*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New
Zealand)
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1262
Date: Sunday 6th March 2016
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1. Editor's Message
2. Genii Magazine Has Been Sold; Chief Genii to Remain
3. Broken Wand - Franz Czeisler (aka Tihany)
4. Broken wand - J.C. Doty
5. Vanish Announces It Will Be Available As A Printed Magazine
6. Blackpool Magic Convention 2016 Theiving Wretch!
7. Come Join In The Fun At The Magic Castle® Swap Meet!
8. The Magic Word Podcast - Randy Pitchford - The Cardini
Connection
9. History of Magic: Haruo Shimada
10. Starting Cold - #392 - Kyle Peron
11. FISM 2018 Open For Registration
12. 60th Midwest Magic Jubilee
13. Magicpalooza Convention Line-up
14. STIMF - 2016 - England
15. "Now You See Me 2" First Teaser Trailer
16. Martin Gardner's Impromptu
17. The Cult of Tenyoism
18. Blackpool's 64th Annual Magic Festival
19. e-zine Archives
20. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
If
you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in a
HTML format go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2016-Jan-to-Dec-2016/1262-Mar06-2016.html
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
--------------------------------------------
2. Genii Magazine Has Been Sold; Chief Genii to Remain
--------------------------------------------
Message published on Facebook by Richard Kaufman
I'm
delighted to announce that Genii will shortly have a new
owner, Randy Pitchford. I couldn't imagine a more delightful
partner in our venture to improve Genii over the coming
years. I will remain as editor, my wife will remain as Art
Director, and things will continue as they have, but bigger
and better.
Randy
is the CEO of Gearbox Software, and is one of the most forward-thinking
people I've ever met. He's a stupendously intelligent person
and businessman. Spending a few hours with him is literally
a mind-expanding experience. He is a visionary in addition
to being a swell all-around guy who loves magic. Whenever
we're together, we just have a plain old good time. And
he's been a magician for most of his life, so he's "one
of us." His belief in the value of Genii to the magic
community will make possible both its longevity and many
improvements in the coming years.
I
was able to inform Irene Larsen of my plans before her untimely
death, and since I owe my livelihood to her, I was thrilled
at how delighted she was by the idea of Randy being the
new owner. Her blessing of the deal was essential and it
pleased her greatly.
As
to what will happen at Genii, the answer is that things
will continue as usual, but with more pages each month we'll
be able to bring you additional stories and features. Feel
free to join us at: www.geniimagazine.com
--------------------------------------------
3. Broken Wand - Franz Czeisler (aka Tihany)
--------------------------------------------
Message posted on Facebook by Lupe Nielsen (US)
This
has probably been the toughest month for the magic community
since I can remember... We have lost so many great friends:
Tom Mullica, Majestic, Irene Larsen, J.C. Doty... Today,
we lost another legend: Franz Czeisler (aka Tihany).
Yesterday,
I was telling a friend how fortunate I feel with the life
I had lived. For most of my life I have done everything
I wanted to do, and met almost everyone in the magic world
who I wanted to meet and admired. I am fortunate to have
many friends, and one of the most special ones was Mr. Tihany.
Most
people in the United States do not know him well. However,
he is almost a household name in Latin America. Here is
a brief biography for those who want to know more about
him:
Franz
Czeisler was born in Hungary in the town of Ketegyhaza on
June 29, 1916, and he learned magic as a boy from the German
magician Alfredo Uferini. The name of Tihany came from a
name of a village located south of Budapest called Tihanyi.
In the 1930s he traveled to Uruguay and worked as an assistant
to Blacaman, who specialized in fakirism. He then returned
to Hungary, where he learned sleight of hand magic and pickpocketing.
His act was varied with manipulation, illusions, escapes
and pickpocket feats. During World War II, he became the
artistic director of the Circus Bucharest in Rumania, and
played music halls and theaters. He even performed for the
Nazi military and the SS. Luckily, they never found out
he was Jewish!
After
the war, he performed at the circus and was seen by the
allied soldiers stationed in Europe. The consul from Brazil
saw him perform and was so impressed that he offered him
a visa to come to Brazil.
1953
was the year when he arrived to Sao Paulo, Brazil. He didn't
speak the language, but wanted to have his own show. To
start, he worked for a local circus in Rio de Janeiro called
Circus Garcia for nearly a year. He managed to make enough
money to put a down payment of $12,000 dollars on a $30,000
circus tent. He opened his show in the town of Jacaré,
and lo and behold, his performances were so successful that
he managed to pay the rest of the money he owed within a
week! The first tent sat 400 people.
The
rest is history, because Mr. Tihany is probably the shrewdest
businessman I know. From a 400 seat tent, the size increased
to 3,000 people, and in its heyday the Circus Tihany tent
sat up to 4,000. The largest tent had a value of 1.5 million
dollars, with nearly 50 trucks that were needed to transport
the tons of equipment. He travelled all over Latin America:
Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia,
Venezuela, Central America, and all the way to Mexico.
Norm
and I had the opportunity to see his show in Guadalajara
many years ago, and it was probably the best circus show
we have ever witnessed. Imagine a full Las Vegas production,
with all the lights, staging and extravagant costumes, presented
in a fully air conditioned tent for all the people to see.
It was like watching Cirque du Soleil (because he did not
have animals in the show) combined with the strongest acts
from the Ringling Brothers. The highlight of the experience
was the magic. People loved the magic.
And
to think that this superstar of the circus and magic world
was our good friend... Tihany was the epitome of the ultimate
gentleman, with inimitable class and style. He worked very
hard to make his fortune, and he was very generous and giving
towards others. He was also constantly surrounded by the
social elite in Las Vegas and around the world. A few of
the elites were amazed at our friendship. Me, a tomboyish
gal from Panama, a friend to the greatest circus impresario
in Latin America? I couldn't believe it either; but when
we met for the first time, we hit it off right away. Tihany
spoke eight languages.
He
admitted that English was not his strongest one, and preferred
to speak his favorite ones of Portuguese and Spanish. My
knowledge of those two languages, helped me to communicate
with him with ease. We treated each other like regular pals,
and he adored my husband, Norm. We used to call him: "Hey,
let's go out for lunch. The magicians are meeting today
at this restaurant." At other times he would call us:
"Let's go out to see this show, or pick me up to go
to this convention." It was fun to see him and Norm
reminisce about the good ol' days. Particularly when they
met at the Tamanaco Hotel in Caracas, during the 1970s.
We would go to visit him often, and really spent some great
moments together.
On
June of 2016, Tihany would have been 100 years old. At that
age, he was mentally sharp as a tack. Hanging out with him
was like being with a living magic history encyclopedia.
He had met everyone that was anyone during the 20th century.
He had performed for kings and queens, and for the poorest
children of Latin America. Last month, we even got together
and were discussing what souvenir he would give to his guests
for the birthday party he was to host at the Wynn Hotel.
Alas, fate took place, and after a short six day illness,
we was not able to reach that milestone.
Norm
and I went to visit him in the afternoon of March 1, 2016,
at 6:30 pm. He was at room 4609 of Sunrise Hospital in Las
Vegas. I remember in detail our short visit and conversation.
His caretaker, Sonya, was present, along with Sandra, his
granddaughter-in-law. He looked very ill, in his hospital
bed, but was awake and quite aware of his situation. We
approached him and Norm said: "We just came to say
hello. Hope you get better soon."
He
recognized Norm, took his hand, and gently placed it on
his cheek. He then offered me his hand and coaxed me to
take hold of it. What was funny was his reaction at my dry
and hardened worker's hands. He asked: "What happened
to your hands?" I answered: "I was gardening today."
He smiled and said: "Te quiero mucho..." ("I
love you very much"). He then repeated the sentence
in English: "I love you. Thank you for visiting."
"We love you too..." we replied. He later said:
"I am very tired." We spent several more minutes
in the room with him, and decided to let him rest for the
evening. I approached him and kissed him goodbye...
Tihany
passed away in the early hours of the morning of March 2,
2016.
So
my friend is now gone, and there is an emptiness in my soul.
What an amazing life he had, and the millions of lives he
touched, by entertaining them and providing them with cheer
joy. If there is anyone that I know that has lived to the
fullest, it was my friend Franz. May we be able to live
by his example and may we live to our full potential and
find our true purpose in life. May God bless him.
--------------------------------------------
4. Broken wand - J.C. Doty
--------------------------------------------
Posted on Facebook by Dan Garrett (US)
It
has become almost too much to bear. It is a horrible time
for magic. Today my good friend and mentor for over 40 years,
J.C. Doty passed away. I have a lot to say about Doty? But
will wait until I can make my fingers move again.
--------------------------------------------
5. Vanish Announces It Will Be Available As A Printed Magazine
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Romhany Editor Vanish International Magic
Magazine
Vanish
- International Magic Magazine will now also be available
as a printed magazine with over 200 pages of magic, reviews
and essays by the world's leading magicians making it the
world's largest magic magazine both digitally and printed.
Vanish is following in the steps of all major magazines
and formatting the magazine on MAC magazine.
The
trend in printed magazines is now moving more towards digital
only with on-demand options for those that want to buy a
printed copy. I had to wait until the technology caught
up with what I always wanted to do with Vanish and offer
it as an online magazine as well as printed magazine. The
time is here now.
After
a year of research I finally found the company that can
do this for Vanish and starting with the next edition you
can order your printed copy as well as continue to enjoy
it FREE as a digital magazine. I am completely changing
how you download and read the magazine making it easier
for everybody.
The
printed magazine will be the same size and generally around
200 pages full-color so it will be more like a book filled
with the very best and latest magicians have to offer.
More
information coming soon on how to order your copy.
-------------------------------------------
6. Blackpool Magic Convention 2016 Theiving Wretch!
--------------------------------------------
Message by Dave Bonsall at PropDog Ltd - www.propdog.co.uk
If
you recognise the person on the YouTube clip, please contact
Dave Bonsall at PropDog Ltd -www.propdog.co.uk
Please
spread this video far and wide to help us catch this…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBR1PTTzktM
--------------------------------------------
7. Come Join In The Fun At The Magic Castle® Swap Meet!
--------------------------------------------
Message by Gary Frank (US)
The
Magic Castle® will be transformed into the greatest
one-day convention this year on Saturday, April 16th. You'll
find new, used magic, books, illusions, antiques, collectibles,
and scores of surprises throughout at this gathering. Vendor's
tables are set up from the Terrace to the Peller Theatre.
It's a fun-filled day for everyone. Whether you're a novice
to magic or an expert, this is the place to be on Saturday.
The
doors open at 8:00 a.m. for members. Bring your friends
and magic enthusiasts. All Non-Magic Castle® members,
all magic club members (ie. S.A.M., I.B.M., etc.) Can gain
entrance by paying only $8.00 at the door at 9:00 a.m.
IMPORTANT:
The cut-off date for all vendor applications for this event
is April 1, 2016.
Space is limited so please do not delay!
Want
to be a vendor? Applications will be available online.
As
always, it is first come, first serve.
Questions?
Contact Gary Frank at: swapmeetapplication@magiccastle.com
-------------------------------------------
8. The Magic Word Podcast - Randy Pitchford - The Cardini
Connection
--------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells
I
was recently tipped off by a listener to contact this week's
guest to discuss something very topical. In fact, I think
I am "scooping" the magic news channels with the
announcement that is in this week's podcast. Randy Pitchford,
the nephew of Richard Valentine Pitchford (better known
as "Cardini") is this week's guest.
Randy
was a performer at the Magic Castle and became good friends
with many of the people who surrounded the Castle decades
ago and has lots of interesting stories. In fact, he was
even married in the Castle, which is something that rarely
happens. In those days, he preferred not to trade off his
heritage and went by Randy Stewart. In later years, he became
successful in business (he is the CEO and President of Gearbox
Software) and no longer earned his income from magic, so
he didn't care whether or not people knew of the connection.
He was one of the major bidders who acquired the Cardini
collection of antiquities when it went up for auction by
Potter & Potter in 2013. Some of those items, such as
the outfits worn by Cardini and Swan, are now part of a
permanent exhibit at the Magic Castle.
There
is so much more that Randy has to say, including the surprise
"scoop" that you just need to tune in and hear.
Plus you might even win a prize! You can watch a couple
videos, see some photos, get some links, read the blog,
enter the contest, listen to the podcast and download the
MP3 file at: http://themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/279-randy-pitchford
And
congratulations to Richard Tremblay, last week's winner
of the Outerbridge's "Lecture Bundle" valued at
$135. Be sure to tune in each week and enter the contests!
-------------------------------------------
9. History of Magic: Haruo Shimada
--------------------------------------------
Message by Laurice Chavez
Link:
http://magictricksforkids.org/haruo-shimada/
Born in Tokyo during the difficult time of the Second World
War, Haruo Shimada started out as a persevering young man
who demonstrated Tenyo magic tricks by day and practiced
sleight of hand by night. With his impressive manipulation
skills, love for constant innovation, and his signature
silent act, he eventually became one of the most successful
performers of all time. Know more about this living icon
at http://magictricksforkids.org/haruo-shimada/
2. Add This to Your Magic Arsenal: Pencil Magic Trick
Link: http://magictricksforkids.org/pencil-magic-trick/
For a trick that never grows old and requires only two pencils
and an easy-to-learn sleight of hand move, check out http://magictricksforkids.org/pencil-magic-trick/
3. How to Warm Up an Audience for Professional Magicians
Link: http://kidsentertainerhub.com/how-to-warm-up-an-audience
Get your audience amused and laughing right from the start
with these no-sweat physical comedy gags that you can perform
as soon as your next magic show. Learn about them and more
here: http://kidsentertainerhub.com/how-to-warm-up-an-audience
--------------------------------------------
10. Starting Cold - #392 - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
Over
the years my wife and I have developed terms and phrases
that we use to sum up situations at events. It is these
codes that help us communicate important information without
saying something that could be perceived wrong by the client.
One such set of terms is the phrase "Starting Cold
vs Starting Hot."
What
we mean is that every event is different and you will always
face different challenges based upon situations you find
yourself in. As much as we like to be prepared for everything,
you just never know how much you are going to be forced
to adapt at any given time.
Starting
cold or hot refers simply to the interaction you have with
the audience prior to the show starting itself. If you start
cold, it means to us that we have little to no interaction
with the audience prior to the show starting. If we start
hot, it means we have had a chance to interact in some way
with the audience before the show starts.
Why
is this important? I feel it is important because it really
does effect the show and how you handle it. If you are forced
to start cold, it simply means you may have to work a little
harder in the beginning to 'warm up" the audience and
to get them to know who you are and what you are about.
Starting cold tends to make the audience evaluate you more
in the beginning of the show to get a feel for you.
If
you are starting cold, you may not want to just race right
into the show or to an audience participation effect too
early on. You need to establish yourself to them and then
go into that type of a routine once that has happened.
So
you can see that starting cold can certainly work and in
many cases we are forced to. You just need to be aware that
the show may need to be adapted to account for this.
If
I have an option, I would much rather start the show hot.
By doing so, I feel I do not have to work as hard because
the audience is already warmed up to me. They have already
interacted with me earlier and in so doing, have a sense
for what I am about and the type of experience they may
be seeing.
When
I start hot, the audience is usually much more responsive
early on in the show and this tends to lead to a much better
audience interaction and reaction.
So
how does one start hot? Well for me, there are many ways
in which I can do this and a lot or very simple. It just
requires you to be willing to extend yourself and make yourself
available.
For
example, get to an event early so you are not forced to
rush. When I get to any gig, I always meet the client/s,
shake their hands and show a deep interest in them. If we
are celebrating a child or honoring a person, I will always
greet them and show interest in them and their special day.
It seems simple and it is. But doing this gets you interacting
early. They get to see who you are and what you are like
and start to get comfortable with you.
If
you are done setting up, why not go around and just talk
with folks and show a sincere interest in them. By doing
so, it shows the folks you are accessible and friendly.
If you get a chance to (and it is appropriate) do some close
up or strolling magic for folks. Now even if you are not
getting paid for it, this makes a HUGE difference. It does
not mean you have to do it for a long period of time. It
means seeing an opportunity to connect.
When
I do things like this, it also helps me a great deal when
it comes time for the show. I can scope the audience out
as I am interacting. I can sense who might be a great helper
or who I may want to avoid for one reason or another. I
get a sense for who is outgoing and can realize they may
be perfect for certain routines.
I
also always ask their names. This is a HUGE thing I learned
in business. When you network, make it a habit to ask for
a name and remember it. People tend to feel much more at
ease when you call them by name. It is a show of respect
but it also says that you are a friend. It lets the audience
know that you are connected to them.
When
selecting a helper, if I am starting hot, then I can select
the helper by calling out their first name and bringing
them up that way. Usually it gets a much better reaction
then saying, "um how about the guy in the red shirt
in the second row." Business folks know the importance
of learning names and the power it creates.
One
example of how this entire theory works happened just a
few weeks ago. I was asked to do a gig for a Lion's Club
kid's night. When I got there I could easily see a huge
age range of people. You had young kids, preteens, teenagers,
adults and seniors. When walking in I could sense a feeling
that the adults felt the show was just for the kids and
the teens seemed to have a look on their face as if thinking
that magic would be too childish for them.
This
is where a starting hot principle kicks in. I knew that
I needed to get out there and warm the audience up prior
to the show start. I first talked to the client and then
to the board members. Just shaking hands and showing an
interest in them. Already I could see a change in perception.
I then started to do some simple strolling magic for the
younger kids. By doing so, I peeked the teen's interest
and drew them over. The adults could see what I was doing
had skill and everyone seemed to just lighten up, relax
and realize better who I am.
When
the show started, it started hot. I already knew names,
already had a report with the crowd and had a good idea
of who I was selecting. It literally changed a possible
average show into an amazing show experience.
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
--------------------------------------------
11. FISM 2018 Open For Registration
--------------------------------------------
Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)
FISM
in South Korea
The
2018 FISM website is now open to take reservations. It will
be continually updated with information about the convention.
Now is the time to book your reservation in order to take
advantage of the lowest fee and to be given the best seat
possible for the Gala Shows:
www.2018fismbusan.com
I
look forward to seeing you there.
--------------------------------------------
12. 60th Midwest Magic Jubilee
--------------------------------------------
Message by Daniel Todd
The
60th Midwest Magic Jubilee will be August 25, 26, and 27th
2016.
Featuring:
Barry Mitchell, Darryl, Garrett Thomas, Kozmo, and more
names to come...
It's
easy to register for the 2016 Jubilee, jus visit MMJubilee.com
Adult
price only - $150.00 each Youth (ages 16 & under) -
$85.00 each
New
location: Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, a 5 Star
Hotel
Hotel
rooms will be a special price of only $89 per night.
Dan
(the Great) Todd, Registration Chairman
--------------------------------------------
13. Magicpalooza Convention Line-up
--------------------------------------------
Message by Dan Stapleton (US)
We
are proud to announce, thus far, the Magicpalooza talent
line up for
May 27-30, Orlando, Florida.
From
Japan...Shimada
From Las Vegas...Ariann Black
Celeste Evans (tribute)
John Tudor "The Shakespeare of Magic"
Dan Stapleton
Danny Orleans & Jan Rose
Michael Ammar
Mark Horowitz
Mark Byrne
From Japan...Asami
Mark Merchant
Dennis Phillips
Steven Marcus
Remy Connor & "Sideshow"
Jackie Manna
Adler & Changefield-more to come
(Subject to change)
Registration
$159.00
Spouse $99.00
Youth $99.00
Children under 10-Free!
Discount
for magic Dealers
Hotel
is located right across the street from Universal Studios/Harry
Potter
Special
hotel room rate $99.
For
more and to register see www.floridamagiciansassociation.com
--------------------------------------------
14. STIMF - 2016 - England
--------------------------------------------
Message by Gunnar Kr. Sigurjónsson (US)
Relaxed,
fun and friendly Magic Festival
South
Tyneside International Magic Festival has been named as
the maximum relaxed, greatest fun and most friendly magic
conference in the whole world. At STIMF-2016, which will
take place Friday 11th March to Sunday 13th March 2016,
at The Customs House in South Shields, England, there will
be:
From
the USA: John Carney and Chad Long.
From Belgium: Rafael.
From Germany: Alana Moehlmann.
From Sweden: Malin Nilsson.
From the UK: Paul Wilson, Michael Vincent, Dr. Will Houstoun,
Chris
Rawlins, Steve Rawlings (Juggler), Peter Clifford, Paul
Megram
(Children's show & lecture), Phil Butler, Men in coats,
Andi Gladwin and
John Archer.
£65
covers all lectures, two Gala Shows and Close Up sessions
- Plus a Midnight Show on Friday night.
No
overlapping lectures and Master Classes on Sunday afternoon.
There's
a Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/groups/29920799525
You
can register by sending an e-mail to:
Karri.Prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk or by calling Derek on
+44 (0)191 424 7821.
Nearest airport is: Newcastle International Airport. (NCL)
--------------------------------------------
15. "Now You See Me 2" First Teaser Trailer
--------------------------------------------
Aceshowbiz
The
Ace of Entertainment Zone
The
movie brings back the Four Horsemen, a group of illusionists,
who will pull off their most impossible heist yet.
Lionsgate
has debuted the first teaser trailer for magician movie
"Now You See Me 2". Bringing back almost all of
its terrific cast members, the movie seemingly comes with
the same formula like the first film, in which the Four
Horsemen will pull off some big heists using their magical
abilities.
"It's
great to be back," says Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson)
on the stage with two other members of the Four Horsemen
(Jesse Eisenberg, Dave Franco). The entire trailer shows
the illusionists performing magic tricks, but it also introduces
a new character played by Daniel
Radcliffe, who appears to be a clumsy magician.
Read
more: http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00091238.html
--------------------------------------------
16. Martin Gardner's Impromptu
--------------------------------------------
Message by Todd Carr
This
may be of interest to your readers
http://wordplay.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/11/30/gardner-impromptu/?_r=1
--------------------------------------------
17. The Cult of Tenyoism
--------------------------------------------
Review of Tenyoism by Quentin Reynolds
Back
in the 1970's it was rare to go to a magic convention and
not see Pavel's Colour Changing Records performed many,
many times. The trick was on the many items in the Tenyo
magic catalogue. Other popular Tenyo effects at the time
were what's Next (Spot Card), Locking Card Box, Cubio, plastic
Chinese Sticks. Pretty much the entire range of Tenyo items
were based on other people's - mostly standard - tricks.
However this was to change and change dramatically.
By
the mid-70's Tenyo's creative team were developing and producing
magic that rivalled in creativity and ingenuity the stage
illusions from the golden age of stage magic. Except that
these were for largely close-up performances and did not
require much skill to physically work.
Because
I was around in the 70's and had bought some earlier Tenyo
magic of the standard type, I had mentally put their products
into a "not for use by professionals" box, and
so ignored the later miracles that started appearing towards
the end of the 70's, many of which now sell for very high
prices.
Tenyo
collector Ian Barradell did an evening at my local magic
club, the Manchester Circle of Magicians. Not only was I
fooled badly by pretty much all the effects Ian showed,
but I was equally impressed with the sheer cleverness of
the workings. I completely revised my opinions about the
company and its products.
And
while many Tenyo items would still look a tad odd in a professional's
repertoire, many of the items would fit … even if it
is something to carry in your pocket to show informally.
Here you are in luck because three such tricks come included
with Tenyoism.
At
its core Tenyoism is two large and heavy volumes covering
almost 1400 pages printed in full colour on museum quality
paper covering every trick produced by Tenyo from the early
1960's to 2014. While working instructions are not included
with every trick, many alternate handling are and most of
these are as ingenious as the original. Towards the end
of Volume 2 you'll find 84 pages of full instructions for
many tricks developed by Tenyo's creative team.
The
price for the books is $250 which sounds like a lot. But
look at it this way. In addition to the two volumes, which
rank in the top five sets of magic books ever released for
the wealth of information, historical value, concise writing,
and magnificence of production, you get four DVDs, which
at the very least are worth $80 if sold separately and three
Tenyo tricks, which pack flat and will fit in your wallet
at appx $20 each retail. None of these tricks were released
commercially outside Japan. So that's $80 for the four DVDs
and $60 for the three tricks. So you are getting the two
volumes for $110.
In
addition the whole set comes in a very well made slipcase
to fit on your bookshelf. I see the whole set both as an
investment and a treasure trove of some of the most inventive
magic developed over the last forty years by some of magic's
most creative minds. Very highly recommended to anyone with
a serious interest in their craft. Limited to 1,000 copies.
Tenyoism
by Richard Kaufman is $250 plus shipping and available here:
http://geniimagazine.com/kaufman/store/html/92.html
--------------------------------------------
18. Blackpool's 64th Annual Magic Festival
--------------------------------------------
Message by Walt Lees (UK)
Formerly
known as an annual convention, this blockbuster event has
now upgraded its title to that of a festival. But, apart
from this alteration in nomenclature, it was much the usual
fixture-crammed, non-stop, wall-to-wall magic-laden feast
aficionados have come to rely on for their regular fix after
the dark days of winter. Somehow or other, the number of
attendees seems to go on increasing. This year it even topped
the 3,600 which was officially recognised in 2015 by The
Guiness Book of Records as being the world's largest assembly
of wand-wielders, box-pushers and finger-strutters.
So
what is the mystique which sucks in so many, from all around
the globe, to a cold, damp, old-style north-of-England seaside
resort in the off season? Many will give different answers,
but whatever it is, it works. Even in the age of on-line
shopping, You Tube and dealer websites, a huge percentage
of magicians and their families still want to be there in
person, soaking up the sights, smells and sounds of actual
(as opposed to virtual) reality. There is no substitute
for experiencing the ambience at first hand rather than
via a screen.
Friday
19th
Registrations
began at 8:30 a.m., although the first event, the Dealers'
Demonstration, hosted by Alec Powell, in the Pavilion Theatre
was at 10:00. This presaged the opening of the Dealers'
Super Showcase, which ran until 7:00 p.m. on the first day
and 5:30 on the following two. Altogether some 135 dealers
were scheduled to exhibit, giving potential buyers the chance
to touch and feel the quality of their wares in a way that
no website ever can.
The
first of the twenty-one lectures programmed throughout the
three days, began at 2:00 p.m. A lot of these took place
simultaneously, sometimes forcing attendees to make difficult
choices about who to miss. Such was the case here, when
Pat Fallon in the Pavilion Theatre was in tandem with Xavier
Tapias in the Spanish Hall. A similar dilemma was also faced
later, when George Kovari and Mark James were working at
the same time. This clashing is deliberate policy, as none
of the rooms would be big enough to accommodate the numbers
who would probably try to cram themselves in if only one
lecture was taking place at a time.
The
first International Close-up Magic show began in the Pavilion
Theatre at 4:00 p.m. The featured performers were Eugene
Burger, Pat Fallon, Larry Hass, Matthew Johnson, Pierric
Thenthory, Alan Rorrison and Paul Wilson. For most of the
audience, Switzerland's Pierric Thenthory was the high spot,
with an unusual performance as a nervous young man, whose
fumbles meant that he kept repeatedly having to restart
the same trick, with the cards and props magically resetting
themselves in readiness, every time. Also unusual was Eugene
Burger's approach of dispensing with the table and working
in an easy chair to a spectator similarly seated alongside.
This
and all the close-up events used a large back projection
for those in the auditorium, while the pictures were also
monitored on plasma TV screens around the exterior of the
theatre for everyone who preferred to watch in less crowded
surroundings. Two advantages of this system are firstly
that the performers do not have to struggle to be heard
against the background noise from nearby tables, and secondly
that each only has to do their act once, rather than repeat
it half a dozen times.
At
the same time as the show, Zaubertrixxer was lecturing in
the Spanish Hall.
That
evening's Gala Show, in the massive Opera House, was compered
by the ever funny and acerbic Mel Mellers, whose efforts
did much to lift a programme that occasionally needed lifting,
even though there were plenty of high spots. Norman Barrett's
performing budgerigars, for example, won the audience in
a big way, and Stephanie Delvaine's combination of hula
hoop artistry and UV effects was a sensational blend of
skill, magic and spectacle, which really ought to have closed
the show.
Instead,
this task fell upon the shoulders of Guy Barrett (son of
Norman) and his attractive team of girls. They provided
a good closing illusion act, but suffered a little because
some of their thunder had been stolen by Danny Hunt's Amethyst
presenting several similar items earlier. Dion van Rijt
in the guise of a white rabbit trying to reach a carrot
on a high table, combined ballet, mime and magic in an artistic
manner, which made a pleasing novelty. The other performers
were Pat Fallon assisted by Gill and Mandy, Matthew Johnson
and Jupiter.
For
those who were hungry for still more magic, Pierric began
to lecture in the Pavilion as soon as the show finished.
Saturday
20th
The
day began with lectures by Will Houstoun and Joshua Jay,
followed by Dave Bonsall and Jay Sankey. While those with
VIP registrations could elect to learn from Greg Wilson
and later Paul Wilson.
But
for many, the main event was the British Children's Entertainers
National Championships, before an audience of local youngsters
with their parents/minders, and convention attendees. Russ
Brown was a lively and energetic MC, who, had he been a
competitor might well have won. He certainly fired up the
audience more than anybody else.
The
winner, by popular vote, was Gordon Drayson, with an unconventional
act which included rapid costume changes behind a screen.
But a lot of the performers had novel features in one way
or another. The runner-up was Norwegian Guilherme Curty,
whose fluent English enabled his bouncy ebullience to fully
impact on the northern kids. In third place came Billy Bo,
a non-magical bubble act. He probably gained an advantage
by working silently and closing the show, providing a complete
contrast to anything previously seen.
The
other contestants were Ali Cardabra in the guise of Willie
Wonka, Careena Fenton as Miss Picklelily and Mark Bennett,
who was really the only conventional children's party entertainer.
The
Wayne Dobson & Friends Show followed in the Pavilion
Theatre, where Michael J. Fitch assisted Wayne with the
compering. There was the usual range of hilarious ribaldry
and banter between the two, including a fair quota of language
which would have scandalised convention audiences a few
decades ago, and probably still draws complaints from the
old guard. Performers included a Chandleresque Mark James
with gags that even Philip Marlow would not have regarded
as new, Paul Martin scoring heavily (and getting a lot of
laughs) with a version of the classic Chinese Compass, and
Joe Trancini who seems to have inherited his father's (Joe
Pasquale) voice, with a slick rope routine.
Lectures
by Eugene Burger and Larry Hass followed, before the Magic
Speed Dating in the Spanish Hall. The idea of this is that
the performers/lecturers circulate around eight tables,
spending ten minutes at each, during which time they can
perform, teach, answer questions - whatever the company
requests. Jay Sankey caused two hearts drawn on the back
of a playing card to move together, followed by Coins Across,
explaining both. Dave Bonsall demonstrated his repeat version
of Ring Flight which climaxes with the borrowed ring being
found in a sealed envelope.
Paul
Wilson performed several card effects, which he would have
been willing to explain if anyone had asked, but instead
was requested to just perform more tricks. Mark Mason demonstrated
his handling of the classic force, and also a novel cop
of a card from the breast pocket. Pat Fallon, kneeling on
the table to give everyone a better view, went through of
the paddle trick, which is often attributed to Jimmy Rogers
but is more likely Edward Victor's.
Alan Rorrison had a ring divination and some novel uses
for a smart phone. Joshua Jay showed two new card effects
including a Triumph variation and an Oil & Water. Matthew
Johnson explained his take on the Classic Force, and a trick
to use when learning it with an inbuilt fail-safe for when
it misses. He then went on to teach his version of the Psychological
Stop effect using a Benzais Cop.
Meanwhile,
Jeff McBride's lecture enthused those in the Pavilion Theatre.
The
Saturday Gala was emceed by Greg Wilson. Despite being best
known for close-up and parlour magic, his personality dominated
the massive theatre and kept things moving along, performing
small magic to cover any stage waits but not hanging around
when the next act was ready.
Jean
Garin opened, with a quiet act involving a TV screen and
live fish. Strange Comedy, a male and female duo, who followed,
was one of the festival highlights with a very funny blend
of magic, acrobatics and contortionism. Otto Wessely &
Partner, also supplied the comedy in the second half, receiving
a standing ovation -one of the only two in all the gala
shows.
Gwenaëlle
made an unbilled appearance with the butterfly act scheduled
for the previous night but not performed then, due to illness.
Zaubertrixxer was notable for the sheer number of assistants
(13 girls and 4 men), who performed acrobatics as well as
magic. Steve Hewlett's ventriloquism was, as always, a non-magical
treat, Xavier Tapias created a mechanical figure and robotic
dog from items found in a rubbish bin. Christian Farla assisted
by four girls and two men, performed some heavy-duty illusions
to close, while Ian Rowland presented a couple of mental
items with the occasional humorous touch.
After
the show, came Andrew James and Magic Sam's Beat the Wand
competition, which has now established itself as a festival
fixture. It is a sort of gong show, where the competitors
try to complete their acts before being "wanded off"
by a dissatisfied audience. To win, you have to have plenty
of attack and the ability to keep up the momentum. This
year's winners were 1st Arran Cummings (Mr Ection), 2nd
a stalwart of the contest Paul (PJ) Johnson.
Sunday
21st
A Master Class started the day, in the Pavilion. Mark James
took us through his Chop Cup routine, explaining some of
the finesses; Joshua Jay demonstrated a novel card control
and outlined several of its many applications; Matthew Johnson
had an interesting card through bill and a pen through finger,
as well as repeating what he had shown the previous day;
Mark Mason had a quick, impromptu bounce-back coin matrix;
Jay Sankey taught a Joker Sandwich and Point of Departure
with cards, while Paul Wilson repeated and explained a couple
of the things he had shown at the previous day's Speed Dating.
For
children's entertainers, Russ Brown and James Sinclair both
lectured in two Kidz R UZ sessions whose timing overlapped
the Master Class. While those with VIP registrations could
have a session with Dean Lahan and later Michael Weber.
Likewise
Shin Lim, Ian Rowland and Alan Rorrison were all lecturing
in the various venues.
At
2:00 p.m. the International Stars of Close-up took to the
floor in the Pavilion. Jay Sankey had a transposition with
a torn corner of a card and the card itself; Joshua Jay
worked blindfolded with cards; Dave Bonsall reprised his
Ring Flight as part of an entertaining set which he obviously
works for real people. There were two standing ovations
on this show.
The
first was for Dean Lahan, who despite having lost nearly
all of his fingers to meningitis as a child, is able to
manipulate cards with greater expertise than most of his
digitally-complete peers. The other was for Shin Lim, for
whom there are just not enough superlatives in the English
language to describe the impact of the inexplicable effects
he creates. Without any overt display of dexterity, he just
causes the most impossible things to happen. It is the closest
to real magic seen in decades. In fact it probably is real
magic, because it is so clean and guileless that there does
not seem to be any other plausible explanation.
Paul
Wilson was lecturing at the same time in the Spanish Hall.
After that came the two final lectures by Matthew Johnson
and Mark Mason. While for those who had an extra £80
to spend, there was the chance to have an exclusive three-hour
session with Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger and Larry Hass.
The
Sunday Night Gala Show was hosted by non-magician John Martin,
an old-style comic, whose ready wit and affable manner have
made him a popular favourite on his several appearances
at this event over the years.
There
was an unintentionally interesting structure to the first
three acts. Dion opened with his FISM act, of a young man
at a restaurant table, which concluded with white billiard
balls. The second act was Chris Torrente, who began by manipulating
identical balls, but his attempts at smoothness were amusingly
rendered in vain by the antics of an invisible dog. Then
the third performer, Jidini assisted by three girls, began
by producing two dogs.
Donimo
gave us a novel silent semi-magical act with the accent
on gentle comedy. No side-splitting belly laughs, but quietly
entertaining.
Gérald
le Guilloux's dove work was sensational and won him the
second of the only two standing ovations in the three gala
shows. It is not often that somebody comes along with a
completely original take on this kind of magic and performs
it in a way that nobody has before - and does it so well.
The
interval was followed by the bestowal of the various trophies.
The prizes for the two competitions (children's magic and
Beat the Wand) were presented by President David Plant.
Then came the special recognition awards. The Murray Award
went to Mike Shepherd, who then announced that a second
Murray Award was to be presented this year - to David Plant!
So the roles were reversed and Mike handed David his statuette.
Next the Neville King Trophy was presented to Ken Bowe.
Then
irrepressible octogenarian superstar Ken Dodd took to the
stage to present this own comedy trophy to Otto Wessely,
giving him the excuse to launch into a routine of gags.
The
show then continued with Rafeal's well-known vampire act,
which always comes across as fresh, no matter how many times
it has been seen. Igor Trifunov followed with numerous bottle
productions. The final unexpected appearance of a massive
bottle caused a sensation, and for a moment it almost looked
like another standing ovation was about to take place. Otto
Wessely performed the cane act which won him the British
Ring Shield twice in the 1970s, but somehow failed to make
the same impact that his comedy did on the previous night.
Jeff
McBride closed the show in fine style with his card scaling/spinning,
having previously performed his water bowls and Miser's
Dream, as only he can.
The
musical director for all the stage events was Dave Windle,
stage manager Duncan Jump and stage director Russell Brown.
Derek
Lever, in the guise of Executive Chairman, was, as usual,
the mastermind and chief co-ordinator of everything, assisted
by: Anne Lever (Executive Chairman's PA and Artistes Services
Co-ordinator), Arthur Casson (Executive Registration Officer),
June Casson (Registration Support Officer), Jim Lumsden
(Executive Registration Officer's PA), David Plant (Executive
Festival Events Co-ordinator), Ann Plant (Executive Festival
Events Co-ordibnator's PA), Michael Shepherd (Executive
Treasurer), Christine Shepherd (Executive Treasurer's PA),
Harry Robson (Executive Dealers Officer), Chris Stickland
(Assistant Dealers Officer), Russ Lowe (Lecture Note Sales),
Dave Wilson (Souvenir Programme), Diane Halliwell (Assistant
to Dave Wilson), Alan Horne (Logistics Officer), Les Pybus
(Security), John Hardman (Librarian and Welfare Officer)
and Dan Eden (Official Photographer).
And
so another successful Blackpool ended. The next will be
16th - 19th February 2017, when the European FISM Championships
will be prominent among the many events taking place. So
some great, innovative magic can be anticipated.
--------------------------------------------
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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