* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1037
Date: Sunday 14th July 2013
Editor: Alan Watson
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editors Message
2. Magic 1400s-1950s - Amazon.com: $42.52
3. Covered This Week on Vanishlive.Com
4. S.A.M. Contests of Magic - 2013
5. IBM/SAM 2014 Combined Convention - July 1-5
6. Magicseen 51
7. Remarkable Magic #309 - Nick Lewin
8. Attending Conventions - #304 - Kyle Peron
9. MagiCelebration 2013 July 31- August 3rd Colon Michigan
10. Carney Magic Comedy & Magic Theater
11. The Amazing Kreskin
12. Davenport's Magic Kingdom
13. Tricky Business - Presented By the South African Magical
Society
14. KIDabra Conference 2013
15. TMG Volume Two
16. Rick Lax - Tricky Business of Innovation
17. Wayne Houchins New Zealand lecture tour
18. Magic New Zealand App
19. e-zine Archives
20. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editors Message
--------------------------------------------
To date Magic New Zealand membership stands at 17,230 subscribers
worldwide.
----------------------
For those who would like to read Magic New Zealand in a
HTML format go to:
Remember
if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
--------------------------------------------
2. Magic 1400s-1950s - Amazon.com: $42.52
--------------------------------------------
Article forwarded by Mel Kientz (US)
Taschen's
collection of classic magician art is sinister and wondrous
by
Charlie Jane Anders
If
you want to spend the Fourth of July long weekend being
transported to a world of vintage wonder, you should seriously
consider picking up Magic: 1400s-1950s, a brand new printing
from the art-book powerhouse Taschen. Check out some exclusive
artwork from the book below.
Magic:
1400s-1950s is just what it sounds like: an overview of
magicians from late Medieval manuscripts to the period just
after World War II. The text is lovely, with essays and
captions by Mike Caveney and Jim Steinmeyer that illuminate
just how magicians were innovating in the field of special
effects - and razzle dazzle - over a more than 500-year
period. We learn that "magic is the oldest performing
art," going back to the Egyptian pharoahs, and we discover
why so many magicians wanted to surround themselves with
mystical glamour and quasi-Satanic demon imagery.
Magic.
1400s-1950s
List Price: $69.99
Amazon.com: $42.52
But
really, the star of the book is the artwork, which you could
easily lose a few hours in paging through and noticing weird
little details. There are page after page packed with images,
many of them just like the cover of Glen Gold's Carter Beats
the Devil. We're incredibly stoked to be able to feature
some of the artwork here, including a couple of images that
are featured exclusively at io9, including the full version
of the one up top:
--------------------------------------------
3. Covered This Week On Vanishlive.Com
--------------------------------------------
Message by - Mick Peck
Online Content Editor
VanishLive.com
Jeff
McBride on the Downsizing of Magic, Franz Harary debuts
at the City of Dreams, a Talented Trickster Short on Charisma,
David Copperfield's magical relationship with God and Judiasm,
Criss Angel accuses Dynamo of stealing his tricks, James
Franco on working with Lance Burton, Helder Guimaraes and
Derek DelGaudio, the NEW series of Masters of Illusion and
more!
VanishLive
features DAILY updates of magic news from around the globe,
plus regular contributions from Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger,
Steve Spill, Nick Lewin, Keith Fields, Bizarro, Paul Romhany,
Richard Webster and others.
Visit
us today at:
www.VanishLive.com
--------------------------------------------
4. S.A.M. Contests of Magic - 2013
---------------------------------------------
Message by Dr. Paul Critelli Close-Up Magic Contest Chairperson's
High
Score Award and Silver Medal of Merit: Alberto Lorenzo -
Florida
Second Highest Score Award: Davio Wu - Taiwan
The William Andrews Mystic Craig Award for Professional
Promise: Yuri Terashima - Japan
Brad Jacobs People's Choice Award: Alberto Lorenzo - Florida
Originality Award: Davio Wu - Taiwan
Presidential Award: Alan Wu - Wisconsin
Father Cyprian Murray Stage Magic Contest
Chairperson's High Score Award: Chang Min Lee - South Korea
Second Highest Score Award: Trent James - Illinois
Brad Jacobs People's Choice Award: Trent James - Illinois
Originality Award: John Walton - Washington
Presidential Award: Steve Owens - California
--------------------------------------------
4. IBM/SAM 2014 Combined Convention - July 1-5
---------------------------------------------
I.B.M. and S.A.M. announce registration for blockbuster
2014 combined convention.
The world's two largest magic organizations will hold a
combined convention in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 1-5,
2014. The convention will draw amateur and professional
magic enthusiasts from every corner of the world and attendance
will be limited to 1400 registrants.
Featured during the five day event will be the FISM North
American Championships of Magic in close-up and stage with
winners having the opportunity to compete in the FISM 2015
World Championships of Magic in Rimini, Italy. Competitors
will also be competing in stage and close-up magic for the
I.B.M. Gold Medal and Gold Cups, the S.A.M. Gold and Silver
Medals of Honor, as well as the IBM/SAM Champion of Magic
selected by People's Choice. Cash prizes and performing
contracts for winners could exceed $20,000.
The convention, spanning the St, Louis Renaissance Grand
Hotel and the Peabody and Ferrara Theaters, will also feature
a welcome party, opening show, three gala evening shows,
final contest show, a close-up gala show, international
lecturers, dealers from around the world, an elegant banquet,
awards presentations, farewell party, plus special events
for members and spouses.
New for the 2014 Combined Convention will be the Lance Burton
Young Magician's Seminar for magicians between the ages
of 7 and 19 taking place two days before the official convention
opening. When registering for the combined convention, young
magicians can attend this exclusive event at no charge.
Young magicians under the age of 18 must be accompanied
by an adult (parent, relative or guardian) who is registered
for the 2014 Combined Convention.
Registration information and forms, contest information
and forms and a preliminary schedule overview can be found
on the convention website www.ibmsam.com
--------------------------------------------
6. Magicseen 51
--------------------------------------------
Message by Chris Wasshuber
Cover:
Kevin James
Welcome
- editor's letter
Letters
Flukes - article - Christopher Congreave A Quick Catch Up
with
Bob Swadling - Mark Leveridge News Pros and
Cons - It's All a Metter of Opinion - Mark Leveridge
- Should you include games in your children's shows, or
just magic?
News
Luca Volpe - Italy's Golden Boy
All In Character, Part 2 - Morgan and West In the Phone
Box - with ace world record holder Thomas Blacke - Mark
Leveridge So You Want to be a
Creative Magician -
Mark Leveridge The Twins FX - Flying High (Without Wires)
- interview Kevin James - The Man Who Knows Too Much! -
cover article/interview by Graham Hey Agents and the 'Business
of Show-Business' - Jay Fortune interviews Tobias Beckwith
Fritz (with a 'Z') Alkemade - interview by George Luck Masterclass
- Moneyball - Fritz Alkemade
- Lettuce - Josh Janousky
Shed 7 with Greg Wilson
Reviews
- Allegro - Miguel Puga (Magomigue) - DVD set
- Linkey - Alan Rorrison - effect on DVD
- Birthday Magic for Kid's Shows - Ian Adair - book
- Melting Point - Cashan Wallace - effect on DVD
- Clean Cash - Marc Oberon - money effect DVD with partial
prop
- Tick Tock - Sean Goodman - effect DVD
- The Mirage - Dani DaOrtiz - effect DVD with deck
- To the Max - Keiron Johnson - effect DVD
- Vortex of Refreshment - David Regal - effect DVD with
props
- Reading Writing - Ariel Frailich - book
- Portable Ink - Takel - card effect DVD with gimmick
- iUnlock Your Mind - Myke Phillips - iPhone App Zenon's
Still the Man - Review: La Clique Show, Brighton, May 29th
Next Time
Advertisers Listings Section Back Issues
$5
PDF
go to product page:
http://www.lybrary.com/magicseen-no-51-p-318364.html
buy now: (add to cart and checkout)
http://www.lybrary.com/index.php?products_id=318364&action=buy_now_checkout
-------------------------------------------
7. Remarkable Magic #309 - Nick Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message by Nick Lewin (US)
Looking
forward to the PCAM.
August
1st-4th will be the PCAM (Pacific Coast Association of Magicians)
convention. It is being held at the Los Angeles Marriott
Burbank Hotel a healthy 'Toppit Throw' from the Burbank
Airport. I am very excited to be attending the event.
The
very first convention I attended in the USA was the PCAM
and I had a blast, and I am expecting nothing less with
the 2013 convention. For a smaller regional convention the
talent line up is staggering, I guess the proximity to the
Castle doesn't do any harm in this area.
The
event kicks off on Thursday the 1st at 3.00pm and then moves
into gear between 7.00-9.00 pm with a Welcome Party that
features a No Host bar and a Nacho Bar. A Nacho Bar-you
have got to love Los Angeles! No word on whether the Nacho
Bar is hosted or not, but it will include a Larsen Family
Tribute.
Mental
note to self-Don't imbibe too heartily at either the alcoholic
or nacho bar on that opening night party, there is a Dealers
Show from 10.00-11.30 that night and I will be in it. I
will be demonstrating some of the new items from my online
magic store. I fondly remember how much fun and excitement
Ken Brooke used to create at Dealers Shows when I was a
youngster; if I avoid that second plate of nachos I hope
to do the same.
The talent pool of lecturers is dazzling for this year's
convention and features, Tim Mannix, David Gabbay, Howard
Hamburg, Max Maven, Johnny H, Ice McDonald, Shawn Farquhar,
David Regal and Paul Green. Read that list again and tell
me that it doesn't make you want to rush to http://www.pcam2013.com
and see about registering for the event. That is a mighty
distinguished group of lecturers. There are also 'day' and
'event' passes available for interested local magicians.
Two
major evening shows are being held on the Friday and Saturday
night featuring; Jimmy H, Andrew Goldenhersh, Shawn Farquhar,
Rob Zabreky, Trever & Lorena, Paul Green and Ice McDonald.
There are many other great shows, contests and events to
enjoy during the convention and they are all listed on the
convention web site.
I
am rather excited because my goal in attending the event
is to do a live introduction of my new product line from
Lewin Enterprises, my online magic home of the 'Nick Lewin
Ultimate' line of magical releases. I have been busy lining
up exciting props, books, DVDs and routines and this will
be the first time I have presented them live.
I
will be attending the PCAM convention with my wife and partner
Susan; known to many magicians as 'Mrs. Nick,' joining us
will be Rolando Medina. Rolando is head of visualization
and chief 'Maker' for our product line. Medina has just
relocated from San Antonio, Texas to Las Vegas, he is an
awesome manufacturing wizard and we are proud to be working
with him as our right hand man.
Visiting
with us will be another key member of our team Steve Mitchell;
we couldn't spend four days in Burbank and miss the opportunity
to dine at 'The Smoke House' with Steve. Mitchell is a master
of graphics, marketing, design and anything else artistic.
Without Steve's involvement I would never have embarked
on 'Lewin Enterprises.' Knowing Steve was right by my side
to tell me when I am doing something dumb has been a wonderful
and reassuring thing.
One
member of our team who will not be in Burbank is Miko Montgomery,
who is our head of Video Production. Miko is a really gifted
filmmaker who I am thrilled to be working with. We just
completed a DVD detailing the Slow Motion Newspaper Tear
I have been closing my act with for thirty years. The video
is just great and makes a really classic magic effect possible
without most of the learning curve you would expect. The
DVD will be available for the first time at PCAM 2013 and
available online soon after.
If
you are going to be at the convention stop by my dealer's
booth and say "Hi" it is always a pleasure to
meet up with old magic friends, and to make new ones. I
will be writing a detailed run down of the event in 'Vanish'
magazine and a couple of cameo interviews in 'Magic New
Zealand ezine.'
Check out my blog at www.remarkablemagic.com for my latest
releases and writings. My web site is the home of my online
magic store at www.nicklewin.com
--------------------------------------------
8. Attending Conventions - #304 - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
Well
I just got back from yet another magic convention. I attended
the 2013 Society of American Magicians Convention in Washington,
DC. As I drove back home I started to ask myself why I go
to conventions? What is it about magic conventions that
appeals to me?
Certainly
the shows are amazing with top-notch talent from all over
the world. Getting a chance to see them perform live fuels
my creativity and love for the art. It helps me to see the
beauty of our art form and what others have done to create
unique entertainment experiences.
The
lectures are also amazing and perhaps they have the drawing
power to me. Being able to learn from some of the best in
the business appeals to me. It helps me to continue to learn
and strive to push myself to be better for magic, better
for my business and better for my audiences.
I
even thought about location, special events, talent line
up and the likes. The more I drove, the more I thought about
all of this. What is it that appeals to me about conventions?
Why do I go and come back wanting more?
Suddenly
a smile came over my face. A single thought entered my head
and I knew why. I knew clearly the one thing that draws
me to a convention and keeps me coming back time and again.
The more I smiled the more it made sense to me.
It
was not the talent nor the shows it was not the lectures
or the dealer room. It was none of these things. Sure they
are all fun and they are important. However, to me there
was a far greater reason. That reason was "friendship."
It
sounds too easy or might come off sounding a bit odd to
you. To me, friendship is why I go. Every time I get to
meet old friends I only see once a year. I get to share
stories with them and laugh with them and learn from them.
I
also get to meet people I have never seen before and build
long lasting friendships with them as well. Getting the
chance to share in the art of magic with someone else is
so refreshing and rewarding.
This
sense of friendship is what draws me in and what empowers
me year after year. The friends I meet and know become my
magic family. Attending the S.A.M. National Convention made
me realize all of this. It made me realize that attending
is like attending a large family reunion year after year.
My
magic family fills me with joy and happiness. My magic family
teaches me and encourages me along my magical journey. So
will I be back? Will I attend this convention and others?
ABSOLUTELTY! Family sticks together and friendships last
a lifetime.
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.
Entertainers, please visit:
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
--------------------------------------------
9. MagiCelebration 2013 July 31- August 3rd Colon Michigan
--------------------------------------------
Message by Rick Fisher (US)
Rabbits
hereabouts are seeking shelter because the magicians are
coming to town!
4
Days of Terrific Magic!
A
different show at the air conditioned Colon High School
every nite featuring: Charlie Frye & Company,Devlin,Dick
Stoner,Rick Fisher,Baffling Bill, Aaron Balcom,Dave Pendleton,Danny
Orleans,Sonny Fontana, Sylvester Jester, Gordo & Company,
Norm Barnhart, Normondo!, Ron Jaxon
6
Lectures, Close Up Show - Our Youth Contest Is - Sold Out!
We
cannot believe the amount of entrants that have registered
for the $1000 prizes!
Unfortunately
we had to turn some down because of the response.
Dealers
- World's Largest Magic Flea market, FREE shows in the shop
every day!
Special
Magic History Tours - so much more!
Registration
- is can you believe it - only $125.00 - spouse and youth
only $75!!!
The
best value magic convention on the planet! Special hotel
rates - only $62.50 per nite at the America's Best Value
Inn in Three Rivers...don't delay! Come check it out online
- www.colonmichiganmagic.com
--------------------------------------------
10. Carney Magic Comedy & Magic Theater
--------------------------------------------
Message by John Carney (US)
Sunday matinees at 3pm
July 14 - Sept. 8
Magic
Castle's Most Awarded Performer
As Seen on David Letterman's Late Show
Carney
Magic is a theatre show that blends mind-blowing sleight
of hand with intelligence, taste, and wit, into unique afternoon
of pure entertainment. This is definitely NOT your typical
"magic" show.
Carney's
approach is smart, engaging, and often hilarious.
Amazing
magic, crazy characters, and lots of audience participation
and laughs.
This is a show that will amaze you, as it charms and delights.
More
info at CarneyMagic.com
Tickets available at BrownPaperTickets.com
Tickets
: All Ages $15
Two
Roads Theater
4348 Tujunga Ave.
Studio City, Ca 91604
-------------------------------------------
11. The Amazing Kreskin
--------------------------------------------
Message by Wayne Alan
The
Historic North Theatre
Performing Arts Center
Est. 1947
Main Theatre, Balcony Mini Theatre,
Restaurant & Bar, Gallery, Gift Shop and Celebrity B&B
629 North Main Street, Danville, VA 24540
Phone 434-793-SHOW (7469) www.TheNorthTheatre.com
Contact: Wayne Alan-434-793-SHOW (7469)
The
Amazing Kreskin performs at the Historic North Theatre in
Danville, VA.
He tells people things about themselves that only they can
possible know!
Kreskin promises to find his hidden check or forfeit his
fee!
{Danville VA.} The world's most famous mentalist, "The
Amazing Kreskin" will be appearing at The Historic
North Theatre Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 8 p.m. in Danville
Virginia. He's 78 years young, still tours 45 weeks a year
and has a new book titled "Conversations with Kreskin"
with a special forward written by Roger Ailes of FOX News
& Television. The theatre is located at 629 N.Main St.
Tickets
sections range from $25.00, $20.00, $15.00 & $10.00.
To purchase online go to: www.TheNorthTheatre.com or to
purchase over the phone and for group sales and more information
call: 434-793-SHOW{7469}
With a showman's flair, a comedian's wit, and the capacities
of a bona fide Mentalist or thought reader, The Amazing
Kreskin has, for 5 decades, dramatized the unique facets
of the human mind, his own! His very name has become an
integral part of pop culture throughout the world, invoked
in comedy clubs, comic strips, print stories, and TV shows.
When
Johnny Carson played the character "Carnac the Magnificent"
on the "Tonight Show", he was spoofing the Amazing
Kreskin. Kreskin a favorite guest on Johnny's show and Merv
Griffin has also been a regular on Howard Stern, David Letterman,
and "Regis & Kathy Lee." Currently he makes
frequent appearances on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,"
and "Mike Huckabee.".
In
2008, Tom Hanks produced and co-starred with John Malkovich
in "The Great Buck Howard" which was fashioned
after the Amazing Kreskin's life. To quote David Letterman,
"Kreskin should sue the producers of the TV show, "The
Mentalist" for stealing his act. He's the best mentalist
in the world and he's not acting!" Kreskin can tell
people things about themselves that only they or a close
friend would know!
For
his performance at the theatre, Kreskin asks that his check
be hidden by the audience somewhere in the theater during
the show. He will attempt to find it and if he fails, he
will forfeit his fee. Amazing Kreskin also offers $1,000,000.00
to anybody that can prove that he employs paid secret assistants
or confederates in any phase of his program to help him
perform his mentalist "effects."
------------------------------------------
12. Davenport's Magic Kingdom
--------------------------------------------
Message by Donald Bevan (UK)
A
Dream to Reality
Reviewed by Donald Bevan
Amazing!
Incredible! Wonderful! Wow! These were some of the utterances
emanating from the four-score invited guests to the official
opening of Davenport's Magic Kingdom situated in North Walsham,
Norfolk on Saturday July 6th. Yes, this fascinating exhibition,
museum, entertainment venue actually opened for business
a few weeks ago, but this was the 'Official' day.
Paul
Daniels and Debbie McGee, Lord John MacGregor and a few
other magicians attended, but the bulk of the guest list
consisted of those involved in this 30-year dream - architects,
builders, designers, financial advisers, artists and craftsmen.
The local lady Mayor, attending with her family and some
Councillors, told me how much they enjoyed the visit and
that 'the children think it's wonderful!'
Company
Director Fergus Roy welcomed everyone. He gave a detailed
résumé of the journey throughout three decades.
From an initial thought to the present, emphasising this
was not the end of the trail, only the beginning as many
more magical artefacts from the Davenport Collection and
archives were yet to be restored, unveiled and added to
the exhibition. Plus other entertaining ideas.
Fergus
then introduced Managing Director Roy Davenport, whose unbounding
energy, enthusiasm and cheer cussedness in the face of adversity
had brought it all about. Roy extended named thanks to those
mentioned above, then brought on his 'Mum' Betty Davenport,
who briefly performed the 'opening ceremony' by unveiling
a plaque marking the occasion.
Split
into small groups, visitors were then introduced to the
mysteriously cloaked Elizabeth, who taking us through a
burning fireplace (shades of Harry Potter Floo powder!)
invited us to enter an inner sanctum and view a First Edition
of Scot's Discoverie of Witchcraft from 1584, followed by
gruesome details of witch-hunts and even a trick or two.
This was well scripted and performed.
From
thereon we entered a wonderland of magical intrigue - impossible
and pointless to describe in detail. Suffice to say that
magicians with even the slightest interest in magical history
will be intrigued. Within colourful displays are illusions
and artefacts from such as Robert-Houdin, Maskelyne, Devant,
Chung Ling Soo, Servais Le Roy, Murray, Chang, Oswald Williams,
Dante, Lyle, Levante, Kalanag and more. Step into a 'room'
and you can be photographed actually being levitated by
Paul Daniels. Simply follow the instructions.
Other
rooms show film of Cardini, David Nixon and Tommy Cooper;
there's a full-size version of Houdini's Water Torture Cell,
the trunk used in Maskelyne's illusionary sketch Will, the
Witch and the Watch (or Watchman).
Posters
of leading magicians abound. There are hundreds of magic
catalogues on display (always a wondrous source of magical
information) and there's even a motorcar - Lewis Davenport's
1920s Rolls Royce, which only in comparatively recent years
came back into the family's possession. Other prized items
include splendid armchairs from Egyptian Hall and a full
size Grand Piano from St. George's Hall, which on this special
day was expertly played by a young man, who had 'vanished'
before I could get his name! If you fancy a break and a
cuppa, there is an extensive cafeteria area in which to
relax.
It
is important to note that this exhibition/museum is not
designed simply to attract magicians. Quite the opposite.
The general public, 'lay' people, will be the mainstay of
this quite exciting project, the Norfolk coast and surrounding
areas being popular with holiday-makers. Thus there are
all kinds of activities including a Headless Lady side-show
illusion, occasional Punch and Judy shows and magicians
performing close-up magic. There are 'magic shops' selling
tricks and memorabilia (if you are into nostalgia, seek
out Oliver who fronts an amazing display of yesteryear Davenport
and other props). Incidentally, throughout the exhibition
there are no exposures, no gimmicks or fakes on display.
In
addition there are frequent 30-minute shows throughout the
day in the small intimate theatre, with genuine theatre
seating, by Roy Davenport and/or magical guests. We saw
Roy replicating his great-grandfather Lewis Davenport's
act: vanishing wand, mutilated sunshade, fast tambourine
production of ribbons, billiard balls and thimbles, colour-change
waistcoats and more, followed by a superb Miser's Dream
and 'signature' Linking Rings.
To be an integral part of this venture, named donations
are invited. For £120 you can 'Name a Seat' in the
theatre; or for £25 have your name inscribed on a
'Wall of Friends'. Simply visit the website below, click
on 'Friends' and follow the instructions.
This
'report' is long enough, but which I hope gives a 'feel'
to what the Davenport family have achieved and their plans
for the future - which include possible further expansion
as they hold a long lease on substantial land. They deserve
every support.
For
booking and other details: www.davenportsmagickingdom.co.uk
01692 405254
©
Donald Bevan, July 2013.
-------------------------------------------
13. Tricky Business - Presented By the South African Magical
Society
--------------------------------------------
Review by Murray McGibbon
Tricky
Business
At
the Rhumbelow Theatre presented by the South African Magical
Society (SAMS)
I
was very fortunate to catch the last performance of Tricky
Business, a fun-filled, family friendly magic show directed
with style and panache by Ricki Gray, Vice President of
SAMS.
While
the magic on stage was of a high professional standard,
there was also magic "in-the-air" as far as the
audience was concerned, with "ooh's" and "aah's"
abounding and deafening applause at some of the more intricate
mysteries being performed.
Top
honours must go to the show's producer and director Ricki
Gray whose irrepressible energy and enthusiasm was clearly
evident in the final, polished product. He certainly puts
the "Energizer Bunny" in the shade. Literally!
Gray
also served as a witty compere and master illusionist. He
must be one of the most prominent unsung entertainers in
the country, His record of accomplishments as a professional
performer originally from the UK, with experience in ice
shows, cruise ships, and a Royal Command performance for
Queen Elizabeth leave him without equal.
The
slick, fast-moving show opened with a magical dance sequence
choreographed by Gray, featuring Dancers, Graeme Harpham
(a doctor of chiropractic), Shelley Dady (an accountant)
and Kirsty Randall. Adding variety and spice was the good-looking
17 year old saxophonist Charl Rossouw, from Westville Boys
High School.
After
setting the mood for the show, with Gray's "naughty
but nice" comic business, the first magician to grace
the stage was the engaging Bennie Matthee, the President
of SAMS. I have seen his act before and noted a confidence
and assurance that is developing with experience. Mathee,
who works in computer web design, climaxed his act with
an impressive razor blade swallowing routine. Younger members
of the audience were suitably warned not to try this at
home! Neatly costumed, his presentation would be enhanced
by having his column-cum-table designed in such a way that
can it can be effortlessly wheeled off stage.
I
have watched Adi Paxton, now a full time children's entertainer,
puppeteer, radio actress and clown (aka Cherry) for many
years since she first started performing and it was gratifying
to see the confidence and ease with which she wove her magical,
whimsical thread though her performance. Being the only
lady magician in the province, she has carved herself a
unique niche.
Adrian
Smith is another magician who has matured into a worthy
magician of note. His act is much more controlled and elegant
now, and it is hardly surprising he is making his living
from magic. His Vegas card routine had a definite "how
the hell did he do that?" quality. At the performance
I saw he used a young boy from the audience to magically
pull coins out of thin air, as well as from the boy's nose,
ear and sundry other parts of the anatomy!
The
look of astonishment and sheer, unbridled awe, on the boy's
face, surely touched the life of that young audience member.
I have no doubt that the young man in question was bitten
by the "magic bug" and will be asking for a magic
set next Christmas. This subtle, yet powerful performance
intention gave the show an endearing quality as patrons
were not only entertained, but educated, thereby nurturing
new generations of audience members.
It
is always a delight to see Keith Pettengell on stage. A
busy specialist surgeon, magic has been a lifelong hobby
of his. He brought an old school (but not old-fashioned)
charm to the proceedings, with his impeccable, classical
magician's apparel and props. His sardonic wit, and comic
patter neatly complemented a deft card trick and an amusing
egg and scarf routine. Clearly this is a performer totally
in command of his art and his audience. Years of experience
and practice is telling.
The
final act of the evening featured Wayne Driver who manages
a butchery for a living. I predict that he will become a
successful professional magician, given the skill he demonstrated
in Tricky Business. Using standard, classical magic props,
he put his personal stamp on the mystifying multiplying
bottles, and the best cut and restored rope routine I have
seen in many a year. I particularly enjoyed his Chinese
Linking Rings, which in the hands of a master craftsman
appeared utterly effortless and truly impossible.
As
an admittedly somewhat jaded audience member, I was swept
away by the sincere commitment and involvement of the performers.
The charming Rhumbelow Theatre, reminded me for 100 minutes
of a small theatre in Paris where many years ago I saw a
magic variety show. With sound by Andre Norden and Lighting
by Derek and Kevin Pearce, the SAMS production of TRICKY
BUSINESS provided a wonderful antidote to the gloom, doom
and dismal news permeating the country. Everyone left with
a spring in their step and a smile on their face, having
been transported into a magical world of make-believe. Make
sure you do not miss next year's annual show!
ends
Murray
McGibbon is the former Director of Drama for NAPAC and The
Playhouse Company. He is currently Professor of Acting and
Directing at Indiana University in the USA. He first became
interested in magic at the age of three and has performed
and judged magic competitions nationally and internationally.
He was awarded the Order of Merlin with Shield by the International
Brotherhood of Magicians (USA) and is a Member of The Magic
Club of London and the South African Magical Society.
©Presto
Theatre International, 2013
-----------------------------------------
14. KIDabra Conference 2013
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mark Daniel (US)
KIDabra
Conference 2013
"The Must Attend KIDshow Performers Event of the Year!"
August 6-9, 2013
The Music Road Complex in the resort town of
Pigeon Forge, TN
Your
invited to join the KIDshow World as we gather in August
for the 22nd time: The Year of Amazing!
Join a who's who of KIDshow Superstars: Al Lampkin, UT o
Danny Orleans, IL, Kimmo, England o Tommy James, MA, Jimbo,
England o Tamar, England, Greg Britt, New Zealand, Leon
McBride, VA o Marcela Murad, FL, Jolly Roger, AZ o Jan Rose,
IL, Mat Fore, TN o Buster Balloon, CA, Todd Neufeld, NY
o John Carlson, NJ, BJ Hickman, RI o Joe Romano, VA, Terry
Evanswood, TN o Ken Scott, GA, Barry Mitchell, TN o Tim
Sonefelt, SC, Brad Ross, NJ o Jozo Bozo, Croatia, Todd McKinney,
TX o Bruce Amato, TN, Jim Kleefeld, OH o Jim Austin, IN,
Max Howard, GA o David Farr, MN, Chris Weed, AZ o Gary Shelton,
NC , Tate Elliott, NC o Skip Way, NC, Tim Gaines, LA o Tom
Dowling, OH, John Bobik, PA, and Your Conference Hosts Mark
and Tami Daniel
Plus
the amazing KIDabra Dealers Room with Axtell Expressions,
Jeff Jones- Magic Backdrops, Tommy James Magic, Tim Sonefelt's
Wonder Imagery, Barry Mitchell Products, Happie Amps, Brad
Ross- Make Money Magic, William's Magic, Mingus Magic (
Feather Flowers), Michael Messing Photography, The Riz (Dave
Risley), Jim Kleefeld Magic, Bruce Amato Magic, Jim Austin
Magic, Todd Neufeld and Buster Balloon, and ShowTime Magic-
The New Home of The Joe Lefler Table!
However
we're not complete until you're with us.
Register
at kidabra.org and follow the excitement on The KIDabra
International Members and Friends Group on Facebook
--------------------------------------------
15. TMG Volume Two
--------------------------------------------
Message by Salil Kumar "Solyl" Kundu (India)
This
final issue of volume two of TGM is full of "meats"-
please read the following and judge for yourself. It must
have set a record by including articles from the pen of
three past IBM Int'l Presidents-Don Wiberg, Jep Hostetler
and Ray Mangle - simply a prestigious issue!
The contents are
" Let's have a chat - here in this space TGM openly
discuss its success, failures, good or bad and everything
- even a scoop is here in this issue.
" Past Glory of India - SN Dey - the generous magician
is the profile LK Roy sketched in this issue.
" Did you know ... learn 13 mysterious facts about
Jeffery Atkins - a magic personality.
" Tricky Teaser - by Derek Lawrence is the magical
crossword puzzle for you to solve.
" MagicsXposed - this issue caters a mélange
of magic - ten, yes Ten tricks.
1. MAGICamera by Somya Deb is a cute card caper for all
2. With-a-Snap by Fabian is another card caper but not 'just
another'-a brilliant one!
3. Floating Cigarette by Solyl Kundu - you don't have to
be a smoker to float a lit cigarette.
4. Some Notions by Ali Bongo - is not a trick but a thoughtful
'dressing' of an excellent effect by Werry of Germany.
5. Can or Bottle of Pop Production by Don Wiberg - is Simple
but stunning!
6. Cow to Chicken by Jep Hostetler - Entertain with just
a handkerchief or a table napkin.
7. Super Rope through Finger by Ray Mangel - a penetration
effect as the tile suggests.
8. Cornered by Aldo Colombini - A jumbo card effect that
can be repeated without worry and the creator's name suggests
the quality of the effect!
9. The Houdini Touch My way by Gora Datta - A Peter Warlock
effect modernized by a modern magician - you can't afford
to miss it!
10. Selected Suit Divination by Tom Craven - A competent
creator and performer of repute gives you one of his pet
card caper.
" News and View around the Magicdom - caters national
and international news. "
In addition, Cartoons, Publicity Tips Etc.
Edited by Salil Kumar "Solyl" Kundu. E-mail: thegimmickmagizette@gmail.com
and solylkundu@gmail.com
37
pages
--------------------------------------------
16. Rick Lax - Tricky Business of Innovation
--------------------------------------------
Article forwarded by Mel Kientz (US)
The
Tricky Business of Innovation: Can You Patent a Magic Trick?
by
Rick Lax
Rick
Lax is a licensed, non-practicing attorney who wrote the
books Lawyer Boy and Fool Me Once. He currently creates
magic tricks for theory11 and Penguin Magic.
I
created a magic trick with a balloon. You stretch out the
balloon's nozzle, rip it off, and then magically reattach
it as the balloon deflates. No secret props, no extra pieces:
just one balloon. I spent months developing this trick,
perfecting the psychology and the physiology. Then I spent
weeks filming and editing the trick with magic distributor
Theory11.com. We released "Detach" in February
of 2012.
Some company in Russia copied it a couple months later.
But they didn't just copy my trick - move for move, beat
for beat - they copied the look and feel of the marketing
in the trailer, too. [You can see for yourself by comparing
those two links.]
In the field of magic, theft is rampant. Close-up magic
wholesalers steal from close-up magic wholesalers. Parlor
manipulators steal from parlor manipulators. Large-scale
illusionists steal from large-scale illusionists.
Why do they do it? . . . Because they can.
David Copperfield spends years developing illusions, perfecting
patter, and mastering misdirection. And then lots of large-scale
illusionists steal his style, his jokes, his presentations.
"French law protects artists much better than U.S.
law," Copperfield says. "In France, I sued someone
who stole my Flying illusion, and I was successful. The
lawsuit prevented him from performing it again without compensating
me."
Here in America, intellectual property law offers less help
to magicians.
Everyone Steals - And It's Not About Innovation
Since moving to Vegas six years ago, I've gotten to know
a handful of notable magicians and every single one of them
has been ripped off. Bizzaro makes and sells Color Changing
Sponge Balls; two different manufacturers market it without
his permission internationally. Losander created a big,
beautiful $2,000 illusion floating table; you can now buy
a crappy knockoff for $500. Jeff McBride spent years developing
a manipulation act that incorporates masks with feathers,
canes, umbrellas, and streamers; someone in Thailand copied
the entire thing. And that company in Russia continued to
copy my other tricks: a card trick, a headphones trick.
Unfortunately, none of this copying is about the kind of
competition and innovation that one arguably sees in an
industry like fashion.
Just last month, Criss Angel attempted an illusion very
similar to one done by German illusionist Jan Rouven in
2009. It goes like this: Six swords are hung above a table,
upon which the magician lies. Five swords are positioned
to fall inches away from the magician's body; one is positioned
over the heart. The swords' handles are connected to ropes
and given to a spectator, who releases them, one by one,
not knowing which rope is connected to the kill sword. After
the magician survives the five drops, he gets off the table
to demonstrate what would have happened if the spectator
had released the kill sword. It plunges down to where the
magician's heart just was.
Rouven tells me that his backstage manager caught Angel
examining the prop after one of Rouven's shows, and apparently
Angel never asked Rouven for permission to perform the trick.
What Angel did do - here's where things get interesting
- is get "permission" from fantasy/horror director
Clive Barker, whose 1995 film Lord of Illusions contained
a scene in which a magician performed a trick in which swords
dropped onto a table upon which the magician lay. Angel's
prop looked a lot like the one in Barker's movie (circular
table, gold spiral, extra sword), not like Rouven's.
But the similarities between Angel's trick and the Lord
of Illusions trick ended there. The Lord of Illusions trick
was an escape demonstration in which the magician was locked
to the table and every sword was positioned to fall on him.
In the movie, the swords weren't released by ropes held
by a spectator (they dropped automatically), and the table
rotated in one direction while the hanging swords rotated
in the other. None of these things applied to Angel's trick.
So Angel made a prop that looked like Barker's but functioned
like Rouven's.
The irony? The trick malfunctioned (the kill sword didn't
drop; the prop was repaired in full view of the live audience),
and Angel's website later rewrote who owned the trick by
stating, "Criss is the only magician to whom Clive
has given his permission and blessing to recreate this illusion,
and no one else should be performing it without Mr. Barker's
permission."
The Tricks of the Law
Patents don't protect secrets; they reveal them. Plus, many
magicians' tricks don't use special devices; they use misdirection
and sleight-of-hand.
Patents don't protect secrets; they reveal them.
It's
not like the rampant copying or stealing has led to any
new innovations or advanced the field of magic.
If a magician invents a device that allows him to, say,
teleport across the stage in the blink of an eye, he can
patent the device. But the patents themselves are open to
the public. Anyone can see them. When an R.J. Reynolds tobacco
newspaper ad revealed Horace Goldin's "Sawing a Lady
in Half" illusion and Golden sued for "unfair
competition," the court sided with Reynolds, essentially
arguing something like "if you wanted to keep it a
secret you shouldn't have patented it."
What about trade secret law? (This is different than trademark
law, which only lets you protect the name or logo of your
trick.) Liability is found against only those who share
secrets "improperly." That means you can't score
a job as Copperfield's assistant, promise to keep his secrets,
and then turn around and start performing his tricks yourself.
However, if you figure out one of his illusions while sitting
in the audience, trade secret law won't stop you from copying
it and performing it.
Prolific magic creator Andre Kole sued the "Masked
Magician" and FOX for exposing his "Table of Death"
illusion. It didn't go well. The court said the trick was
too similar to a trick that had been published in several
magic books the 1800s, and that under trade secret law,
the courts must consider the "ease or difficulty with
which the information could be properly acquired or duplicated
by others." Because if a trick is published in several
books, it's easy to acquire the information.
Copyrighting Magic
Although the federal Copyright Act of 1976 protects original
"dramatic works" and "choreographic works,"
you can't currently copyright a magic trick.
You can only copyright the "pantomimes" surrounding
the trick. That's what Teller (of Penn & Teller) did
with his "Shadows" illusion. When a Dutch magician
started selling a knockoff version, Teller sued him for
infringement, even though international litigation can get
messy. The suit wasn't about revealing the props' secrets;
it was about the stolen choreography.
But should it be?
Current copyright law for magic is like saying you need
a gun to rob a bank effectively, so, actually, let's just
make the whole robbery legal.
Let's say I invent a Magic Jacket. I show both sides of
the jacket, front and back. Looks totally normal. I slip
the jacket on and zip it up. I pull its hood over my head.
Then I put my arms behind my back. I pause. And then, as
if possessed, the zipper unzips, the hood flies back, and
the jacket peels itself off my shoulders and drops to the
ground. (Applause here.)
It's a trick jacket, obviously. It looks normal, but it's
got all sorts of wires and bands and electronics inside.
I might spent years testing and perfecting the mechanics,
but when I go to the copyright office, the only thing I
can protect is the bit about showing both sides of the jacket
and the bit about putting my arms behind my back.
Now let's imagine a rival magician steals my trick. Performs
it on TV, on YouTube, at a theater next to mine. So I head
to court to enforce my copyright. I tell the judge, "He's
showing both sides of the jacket and he's putting his arms
behind his back! That's my copyrighted choreography!"
My rival can defend himself with the merger doctrine. He'll
say that my choreography is the only way to do the jacket
trick: He has to show both sides of the jacket to show that
it's (ostensibly) normal. Of course he has to put his hands
behind his back, so his audience doesn't think he's unzipping
the jacket from the inside. He'll argue that he can't perform
the uncopyrightable trick without the copyrightable choreography,
and that he's therefore not liable for infringement. And
his argument will probably hold up.
This is like saying: It should be legal to bring a gun to
a bank robbery because you need a gun if you're going to
rob a bank effectively, so, actually, let's just make the
whole robbery legal.
In magic, the prop and what you do with it are inseparable.
Look
at it like this: You can copyright a choreography, and you
can copyright a dramatic monolog, and a magic trick is just
a combination of the two. It's a series of particular movements
- close-up magic is choreography of the hands - with a series
of particular words. Just because some tricks incorporate
special props (as the Magic Jacket trick would) doesn't
mean they should be less protectable.
The special prop alone is not the "work"; the
"work" is a combination of the prop and what you
do with it. In magic, the two are inseparable. If you've
got a Sawing a Woman in Half box, the only thing you can
do with it is make it look like you're cutting a girl in
two.
So what can magicians do? Is there any hope for magicians
protecting their intellectual property?
Maybe. Hope may lie in Trade Dress law, which could prevent
one magician for copying the look and feel of another magician's
show. (Think back to the Apple/Samsung lawsuit - that's
Trade Dress law.)
Or maybe hope lies within the magic community's informal,
internal policing. That's what attorney Jacob Loshin argues
in his paper "Secrets Revealed: How Magicians Protect
Intellectual Property Without Law."
Loshin points out that good magic secrets are hard to come
by, and that the penalty for improperly sharing them, while
not court sanctioned, is severe:
"'Proprietary magic' remains difficult to access. At
this level, access is far less formal and granted on a more
ad hoc basis. One must impress magic's top practitioners
and earn their trust and respect
Those who violate
the norms [of exposure] lose the respect of their peers.
And such esteem counts for much
Magicians who behave
badly may not be invited to give lectures, perform in magic
competitions, or be featured in magic trade publications."
And lastly, maybe hope for the magic community as a whole
lies in the illusions that haven't yet been created - in
innovating the art form.
At least, that's what Copperfield thinks: "I believe
it's possible to achieve justice in the American court system,
but it takes a lot of time, energy, and money. It's not
always worth focusing important bandwidth on that when you
can apply the same time and energy to creating something
new and different."
--------------------------------------------
17. Wayne Houchins New Zealand lecture tour
--------------------------------------------
Friday July 12th - Lecture in Auckland
Monday July 15th - Lecture in Palmerston North
Tuesday July 16th - Lecture in Wellington
Thursday July 18th - Lecture Christchurch
Saturday July 20th - Lecture in Dunedin
Very
important notice: To secure your place you must pre-register
to attend these lectures by contacting:
Auckland
- Keith Garrett - complink@xtra.co.nz
Palmerston North - Robin Lucas - mr.lucky@xtra.co.nz
Wellington - Nopera Whitley - noperaw@gmail.com
Christchurch - Mike Hines - mike@unusual.co.nz
Dunedin - Jonathan Usher - jonathan.usher@xtra.co.nz
--------------------------------------------
18. Magic New Zealand App
--------------------------------------------
Magic New Zealand now has its very own app that can be launched
on any tablet.
Go
to: www.app.cat/magicnewzealand on your tablet to download
the FREE Magic New Zealand app.
--------------------------------------------
19. e-zine Archives
--------------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right
"Archives"
When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order
in folders for each year and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt
first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the
date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)
---------------------------------------------
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