape will be distributed at no charge
to instructors interested in the addition of the "Magic for Special
Education" to their curriculum.

Instructors will learn how to teach the magic their students will
perform. The Society's Magic Endowment Fund will also provide free
instructional materials
along with Lance Burton classroom Posters designed for the project.

Information on the "Magic for Special Education "Program is
available at: www.magicsam.com

-----------------
3. Open Letter To Francesco Martorana On Ripp Offs
-----------------
FROM: Walter Zaney Blaney President Emeritus
World Alliance of Magicians (WAM)

Dear Friends in Magic:

In a way of introduction, I think what you are about to read will
astound you.

There is an ‘open letter' naming the world's largest magic builder
of Rip-Off illusions. He is but one of a handful of magic builders
and dealers who make their living off the creativity and hard work
of others. As you will see, the letter is self-explanatory.

The officers of WAM have been told by some that we are just a small
band of magicians always complaining about the ever-growing Rip-Off
trade in our world magic community. I had to consider that maybe it
was true; maybe the majority of magicians just didn't care one way,
or the other.

So I asked most of the magic inventors to join us in trying to find
out if there was any real support for our cause. A letter was
emailed to a few dozen well known names in magic asking if they
would sign on to this ‘open letter’. They answered with a resounding
“YES,” and their names are listed below the letter. Soon many more
heard of this letter and wrote us asking that their name be added.

You will see many of the "big names" in magic known worldwide, along
with scores of grass-roots, hard-working magicians who are well
known and successful in their own geographic areas. If we had time
to wait, there would be thousands more wanting to 'sign on.’ Until
this letter came along there just hasn't been a place where they
could all voice their opinion together.

Please feel free to forward this on to any friends in magic, to any
Internet magic group you are a part of, and to any magic magazine in
your country.

Now read the letter, look at the list of signers, and prepare to be
astounded.

AN OPEN LETTER TO FRANCESCO MARTORANA,
STUDIO MAGIC DOMINIK, PALERMO, ITALY

We the undersigned magicians ask that you stop building and
marketing the following stage illusions. They are all proprietary
illusions of the designated magic inventors.

1. #0005 Owen's Magic/Bill Taylor Temple
2. #0006 Mark Wilson's Train Sawing
3. #0014 Jim Steinmeyer's Walking Through a Mirror
4. #0023 Franz Harary's Slicer
5. #0024 Jim Steinmeyer's Interlude
6. #0025 Jim Steinmeyer's Pole Levitation
7. #0027 Jim Steinmeyer's Origami
8. #0029 David Copperfield's Death Saw
9. #0030 Doug Henning's Water Levitation (Now owned by Kirby Van
Burch), with the Pendragon's 360-degree revolving feature.
10. #0031 Levitation with Pendragon's 360 degree revolving feature.
11. #0032 Andre Kole's Squeeze Box
12. #0034 Pendragon's Crystal Sawing
13. #0040 Daniel Summers' Compressed
14. #0041 Jim Steinmeyer's Modern Art
15. #0043 Gunter Puchinger's/Chalet Magic - Mini Cube Zag
16. #0048 Jim Steinmeyer's Acupuncture
17. #0049 Walter Zaney Blaney's Ladder Levitation
18. No # Jim Steinmeyer's Audience Dismember (Cutting a Spectator in
Half)
19. No# Jim Steinmeyer's Windshear (Fan Illusion)

Mr. Martorana, you have not secured the building rights from any of
these magic inventors, and you have given us no answer to our
previous direct requests to stop.

An important segment of our magic craft is the constant invention
and creation of new tricks and illusions. Magic inventors must use
their considerable knowledge of the art of deception; spend a lot of
time in heavy thinking and inspiration, and finally take great risk
and a good deal of their own money to develop, perfect and
successfully market their new ideas.

All the magic societies around the world recognize the need to
protect the rights of magic inventors, and they clearly state this
tenet in their various Codes of Ethics.

By just ignoring the rights of the inventors who did all the hard
work, and who are trying to earn a living from their creations, it
becomes easy for someone like you to unfairly build and market
cheaper, inferior copies we have all come to know as "rip offs". You
are not alone in the rip off business, Mr. Martorana, but you are
currently the largest.

We again respectfully ask you to cease and desist in copying and
building these illusions, to remove them from both your catalog and
website, and from those of your dealers around the world.

We believe it is in the best interest of all fair and honest
magicians to join us in standing up for the rights of the magic
inventors in order to protect and preserve the incentive so
necessary for them to continue producing the newest creations we all
need and want.

Sincerely,

David Copperfield
Lance Burton
John Calvert & Tammy
Milt Larsen, Magic Castle founder and "It's Magic" show producer.
The Paul Daniels, England
Mark Wilson
Luis de Matos, Portugal
Peter Reveen
Rick Thomas
Joaquin Ayala
Franz Harary
Ali Bongo, England
Andre Kole
Kirby Van Burch
John & Pamela Thompson
Jeff McBride
Marvyn Roy & Carol
Gay Blackstone
Marco Tempest
Max Maven
Michael Ammar
John Carney
Aldo Colombini
Gene Anderson
Eugene Burger
Steve Dacri, Magic Web Channel
Alan Watson, Magic New Zealand E-zine
David Sandy, IBM Intl. President
Jay Gorham, SAM NatI. President
Dag Lofalk, FISM 2006 President, Sweden
Dale Hindman, Academy of Magical Arts President
Alan Shaxon, The Magic Circle President
Joan Caesar, Canadian Assn. of Magicians President
Philip R. Willmarth, The Linking Ring Executive Editor
Don Wiberg, IBM Intl. Secretary
Fred Casto, IBM Intl. Treasurer
Tony Wilson, IBM Intl. President Elect
Jerry Schnepp, IBM Past Intl. President
Earle Christenberry, IBM Past Intl. President
Ken Klosterman, IBM Past Intl. President
Bill Pitts, IBM Past Intl. President
John Apperson, SAM Natl. President Elect
David Goodsell, MUM Editor
Ed Thomas, SAM Past Natl. President
Dick Gustafson & Joanne, SAM Past Natl. President
George Schindler, SAM Past Natl. President
Craig Dickson, SAM Past Natl. President
Dan Garrett, SAM Past Natl. President
Marc DeSouza, SAM Ethics Committee Chairman
Bruce Cervon, Magic Castle Secretary
Chris Pratt, The Magic Circle Secretary
Michael Bailey, The Magic Circle Past President
Peter McCahon, The Magic Circular Editor
Scott Penrose, The Magic Circular Business Editor
Richard Stupple, The Magic Circle Council Chairman
Peter Scarleft, The Magic Circle Council Member
Jim Steinmeyer
John Gaughan
Bill Smith
Daniel Summers
John Cornelius
William J. Schmeelk
Bruce Chadwick
David Mendoza
Gunter Puchinger, Germany
George Robinson
Don Wayne
George Kimery
Gerry & Leonora Frenette
Tom Moore, Dream Concepts, England
Mark Parker, 4effect, England
Chris Murphy, Oz Illusions, Australia
Kevin James
Jon Racherbaumer
Joanie Spina
Becky Blaney
Rich Bloch
Kevin Spencer & Cindy
William V. Rauscher
Larry White
Bill McIlhany
Phil Temple
David Ginn
Denny & Lee
Oscar Munoz
David Seebach
John Wade, England
David Charvet
Gary Bartlett
Glenn Falkenstein
Frances Willard
James Cielen
James Hamilton
Doc Eason
Peter Studebaker
Bob Kohler
David & Kathie Haines
Lyn Dillies
David Hira
Chuck Leach
Steve Zigmont
Tim Kole
Keith West
Bob Fitch
Garry Carson & Kelsey
Tamaka
Doug Anderson
Danny Archer
Richard Hatch
Pete Petrashek
Trixie Bond
Paul Driscoll
Dick Newton
Bob Utter
Tom Craven
Jody Baran
Bill Palmer
Tim Ellis & Sue-Anne Webster
Kent Cummins
Arthur Emerson
Chuck Lehr
Wayne Rogers, New Zealand
Stephan Von Koeller, Germany
Gerald Edmundson
Mike Super
Ben Robinson
Carlos A. Guzman Mendoza, Mexico
Steve Farmer
Tim Quinlan
Devlin
Steffan Soule
Anthony Reed, Saipan
Jason Byrne
Cliff Bradley, England
Mike Lawrence
Steven Valenti & Michelle
John Taylor, Australia
Enrico Varella, Singapore
Peter "The Adequate" Hinrichs
Rev. Leo M. Goodman
David Caserta
David Goldrake
Fr. Stephan A. Fernandes
Tim Pendergast
Stan Davis
Hans Dillenberg, Germany
Timothy Ricketts
B A Lipp
Kenton Knepper
Curtis M. Kam
Robert K Parmacek
David Neubauer
Robert Allen
Brian Cook
Dean Alan Carnegie
John Steven Bloom
Colin McLeod
James Smith, England
Robert R. Bob Rouland
Jeff Peterson
Vicki & Dakota Rose
Tobias Beckwith
Charlie & Sherry Frye
Abb Dickson, WAM President (World Alliance of Magicians)
Scott Wells, WAM Vice President
Chuck Jones, WAM Treasurer
Timothy Drake. WAM Webmaster
Walter Zaney Blaney, WAM President Emeritus

-----------------
4. "Magic In Las Vegas" - November
-----------------
Message from David Neubauer (US) www.dnmagic.com

Playing Until Further Notice:

AFTERNOONS:
Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas - Tropicana.
Mac King Comedy Magic Show - Harrah's.
Ronn Lucas and Friends (Vent) - The Man Who Can Make Anything Talk -
Rio.

EVENINGS:
Amazing Johnathan with various magician openers - Flamingo. (Dark
Thurs) Danny Gans - (Impressionist) - The Mirage. Dirk Arthur "New
Art of Magic" - Plaza. Dr. Scott's Outrageous Comedy Hypnosis Show.
Monday nights - Riviera. Jayden LaCross - TGI Fridays (Wednesdays -
Sundays). Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show - every Saturday @ 5 am,
KLAV FM 1230. La Femme - Various magicians (see schedule below) -
MGM Grand. Lance Burton, Master Magician - Lance Burton Theater -
Monte Carlo. Larry G. Jones - Man of 1002 Voices (Free w/$3 drink) -
Fitzgeralds (5 pm). Michael Close - Houdini's Lounge - Monte Carlo
Tuesday - Thursday. Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley) - Erik Allan,
Friday & Saturday. Ovation - Aladdin Penn & Teller - Rio Samba
Theatre. Peter J. Shield - with various magicians -
www.vegaswebcast.com Richard Muna & Co. - Fox City Show - Tropics
Lounge, Tropicana. Scott Lewis (Hypnotist) "Mindblowers" - Riviera's
Le Bistro Theatre 11:30 p.m. Mondays. Showgirls of Magic - San Remo.
Simon Winthrop - Casino Royal. Steve Wyrick - Aladdin (OPENS
NOVEMBER 27) V - The Ultimate Variety Show - Jeff Hobson, Nathan
Burton and Sarah - Venetian 6 pm. World's Greatest Magic Show -
Sahara Xtreme Close-Up Magic - in The Magic Parlor at SAZIO
Restaurant at Orleans

NEWS:
The Complete Roy Timeline http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/royhorn/

The World's Greatest Magic Show opened at the Sahara on October 15th
with 7 to 8 World-Class Magicians doing their best 10 minutes each.
Opening acts are: Jeff Hobson, Majestix, Joseph Gabriel, Sylvester
the Jester, Nicholas Night & Kinga, Kevin James and Zaida
Lavavootnesh. There is even a stealth fighter appearing onstage!
Talent coordinator is Kevin James.

"Ovation," opens in the former Sevilla nightclub at the Desert
Passage mall at the Aladdin. It's running 14 shows weekly, at 7:30
and 10 p.m. daily. Tickets are $49, $59 and $69, the latter a dinner
package with nearby Lombardi's. "Ovation" features juggler Anthony
Gatto, magician Jason Byrne, balancing act Tino Ferreira,
comedian/magician Mark Kornhouser and others.

Rumor of the day: David Copperfield is at the top of the list of
acts that MGM MIRAGE officials are looking at as they consider what
to do with the suddenly vacant 1,504-seat Siegfried & Roy Theatre at
The Mirage.

Is Amazing Johnathan's new home his former home? Rumor has a 3-year
deal back at the Golden Nugget.

Peter J. Shield is the executive producer for the Vegas Channel,
which presents live television via broadband. He currently hosts
"Vegas Mysteries," a look at mysteries around the world. Programs so
far recorded are Houdini and Spirit Communication (with Vegas
Magician Dixie Dooley.) His newest program is "My Special Guest"
which will feature interviews with celebrities from Vegas and
beyond. Starting next month they will feature a special children's
Magic Show modeled on his successful Australian series. The program
teaches children to 'make' simple magic tricks and how to present
them to their friends. This show will feature weekly guest Magi.
We'll try to have the guests listed in the months to come. You can
log on at www.vegaswebcast.com or via
http://worldofunexplainedmysteries.com. You can also book tickets
for the live tapings, or request subject matter. A pull down
schedule is available to give you the program times (PST)

LANCE BURTON GIVES YOUNG FANS A BREAK

Lance Burton is offering kids under age 18 free admission to his
"Master Magician" at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino show with each
paid adult admission. The coupons are available in the October issue
of Los Angeles Family Magazine, Las Vegas Family Magazine and in Las
Vegas' COX Cable's October billing. This offer is good for all shows
through Saturday, November 22. It's a fall special that has never
been done in the history of his show and is part of his affinity for
youngsters to have the opportunity to see his live show that has
been voted "No. 1 Family Show" in Las Vegas polls. Show times are 7
p.m. Tuesday thru Saturday with and added 10 p.m. shows on Tuesday
and Saturday. Call 877-386-8224.

LANCE BURTON TO APPEAR ON HOLLYWOOD SQUARES FROM DEC. 1-5

Lance Burton recently did a week of shows in one day on "Hollywood
Squares" which will air the week of Dec. 1-5. Charo also appeared
with Lance Burton on the long-running TV game show. Martin Mull is
the center square. Lance Burton will be doing another week with
"Hollywood Squares" in January to air in 2004. Check your local
listings.

Mac King's Comedy Magic Show was just extended at Harrah's through
2006!

Magician John Cassidy, opening for Amazing Johnathan (November
1-12), recently reclaimed the Guinness Book record for twisting the
most balloon animals in one hour.

Beginning, Nov. 27, 2003

Steve Wyrick will perform two shows nightly, 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.;
dark Tuesdays at the Steve Wyrick Theater, Aladdin Resort & Casino.
Tickets are available through the Aladdin Box Office by calling
702-785-5000 or toll-free at 1-(866)-477-5267. Tickets are also
available through all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at (702)
474-4000 or at ticketmaster.com.

Prices: $59.95 reserved seating; $79.95 VIP packages, which includes
a meet & greet with Steve Wyrick, an autographed copy of "102 Magic
Tricks Book" and a $10 gift certificate for the Steve Wyrick Magic
Shop. (Prices do not include tax.)

NOVEMBER, 2003

November 1-17: Gaetan Bloom and the Quiddlers - La Femme - MGM
Grand. November 1-2: "The Monsters & Magic Sale" (Blackstone Magic
Collection to be auctioned)

November 1-12: John Cassidy opens for Amazing Johnathan - Flamingo.
November 12: Mac King will stage a publicity stunt at the Harrah's
Carnaval Court. He will attempt to congregate the world's longest
"telephone line," the campfire game in which a message is whispered
from person to person to see how much it changes by the end. The
twist on this one is that King says he can predict the message in
its final form. November 13-20: Amazing Johnathan on vacation -
Flamingo. November 17-New Years: Stephan Vanel and the Quiddlers -
La Femme - MGM Grand. November 27: Steve Wyrick opens his new show -
Aladdin.

DECEMBER, 2003

**NOTE: Some Las Vegas production shows close for a few weeks
vacation during the slow month of December. Please call first**

December: Stephan Vanel and the Quiddlers - La Femme - MGM Grand.
December 12-13: Wayne Brady - Paris Las Vegas. December 17: Amazing
Johnathan's final show at the Flamingo. December 24-January 1: David
Copperfield - MGM Grand. December 31: Xtreme Close-Up Magic will
have a special New Years Eve show - Orleans

JANUARY, 2004

January: The Quiddlers and Stephan Vanel - La Femme - MGM Grand.

APRIL, 2004

April 2004: New Cirque du Soleil show opening in the old EFX
Theater - MGM Grand.

SEPTEMBER, 2004

September 12-14: The 4th Annual Las Vegas Magic Invitational - San
Remo.

Website: www.lvmi.net

-----------------
5. Dr. Brij Sood - Order Of Canada
-----------------
Message from Everett Andrews - IBM Canadian Territorial Vice
President for Alberta & Saskatchewan

CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Brij Sood of the Calgary Magic Circle RING
66, who was received into the Order Of Canada along with 48 other
recipients, in an investiture

ceremony held at Ottawa's Chateau Laurie Hotel this past October
24th.

Later that evening, all recipients attended a Dinner at Rideau Hall,
the residence of the

Queen's representative, the Governor General of Canada, Rt.Hon.
Adrienne Clarkson.

Dr. Sood was one of six recipients who were asked to give a short
speech on his thoughts of what makes people get involved in
activities that benefit fellow Canadians.

Following his speech Dr. Sood performed three simple magic effects
for the guests and created an equal abundance of amusement and
applause.

-----------------
6. The Magic Circle Close Up Competition Finals 2003
-----------------
Message from David G Beckley MIMC Press Officer The Magic Circle

Written by Mandy Davis AIMC

One of the most exciting competition finals ever was staged at The
Magic Circle recently when six top British magicians fought for the
title of Close Up Magician of the Year 2003, a trophy and an
invitation to Four Fs next year. A specially invited lay audience
ensured that reactions would be more natural whilst members watched
proceedings on a video screen in the theatre; a BBC film crew was
also in attendance working towards a future series. The evening was
hosted by Andrew Eborn who had worked tirelessly to ensure that
everything ran smoothly.

Rajan opened and positively sparkled as coins appeared and
disappeared at his fingertips as he performed Three Fly, following
this with Sucker Silks and Card to Pocket. Finally the deck
vanished, the signed selection being found inside his shoe.

Fay Presto was a huge hit with the audience and achieved Third Prize
in the competition. She produced a six foot magic wand from her tiny
handbag before taking us through her signature tricks- Cut and
Restored Rope, Coin in Bottle, Floating Banknote, the vanish and
restoration of a borrowed ring and Bottle through Table.

Michael Vincent was eventually declared the Winner of the
prestigious title. His elegant and polished style was used to good
effect with vanishing and appearing coins and cards. Finally talking
about the emotions of magic, Michael revealed the cards to have been
cut and shuffled into new deck order.

Tim Shoesmith gained Second place with original, fast-paced lines
which enhanced his Ambitious Card routine, the card finally being
found folded inside the card box. After an excellent Professor’s
Nightmare routine, Tim ended with some rubber band work and the
revelation of a watch steal.

Walt Lees had the audience in fits as he deliberately meandered his
way through tricks from a child’s Magic Box. - Ball and Vase, Genii
Bottle and plastic Cups and Balls all received the Walt Lees
treatment. Great stuff! Finally he rolled up a close up mat in order
to leave - and produced a bottle of wine from it.

Lee Florida used a deck of cards to explain an original story in the
same form as Bill Malone’s ‘Sam the Bell Hop’ but using different
combinations of cards and some great gags. Three Aces were turned
over one by one in Lee’s hands - the last being a selected card
instead which was finally recovered from his wallet.

To reiterate - the winner was Michael Vincent, second place went to
Tim Shoesmith and the third to Fay Presto - congratulations to them
all!

-----------------
7. Magicians Of The Future
-----------------
Message from Mandy Davis (England)

This year's Young Magicians Club ran the third J-Day. This is a
junior convention and takes over from Home Counties Junior Day which
was run by Keith Churcher for twenty five years.

The Young Magicians Club started in 1996, founded by Richard Stupple
who is still its VP. The current team are: Chairman Roy Marsh, ,
Workshops Organiser Mandy Davis, Secretary Rob Page, Treasurer James
Fortsune, Education Officer Kevin Doig, Magazine Editor Peter
McCahon and Web Master Mike Austin.

J-Day holds two competitions each year and the auditions were held
for these two weeks prior to the event. A final six were chosen for
the close up competition and seven for the stage

The standards were very high this year and I am delighted to
announce the following winners:

The Mark Leveridge Close Up Trophy - Steve Dela
Second prize - Troy von Scheibner
3rd Prize - Hugh Stacey

The Home Counties Junior Day Trophy - Jonathan Shotton
2nd Prize - Steve Dela
3rd Prize - Jonathan Ash

All these youngsters are regular attendees at our monthly workshops
held at The Magic Circle HQ as part of The Magic Circle Youth
Initiative.

Watch out - I predict these guys to be the big names of Magic in the
future!

-----------------
8. Log On To VegasWebcast.com
-----------------
Message from Peter J. Shield

Alan your readers can log on to VegasWebcast.com and see Dixie
Doolie in action - the show like mine is presented every 4 hours and
there is now a schedule in the left hand corner that will give you
all our show times (Las Vegas -Pacific Coast time).

Next week on Vegas Mysteries Dixie and I look at Houdini and later
Spirit Communication featuring Houdini's actual spirit table! Magic
New Zealand Readers can link to both Dixie's collection and the
upcoming Blackstone Auction at
http://worldofunexplainedmysteries.com

-----------------
9. Defense Of The "Science Of Illusion Exhibit”
-----------------
Message from Ken Klosterman (US)

Happy to here that Bruce Chadwick is writing for defense of the
"Science of Illusion Exhibit." I really do not think it needs any
defense. I, along with Bruce, also think the exhibit was pretty
great and a tribute to magic. One could stretch or argue that it is
a disclosure. I personally do not think so. I hope no one does.

Granted, "The Science of Illusion Exhibits" does deal with well know
scientific principals that are used in magic. It also illustrates
them with methods that some very, very amateur young magician might
think make these items work. Having seen the Exhibit I did not find
many items that I thought were detrimental to magic verses the good
it does promoting our art.

I placed a triple bird cage production once owned and used by Chung
Ling Soo and Chung Lung Foo Headdress from the "Salon de Magie" in
the Museum. It was understood that the Soo bird cage production was
not to be exposed. If there are actual exposer that you feel will
hurt rather than help magic I will request that these items be
withdrawn immediately. Ken Klosterman - Salon de Magie. .

-----------------
10. Auction At Swann Galleries
-----------------
Message from Maurine Christopher (US)

Did not attend the latest magic auction at Swann Galleries. Never go
unless I am in a buying mood.

Bit discouraging to hear prices on posters of some magic superstars
bit deflated - certainly in terms of what I would expect were I
selling any Kellars or Thurstons. Several items that didn’t make set
minimum were withdrawn I believe.

Best wishes to all in the worldwide magic community.

Maurine

-----------------
11. Ross Skiffington’s Magical Holiday
-----------------
Message from Ross Skiffington

Many thanks for the update regarding the magicians convention.
Sadly, I won't be able to attend as I will be working with The Bell
Shakespeare Company in the revival production of The Comedy of
Errors. We are touring Australia and as yet it is not confirmed
whether the show will get to NZ. I hope that it does.

I have just returned from 25 days in the USA and here is a brief
rundown of the trip which was splendid and exhausting.

We drove from Los Angeles to Phoenix, Las Vegas, Death Valley,
Yosemite, Russian river, San Francisco, San Simeon and back to Los
Angeles. The drive from Los Angeles to Phoenix then Vegas was
amazing with hardly anyone on the road. We couldn't believe it. In
fact I really enjoyed all the driving especially through Death
Valley and over to Yosemite. We stayed at Mammoth Lakes overnight
before tackling the pass. What scenery!! The only bad mark in the
entire trip was when the car was vandalised in San Francisco. Some
turd smashing a small window trying to break in. There was nothing
to steal in the car as it was. Vandals. But all was well at the car
hire when we returned it. It certainly pays to take out full
insurance.

Highlights...My birthday at Universal Studios going on the
Jurassic Park ride, Yosemite and the shows in Vegas, driving over
the mountains and down the coast, Hearst Castle and of course
staying with friends everywhere. Vegas has blown out to be
extraordinary.

The new Cirque du Soleil show "Zumanity" was fabulous and simply the
best thing I have seen in years. "O" was dazzling and a technical
triumph but "Zumanity" was bold, daring, sexy, erotic, funny and
classy. (It was all about sex.) It had the most astonishingly
beautiful people I have EVER seen on stage doing unbelievable things
(physically and emotionally). It was amazing and affecting and
definitely not salacious, though I suspect it probably shocked the
socks of some. Certainly put a modern slant on the "Tits and
feather" show and has a brilliant theatrical masterstroke at the
end. Not a show for the faint hearted nor the prudish.

We had a really lovely day, followed by dinner, with Peter and Coral
Reveen. They were so hospitable and Peter arranged for us to see
Lance Burton's show. (Well he is his manager!) Lance's show was as
elegant and charming as ever and still a magical night in the
theatre. After so many years in the same venue it was a delight to
see standards in performance and presentation have not dropped.
Delicious and excellent.

Roy had just been attacked so Peter was able to tell us more details
about the disaster. A terrible way to end a career but when you
walked into the Mirage you would never know that ANYTHING was wrong.
The place was packed with people losing their money. Mac King
presented a marvellous afternoon show that I really enjoyed. So
polished and honed without any lighting or stage trickery. Just him,
his plaid suit and a suitcase. A real lesson in simplicity and
impact. Wonderful.

I never seemed to have a moment to myself and every day was packed
with something to do or see. Now that I back I find I have a
plateful to deal with. Ah reality..!

Work on our warehouse and rehearsal studio is progressing and I am
currently working at the Melbourne Theatre Company on Noel Coward's
Blithe Spirit. This week we go into final week of rehearsal then the
set up in the theatre. I am very happy with the work the tech crew
have done with regards to the effects I am putting into the play
which I think will make a great impact on the production. Never
before has Madam Arcarti (the role made famous in the film by
Margaret Sutherland) had a table float over her head!

Also a variation of Peppers Ghost for the appearance of the dead
wife Elvira plus some other bits that will enhance, what I think
will be, a winning production.

Thank God the jet lag has finally gone. I was really knocked out by
it this time.

Yours Magically
Ross Skiffington.

-----------------
12. Inside Magic Offers Free Classified Ads For Magicians
-----------------
Message from Tim Quinlan (US)

Inside Magic has opened its Inside Magic Yard Sale where magicians
can buy and sell their new and used tricks or offer their services
for FREE.

The Inside Magic Yard Sale allows magicians to post a 500 word
advertisement, upload a color image, set up quick links to allow
buyers to find all items up for sale and to set an instant link to
their web page.

A magician can have up to ten ads running at any time and the
service is always FREE. There is no cost to buyers or sellers and no
limit on the number of items offered.

There will be a rotating Featured Ad on the front page of Inside
Magic changed every day.

To post an ad, go to http://www.insidemagic.com and click on the
Inside Magic Yard Sale banner on the right column of any page.

Tim Quinlan
tim@insidemagic.com
www.insidemagic.com

-----------------
13. Magic Capital Of The World - Colon Michigan
-----------------
Message from Rick Fisher, president FAB magic (US)

More exciting news from the magic capital of the world - Colon
Michigan. The FAB magic company, www.fabmagic.com will be holding
their annual ALL DAY LECTURE DAY on Saturday April 17th starring:
Troy Hooser, Eric Paul and Jania Taylor! There is something for
everyone in this fun filled day of lectures, new products and
bargains! From the best in close-up to comedy and children's magic
to learning how to book yourself more effectively and learn the
RIGHT way to do the classic Zombie effect! It is only $30.00 for all
day if you register now before March 1st..afterwards it is $40.00 -

Also..FAB Magic will be sponsoring the MAGIC CAPITAL PEOPLE'S
CHOICE AWARDS during magic week August 4-7th! There are four
categories to compete in for cash and product prizes - Sr & Jr Stage
competition and Sr. & Jr. Close-up competition.

Registration is only $35.00 per act! Here is a chance to compete in
front of an audience composed of both magicians and laymen/women. We
are limiting this competition to 12 per category. Register now
online with your credit card! www.fabmagic.com - "The magic is back
in Colon, Michigan - BE THERE!"

-----------------
14. Allan Thomas Carmichael 1936 - 2003
-----------------
Message from Steve Walker (Aust)

Allan Thomas Carmichael 1936 - 2003

At 9-15 PM on Monday October 13th 2003 Allan Thomas Carmichael
decided to leave us. He’d been planning it for some time in fact
only a few short weeks before he had many of his friends around for
a wake. He said at the time that he would rather be around to see
them enjoy eating his food a drinking his grog than to miss out.

Allan took up magic at a very early age and was certainly
professional standard by the age of 20 due to his early mentors
Peter Reveen and Maurice Rooklyn. He worked and travelled with Peter
in Australia and also worked for Maurice in his auction business. He
maintained a lifelong friendship with both these legends of magic.
Maurie used to joke that he sacked Allan on more than one occasion
for practicing his sleight of hand when he should have been working.
He did re-instate him but both Peter &Maurice tried to convince him
there was no money to be made in close-up….I think Allan eventually
proved them wrong.

Allan’s early career was in radio being an announcer in Lismore and
a Breakfast DJ in Katoomba, besides being a regular performer in the
early days of Australian Television appearing on the variety show”
Café Continental “almost every other week. He had a good
manipulative stage act billing himself as Alcardi, but it was
close-up, especially cards, that was his true passion.

I first met Allan in the early 70’s and we became friends almost
immediately as we both had the same inspirations from the 50’s
namely Channing Pollock and Dai Vernon. Allan saw the act of Pollock
14 times in a week due to Channing’s appearance in the movie
European Nights.

Besides the necessary skill and charm plus the resonant “radio”
voice that never left him, it was Allan’s class and style that put
him a cut above other performers, he had ties that cost more than my
best suit!

Although a few others had performed Restaurant magic in Sydney it
was Allan that set the standard when he secured a permanent
residency at the Copper Canyon Restaurant in Parramatta. At the time
it was the most expensive restaurant in the area but with Allan’s
usual flair this was no “table hopping” gig, he had his own large
circular card table alongside the mezzanine bar and would perform 3
or 4 x20 minute sets per evening when the musical trio took a break.
Various magicians (myself included) were invited at times to do a
guest spot.

A change of management and the magic was gone and after a couple of
years so was the restaurant so it was together with Allan and a
strange set of circumstances that we approached the new heir to the
title of top restaurant.. “Barnabys”. Thanks to Allan’s sales
ability plus, I hope, some good magic we (and others) are still
there 17 years later.

Allan was a very successful “direct” salesman and later a sales
motivator, working for the last couple of decades for the Rainbow
Cleaning Systems Company. One of his closest associates in the
company spoke of his outstanding sales results and at his funeral a
tape of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” was played. As the standing
room only crowd left the chapel, there was a sudden but intense rain
storm and a giant rainbow appeared across the sky. The many
magicians present were seen to nudge each other and ask “how did he
do that?”

I was invited to speak, which I did, albeit overcome with some
emotion, so decided to hand over the broken wand ceremony to Alan
Sullivan, a past President of both the SAM Australian Assembly and t
he Sydney Ring of the IBM. I had made up a simple wand for the
ceremony but as I picked it up to leave for the service I couldn’t
help but think it was exactly what it looked like - a piece of black
wood which had been used to stir white paint. I remember thinking to
myself “Allan with all his class wouldn’t be seen dead with a wand
like that”. Having realised what I had just thought I exchanged it
for a presentation wand issued by the SAM some years ago, made from
fine timber with brass tips. I am sure Allan would have appreciated
this for Allan loved magic and magic loved him.

RIP old friend.

Steve Walker

-----------------
15. A Tribute And Farewell To A Great Entertainer
-----------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

The Amazing ‘ORCHANTÉ’ Saga - 7 - 11 - 2003

- SPECIAL EXTENDED EDITION -

A Tribute and Farewell to a Great Entertainer And a Wonderful Friend
PETER NEWBERRY (‘Newbs’) 1925 - 2003

Although I knew that Peter was very ill, and had been for quite some
time, it still came as a shock when I received the news during the
wee small hours earlier this week that Peter had finally succumbed,
and I am not ashamed to say that my heart lurched - that I just sat
here and sobbed in anguish at the loss of yet another friend - a
very special one. The following is an extract, with amendments, from
my Saga, Vol.1 page 27 (now 37).

Based in Auckland, Peter Newberry and his partner David Baylis had
been on the New Zealand entertainment scene since about 1957,
performing as a duo for around 8 years. They had developed two
completely different acts - the first, ‘The Demonos’, was a
trick-cyclist act, which featured the ‘Smallest Bike In The World’;
the other, ‘The Movados’, was pure comedy; ‘The Laziest Acrobats in
the World’! With their faces painted flat white, and holding deadpan
expressions, it was a total, hilarious scream. Every lift, pose, and
movement performed in extreme slow motion; the amount of physical
strength and control necessary must have been enormous! In fact, it
was an Adagio act, and was the first and only time that I have seen
this type of act performed by two males.

When David Baylis started working with Peter, he was only 13 years
of age. According to Peter Newberry's wife, Pat, they had to get
special permission for David to work because of his young age,
especially when they were booked into the world famous ‘Chequer’s’
Night Club (now long defunct) which was situated in the equally
‘infamous’ King’s Cross, of Sydney Australia. When they arrived
there, they discovered that two ‘spots’ were required - they only
had one, which was the trick-cycling and acrobatics, combined, so
they split the two, created the idea of using white faces, etc., and
from an advertising sign they spotted for watches, the stage name
‘Movados’, was born.

Sometime during the early part of 1965, Peter Taylor met up with
Peter and David - probably at some show they were both booked at. It
was a happy coincidence, as David had wanted to leave the act for
some time (he and Peter Newberry had, at that time, been together
for 8 years), to buy a restaurant, and to pursue his own career as a
Cordon Bleu chef. Peter Taylor fitted the ‘Demonos/Movados’ acts
perfectly - being an acrobat in his own right, as well as a juggler.
David and Peter Newberry (nicknamed ‘'Newbs’) taught the act to
Peter Taylor, and everyone was happy - David bought his restaurant,
and Newbs had his new partner in Peter Taylor, who was elated as he
could still work his own act as ‘Delmere’! The next time I was to
work with the now ‘Two Peters’, was from the 6th October to the 10th
December 1965, touring with Alan Horobin and his chimps for two
months in Fiji.

Christmas and New Year's Eve 1965 - show at the Rotorua Sound Shell;
I was performing my Magic, Mime and Fakir acts, the two Peters’
doing their Demonos and Movados routines. The Compere was (the late)
Lew Pryme, another well-known New Zealander; singer and television
personality, as well as a Rugby/Sports writer. After the show, Lew
introduced us to his friend, Sally Phillips, who was on holiday with
her friend Jenny; that was the first time that the two Peter’s and I
met Sally. ‘Newbs’ (Peter Newberry) worked with Peter Taylor for 2/3
years, and Peter and Sally became ‘an item’, resulting in their
engagement. Peter then decided to go solo again with his own act,
‘Delmere’, and left the Demonos/Movados. Peter Newberry took on a
girl, (Gaye) who worked with him for about 3 months. Peter Taylor
decided that Australia was the place to be - but Sally did not want
to go.

He practically begged me to go with him, but like Sally, I did not
want to leave New Zealand. I loved travelling, especially overseas,
but NZ was my birthplace and very much my home. I can still vividly
recall going with Peter to his bank, where he withdrew a large
bundle of cash, still pleading with me to go to ‘Aussie’ with him,
even offering to pay my airfare - trying to entice me to go with
him, even at that late stage - I stayed; I must have been bloody
mad! (It wasn’t until Veronica and I immigrated to Australia in
1976, and saw the vast volume of work on offer, that I realised that
I should have gone with Peter 10 years earlier. Sally broke off the
engagement, and Peter left New Zealand’s shores, forever.

Back to New Zealand - One night, Gaye (Peter Newberry’s new
assistant) was unable to work work, so Sally stepped in to help
Peter out. They did three shows that night; 10 years later, Sally
was still working with Newbs! When Sally finally left the act,
Marie, Peter’s daughter, who died tragically many years ago, took
over for a brief time. During all this time, the act was still known
as, ‘Peter and Gaye’. Again, for a short period, Kim Hegan (the son
of Elaine and the late Eddie Hegan, well known Auckland Theatrical
agents at the time) also worked with Newbs.

Peter became a New Zealand icon and nationally famous as ‘CRUNCHY’
the clown, with ‘Sally- Anne’, who was of course Sally Phillips (now
Metzger - she married Derek, another very successful New Zealand
entertainer/singer, they live in Sydney, Australia, these days).
Peter had his own very successful T.V. show; kids throughout the
country loved him.

While in Australia, Peter (Taylor) met and married Rosa. They worked
together as ‘Delmere and Rosa’ for years, spending 6 months of the
year doing the Sydney clubs, and the other six, touring Europe, and
sending all their money back to Australia, building up a nice
nest-egg.

When Veronica and I finally got to ‘Aussie’, we met up with Peter
and Rosa - they had bought a house at Menai - a suburb south of
Sydney, and were doing very well. They then moved up to Southport on
the Gold Coast, and bought a lovely home there. Veronica and I
visited them a couple of times when we were in Queensland doing
shows - and then just lost touch, sometime in the 80’s - as you do.
That was the last time I saw Peter.

Peter was a very strong, fit man, and fanatical about his health,
food etc, and, naturally, never smoked; so I was shocked to learn
from Sally that Peter had died of Cancer, on the 5th August 1997.
Even though you have not seen or heard from a good friend for many
years, there is still a ‘hollow’ in your life when receive the news
that they have left this tiny spot in the universe, for another!

I worked in ‘nightclubs’ etc and toured with my friend Peter
Newberry countless times over the years in New Zealand. Looking
around the room, I see three posters, one shows Peter with David,
another is Peter with Peter Taylor, and the last is Peter with
Sally, Lew Pryme, and me. Oh, and there is another, with Alan
Horobin and his chimps, together with various photos of the Two
Peters and again, myself.

Then I have several photographs that I took while we touring, on two
different occasions, in Fiji with Alan Horobin. Rusty Grieves,
Country & Western singer/yodeller, was on one of those tours for a
short period. What disturbs me greatly is that apart from one, all
the people in those photographs, there are five of us - Alan
Horobin, Peter Taylor, Rusty Grieves, and Peter Newberry - THEY ARE
ALL DEAD! I’M THE ONLY ONE LEFT!

So many memories, like the time that Peter, as we sat around a table
in Suva, Fiji, having a cup of tea quietly said, “Say AaaarrrrGH
Tommy”! I DID, as he pressed a boiling hot spoon against my arm!

I find it rather disquieting that, one by one, N.Z. entertainers who
were in their hey day during the late Fifties, and all through the
Sixties and Seventies (a few of us, myself included, continued into
the late Nineties), are dropping off this mortal coil at an alarming
rate!

The swishing sound of the ‘grim reaper’s scythe grows ever louder;
who’s next on his list?

MAY YOUR GOD BLESS YOU PETER, HAVE FUN MY DEAR FRIEND!

------------------
16. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives
-------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand 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: 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)

-------------------
17. 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 2003 Alan Watson