* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd NZ
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1123
Date: Sunday 31st August 2014
Editor: Alan Watson
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1. Editor's Message
2. FISM Italy 2015
3. How to "Make It" in Hollywood...and Life
4. Steve Martin in "Magic Camp"
5. I.B.M. Honorary Life Membership - Don Wiberg
6. 3rd European Close-up Magic Symposium
7. Remarkable Magic #359 - Nick Lewin
8. MAGIC Live 2015!
9. Update on the 'Tribute to Tihany' Show
10. The Friendliest Magic Convention In Australia
11. Broken Wand - Robert (Bob) G. Elgas
12. The Historic North Theatre Celebrates Two Year Anniversary
13. Updates So Far This Week on VanishLive.com
14. The Illusionists 2.0 - Auckland New Zealand
15. Adrien Brody Prepares 'Houdini' Mini-Series
16. e-zine Archives
17. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
Here in Auckland, New Zealand we were very privileged to
be able to present a lecture featuring Luis de Matos 'The
Master Magician' from Portugal who is in our city to perform
in THE ILLUSIONISTS 2.0 show over the next two weeks.
Approximately 70 New Zealand magicians travelled to see
this once in a lifetime lecture. Luis shared his life experiences,
his philosophy and creative processes in magic with his
tightknit team of nine. We found it very interesting to
learn all the detail and team effort that goes into creating
his car vanish/production which he has performed commercially
over two hundred times. Another truly inspiring sequence
in his lecture was his one man floating ball routine which
was spectacular.
As an added bonus everyone was able to meet James More,
'The Deceptionist' who is also in the show with Luis, and
hails from England. The night was a huge success - thank
you Luis!
--------------------
Delighted to see that Marvin Berglas (son of David Berglas)
is one of two nominations as President for The Magic Circle
in London.
----------------
For all those who would like to read the Magic New Zealand
e-zine in a HTML format go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2014-Jan-to-Dec-2014/1123-Aug31-2014.html
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
--------------------------------------------
2. FISM Italy 2015
--------------------------------------------
By Giulia Gobbi
This is just a short update to let you know that we're
working as hard as we can behind the scenes to make FISMITALY2015
the best FISM ever.
We'd like to announce the location of the event and our
amazing consulting committee. Read more below. Secure your
place in magic history. Book for FISMITALY2O15 today. http://www.fismitaly2015.com/booking
Max and Friends
** Click below to see the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAAVWpZwlGk
** ICC announcing our committee
** Amazing friends.
http://www.fismitaly2015.com/iccpage
We've created the most impressive committee for FISMITALY2O15.
Max Maven, Luis de Matos, Ton Onosaka, Topas, Richard Kaufman,
Bimil Casa, Alessandro Marrazzo and me, Walter Rolfo!
The experience, knowledge, expertise and contacts of this
committee will help make sure this is not just the best
FISM ever, but the best magic gathering ever witnessed.
See more (http://www.fismitaly2015.com/iccpage )
Location Rimini Palacongressi http://www.fismitaly2015.com/palacongressi
FISMITALY2O15 will be held in Rimini, the Italian capital
of fun and holidays. The Venue is secured and is incredible.
Find out more about it by clicking here (http://www.fismitaly2015.com/palacongressi)
We've partnered with one of the best Italian tour operators
to sort out your hotel booking, transfers and tours before,
during and after FISM to make sure this FISM is not just
a great magic event but also an amazing holiday. Full details
of this will be announced in September.
See more (http://www.fismitaly2015.com/palacongressi) LEGGI
LA VERSIONE IN ITALIANO (http://eepurl.com/1SZL5)
For more information go to: http://us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=3ec30e783785bcf850dfed55f&id=5056cc9189&e=9a2e8e8dc6
Our mailing address is:
Masters of Magic
via Rochemolles
Torino, To 10146
Italy
customerservice@fismitaly2015.com
--------------------------------------------
3. How to "Make It" in Hollywood...and Life
--------------------------------------------
Message by Sincerely,
Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
In this week's 182nd podcast on The Magic Word, I am joined
by television producer, director and writer, Tom Blomquist.
This interview was held over from my week at The Magic Castle
in June so as not to "overload" you too much with
from California. But this chat is quite interesting and
different, too.
Tom Blomquist is not a magician nor does he particularly
have an interest in magic. He was a fraternity brother of
mine from college who found success writing some of the
iconic U.S. television shows such as "The 'A' Team",
"Walker-Texas Ranger", "Greatest American
Hero" and several others. He not only wrote many of
the scripts, but he also produced and directed many TV shows.
Tom has "semi-retired" to teaching Directing and
"Multiple Camera Television Production" and "Media
Aesthetics" at California State University - Long Beach.
So what does this chat have to do with magic? Well, we
can always learn from other vocations and drama and theatre
arts are closely aligned with magic. Moreover, the advice
Tom gives directly applies to our lives and how we can improve
ourselves and our art.
You can hear it all on The Magic Word at: http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/tom-blomquist
or you can get it through iTunes or your favorite podcatcher.
I will be attending the Texas Association of Magicians
(T.A.O.M.) convention this weekend and hope to bring my
usual daily updates; however, due to some elective carpal
tunnel hand surgery I'm having this week, I don't know how
efficient my fingers will be on the keyboard. So if I post
anything at all, it may be lacking some of my usual text
in the blog. If I don't post anything this weekend, then
I will post any chats I have all together next week. Stay
tuned and check the website at: http://themagicwordpodcast.com/
for any updates.
Thanks for listening and your financial support, too!
--------------------------------------------
4. Steve Martin In "Magic Camp"
--------------------------------------------
Article forwarded by Kerry Ross
Steve Martin Returns to His First Job at Disneyland in
Disney's 'Magic Camp'
Steve Martin is in final negotiations to star in Disney's
feature film Magic Camp. Martin, whose first job was working
at the Main Street Magic Shop at Disneyland, co-wrote the
most recent draft of the script with A.C.O.D. writer/director
Stu Zicherman, based on a first draft by Diary of a Wimpy
Kid scribes Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah. After the jump learn
more about Magic Camp, the documentary of the same name,
get a story of the history of Steve Martin Disneyland magic,
and see a photo of a young Martin working in the Main Street
Magic Shop.
Balance of the article go to:
http://www.slashfilm.com/steve-martin-disneyland-magic-job-magic-camp/
--------------------------------------------
5. I.B.M. Honorary Life Membership - Don Wiberg
--------------------------------------------
Message by Don Wiberg (US)
At the 2014 Combined Convention of the International Brotherhood
of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians held
in St. Louis, Missouri U.S.A., the membership of the I.B.M.
unanimously awarded Don Wiberg an Honorary Life Membership
for his work in materially advancing the Art of Magic. Don
has been a member of the I.B.M. for 61 consecutive years
and served as the International President in 1984-1985.
He has been the International Secretary since 1995. He has
served on a number of committees and was the General Chairman
of some of the I.B.M. conventions.
The International Brotherhood of Magicians is the world's
largest magical organization with over 10,000 members in
86 countries. Don has performed his magic act for countless
numbers of organizations, clubs and for family audiences
throughout the Chicago land area. He has also won a number
of awards for his writing contributions to The Linking Ring,
the I.B.M.'s monthly journal
There are only 6 other living members of the I.B.M. who
have been awarded this honor;
Dr. Richard O. Mossey, Mr. Earle Christenberry, Mr. Joe
Bertuzzi, Mr. Harold Twaddle, Dr. William Spooner, Dr. William
Wells, and now, Don Wiberg.
--------------------------------------------
6. 3rd European Close-up Magic Symposium
--------------------------------------------
Article forwarded on by Rob Thomas
3rd European Close-up Magic Symposium, 21-23/11/2014, Milano,
Italy
The most exclusive and original convention in Europe dedicated
strictly to the art of close-up magic!
This event has attracted the best artist of close-up magic
from all over the world to Milan (Italy), each year since
2010.
A two day convention: performances of big stars in Magic,
free private sessions with your favorite artists, international
close-up competition, and a lot more!
Free tables are still available at the dealer area, please
contact us for availability.
The winner of the competition will get an invitation to
the 4F (Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic)!
For more information:
Web: http://www.closeupmagicsymposium.com/Â
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MagicSymposium
President of Honor: Obie O'Brien
President: Giacomo Bertini
Executive Assistant: Jean Emmanuel Franzis
Staff:
Patrick Dessi
Miguel Angel Gea
Francis Tabary
Aldo Ghiurmino
Andrea Pancotti
Francesco Addeo
Angelo Mirra
Artists:
Flip Hallema (Guest of Honor)
Tom Stone
Roberto Giobbi
Henry Evans
Francis Tabary
Giacomo Bertini
Roman Garcia
Bébel
Eric Jones
Camilo Vazquez
Hernan Maccagno
Wolf Waldbauer
Pipo Villanueva
Trabuk
Lawrens Godon
Jean Emmanuel Franzis
Alex Conradi
Francesco Addeo
Patrick Dessi
Diego Allegri
Gianfranco Preverino
Sergio Starman
Mario Lopez
Rune Carlsen
Jose Castineiras
Yuri Kaine
Toni Polli
Eugenio DellAnno
Angelo Mirra
Tristan Mory
Mario Raso
Auke Van Dokkum
Roland Barthelemy
Triton
--------------------------------------------
7. Remarkable Magic #359 - Nick Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message by Nick Lewin (US)
Magic at the Castle.
Since I penned my last column I had the pleasure of performing
for three nights in the Peller Theatre at the Magic Castle
in Hollywood. I thought this might be a perfect opportunity
to make a few first hand observations about the ways in
which our beloved clubhouse has changed since I first performed
there over forty years ago.
First and foremost the Castle is a very, very successful
nightclub destination now! It was packed each of the nights
I appeared there and the clientele were for the most part
young, attractive and spending a bunch of money! The Castle
is an expensive evening out for an average couple, but the
novelty it supplies seems to make it a huge hit with everyone
attending.
While watching magic is certainly one of the pleasures
for first time visitors, I strongly suspect that the reason
for the recent spectacular upswing in the Castle's fortunes
has more to do with its unique structure. It is a perfect
"first date," or "group venue" and everyone
attending seemed to be having fun navigating their way through
the many exciting treats that the building offers.
The AMA seems to have finally really got the food thing
down! Everyone seemed delighted with the dining options,
and this was certainly not always the case. While working
I didn't sample other than the bar food and it was great.
I could dine on their burgers and truffle fries anytime,
and the garlic bread is as good as "The Smokehouse"
in Burbank--- high praise indeed!
The drink prices are certainly no bargain, maybe I am out
of touch with Los Angeles prices, but it certainly didn't
in any way deter the visitors from drinking a LOT of alcohol.
In those early '70s days we always semi-jokingly referred
to the Castle as a "Disneyland for Drunks," but
it now seems like the hippest theme club in town. I really
think this is a great testimony to the careful shaping and
revisionism that has been lavished on the club. In many
ways it might be highly appropriate to refer to it as "The
New Castle," and maybe that is a part of the somewhat
controversial rebranding that is going on there.
One of the qualities we loved about those early Castle
years was the quirky and amateurish way in which it not
only survived but also seemed to thrive---seemingly in spite
of itself. The Castle is now very slick indeed and those
"bumble bee flying in the face of all odds" days
are long gone. Maybe I am just showing my age when I mention
that I miss them. However, that original "crazy dream"
has an amazing longevity and I sincerely hope that the new
Castle doesn't have the problem of becoming yesterday's
hot spot in the mind of its trendy new patrons. Of course
the Castle does have the benefit of dues paying members
who also hand out the guest cards that fill the club.
As a performer I was knocked out by the professional manner
in which I was treated by the club, it has gone to great
lengths to plan what you need and give it to you. A lot
of this thoughtful and careful consideration is evident
in the detailed and precise manner in which entertainment
director Jack Goldfinger communicates with his performers.
Not only is his written work "spot on" but he
was there every night to make sure things went smoothly.
Bravo Jack.
There was plenty of great magic going on in the various
showrooms last week but due to the pressures of doing three
shows a night I hardly got to see any of it. However I could
tell by the overwhelming approval from members and guests
alike that I was missing some treats. I am particularly
sorry to have missed Danny Orleans and Jan, who were blowing
minds left and right with their two-person mindreading set
in the Parlour.
I had the huge pleasure of working in the Peller with the
great Jon Stetson presenting his dazzling comedy and mindreading
show. Jon is the ultimate pro and quite simply one of the
finest performers on the contemporary scene. I added my,
rather uncharacteristically serious, sleight of hand into
the mix and we delivered an interesting and unusual 40-minute
show for the tiny audience in the little jewel box showroom.
The last time my old buddy Jon and I worked together was
at the fabulous Mystery Lounge in Boston, and we turned
the energy down a little in the Peller from that gig or
we might well have caused the room to implode!
What would the Castle be without the chance to mix with
some of your favorite magicians and it was a special delight
to get to spend some quality time with Andrew Goldenhersh,
Steve Mitchell and the legendary Piet Paulo. Each night
the magic conversation and reminisces ran to 4.00 in the
morning and left us wishing we had the ability to keep our
eyes open longer!
It was a fun filled three days and I enjoyed it immensely.
As a long term Magic Castle member I would be lying if I
didn't say there are things I miss from the "Good Old
Days
" but in honesty most of the changes are
for the better and it certainly does one a power of good
to see magic presented so successfully to so many people.
Viva La Castle
You can check out my online store at www.lewinenterprises.net
You can reach me personally at nicklewin1@mac.com
--------------------------------------------
8. MAGIC Live 2015!
--------------------------------------------
Message by Stan Allen, Editor of MAGIC Magazine
The next MAGIC Live will be in Las Vegas, August 9-12,
2015, with the same registration rate of $385. Alumni Registration
(for those who attended our 2013 event) is now open.
If early numbers are any indication, it looks like "everybody's
gonna be here!" And the MAGIC Live team is already
coming up with some great surprises.
General Registration opens on Monday, June 16, noon Pacific
Time. An $85 deposit holds your spot. Visit www.MAGICmagazine.com/Live
and join the party!
--------------------------------------------
9. Update On The 'Tribute To Tihany' Show
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone
The line-up for the Tribute Show at the Orleans Hotel &
Casino on Sunday September 14th for Circus legend TIHANY
has now been finalised.
The show features Master Magician Lance Burton, the incredible
quick change artists Sos & Victoria, Wolfgang on the
German wheel, the Hula artistry of Yelena Larkina, Illusionist
Star Kevin James, Legendary Juggler Kris Kremo, the unique
hand shadows of Sonny Fontana, from the MJ One Show Xavier
Mortimer, Las Vegas Headliner Jan Rouven, Magic
Magazine's Stan Allen, American Idol Star Jasmine Trias,
and hosted by British singing sensation Ben Stone. The Show
starts at 8pm.
All tickets are $30 including tax and are available from
the Orleans Box Office Direct number on 702 365 7070 or
by visiting the Orleans Box Office. Tickets are also available
online at www.orleanscasino.com
--------------------------------------------
10. The Friendliest Magic Convention In Australia
--------------------------------------------
Message by Phil Ahrens (Australia)
It's on Again!
The Friendliest Magic Convention in Australia.
Friday October 10th to Sunday October 12th 2014.
Featuring the Magic of Daryl (USA), Mark Byrne (USA), James
Sleight & Dave Lord (AUS)
The Combined Magic Clubs of Adelaide, invite magicians,
performers and clowns to the friendliest magic convention
in Australia. Two and a half days of magic, lectures, competitions,
International Gala Show, magic dealers and great magic fun!
We have four great magicians with totally different styles
presenting their ideas on how to improve your magical performances.
All four magicians have close-up, stand-up and stage experience
so we are in for a whole weekend of great magic.
There will be a total of 7 different lectures.
Once again, we are holding the function at the fabulous
Lakes Resort Hotel.
Convention registration is $325 (AUD) for magicians, spouse
$290 (AUD) and $305 (AUD) for juniors.
This all inclusive price covers the convention, demonstrations,
lectures, competitions, lunches, morning and afternoon teas,
and one ticket to our Banquet/Gala Show on Saturday Night
with performances by our International lecturers and local
artists. Registration and more information at: http://www.bombsheltermagic.com/
--------------------------------------------
11. Broken Wand - Robert (Bob) G. Elgas
--------------------------------------------
Message by Grant Archibald
Robert (Bob) G. Elgas
Elgas The Wizard
DOB July 3, 1929 DOD October 22 2013
Bob Elgas, was known as Elgas The Wizard. Bob tuned and
repaired pianos by trade and owned the Piano Store in Las
Vegas that housed Liberachi's Rhinestone Piano! Bob also
tuned pianos for such people as Roger Williams as well as
other luminous entertainers & dignitaries in the entertainment
field. Elgas was proprietor of the Magic & Music Hall
of Fame, which was located on the second floor of the old
Fitzgerald Casino in Las Vegas.
Elgas The Wizard, whose uncle was the Great Nicola was
born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on July 3, 1929. He served in
the U.S. Army, as part of the Musicians Corp. After getting
out of the Army, he opened The Baldwin Piano Store in Colorado
Springs, Colorado.
Elgas built his own illusions. His wood craft he picked
up from his father, Steve, who boasted he built half the
houses in Cedar Rapids, Iowa!
Elgas was involved with The Knights of Columbus, as well
as The Barber Shop Singers. He was a member in The International
Brotherhood of Magicians. He owned a magic store in Colorado
Springs, as well as a Magic Theater at his store & shop,
where he rebuilt pianos and built magic illusions for other
magicians!
Elgas had the distinction of doing a two hour stage show!
It was a full evening worth of Entertainment! It took 8
hours set-up time and a Moving van to haul his Ten-Ton worth
of show down the road! His show opened to the voice of Lowell
Thomas. After his Intro, Elgas would appear in a puff of
smoke, in his black Wizard Robe, where the delightful two
hour show would pursue!
He was preceded in death by his son, Larry Elgas, who was
the driving force behind his show!
Date of Burial inurnment will be Tuesday September 2, 2014
at 3:30 PM. At Evergreen Cemetery, Fairview Blk) Space 129.
1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
A reception will follow at The Fraternal Order Of Eagles,
Eastside Aerie 3260, 1830 North Academy, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80909
Inquiries can be made at elgasthewizard@hotmail.com
Good Bye My Friend
Grant Shadowjack Archibald
Shadowjack@att.net
--------------------------------------------
12. The Historic North Theatre Celebrates Two Year Anniversary
--------------------------------------------
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 Historic North Theatre celebrates two year anniversary
August 25, 2014-Danville, VA-Today celebrity magician and
World Champion Illusionist Wayne Alan, the owner of The
Historic North Theatre, celebrates the two year anniversary
of the reopening of the theatre. This is the 67th Anniversary
of the opening of the North in 1947. To celebrate the event,
they will present Bruce In The USA on Aug. 31 at 8:00 PM.
This Bruce Springsteen tribute band is much more than just
another tribute. This high-energy musical experience is
a note-perfect and visually accurate recreation of a Bruce
Springsteen & The E. Street Band show. Matt Ryan, from
the World Famous "Legends In Concert" cast, played
the Springsteen character for eight years, in their "full
scale" Las Vegas show. The great success with "Legends"
evolved his character into the Bruce In The USA show. His
amazing portrayal of "The Boss" (not to mention
his jaw-dropping resemblance) is as close as you can get
to see the real thing in concert. Backed by a strong, powerful
Clarence "The Big Man" Clemence and a smokin'
handed "Little Stevie", Bruce In The USA takes
this genre of performance art to a whole new level, making
it the World's #1 Tribute to the E. Street Band's legacy.
Before the Bruce in the USA show at 6:30 PM there will
be a pre-show party in the balcony lounge and show ticket
holders are invited to celebrate with us as we "cut
the cake" to mark the second anniversary. Tickets for
Bruce in the USA are $23.00, 20.00 and 17.00. Tickets can
be purchased on the theatre's website: www.TheNorthTheatre.com
or by calling the box office at 434-793-SHOW (7469).
In the past year since owning this performing arts center
Mr. Alan has overseen much growth and progress at the theatre.
He said, "We are proud that we brought to Danville
the off-Broadway national touring production of "Menopause
the Musical", we started a monthly comedy show featuring
good clean fun with top comedians on the 2nd Friday of each
month and opened the Moon River Thai Bistro at the Historic
North Theatre. We also have more than tripled our email
mailing list and likes on Facebook." The theatre joined
the Virginia Motorcoach Association and is working with
operators in VA, NC & SC to bring buses of tourists
to Danville to see their shows. The theatre kicked off and
is spearheading a program of revitalization of the North
Main area around the theatre and hopes to turn it into the
Danville Arts District. Acclaimed director/producer Mimi
Johnson Grubb, who directs the theatre's youth camps and
shows, has joined the staff as Artistic Director. Alan Holt
is on staff as the Technical Director and Debbie Bernas
as the Book Office Manager.
In the next year the theatre will continue their monthly
comedy shows on the 2nd Friday of each month, Wayne Alan's
Magic Shows on the 2nd Saturday of each month, plus their
hit show the Magic of Christmas climaxing with a Living
Nativity on stage. The award winning youth theatre program
will also continue. The annual Houdini Festival, haunted
house and All Hallows/Halloween Magic Shows will also remain
on the show calendar. They will also continue to host top
celebrity touring concerts and shows.
In the future they will be starting a new series of shows
called "Direct from the Kennedy Center" which
will feature performers who have appeared at the nation's
top theatre. They will also produce in house three Broadway
musicals, Godspell, The Fantastics, and Grease. A full season
VIP Subscription Series will be made available. Plus they
have plans for an annual Camellia Williams Opera & Music
Festival. Wayne Alan said, "Our goal is to provide
top quality, wholesome and family friendly entertainment.
We will continue to strive to live up to the North's first
advertisement in the 1947 newspaper: "Visit Danville's
new and finest theatre for the best in entertainment."
The balcony lounge area is being decorated to become the
"VIP Lounge" showcasing celebrities with connections
to Danville and Virginia. Food with wine, beer and mixed
drinks will be available. Mr. Alan said, "The idea
is to give it the feel of old Hollywood glamour, sort of
Hollywood Brown Derby meets Hard Rock Café with a
little Planet Hollywood thrown in." The VIP Lounge
and the art gallery make for a great special events area
for meetings, private dinners and special events.
Mr. Alan, the owner of the Historic North Theatre is only
American to ever win the gold medal for Grand Illusion at
FISM, the World Championship of Magic, which is considered
the Olympics of Magic. He has also appeared numerous times
on national TV and 13 ½ times at the White House.
--------------------------------------------
13. Updates So Far This Week on VanishLive.com
--------------------------------------------
Message by - Mick Peck
Online Content Editor
www.VanishLive.com
Latest updates on VanishLive.com include:
- Magician Makes Bus Appear - No Reaction...
- Blaine Performs For Dangerous Inmates
- MINDvention Mentalism Convention Update
- Have a Set List: Cris Johnson
- Dynamo On Why He Needs To Disappear From TV
- Show Needs Magicians To Think On Their Feet
- Justin Flom's New SyFy Series
- Distorted Visions By Jack Curtis
- Looking Back: Keith Fields
DAILY magic news, articles from around the world and reviews
from working professional magicians.
Video of the Week: Christian Cagigal live at The Magic
Castle March 2014.
Visit us today at:
http://www.VanishLive.com
- Mick Peck
Online Content Editor
www.VanishLive.com
--------------------------------------------
14. The Illusionists 2.0 - Auckland New Zealand
--------------------------------------------
The future of magic IS HERE!
2 to 13 September
Live at The Civic, Auckland
The next generation of magic is in town! The Illusionists
2.0 -- a stunning sequel to the box-office smashing 2013
season of The Illusionists - is announced for Auckland's
The Civic theatre this month.
Featuring seven masters of mental and optical illusion,
The Illusionists 2.0 is a brand new production that will
propel New Zealand audiences into the future of magic and
illusion, using cutting-edge visual effects.
A fast-paced, high-energy powerhouse performance, The Illusionists
2.0 gives audiences the chance to witness the magical genius
of the world's greatest stars and their genre, each with
a unique skill that has won them countless fans globally.
Whether it's the deadly arts of The Warrior, or the high-risk
tricks and stunts of The Deceptionist, The Illusionists
2.0 will leave audiences rubbing their eyes in disbelief.
Edgy, exciting and most of all fun, it's the perfect live
entertainment show.
'Forget abracadabra and rabbits jumping out of hats because
The Illusionists 2.0 will make you question whether Harry
Potter really is the chosen one.'
Adelaide Advertiser
Venue - The Civic
Season - From Tuesday 2 September to Saturday 13 September
Times: - Tues & Sun, 6.30pm, Wed to Sat 7.30pm,
Matinees - Sat, 2.30pm, Sun, 1pm
Bookings - 0800 111 999 or ticketmaster.co.nz
Tickets: - From $69.90*
Family and Under 16 ticket prices available
--------------------------------------------
15. Adrien Brody Prepares 'Houdini' Mini-Series
--------------------------------------------
Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz (US)
The New York Times
Seeking to Escape From His Image
Adrien Brody Prepares
'Houdini' Mini-Series
By Brooks Barnesaug
WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - It's not because the guy needs
an acting coach. He can be mesmerizing on screen and has
an Oscar to prove it. His work ethic is most definitely
not the reason. He starved himself for one part, gained
25 pounds for another and has gone to other extremes - wetting
his pants, for instance - when a role has required it.
He has a reputation in Hollywood as loyal and affable. Women
seem to find him sexy, at least judging by the knockouts
he dates.
So why has Adrien Brody's studio career been in such a lull?
Despite appearing in smaller films like Wes Anderson's "Grand
Budapest Hotel" and landing the title role in the History
Channel's coming "Houdini" mini-series, Mr. Brody,
41, has only been in one major studio film in the last nine
years: "Predators," a science-fiction movie from
20th Century Fox.
"I think that perhaps I have confused people with my
approach to work," Mr. Brody said. "There are
people who make a career in Hollywood by being a type. They
earn more money. They have more opportunities. But I don't
think actors should restrict themselves that way."
In an alternate universe - one where Hollywood lets men
with character-actor faces play romantic leads, and studios
make casting decisions based on talent and not foreign box-office
algorithms - Mr. Brody would most likely be able to play
any part he wanted. But this is reality, darn it, and instead
of wallowing in frustration, Mr. Brody seems to have decided
to roll with the punches.
"I'd love to be doing movies with scope and scale,
but as much as I do think studios appreciate me as an actor,
they are not coming directly to me," he said, speaking
from a nook at the Sunset Marquis Hotel here. "I can't
wait for the tide. I have to swim."
He sure is working a lot. Mr. Brody has six independent
films in various states of completion, including "The
Septembers of Shiraz," a movie about an affluent Jewish
family caught in Iran's Islamic Revolution that has "awards
run" written all over it. (Producers hope to introduce
it at either the Cannes or Berlin film festival next year.)
A few months ago, Mr. Brody formed his own production company,
which has $50 million in funding from a Nigerian energy
magnate, Kola Aluko, and an anonymous Chinese investor;
it aims to make movies with significant box-office prospects,
sometimes in partnership with studios.
"The goal is to develop the material that I crave that
doesn't necessarily come to me," Mr. Brody said of
his new company, Fable House. "The projects will all
have me in a pivotal role, whether directing, producing
or being a protagonist in the film. China is a particular
focus. I'm big in China for some reason. It's kind of weird."
And he is taking a calculated risk with "Houdini,"
which the History Channel will run for two nights starting
Sept. 1. The mini-series tells the entire Harry Houdini
tale, from his unsuccessful start as a carnival magician
to global celebrity as an escape artist to his later years
wrestling with the spiritualism movement. Kristen Connolly,
known for playing a congressional staffer on "House
of Cards," appears as Houdini's wife, Bess.
"Adrien is definitely somebody who fully immerses
himself in a role," said Dirk Hoogstra, the History
Channel's general manager. "We had to make sure that
he didn't immerse himself too far, like locking himself
up under water."
When Mr. Brody pushed his agents to bring him a big role
that would be widely seen, television was not exactly what
he had in mind. He had worked continuously in film since
his teenage years, winning best actor at 29 for his Nazi-tormented
musician in "The Pianist." But his representatives
argued that TV was a valuable opportunity. In success, "Houdini"
could put Mr. Brody's acting talents in front of more than
15 million viewers and tap Hollywood on the shoulder: This
guy can anchor a major project.
Other Oscar-caliber performers were also doing television,
Mr. Brody's agents noted. Glenn Close, a six-time Oscar
nominee, did it with "Damages." Kevin Costner,
a two-time Oscar winner for "Dances With Wolves,"
starred in the History Channel's successful "Hatfields
& McCoys." And Halle Berry, with whom Mr. Brody
will always be linked, given the surprise lip lock he planted
on her when he claimed his trophy at the 2003 Academy Awards,
had just signed up to do the CBS mini-series "Extant."
Lackluster ratings could hurt, of course. (Just ask Ms.
Berry, whose "Extant" ended up flopping.) Poor
reviews were also a worry, albeit a more minor one.
In the end, Mr. Brody - true to form - could not resist
the chance to dig into a complex, tormented character. Harry
Houdini had long been one of Mr. Brody's favorite figures,
dating back to his boyhood in New York City, when he put
on magic shows in Queens as "the Amazing Adrien."
He went to magic camp, performed at children's birthday
parties and practiced on editors at The Village Voice, where
his mother, Sylvia Plachy, was a photographer.
"I idolized Houdini as a kid," Mr. Brody said,
breaking into a crooked grin. "He was the original
action hero." (Obscure fact: Mr. Brody played a kidnapper
named Harry Houdini in "Oxygen," a little-seen
crime thriller from 1999.)
When Mr. Brody rolled up to the Sunset Marquis with hat
hair and an oh-so-healthy green juice drink, I did not know
what to expect. A new member of his professional coterie,
a smart young Rogers & Cowan publicist, had said he
was eager to talk candidly about his career. But celebrities
tend to have a different definition of candid than reporters.
Some older interviews and profiles were also troubling,
painting Mr. Brody as a bit of a crank. Then there was the
castle.
In 2007, as a birthday surprise to a Spanish actress named
Elsa Pataky, then his girlfriend, Mr. Brody bought a castle-esque
house in central New York. They then made the regrettable
decision to show it off in a tacky 35-page Hello! magazine
spread.
And what about the hip-hop? Mr. Brody also likes to work
on hip-hop beats in his spare time. He is a friend of RZA,
the rap impresario behind the Wu-Tang Clan. "You an
ill cat," P. Diddy once told Mr. Brody after listening
to his music.
It was all a bit hard to square. Until Mr. Brody arrived.
The man who strode into the Sunset Marquis this month was
funny, warm, sensitive and a bit manic, which he said was
a symptom of jet lag. He had just flown in from the Gobi
Desert, where he had been filming fight scenes for "Dragon
Blade," a $65 million movie that co-stars Jackie Chan.
("Jackie gave me bruises," Mr. Brody said, rolling
up the sleeve of his shirt to offer evidence. "It was
kind of awesome.")
Three days before arriving in China, he had been in Bulgaria
filming an especially harrowing "Septembers of Shiraz"
scene; the script called for his character to lose control
of his bladder while facing a firing squad. ("They
gave me an apparatus to fake it, but I said, 'No, I will
do it.' ")
Mr. Brody was certainly ready to talk. And talk. At one
point, I wondered if I had stumbled upon That Guy You Wish
You Hadn't Started a Conversation With at a Party. But no.
Mr. Brody, it became clear, simply has more emotion than
he knows what to do with. While a lot of actors are rather
one dimensional off screen, he is refreshingly the opposite.
His broad interests (he also likes fast cars, sometimes
participating in celebrity races) make it hard to squeeze
his personality into a prefabricated narrative, a specialty
of the celebrity news media. Suddenly, the career frustration
is entirely understandable: Hollywood wants to keep Mr.
Brody in the serious box, but he keeps banging on the walls
and insisting he is more than that - and he is right.
"Many people have commented or criticized or been curious
or confused about some of my movie choice," he said.
"I don't understand that. The concept of something
being an odd choice is odd to me."
Mr. Brody was definitely candid. Did it mess with his head
to win an Oscar at 29? "It was beautiful but also frightening,"
he said. "It made me really afraid, on a lot of levels.
I even stayed in a relationship that clearly didn't work,
because I was afraid that nobody would ever again love me
for me."
He has long wanted to act in commercial movies. After "The
Pianist," his former agents helped him land films that
seemed like awfully good bets on paper, including "King
Kong," directed by Peter Jackson, who had just completed
the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. But Mr. Brody
was unlucky. The over-budget and overlong "King Kong"
took in $672 million worldwide in 2005, after adjusting
for inflation, but Hollywood deemed it a bloated misfire.
In the last five years, Mr. Brody has appeared in 12 movies.
Two went straight to DVD. Five took in less than $1 million
each at the global box office, including "High School,"
a stoner comedy in which he played a drug dealer named Psycho
Ed. One was downright terrible: "InAPPropriate Comedy,"
which found him cavorting in pink hot pants as a giant gay
stereotype; the movie got a zero on the RottenTomatoes.com
review scale.
"That was an experiment that was never supposed to
be released," he said. "I'm embarrassed by it."
One recent highlight was Woody Allen's "Midnight in
Paris." Most of the other bright spots have come in
Wes Anderson films - "The Darjeeling Limited,"
"The Fantastic Mr. Fox" (Mr. Brody voiced the
field mouse) and "The Grand Budapest Hotel," which
took in more than $171 million worldwide. Mr. Anderson said
in an email that he first noticed Mr. Brody in Steven Soderbergh's
1993 drama "The King of the Hill."
"He made an immediate impression," Mr. Anderson
said. "He was great in this role, gentle and heroic.
And there was this wonderful face we had never seen before,
and one of the great voices, too." Mr. Anderson said
he considers Mr. Brody "family."
Regardless of whether "Houdini" is a hit, Mr.
Brody said he is proud of the work he did in the mini-series.
He does have one quibble, though. The History Channel decided
to disclose the secret methods Houdini used to escape. "I
acquiesced because it's all available online," he said.
"But a magician never reveals his tricks."
--------------------------------------------
16. 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)
---------------------------------------------
17. 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.magicnewzealand.com
Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.
The opinions and statements 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 or statements contained 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.