* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #608 Date: Sunday 28th September 2008 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. Marketed Under Different Names Without Permission 3. Cut Backs On Ships And Work Cancelled 4. Walter Blaney Status After Hurricane IKE 5. 70th Anniversary Of The Argentine Magic Circle 6. Remarkable Magic #66 - Nick Lewin 7. The Art of Practice - #88 - Kyle Peron 8. Entertaining On The Ocean #39 - Paul Romhany 9. New Issue Oct/Nov Of "Magicana" 10. Las Vegas Magic - October, 2008 11. The Magic Of Austin Youth 12. Articles In Last Week's Magic New Zealand 13. 148 Week's Performances At The Magic Castle 14. Believe In Dreams 15. John Mulholland's Secret Life: The MagiCIAn by Ben Robinson 16. The Long Awaited Docc Hilford DVDs 17. FISM Beijing 26th - 31st July 2009 18. Las Vegas (Confidential) The Musical Competition 19. Cath Jamison's Family Magic Show 20. 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2008 21. e-zine Archives 22. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- The Magicians and Juggler touring New Zealand with "World Festival Of Magic" starting November 17th to December 15th 2008 are: Ryan Joyce Web Page: http://www.ryanjoyce.com/ Ryan Joyce Demo Reel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=getU-VQlTdE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDZjZzNa2A8 Jeton the Gentleman Juggler: Jeton, Web Page: http://www.jeton.info/Welcome/welcome.html Jeton, YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKDw6eNGksk&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIeuttIfYl8&feature=related James Dimmare, Magician: http://dimmare.com/html/magic_flash_dimmare.html Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Matrix Illusion - Marketed Under Different Names Without Permission -------------------------------------------- Message from Cyril, Enrico De La Vega, Chris Gongora and Danny Cole RE: Matrix Illusion as performed by Cyril and Invisible Chair Illusion as performed by Danny Cole We get many questions via email and personal interaction about what has become known as the "Matrix Illusion" which is basically a suspension in which the performer leans back and sits or lays down in the air without any visible means of support http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Tny6ke_Svw While this effect has some predecessors which can be distantly linked to it (The Lean, Christian Fechner's Stool Levitation), its method and effect are basically new to magic. To our knowledge, no one had ever performed the illusion before it appeared on the NBC television special called T.H.E.M. in 2004 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xjUL9AYhyY in a segment created by Enrico De La Vega and Chris Gongora with help from the entire MAGICX creative team. Then in 2005, Danny Cole modified the method and began to perform the effect live in his stage act as part of his "Invisible Chair" routine. Later in 2007 with permission from Danny Cole and Enrico De La Vega, Cyril elaborated on this method to create the "Matrix Illusion." This illusion is now being marketed under different names without permission from anyone involved with the origination of this method or effect. Besides members of the MAGICX team, no one has permission to perform or sell it. We hope the ethical integrity of members of the magic community will prevent them from buying or developing any rip-offs of this effect. Signed Cyril, Enrico De La Vega, Chris Gongora and Danny Cole -------------------------------------------- 3. Cut Backs On Ships And Work Cancelled -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) As per last week's BLOG this has just been released by Holland America. I wrote last week about cut backs on ships and heard from many acts that have had work cancelled or nothing in their books coming up. Some major cruise magicians have been hit by this. My agent thankfully never put all eggs in one basket and is keeping us busy with many different cruise lines. If you read the following you will understand that they are using more 'music' type shows. Holland have made major cut backs on musicians and size of bands and sadly the quality has gotten so worse many music acts will no longer work for them, OR not use the band and have all their music on backing tracks. It's a shame because they have lost some major acts in show business. As magicians, if you are looking at going on a cruise then you might want to see what entertainment is offered if that is something you are looking forward to. It's funny they call the following Enhancements. If you are in the business you understand these actually mean 'cut backs' for guest entertainers. I have also been told by other friends of similar cut backs in two other major companies. Will keep readers informed of what is happening in the cruise industry. Paul Holland America Line Delivers Entertainment Enhancements SEATTLE, Sept 19, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- As part of Holland America Line's latest Signature of Excellence enhancements, entertainment on board five popular ships is evolving to feature a new music program, the new Showroom at Sea, expanded entertainment and enrichment activities and a video game room featuring the latest craze in high-tech entertainment. The enhancements are part of an extensive $200-million program that will occur during nearly month-long dry docks on ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam beginning in spring 2009. "The new musical offerings and entertainment initiatives are designed to be even more compelling and relevant to today's premium cruiser," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. "These enhancements will allow us to offer more venues and more choices to our guests." Signature Bands Featured on All Ships Joining the resident shipboard entertainment staff are three new musical groups catering to a wide audience: The HALCats, The Neptunes and Adaggio. Each ship in the fleet will now feature an ensemble of these signature musical groups. An eight-piece party band, The HALCats play the music of the '60s, '70s and '80s throughout the ship. Charged with creating a sophisticated and sultry mood, The Neptunes, a three-piece combo, feature music from the Great American Songbook. Adaggio, a string quartet, comprised of a viola, cello and two violins, perform light classics in the Explorer's Lounge. Guests can dance to the tunes of Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr. in the newly refurbished Ocean Bar. Showroom at Sea Holland America Line has redesigned its main show space to combine modern stage technology and decor with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub. Called Showroom at Sea, this venue will feature new show concepts along with production-style shows. Remodeled seating and a larger parquet dance floor will also feature movable tables and chairs complete with white-linen tablecloths and cafe lamps. The old-Hollywood atmosphere in this intimate room is just the place to dance the night away. High-Tech Entertainment The latest video game craze across the nation is now coming to Holland America Line ships. Interactive games and other high-tech entertainment, complete with large flatscreen televisions, are being installed in a new space called the Sky Room and will test players' game skills. This high-tech game room features several "rooms within a room" and will include plenty of lounging chairs and couches for onlookers and participants alike. Explorations Team Expands Activities Entertainment and enrichment are taking on a new, contemporary look and feel across the fleet. A new Explorations Team employs cruise staff, each specializing in a particular area, to educate and entertain guests with an expanded menu of activities including flower arranging, hands-on cooking, dancing and working with digital photos, blogs and movies. Each team consists of a cruise director, a party planner, a travel guide, dance directors and a "techspert." On longer cruises, a book club leader joins the team to lead lively group discussions. This $200-million phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line's Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. The first of the extensive dry dock periods begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the Maasdam in late 2010. While in dry dock, ships will expand the aft deck to create a new resort pool concept, The Retreat, and create a new bar concept called Mix that features separate areas -- Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Enhancements will be made to all existing staterooms and additional staterooms will be added to the five ships. The ships also will introduce 46 innovative lanai staterooms with direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck. New spa staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa and Salon will offer special in-room spa amenities. Paul Romhany paul@chaplinmagic.com www.paulromhany.com www.chaplinmagic.com BLOG -http://romhanyreport.blogspot.com -------------------------------------------- 4. Walter Blaney Status After Hurricane IKE -------------------------------------------- Message from Walter Blaney (USA) Many thanks to those who wrote and called after Hurricane IKE. I admit I liked IKE Eisenhower much better. He's the U.S. President who once said of me, "Who?" No damage to my house. One huge tree in my yard fell and crushed a garage two doors away. No one hurt. I'm very lucky the wind blew it away from my house... and me. In my neighborhood the wind blew both ways. The hurricane eye passed right over us. All was calm in the middle of the furious storm for about 20 minutes, then it started up again blowing the other way. It's the second time my house was in the eye... last time Hurricane Alicia in 1983. I'm not hoping for a third. Ten days with no power, no communication, hot and humid, and a lot of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. As I looked today for the first time at photos friends sent me by email I was shocked to learn how bad it was in Galveston and the other coastal cities. Many lost everything..... unbelievable. My daughter Becky's house and daughter Shannon's house were also not damaged. "We are a lucky bunch". A note to my magic friends. When I was a kid I checked out magic books from our Dallas library, and after "lights out" at night I would secretly read them under the covers with a flashlight. That's what I did all week after Ike. And the book I read was one of the best I have ever read. It was the life story of Harry Willard, Willard The Wizard, A Life Under Canvas. I can only recommend that you spend the hundred bucks and read it. Another word that could be used as a title... Perseverance. He was The Unsinkable Molly Brown of Magic. No matter what tragedies were thrown at him, he remained one of the all time great magicians of the world. I was so lucky to have been his friend, and knew the story pretty well. But I learned so much more and felt so much more all the way through this wonderful book. Thank you Dave Charvet, author, and thank you Mike Caveney, publisher. I used up a LOT of batteries reading each line back and forth with my trusty flashlight. That made the nights as good as the days after Ike. And now back to the real world. With best wishes to all who went through Ike and "persevered". Walter Walter Blaney walter@walterblaney.com -------------------------------------------- 5. 70th Anniversary Of The Argentine Magic Circle  -------------------------------------------- Message from Ted White President 70th Anniversary Of The Argentine Magic Circle, the oldest of the Latin Magic Society. Dear magician friends, we would like to invite you to our 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Circulo Mágico Argentino. The space is limited but still there are some places open. Please fill in the enclosed registration sheet and send it back by electronic mail or normal mail. The festival price is free. The Magic Soirée is September 27th at 8PM in our house Guimerá theatre. More information about the programme can be found on our website www.cmaonline.com.ar Best regards from Buenos Aires, the magical city Magically The board of the CMA Ted White President -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #66 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) The Art of the Nielsen's. During our editors recent trip to the United States I spent a week that was more than usually filled with magic and magicians. It was a blast. We held a little party for Alan and Michele Watson and I have posted a slideshow on my website in the 'What's New' section. I was amused by Mike Easterbrook's comment that I was the only unknown person at the party! Check it out at http://www.NickLewin.com One of the highlights of Alan and Michele's visit was when we visited the home of Norm and Lupe Nielsen. It is hard to describe the impact when you walk through the door into their home. One minute you are standing outside a perfectly normal Las Vegas house but when the door opens you are suddenly in a very special place. One step beyond the doormat and you are into one of the most exquisitely designed monuments to a performer that I have ever seen. It is an awesome sight. Everything inside is part of a theme that celebrates the great Chung Ling Soo. There are posters, photos, memorabilia and props, even a curious auto harp that Chung Ling Soo that was contributed by Billy McComb. What adds to the instant attraction of their house is that it doesn't look like some old, dusty magic museum. The Nielsen's home is white, light and filled with sunshine. After you stop yourself from gaping at the priceless collection the room contains, the next thing you notice is the quiet pride and enjoyment that Norm and Lupe have in sharing their collection. We took a brief pause in drooling over the art work while Norm showed us the amazing feats of training that their outsize poodle can demonstrate for guests. This puppy is even better trained than Norm's violin and won our hearts in a matter of minutes. Even as I watched it balance a biscuit on its nose before eating it. In my heart of heart's I knew my beloved pup Georgi could be reincarnated in more lives than a cat and still fail to demonstrate this kind of restraint. We then made our way to the specially constructed building in the rear of the property that houses Norm's world famous collection of magic posters. What a collection it is. One gets to appreciate magic posters that are legendary and historic in the history of our art. One is so accustomed to seeing reproductions of some of these posters it just takes your breath away to see how vibrant and vivid they are in their original form. The simple elegance and practicality with which the posters are housed and displayed is another source of amazement. Each poster has been carefully displayed in the perfect way to be seen in the most effective manner possible. When you first walk into the gallery you have no idea of quite how much art and history has been gathered within these four walls. I suspect Norm used principles from his unequaled vanishing birdcage to make it a reality! We spent about an hour viewing this breathtaking collection accompanied by one of the only men in the world who could do verbal justice to the collection. Norm stood quietly back after showing you each piece and allowed you to absorb the work. When you had a question about something Norm was right there with the answer. It was a very special window into the history of magic the like of which I have never experienced. I loved every second and was scarcely able to tear myself away from the experience. As I left their home Lupe had a rubber dove waiting for me on the dining room table. When I opened up the dove and removed it from its packaging I realized for the first time the esthetic behind my most consistently used prop. The attention to detail in the carefully molded prop, the crystal eyes, the packaging that was (like a product from Apple) as pleasing to the eye as it was practical. I removed the dove from its sealed plastic bag, removed the excess talcum powder and as I placed the custom cardboard box aside I remembered my visit. I reflected, not for the first time, that when it comes to class acts in magic that the Nielsen's are amazingly high on the list! As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin1@mac.com and check out my website at http://www.NickLewin.com -------------------------------------------- 7. The Art of Practice - #88 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com How do you practice your magic? In what ways do you rehearse the routines and segments that make up the various parts of your show? If you asked any number of magicians, I am sure you would get numerous variations in answers. Simply stated, we all have our own ways and methods. However, are there lessons to be learned and applied here when it comes to practicing your magic? These are the topics I want to try and share with you. I think it is safe to say that in order to get better at any magic that you do, you simply must practice it to get the feel for it. You simply cannot expect to pick up an effect and start performing it the next day. Magic as an art form deserves each of us to take the time necessary to actually not only learn what we are doing, but to also perform it well to make it an entertaining experience. I think the first point to share here is that there is a big difference between practice and rehearsals. Knowing and defining these differences can help any magician become a better performer. My personal feeling is that you must actually do both practice and rehearsal. When working on a new act or routine, you will need to practice first to get the moves down for segments within the act. You then will always want to rehearse the full act start to finish with costuming, music, etc. before ever actually performing it for a live audience. So a combination of both I think is essential. When one practices, one is really more concerned with learning the technical moves of what it is you are doing. This can mean learning a single move or applying moves to generate a sequence. The idea here is to get these moves down and develop the correct technical ability that is needed. In a lot of cases, a mirror can work well for this as it allows you to see what you are doing. Using a mirror is fine for practice but do not get to dependent upon it. The mirror can become a bad habit if used too much because you 1) see everything in reverse of what really is seen by the audience and 2) you start to become used to seeing the image in front of you that it throws you off when it is not there in real performance. I use a video camera instead as I know I am no longer performing for the mirror and I can set it up to record from different angles. However, there needs to be a point where you stop practicing and move on to rehearsing. Some of you may be wondering what the difference is or if there really is a difference at all. A proper rehearsal is one in which the full entire routine or act is done from start to finish utilizing the right props, music and even costuming. You are rehearsing the entire act as if you were actually going to perform it live for the public. It is also important to note here that when rehearsing you simply must use everything you would use in the actual live performance. If you are wearing tuxedo pants, then rehearse in those pants and not jeans. Even the smallest changes, can be magnified when it comes to the live performance. Another point that relates to this topic is the notion of a cold practice. A cold practice simply means that you do the act or routine once and only once. You can do this when you get home from work etc. The idea is that you are simulating a real experience. In a real experience, you do not have the chance of a "do over". This cold practice simulates that and starts to show you if you are ready to perform it for laypeople. I hope these few simple ideas and tips may be of help to you as you continue to practice and rehearse your own magic to develop creative routines. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 8. Entertaining On The Ocean #39 - Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) This week I'd like to introduce you to a professional magician from South Africa. He has shared some really wonderful articles with me in the past and I asked if it would be possible to allow members of the ezine to read them. Over the next few issues I will be handing it all over to Colin Underwood. Show Management Prop Management Part one The following notes are from my book I have started writing but I have so much to put to paper that I felt it might be useful information for magicians today and not in a year's time!! I wanted to pass on some advice from my experience of working long term contracts and my present contract is no exception. I am performing in Mallorca, one of the Balears Islands of Spain every night for 6 months. With such an intense contract I have found you have to develop personal skills that enable you to maintain such a high standard of performance. The odds are increased that something will go wrong within a long term a contract, that's a fact!! Prop and personal management is vital. I feel that the following advice can be applied to other fields of performance even if you do not perform as regularly. And in a way it is a success formula for life in general. Even though I give the advice I still find I am learning all the time and I get annoyed at little things that go missing or there are breakages or I don't get to bed early enough and then I am exhausted the next day. I am still striving for that perfect state! Performance wise I have a new adage which is, I am now as good as my venue!! There are such variations of venues that sometimes it is quite frustrating. I will discuss those hassles in Part 2. I also believe your show in general is a direct result of you and your personality. Obviously some of the hassles I have encountered will not mean anything to another performer who does not have the same personality traits but for the record I will pass on what its worth!! It might be pertinent to explain my personality and performance character if you haven't seen me is one of high energy so I mention energy levels quite often. I perform a routine at a fast pace pertinent to the trick itself and once completed I move quickly onto the next routine and working alone I have to clear away and set new props within the show itself. So prop management is very important for me. This means finding the balance between having a very structured show with props in place and a faster moving show but with chaotic prop management as well as sustaining the speed of performance night after night. There are other factors which can influence the show and prop management which I will discuss in Part 2 and 3 in forthcoming weeks. These are venue problems, sound equipment problems, untrained animation staff, lighting, difficult audiences, over zealous bar staff and the most insidious of all, your own personal problems. These are things like family connections, depression, burnout, finances, relationships etc. Self discipline. This is for me the most vital attribute for anybody who is going to sustain a long term contract of such intensity or a career in show business. There is a performance a night with one day off per week and sometimes you are on standby that day as well. The day to day running of your show has to come first and you have to develop a system for everything. My most taxing problem is keeping my energy at peak levels without burning out. Personal discipline and good living habits such as eating and sleep patterns are vital. I perform alone and do not have anybody with me so keeping sane is also a requirement!! A good balance of work and relaxation is necessary. With this present contract my apartment is about 400 metres from the beach so there isn't a problem in that regard but late nights in the pubs is a lot more taxing as the night life here is amazing. Sometimes I want to go to sleep early but the noisy revelers keep me awake!! This is fine for awhile but week after week it starts to take its toll. In Dubai last year I was not on a fixed time slot and could perform within a certain time frame. This was very demanding as there was nobody to check up on you and you have to be very focused in your work ethics. I have performed with fellow artists not only magicians who have not been able to maintain a high level of discipline. Any personal manager will tell you this is the same in all walks of life. The hiring and firing of job applicants is a worldwide problem. A friend told me he used to hire an applicant simply because he did not smoke; in his opinion a smoker had less self discipline and value for himself. I make no comment in that regard. I don't have a problem performing and it is my life, but my focus is to maintain my energy levels as the success of my show is directly related to my character and performance level which encompasses such things as timing etc. It is difficult sometimes to be the happy and a high level performer when you are suffering from a chest infection induced from 10 months of living in a shopping mall with air conditioning and you find each day you have less and less energy. This topic of self discipline is actually much bigger than this and encompasses goals and personal drive and determination which I won't go into here. Packing and traveling with props. The easiest way to have a system is to have a place for each prop and every night you pack the prop in the same place. You are then able to see if you have everything. On occasions I have left a shirt or a plug or whatever at a hotel. One prop can serve as a bag for others, my change bag which holds balloons in the show now carries my silks and small gimmicks. My vanishing bottle of tomato sauce is kept in a water bottle with the end cut off. (Or preferably keep the container it arrives in). I use mouth coils so the used mouth coil is stuffed into the bottle to retain its shape. Just by the way I do so many shows I have found I wear out those bottles and they tear and lose their shine so I order a new one each season. You receive a plastic label which has no adhesive with the bottles. I recommend a small amount of contact glue applied to the label to keep in place as the standard water method doesn't work and you don't want a label half falling off during a show. I do carry spare labels and stick them on as required. I will pack one routine after the next and vice versa with unpacking that way I methodically prepare the show. With everything in its place I can easily see what's missing. A quick mental recap after everything is in place is also vital, there will be a time you forget something. Pack small play big is also useful when choosing your show. Your props somehow become heavier after each months performances. The less loose props the better as there is less chance of something going missing. And sometimes the car park and the performance venue are far apart. A good set of casters on your prop trunk will help. When choosing a size, larger is better to get over little bumps and loose carpets in the hotel foyer. There is nothing worse than your prop box jamming the entrance to a five star hotel with guests trying to leave. It happened to me in a lift once; I pulled the box in from the front and then tried to push the box out. Because the lift did not align properly there was a small lip to get over but I was trapped behind my own box and had to go down to lower level and try again. Be aware your prop box if seen by the audience before and after the show reflects you so no tatty boxes. -------------------------------------------- 9. New Issue Oct/Nov Of "Magicana" -------------------------------------------- Message from Michael Woolfe - Editor New Zealand Magicana The new issue of "Magicana" Magazine is in the mail. This is the fiftieth to be published by Editor Michael Woolf and features an extended report on the IBM/SAM Convention in Louisville. Also included is a two-page photo-essay on John and Tammy Calvert, an article specially written by Bev Bergeron and reports on lectures by Shoot Ogawa and Sean Taylor. Also featured are regular items by Bernard Reid, David Ginn, Ken Ring, Joel Moskowitz, Terry Seabrooke, Richard Webster and Roderick Mulgan. The following issue will be graced by an article written exclusively for "Magicana" by John Calvert, and upcoming issues feature interviews with Jay Scott Berry, Zany Blaney, Jim Steinmeyer, Dale Salwak and Ice MacDonald. To subscribe to "Magicana" visit the Magicana website, www.magicana.co.nz -------------------------------------------- 10. Las Vegas Magic - October, 2008 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Magic Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Wed. & Thur.), Harmon Theater - Planet Hollywood. Criss Angel - Believe Currently in previews. Opening Gala on Halloween. 7 & 10:30 pm (Dark Wed. - Thurs.) - Luxor http://cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel David Copperfield Nov. 20 - Jan. 12, 2009 7:30 & 10 pm (and 4:30 Sat.) MGM Grand. www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dixie Dooley - Master Mystifier 7:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Tue.), Royal Resort and Hotel. www.houdiniexperience.com 2 for 1 Tickets: http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupon_dixie_dooley.html Jeff McBride - Magic at the Edge 7:30 pm (Dark Tues.) Sound Trax Showroom - Palace Station. www.palacestation.com/entertainment/trax Jeff McBride's "Wonderground" 10 pm - 2 am Fri. & Sat. Sound Trax Showroom - Palace Station. www.vegaswonderground.com Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:00 pm (Dark Fri.), Hooters Casino Hotel. Special Comp tickets: http://comps.mentalist.com Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues - Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - The Showroom, Harrah's. www.mackingshow.com Free tickets (buy 1 drink) are usually available at the concierge desk or handed out occasionally by showgirls. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 4 pm. (Dark Sat.) Main Showroom - Flamingo. www.nathanburton.com $10 off: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Scarlett: Princess of Magic 2:30 pm Fri. - Mon. 4 pm Tues. - Wed. (Dark Thurs.) V Theater - Planet Hollywood Resort. http://www.varietytheater.com/scarlett.htm Stars of Magic Showcase of Prestidigitation Dixie Dooley hosts. 7:00 pm Sunday, Royal Resort and Hotel. www.houdiniexperience.com Steve Dacri: Impossible Magic 7 pm, Sat. & Sun. $300 includes gourmet meal. 30 seats only. Six Tables Restaurant at Summerlin. 2110 N Rampart, Las Vegas. www.vegasinsidetips.com/MAGIC_impossible.html Steve Wyrick 7 & 9 pm. (Dark Fri.) Steve Wyrick Theater - Miracle Mile, Planet Hollywood. www.stevewyricktheatre.com Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) Magic In Production Shows: Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo - 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere. www.bitelasvegas.com Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.), Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp Crazy Horse Paris Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/crazy-horse-show.aspx Haunted Vegas Show and Tour Jac Hayden, Robert Allen, Adam Flowers 9:30 pm (Dark Fri.), picks up from the Greek Isles & Royal Resort. www.hauntedvegastours.com The Ultimate Variety Showcase Christopher Karpiak and "S". Roxy's Live - Sam's Town 6 pm - Midnight every Tuesday. Free. www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332 V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) & various others. 6 & 7:30, Planet Hollywood Resort - www.vtheshow.com Viva Las Vegas Max Clever and Dan Sperry - Plaza. 2 & 4 pm (Dark Sun.) www.plazahotelcasino.com/entertainment/special-events.php Other Vegas Magic: Craig Keith performs behind the bar at various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. Paul Draper strolls at various times - Grand Canal Shoppes, Venetian. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations Fantasma I.B.M. Ring #257, 7 pm 1st Monday each month. www.ibm257.com Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. Darwin's Magic Club, meets 10 pm Wednesdays. Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. KIDabra Las Vegas, 7 pm every 3rd Monday. Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. www.kidabralasvegas.com Magic Lunch Club meets every Thursday at 11:30 am - Sizzler, 307 S Decatur. Hosted jointly by IBM 257 and KIDabra Las Vegas. YMS (Young Magicians Society) 7 pm every 2nd Monday each month, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy. News The International Magicians Society awarded: The Best Magic Show, 2008 award to Jeff McBride's "Magic at the Edge" The Most Original Magician, 2008 award to Jeff Hobson. September, 2008 September 22-23: Focus on Stage Magic and Manipulation, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. www.magicalwisdom.com. October, 2008 October 10-12: Focus on Street Magic with Jeff McBride, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. This special 3-day class, Jeff will share his insights and special magic effects the are best suited for today's "STREET MAGIC" venues. Both real "STREET PERFORMANCE" and "STREET MAGIC FOR TELEVISION" will be covered. www.magicalwisdom.com. October 11-12: Will Roya - Master of Variety 6-10 pm, - Free - Town Square Park. www.townsquarelasvegas.com October 22-24: McBride's Magic & Mystery School's Magic and Meaning Conference. www.magicalwisdom.com. November, 2008 November 9-11: MINDvention with Docc Hilford, Marc Spelman, Luke Jermay, Rick Maue, Paul Draper plus more - Palace Station. www.mindvention.net November 6-9: Magic and Medicine, McBride's Magic & Mystery School - with Eugene Burger. A special seminar for medical practitioners of all sorts: physicians, nurses, therapists, holistic practitioners, and other professionals who wish to understand how to apply the powerful skills of performance magic to enhance the healing relationship. www.magicalwisdom.com. November 12-14: Mentalism Master Class, McBride's Magic & Mystery School. Presenting their third annual Master Class aimed exclusively at mentalists, with special guest, Ross Johnson. Jeff McBride's Master Class is the premier program in contemporary magic where YOU and your performance take center stage in a safe and supportive setting. At this Special Master Class all of the performances and all of the talks and breakout sessions will be on the subject of MENTALISM. Eugene and Jeff will share their thoughts on Mentalism for Magicians. www.magicalwisdom.com. December, 2008 December 1: IBM 257 hosts its annual Magician of the Year Gala at the Orleans Hotel and Casino. Magician of the Year - 2008 to be awarded to Mr. Electric & Carol, Marvyn and Carol Roy. February, 2009 Seigfried and Roy are set to perform for one show only at the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute's "Keep Memory Alive" Fundraiser in Las Vegas. This might turn into a television special. Details to follow. February 27-March 1: The Lance Burton Teen Weekend. Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Eugene Burger. http://theworldmagicseminar.com March, 2009 March 1-4: World Magic Seminar - Orleans Hotel. Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Eugene Burger, Bill Palmer, Jason Latimer, Rafael Benatar, Rannie Raymundo and more. www.theworldmagicseminar.com April, 2009 April 27-30: Steve Kissell presents the Performance Skills for the Family Entertainer, a four-day working seminar which includes "America's Funniest Magician" Competition. Trixie Bond, Steve Kissell, Marcella Murad, Dave Risley, Dave Hill, Glen Bailey, Ralph Metzler, B-Rad, Ron Conley, Tom King and Will Roya. Special interview with Stan Allen. Orleans Hotel. www.familyentertainersworkshop.com Please email any Las Vegas magic updates/news to David through his website: www.dnmagic.com. -------------------------------------------- 11. The Magic Of Austin Youth -------------------------------------------- Message from Kent Cummins (USA) "The Magic of Austin Youth" is a full day of MAGIC in Austin, Texas! The International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 60 and The Kent Cummins Magic Camp, proudly announce "The Magic of Austin Youth," a full day of magic benefiting the Magic Camp scholarship fund. The date is Sunday, October 26, 2008...the first day of National Magic Week! Award-winning performers with worldwide reputations will perform in a "Children's Magic Matinee" and "A Little Night Magic," sophisticated sorcery for adults, at the One World Theatre in Austin, Texas (www.oneworldtheatre.org). In addition, there will be strolling magicians, jugglers, unicycles, puppet shows, balloon twisters, carnival games, food and drink, silent auctions, fortune tellers, and a magic store! John Maverick, "Austin's Second-Best Magician," will perform a "Free Houdini Escape" in the early afternoon, and there will also be beginning magic and juggling classes from The Kent Cummins Magic Camp. Every dollar taken in will go directly into the scholarship fund, which awarded $28,000 in scholarships during 16 weeks of camp this past summer! The Kent Cummins Magic Camp, a fully-inclusive specialty day camp founded in Austin in 1993, has become a nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity, so donations are tax-deductable. You can watch Kent talking about the event on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4CMNQCL4ew. Information about the camp itself and the details of the fundraiser are at www.MagicCamp.com. Out-of-town guests are welcome, as are donations of cash, or merchandise for the silent auctions. There will be one silent auction just for kids, with bidding increments of 25 cents, and another more traditional auction for adults. Both magic-related and non magic-related items are welcome. To donate, contact Kent Cummins, executive Director, at kent@magiccamp.com or (512) 288-1596. "We work MAGIC with kids!"(sm) -------------------------------------------- 12. Articles In Last Week's Magic New Zealand -------------------------------------------- Message from Stan Kramien (USA) I read with great interest the article by Kyle Peron on the sub trunk....in late years the effect no longer exists in its original form now, instead of a classic steamer trunk, a magic type container is used, and a girl pops up and out comes the "THREE IT'S ME", and I want to puke. I first saw the classic sub trunk performed by the GREAT VIRGIL, what a miracle, I also saw "Raymond" perform a long drawn out routine in his swan song at the Town Hall in New York. Chester Morris was a sub-trunker in those days. Warren Gram did a great job, using an Owens trunk. My routine which I performed for many years on my illusion show was a combination of all, mostly Virgil, who was a great pal of mine. Two gentlemen are invited on to the stage, they are asked to examine a steamer trunk, mine was adorned with travel stickers from around the world: "Gentlemen, examine the trunk thoroughly, pound on the sides, on the top, on the bottom, and get inside if you so desire. It is an ordinary trunk that we use to transport part of our show properties. Now gentlemen I would like you to examine this cloth bag (at this time I would put the bag over one of them). I have one more prop for you to examine, my Assistant, Miss Kathleen). Kathleen was a drop dead gorgeous 6 foot Las Vegas showgirl. Gentlemen I want you to place the bag in the trunk, and then place Miss Kathleen in the bag (much byplay here). Then I would hand them a short piece of rope. I would gather up the bag, and ask them to tie the bag closed using knots they would remember if ever they would see them again. (At this time I cue them to place the rope around Kathleen's neck). No, no, not there, I said around the neck of the bag, now close trunk and lock it and hand one of the assistants the key. Have it on a large ring that will go around their neck, as you hand it to them say A KEY, "I speak fluent Spanish". Now have a long piece of rope (white) a loop in one end, lift up onto end of trunk and place the loop around, then the other end, then over the top, and around, roping the trunk entirely. This can be done very rapidly. The assistants are asked to stand on either side of trunk, as you roll the tent forward over the trunk. At this time the girl can get out and be standing by the front opening, as you step into the tent, you step into the trunk, head out, holding cloth around your neck. At this point you reach one hand out (actually the girls) and cue one assistant to hold your hand and count with you slowly 1, 2 and on the count of 3 they pull on the hand and they have hold of the girl, and you are in the trunk. She takes the key (to speed things up) has to the verify the knots, voila out comes the GREAT ONE. Virgil used to be smoking a cigarette. Dinon used to change costumes. Mandrake went from black tail to white. By the way, whatever happened to the linking rings, whatever happened to having eight rings examined by audience members, then linking them etc. Now God forbid anyone should examine the rings, and let's see how few we can use, maybe someone will come up with the one ring routine. Speaking of sub trunks, I really believe that ABBOTTS canvas covered box is one of the best effects ever invented NO ONE DOES IT some young magi could make a reputation with this one. -------------------------------------------- 13. 148 Week's Performances At The Magic Castle -------------------------------------------- Message from Terry Seabrooke (UK) Hi friends from the old country! Just an apology to pals that I shall after all not be working the Magic Castle in October this year. This would have been my 149th visit, but now will have to be next year all being well. With hotel prices and big increase in air fares and so on, I shall be working in Scotland instead for an old friend the English comic Freddie "Parrot Face Danies". Sorry I won't see you at the Castle, but next time. -------------------------------------------- 14. Believe In Dreams -------------------------------------------- Message from Cherry Saville (Aust) Enjoy a night of Las Vegas style entertainment you normally only dream of. "Believe In Dreams? will transport you from reality into an incredible theatre of imagination. You'll be dazzled by this extravaganza - a world of mystical illusion, aerial artistry, sensational song, exciting dance, comedy and laser wizardry. The man at the centre of the show, John Taylor, has just won "The Merlin Award" for "Illusionist of the Year 2008" which was presented to him at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hilton. A night of Lavish Entertainment - not to be missed! Evening performances: Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th October. Doors open 7.30pm - Show 8pm Matinee performance: Saturday 4th of October Doors open 3pm? Show 3.30pm EVAN Theatre, Panthers NSW Australia Adults $25.00 Child $15.00 Concession (card must be shown) $20.00 Reserved cabaret seating. Tickets available from club reception or by phone 1800 061 991. Tickets also available from Ticketek: www.ticketek.com.au -------------------------------------------- 15. John Mulholland's Secret Life: The MagiCIAn by Ben Robinson -------------------------------------------- Message from Chris Wasshuber Ben Robinson has spent a lifetime, more than 30 years, researching John Mulholland. This is the first and only work published on Mulholland, examining in particular his contributions to magic and the CIA. "THE MAGICIAN: John Mulholland's Secret Life" is drawn from never-before-seen documents and includes never-before-published photographs. John Mulholland (1898-1970) edited the magician's magazine "The Sphinx" for 23 years, ending the publication to be consultant to the newly born CIA in 1953. His assignments included working with billionaires and inventors, cracking codes and delving into the clandestine world of ESP research, LSD use and the secret MK-ULTRA world headed by the notorious Dr. Sidney Gottlieb. During this period, CIA Dr. Frank Olson died the day after Thanksgiving, 1953. This book examines Mulholland's role during this dramatic period in the CIA's history and goes against the current trend of accusing Mulholland as having a role in Olson's fatal fall from a hotel window. John Mulholland was "The World's Master Magician." He performed in forty-two countries, authored ten books and performed at the Roosevelt White house eight times. His 90-minute stage show was carried in two suitcases and included impersonations of authentic Hindu and Chinese mysteries. Theatre critics spoke about him as they did a great actor. John Mulholland was an intellectual patriot who provided an essential component of counter espionage during the Cold War's Red Scare. "THE MAGICIAN: John Mulholland's Secret Life" is the first biography of the man Dr. John N. Booth defines in his Foreword as "the most influential voice of the art of magic in the 20th century." Please note that this ebook will soon be available also as trade paperback for $29.99. The ebook cost $19.99 At the product page you can see a lovely little video clip - worth your time to watch it: http://www.lybrary.com/magician-john-mulhollands-secret-life-p-2132.html -------------------------------------------- 16. The Long Awaited Docc Hilford DVDs -------------------------------------------- Message from Docc Hilford (USA) The long awaited Docc Hilford DVDs have been released by L&L Publishing. The four DVD set are jam-packed with practical mentalism effects. Docc says that because most of the names from his New Zealand / Australian tour were inadvertently erased from his Lecture Club list, if any readers of Magic New Zealand wish to join or re-join the club, simply e-mail Docc at Docclecture@hotmail.com and you'll eligible for a discount on the DVDs. -------------------------------------------- 17. FISM Beijing 26th - 31st July 2009 -------------------------------------------- Message from Graham Bennett (NZ) Singapore Airlines Auckland. NZ Group arrangements have been organised by both Graham Bennett (Magician/Illusionist) of Singapore Airlines in conjunction with Magician/Illusionist Tim Ellis (Aust) for those magicians interested in attending FISM Beijing 26th - 31st July 2009 The minimum number required is 10 passengers travelling together outbound group blocks are held ex Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Singapore where both contingents will meet to travel onwards Singapore/Beijing. Passengers may return on an individual basis Departure date for all group movements 24 July outbound. Group movement must be finalised approx 35 days prior to departure when unused seats will be cancelled. For further information re fares, schedules and payment please contact: Graham Bennett at email graham_bennett@singaporeair.com.sg Tim Ellis katzkin@tpg.com.au -------------------------------------------- 18. Las Vegas (Confidential) The Musical Competition -------------------------------------------- Message from Hey Presto Magic Studio (Aust) Is Proud to Present Vanish Entertainment's World Premiere production LAS VEGAS (Confidential) The Musical Hey Presto Magic is proud to be part of the World Premier Session of 'Las Vegas The Musical' at the State Theatre in Sydney starting on November 4th 2008. To celebrate this Magical, Musical Experience, we are giving away Two Free Passes to see the show and a personally guided back stage tour. To be eligible, you need to have purchased either on-line or directly from our shop $1500 worth of goods during the month of October. That's it! Simple Hey? So get in quick to be in with a chance to win this fabulous prize! The winners will be announced on Monday the 3rd of November 2008. It's fabulous. It's scandalous. It's fun, sexy and glamorous. It's everything you want in one show! Spend a night in the city of sin! Experience the extravagance, high stakes, entertainment and scandals of classic Las Vegas.here in Sydney at the opulent State Theatre from November 4. This sizzling new musical captures the heart and soul of the world's entertainment capital, with something for everybody. Brilliant song and dance numbers surround a fascinating story of love, lust and luck. money, murder and the mob. complete with mind-blowing, spectacular acts of illusion. You won't believe your eyes! Set during a time when the mob ran the strip, Las Vegas (Confidential) The Musical is based on previously untold true events. Master illusionist James Karp has created a fascinating musical which invites you to enter the stranger-than-fiction world behind the glamorous façade. Alexander "The Great" Dean (Tamlyn Henderson) has been a headline illusionist act on the Vegas strip for 12 years, but his bad habits are finally catching up with him. To slip past the mob and the FBI, Alex will have to perform the ultimate vanishing act. Francesca (Katrina Retallick), the beautiful but streetwise chanteuse, is performing in Vegas for a limited engagement. She's been hurt before, but finds herself falling for Alex. And she just may hold the truth he is looking for. Burlesque starlet Tiffany Hills (Tiffani Wood) stopped in Vegas on the way to Hollywood, and never left. She's learnt how to manipulate the seductive power of lust and money. But with Tony "The Tool" Spitori (Tony Nikolakopoulos) at the top of the heap, the mob is really calling the tune. Tamlyn Henderson (We Will Rock You), Katrina Retallick (Company), Tony Nikolakopoulos (Underbelly) and sensational singing artist and former Bardot member, Tiffani Wood, will lead a brilliant cast of 25 actors, singers and dancers to bring this compelling story to life. Wearing tonnes of feathers and sparkling jewellery, the show features the most beautiful showgirls and most spectacular dance routines ever seen outside Vegas. The show includes the world's greatest songs of love and luck including Love Me With A Feeling, The Gambler, Que Sera Sera, Everybody Knows, Petula Clark's In Las Vegas, D'ove L'amore, and of course, Viva Las Vegas! "All the events you are about to see are true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.and the guilty!" Peter Reveen, veteran Las Vegas agent and producer, script consultant to Las Vegas (Confidential) The Musical. Cast includes: Tamlyn Henderson, Katrina Retallick, Tiffani Wood, Tony Nikolakopoulos, Garry Scale, Alistair Toogood, plus showgirls, gamblers, henchmen and little old ladies from Utah. Creator / Writer: James Karp Director: Christopher Hurrell Choreographer: James Taylor Season Details: Las Vegas (Confidential) The Musical Venue: State Theatre, 49 Market Street, Sydney Dates: From 4 November, 2008 Performance times: Tues - Sat 8pm, Sun 5pm Matinees: Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm Bookings: Online: www.ticketmaster.com.au Ph: 136 100 In person: At State Theatre Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet For more information: www.lasvegasthemusical.com.au or visit us at Hey Presto Magic www.heyprestomagic.com.au -------------------------------------------- 19. Cath Jamison's Family Magic Show -------------------------------------------- Message from Cath Jamison (Aust) Following 4 years of sell out Magic Workshops at Gasworks Arts Park, they have asked Cath Jamison, Australias Leading Female magician to perform her exciting new "Family Magic Show" for their school holiday program. (Book Now. Tickets almost sold out.) Date: Thursday 2 October Time: 1pm Venue: Gasworks Arts Park. (Theatre) Cnr Graham & Pickles Sts, Albert Park, Melbourne Bookings: www.gasworks.org.au (Cath Jamison new website will be coming soon) -------------------------------------------- 20. 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2008 -------------------------------------------- The 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention will be held in Auckland, New Zealand from the night of December 27th 2008 to January 1st 2009, 1.00am. Eight Confirmed Headliners John Shryock (USA), Marty and Brenda Hahne (USA), Ross Skiffington (Aust), George Schindler (USA) Steve Walker (Aust) Sean Taylor (Aust) and Charles Gauci (Aust) The venue will be the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre in Mount Wellington where we last ran a successful Convention in 2001-2002. Bookings can be made for convention accommodation by contacting: Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre, 58 Waipuna Road, Mt.Wellington, PO Box 14 164, Panmure, Auckland, New Zealand. Phone: +64 9 526 3000 Fax: +64 9 527 1937 Toll Free Reservations (NZ): 0800 924 786. http://www.waipunahotel.co.nz/ We have been able to secure a very attractive room rate of $NZ110 per night (Incl GST) for single or double rooms with registrants being able to book direct with the hotel. *************************** PLEASE NOTE that 93% of the ALLOCATED rooms have already been booked by conventioneers. If you are planning to attend best to book NOW! This convention will be a SELL OUT! *************************** The official registration form for the convention can be downloaded from: http://www.ibmring160.com/ If you don't have internet web access contact Ross Harlick, Secretary, 91 Panapa Drive, Meadowbank, Auckland 1072, New Zealand Or by: Phone: +64 (09) 521 3327 Fax: +64 (09) 521 3327 -------------------------------------------- 21. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.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) -------------------------------------------- 22. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson 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 they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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 2008 Alan Watson