* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #40 Date: Saturday 23rd September 2000 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editors Message 2. Some more women magicians 3. "Illusions... A Magic Spectacular!" 4. Using fire in exhibit halls 5. TAOM Convention in Dallas 6. We worked hundreds of shows together in the 1960's 7. Check out www.itsmagic.org - Milt Larsen 8. About the Hot Book 9. Lance Burton inducted into the Hall of Fame - Las Vegas 10. 'Burton finds out 18 years later he has a son' 11. One thing puzzles me 12. Trying to locate the "first" set of reviews from FISM 13. Ninja disappearance/reappearanceAustralia 14. Australia "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2000 15. ***Christchurch 2001 New Zealand Magicians' Convention*** ***HAS BEEN CANCELLED*** 16. "Trick& Treat" 17. The DON ALAN book is now finished 18. ONE-KAI - Jon Racherbaumer 19. 50th anniversary dinner 20. World Festival of Magic - Chuck Jones & Co. 21. Confirmed Sean Taylor from Sydney 22. School Holidays performances 23. Frank Newmarch passed away on Monday 18 Sept 2000 24. Taping of the World Magic Awards 25. "Magicana" Magazine for October-November 26. World Magic Awards 2000 Show 27. Masters Of Magic 28. Steve Wyrick Opens His Show In Las Vegas 29. "The Protection Of Magicians' Secrets" 30. "Magic on the Beach" 31. One Man And His Magic - Jack Delvin 32. Elgregoes Show Schedule 33. The Aunties holiday show 34. Props for sale 35. TOLEDO - don't miss him 36. Re: Women in magic 37. The Fringe 2000! - UK 38. He will be appearing in Johannesburg 39. Women in magic 40. Diarise these events 41. News Items 42. MagicNZ e-zine archives 43. Benefit of subscribing to the MagicNZ e-zine 44. Subscription Management 45. Contact Information. ------------------------------------- 1. Editors Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Sending out the MagicNZ e-zine a day earlier because of the size this week and because it includes postings from the previous week that I recovered from my computer hard drive crash. TV-1 Telstra Business News last week used my website to illustrate how a business website should be set up and how effective and easy it was to navigate. www.magician.co.nz Alan, Larissa and Melanie Watson family magic show - school holiday performances: Milford Shopping Mall, 11.00 am & 2.00 pm Monday 25th to Wednesday 27th September Pacific Plaza, Whangaparaoa, 11.00 am & 2.00 pm Thursday 28th to Sunday 1st October New Lynn Shopping Mall, 11.00 am & 2.00 pm Monday 2nd to Friday 6th October Broncos Steak House, Milford, every Sunday 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm Alan and Michele. The balance of the shows over this period are private performances. Cancellation of Christchurch New Zealand National Convention - Easter 2001 I had a number of e-mails expressing great disappointment that this convention had been cancelled last week. Bruce Allen who runs the North Shore Junior Magic Club said they had been in the process of fundraising to attend the convention plus the juniors were working hard on their acts for this convention. If any other New Zealand club would like to take up the challenge of hosting the next convention could they please publicly declare their interest, I'm sure it will be welcomed by all. A ruling body in New Zealand does NOT govern the NZ National Conventions and if you would like a suggested formulated guideline on how to run a convention, contact Tony Wilson, Secretary, of IBM - Ring 160. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: alan@watson.co.nz ------------------------------------- 2. Some more women magicians ------------------------------------- Message from Phil Willmarth (USA) - Editor, The Linking Ring Just off the top of my head, here are some more women magicians--and they're good! Becky Blaney, Trixie Bond, Dorothy Deitrich, Tina Lenart, Monique Monros, Lisa Moore, Paula Paul, Joanne Spina, Margaret Steele, Rebecca Yen. I'm not sure if Celeste Evans is still working, she did club dates up until a few years ago and runs a booking agency. I'm sure there are others in addition to those mentioned in your recent release, but all of these deserve mention. ---------------------------------- 3. "Illusions... A Magic Spectacular!" ---------------------------------- Message from Murray Hatfield (Canada) Also wanted to let you know that I am once again producing and touring "Illusions... A Magic Spectacular!" This year we will be doing a total of 7 and a half weeks across Canada plus our first foray into the United States with 5 days in and around the Detroit area. I've been very fortunate to secure three excellent guest acts for the show. My special guest this year is Goldfinger and Dove, John Shryock and Mari and prop comic - Marty Putz. Teresa and I, along with our dancers, will be presenting some of our favourite Illusions as well to round out the show. I don't have all the show dates and locations but we will be in Michigan Nov. 15-19, Ontario Nov. 20 - Dec. 17 and Western Canada Dec. 29 - Jan 15. If any of your readers are going to be in the area during our run have them email me and I'd be happy to arrange for then to see the show. Due to a scheduling conflict - Marty Putz is unable to appear in the Michigan shows. For those five days Howard Mincone (mime, juggler and physical comedian) will be my guest. ---------------------------------- 4. Using fire in exhibit halls ---------------------------------- Message from Mike Rogers (USA) Dan Garrett provides some excellent and correct information regarding effects using fire in exhibit halls (Issue #38). Everyone should read Dan's excellent offering again. I'll add a few more comments here regarding fire. Fire marshals have become extremely tough on exhibitors having any use of fire. One of my major clients is an appliance manufacturer. On more than one occasion we have had cooking demonstrations closed during the show at the whims of the fire marshal. Normally any demonstration of any type using fire requires the use of a protective shield between the fire and the spectators. The exhibit also must have a fire extinguisher located at the demo. This is especially true of demonstrations using gas torches for soldering, shrinkable tubing, and other items needing high heat. At one show my client was required to move my performing stand because, according to the fire marshal, it blocked access to the fire alarm located on a pillar within the hall. The fire marshals will also require that any cloth drapes will not support combustion. I've seen them even go to the extreme of actually testing the drape by igniting it. Fire marshals will not allow the storage of any shipping materials such as cardboard boxes and wooden crates behind the exhibit walls. Most show management companies are very up front regarding fire rules. Exhibitors who complain of these strict rules are simply reminded that several years ago McCormick Place in Chicago burned to the ground the night before the House wares Show was to open. At the time McCormick Place was the largest exhibit hall in the U.S. Incidentally Mark Wilson lost several Illusions in that fire. The best rule of the thumb is simply don't use fire of any type. Yes, this includes flash paper. ---------------------------------- 5. TAOM Convention in Dallas ---------------------------------- Message from Zaney Blaney (USA) The TAOM Convention in Dallas over our Labour Day Weekend was a big success. This piece is not a review, as I was tied up a good deal of the time with my stage appearances, and I didn't get to see much else. I have heard nothing but praise for the overall event. I thought it might be interesting to describe the significance of my appearance. I grew up in Dallas, Texas, and at age nine I got to see Blackstone Sr. present his "Show of 1001 Wonders" when he appeared for a full week at the Majestic Theatre. He would do his show four times a day, with the movie running between each one. There was another young magician, eight years old, who also came to the shows, and we have been good friends ever since. His name is Mark Wilson. Mark and I would ride the streetcar into town from our respective homes each day and see the first show, then the movie, and then the second show. We did our homework in the theatre lobby during the next movie. We did it for the six days Blackstone was there. And he came back every other year all through our High School days. One year the great Dante appeared for a week, and we were equally enthralled with his marvellous "Sim Sala Bim" show. These were the greats who inspired Mark and me to become magicians. During our 50 year careers in professional show business Mark and I often said how good it would be to one day appear together on that Majestic stage where the magic all began for us. And so we did finally realise our dream. The icing on the cake was that Mark and I had our magician offspring appear with us. My daughter Becky Blaney appeared with her comedy/magic, and Greg Wilson and his wife Lyuda presented a number of their stage Illusions. I also presented three of my original Illusions. Mark recounted a bit of his history-making career in magic, and did several of his well-known tricks. Greg and Mark closed with their famous "Excalibur" switch, and got a resounding standing ovation. It was TAOM President Scott Wells who had the idea of a "Like Father, Like Son, Like Father, Like Daughter" show. He capped it off again the final night with Chuck Jones and Jan doing several of their well-known Illusions, followed by daughter Stacy Jones and Michael Giles known as The Majestix. They were simply brilliant performers with their incredible Illusions, and they also received a standing ovation. My guess is that the beautiful refurbished Majestic Theatre had not seen such Illusions since the days of Blackstone and Dante. That stage was hallowed ground for all of us who attended TAOM this year. ---------------------------------- 6. We worked hundreds of shows together in the 1960's ---------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (USA) Alouise and I are in Rancho Marage, Calif. - visited with Marvin & Carol Roy last night at their home on a beautiful golf course. Carol road us around the place in her golf cart as we ate cheese and drank wine. The night before that had dinner with an old record pantomime act from England, The Bakers. We worked hundreds of shows together in the 1960's. It is so nice to see so many entertainers that are living well in part-retirement and not like the ones we read about in magic magazines who end up in homes. Bev & Alouise Bergeron ------------------------------------- 7. Check out www.itsmagic.org - Milt Larsen ------------------------------------- Message from Milt Larsen (USA) Just let you know how much I enjoy your news from MagicNZ. Our annual It's Magic! show is coming up in October. This will be the 42nd year! To check it out go to www.itsmagic.org I guess your MagicNZ folks know about the Magic Castle website. It's www.magiccastle.com ---------------------------------- 8. About the Hot Book ---------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (USA) First let me remind the magic world that I was the developer of the New Hot Book (the one with a cigarette lighter - striker or electronic). Got the idea from Bill McComb's book in 1947 - but his method did not work well. He said that himself to me as I handed him my book at the Castle about 1965. In 1965, I put the book on the market, and it was soon "borrowed" by many magic dealers without credit or a thank-you Getting back to Fire Marshals in the States. Yes, I've been told many times that I could not use my Hot Book at certain trade shows and theatres. All full of bull! Twice in the 1980s I was challenged after a show at a trade show by a fire marshall. Both times, I smiled, handed the book to the person (one time it was a woman) and was very nice to them. Both times, they handed the book back to me and laughed with some comment like: is that all it is - a cigarette lighter? Both times I asked who complained about my fire book. Both times the complaint came from a brother magicians working the same trade show. Last month I was doing 4 days of walk-a-round close-up shows for Tupperware where they brought in their sales people from around the world (over 12,000). I was told by a brother magician that he thought that I could not use the hot book. I not only used the book, but posed for pictures with sales people with the book flaming away - about a hundred or more pictures. Just remember it is fire - it can be dangerous if not handled properly - and don't be a smart ass to the fire marshal. ---------------------------------- 9. Lance Burton inducted into the Hall of Fame - Las Vegas ---------------------------------- Message from Gabrielle Reid (USA - Ex-pat Kiwi) Today Lance is being inducted into the Hall of Fame in Las Vegas and I am heading there in a short while. ---------------------------------- 10. 'Burton finds out 18 years later he has a son' ---------------------------------- Message from Gabrielle Reid (USA - Ex-pat Kiwi) Magician Lance Burton immediately knew this was no illusion. Across the table from the long time Las Vegas headliner was an 18-year-old boy who was there to meet his "dad". "It was like looking across at a mirror. I was almost 100 percent absolutely sure he was my son," said Burton. "His resemblance, his mannerisms ...it was uncanny." That was Sept 7th. They agreed to DNA testing. Proof arrived in the mail on Monday. Lab results stated it was 99.7 percent likely the young man from Louisville, Kentucky, was indeed Burton's son. "It was a very happy and exciting moment," said Burton,40. "At this time in my life this has been a wonderful blessing." In an ironic twist, Burton learned he is a father during a telephone call from a fellow magician in Louisville, Burton's hometown. "I don't know how to tell you this," the man said to Burton, "but my granddaughter is dating a nice young man. And when he heard I was a magician he asked if I knew Lance Burton. I said yes and he said, "He's my father." Burton flew to Louisville after Labour day weekend to meet the young man. "He's a straight-A student, an athlete, had a job after school so he could buy his car and he's a deacon in his church." Burton said he had a three or four month relationship with the boy's mother in Louisville. After the relationship ended, Burton said he moved to the West Coast in 1981 to pursue his career and was unaware of his son. ------------------------------------- 11. One thing puzzles me ------------------------------------- Message from Jack Poulter (Canada) In The Presence Of A Legend from Steve & Jan Dacri (USA) A>collection, both in his house and at the museums. We are planning A>a trip to Appleton with Sid where we will be able to gain access to A>some of the really private stuff that is not shown to the public. A most interesting article, however, one thing puzzles me: Why would a museum not show some of the really private stuff to the public? I can understand the desire to keep the secrets secret but why not put items in a display case? Perhaps when Steve gets to Appleton he can find out and explain it. Or am I missing something? ------------------------------------- 12. Trying to locate the "first" set of reviews from FISM ------------------------------------- Message from Tim Glander (USA) - jeron@inwave.com I am trying to locate the "first" set of reviews from FISM but cannot seem to locate it. Could anyone help me? Does any one have Brian McCullagh address? ------------------------------------- 13. Ninja disappearance/reappearance ------------------------------------- Message from Ron Lee (Aust) Is there a way to produce a large, instant and dense column or sphere of smoke without flashpots, specifically something that smokes on impact with the stage or when it comes in contact with a common substance? I have a pyrotechnics' licence, but would like to do a Ninja disappearance or disappearance/reappearance without resorting to electrics nor gunpowder; only the smoke, not the fire. ------------------------------------- 14. Australia "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2000 ------------------------------------- Sunday 17th Cairns 4pm - 7pm Cairns Convention Centre - 5 hrs Lions Club of Cairns Monday 18th Drive Day Tuesday 19th Townsville 1.30pm-4pm-7.30pm - Sheraton Hotel & Casino Ballroom 5 hrs City Of Townsville Host Lions Club Wednesday 20th Mackay 4.30pm - 7pm Mackay Entertainment Centre 4 1/2 hrs Mackay Police Citizens Youth Club Thursday 21st Rockhampton 4.30pm - 7pm Pilbeam Theatre 1 1/2 hrs Lions Club of Rockhampton Mt Archer Inc Friday 22nd Gladstone 4.30pm - 7pm Gladstone Entertainment Centre 2 1/2 hrs Gladstone/Port Curtis Lions Club Saturday 23rd Bundaberg 7pm Bundaberg North State High School 5 1/2 hrs Hinkler Lions Club Inc Sunday 24th Day Off Monday 25th Nambour 5pm-7.30pm Tuesday 26th Nambour 2.30pm -5pm -7.30pm Civic Centre 1 1/2 hrs Sunshine Coast Police & Community Youth Club Wednesday 27th Toowoomba 1.30pm - 5pm Harristown State High School Lions Club of Toowoomba Wilsonton Inc Thursday 28th Day Off Friday 29th Brisbane 1pm - 4pm Saturday 30TH Brisbane 1pm - 4pm - 7pm Brisbane Entertainment Centre 1 hr Golden Valley Keperra & Brisbane MacGregor Lions Club Sunday 1st OCTOBER Goldcoast 12.30pm - 3.30pm Lions Club of Palm Beach Currumbin Monday 2nd Lismore 5pm - 7.30pm Lismore & District Workers Club 8 hrs Biala Support Group Tuesday 3rd Drive Day Wednesday 4th Newcastle 4.30pm - 7pm Thursday 5TH Newcastle 2pm - 4.30pm Civic Theatre 1 1/2 hr Rotary Club of Newcastle Friday 6th Bondi 11am - 2pm - 5pm Saturday 7th Bondi 11am - 2pm - 5pm Enmore Theatre 1 1/2 hr Lions Club of Bondi Inc Sunday 8th St George St George Leagues Club 1 1/2 Monday 9th Gosford2pm - 5pm - 7.30pm Mingarra Recreation Club 1 1/2 hr Wyoming Lions Club Tuesday 10th Day Off Wednesday 11th Parramatta 2pm - 4.30pm - 7.30p Blacktown Workers Club Lions Club of Parramatta Thursday 12th Penrith 12.30pm - 4.30pm -7pm Penrith Panthers Entertainment Centre Lions Club of Hawkesbury Bells Line Friday 13th Day Off Saturday 14th Wollongong 2pm-4.30pm-7pm Woonona Bulli RSL 1 1/2 hr Lions Club of Woonona Sunday 15th Fairfield 2pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Monday 16th Fairfield 12.30pm - 4.30pm-7pm Mt Pritchard Community Centre Lions Club of Fairfield Tuesday 17th Canberra 5pm - 7.30pm Llewellyn Hall 3 1/2 hrs Lions Club of Canberra City Wednesday 18th Albury 4.30pm -7pm Performing Arts Centre 1 1/2 hr Rotary Club of Albury Thursday 19th Wagga Wagga ? 4.30pm 7pm check Civic Theatre ? 8 hrs Friday 20th Mildura 4.30pm - 7.30pm Chaffey College Hall 5 hrs Lions Club of Mildura Saturday 21st Bendigo 5pm - 7.30pm Eagle Hawk Secondary School 3 hrs Lions Club of Bendigo Sunday 22nd Geelong 2pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Geelong High School Lions Club of Hamlyn Heights Monday 23rd Ferry Tuesday 24th Burnie 4.30pm - 7pm Town Hall 1 1/2 hrs Burnie Emu Bay Lions Club Wednesday 25th Launceston 5pm - 7.30pm Princess Theatre 2 1/2 hrs Launceston Riverside Lions Club Thursday 26th Hobart 2pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Wrest Point Hotel Casino 3 1/2 hrs Tasman Hall Rotary Club of Hobart Friday 27th Devonport 4.30pm - 7pm Town Hall City of Devonport Lions Club Saturday 28th Ferry Sunday 29th Melbourne 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Monday 30th Melbourne 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Tuesday 31st Melbourne 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Wednesday 1st NOVEMBER Melbourne 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Thursday 2nd Melbourne 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Melbourne Town Hall 1 1/2 hrs Lions Club of Melbourne Markets Friday 3rd Ballarat 5pm - 7.30pm The Civic Theatre 9 hrs Lions Club of Ballarat Saturday 4TH Day Off Sunday 5th Adelaide 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Monday 6th Adelaide 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Norwood Concert Hall Rotary Club of Adelaide Tuesday 7th Travel Perth Wednesday 8th Travel Perth Thursday 9th Kalgoorlie 2pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Kalgoorlie Town Hall 8 hrs Lions Club of Kalgoorlie Friday 10th Drive Day Saturday 11th Perth 1pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Sunday 12th Perth 1pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Monday 13th Pert 1pm -4.30pm - 7pm Tuesday 14th Perth 1pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Regal Theatre Rotary Club of West Perth Possibly extra show day? ------------------------------------- 15. **-Christchurch 2001 New Zealand Magicians' Convention-** **-HAS BEEN CANCELLED-** ------------------------------------- Message from Brennan Sharp - Convention Secretary After lengthy discussion, the convention committee regrets to announce that the Christchurch 2001 New Zealand Magicians' Convention has been cancelled. The decision was not made lightly and is partly due to the constantly declining value of the dollar, making it uneconomical to bring the lecturers we would have liked. At the time of the decision we have no confirmed lecturers and we believe that had we continued the preparations, it is unlikely we could have provided a convention of international standard. Therefore we have taken the only option that is fair to all the people who would otherwise be attending. We wish to thank everyone who has offered or given us assistance in the preparations to date, the people who have registered their intention to attend and the people interested in lecturing. We would particularly like to extend our thanks to Alan Watson for his effort in promoting the convention through MagicNZ and the publications he contributes to around the world. ------------------------------------- 16. "Trick& Treat" ------------------------------------- Message from Wayne Rogers (NZ) I will be performing at Royal Oak Shopping Mall from Monday 25th September through Sunday 1st October. Two shows 11.00am and 1.00pm daily except for the Saturday when there is only one show at 1.00pm. >From 6-8th October I will be at Rainbows End with 2 shows daily. On Saturday 28th October Royal Oak Mall will celebrate Halloween in style with a full day of activities for the children who can "Trick& Treat" in safety around the shops. It's a special day and everyone dresses up for the occasion. I will be making a special appearance at 2.30pm with a 45-minute show as Count McGrotti. This is the 3rd year I have performed as this character. It's a crazy magic show and his year will commence with a bat flying down from an overhead walkway and transforming onstage into a full size "bat" (the assistant Mall manager in costume!) I get to rehearse but the Mall manager does not! This sort of show is not for the faint-hearted! ------------------------------------- 17. The DON ALAN book is now finished ------------------------------------- Message from Jon Racherbaumer (USA) I now have two Websites: www: JonRacherbaumer.com This one is partially free. Only the Trick, Essay, and Archive sections are password protected. Otherwise there are some frebies for those who may be interested. www: Marlophile.com This one is exclusively dedicated to Marlo stuff. It will include e-books and mss, plus lots of memorabilia (letters, etc.) The DON ALAN book is now finished and should be out in October-November this year. I'll keep you posted. ------------------------------------- 18. ONE-KAI - Jon Racherbaumer ------------------------------------- Message from Jon Racherbaumer (USA) ONE-KAI Marc Serin This is a one-hand method for performing the subtle reverse published in The Tarbell Course In Magic - Volume 1 (1927-1941): "Tenkai's Reverse Cards Mystery," pp. 215-217. Marc is a physician-surgeon who lives in Carcassonne, France (near Toulouse). He is a devoted student of close-up magic, particularly with cards; and has an abiding interest in optical Illusions. He is currently writing a technical paper on the subject. Set-up: Reverse a card on the bottom (face) of the deck. Method: Hold the deck face down in your left hand with your forefinger curled underneath. Riffle down the outer left corner of the deck with your left thumb until you have released about half the deck. (Fig. 1) Move your left thumb under the top half and lever it upwards and to the right. Your left fingertips at the right side of the deck act as a hinge and support the other side of the levered section. (Fig. 2) The levered section is almost perpendicular to the other section at this stage; its right section is pinched between your left thumb and fingertips. As the above action occurs, turn your left hand palm down. Your right hand meets the turning cards and grasps the original top half. (Fig. 3) Hold this half into a right-hand dealing grip as your left hand tables the original lower half. Table to right hand half face down (?) next to it. All the cards, except for the top one, are reversed in this section. If you had controlled a selection to the bottom and secretly reversed it at the outset, you are now set to perform a Triumph. Jon Racherbaumer ------------------------------------- 19. 50th anniversary dinner ------------------------------------- Message from John Teo (Singapore) I'm afraid there's an error in the date of our 50th anniversary dinner - it's to be on 9th September 2000, not 2nd September 2000 - sorry for the typo error which turned out to be on a Saturday also! ------------------------------------- 20. World Festival of Magic - Chuck Jones & Co. ------------------------------------- Message from Chuck Jones (USA) I'm here in Australia. World Festival of Magic just kicked off it's first shows in Cairns at the Entertainment Center venue--the best venue yet in Cairns for our show, although we had to have a portable stage, curtains and lighting trusses brought in. The show consists of Chuck Jones & Co. opening the show, followed by Skip Banks doing his Elvis routine, followed by Elio Simentie and Eva from Melbourne (a lovely couple) doing a dove act highlighted with too many bottles and miser's dream. After the interval, Skip does his Balloon act and Chuck Jones and Co close out the show. We have several new effects, drawing on most routines from four years earlier and a few from last year. It was the best; most trouble free opening day since I've been doing these shows thanks to a crew that has been basically the same for three years now. ------------------------------------- 21. Confirmed Sean Taylor from Sydney ------------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) - twilson@xtra.co.nz IBM Ring 160 has just confirmed Sean Taylor from Sydney Australia will attend IT'S MAGIC 2000 on October 22. Shaun was our feature artist last year and his lecture, stage performance and dealer stand helped make last years event the success that it was. Shaun will again be bringing with him a wide range of Dealer items (to compliment Daryl's stock) and will be featured on the evening show as well as contribute in many other ways to the day. Tickets to the evening show can be purchased separately at this stage but the full days registration (at $40) includes an evening show ticket, morning and afternoon tea plus lunch viewing and participating in all competitions, Daryl's lecture, dealer access and other surprises we have lined up for everyone. Registrations are flowing in and seating is allocated strictly according to receipt. First come, first served. ------------------------------------- 22. School Holidays performances ------------------------------------- Message from Nigel Kennedy (NZ) 1st week... Friday 22nd September to Sunday 1st October I will be performing at Showtime 2000 being held in the Wellington Show Buildings in John Street Newtown. 2nd Week... Monday 2nd October to Friday 6th October at the Johnsonvile Shopping Centre, Johnsonville, Wellington. ------------------------------------- 23. Frank Newmarch passed away on Monday 18 Sept 2000 ------------------------------------- Message from Sefton Pryce (NZ) Frank Newmarch passed away on Monday 18 Sept 2000 at mission rest home. All messages to John & Qwen Wills, 113 Govett Ave, New Plymouth. I will miss Frank very much as he was a great friend. ------------------------------------- 24. Taping of the World Magic Awards ------------------------------------- Message from Ron Porter (USA) Attended the taping of the World Magic Awards. They will air in the USA on September 25, 8-10 p.m. on PAX television. A few highlights of the show: Ed Alonzo explaining how his hair gets so wild! Tina Lenert's "Maid in Heaven" act is always magical. Brian Gillis' excellent close-up Aldo Colombini's light hearted audience warm-up. Too bad he's not on the show. Disappointments: At least 3 magicians vanished and ended up in the audience. Franz Harrary's reappearance on a platform at the front of the stage. I hope it looks better on T.V. Overall, a pretty good show. Not great, but worth watching. The best part of the awards . . . no acceptance speeches. ------------------------------------- 25. "Magicana" Magazine for October-November ------------------------------------- Message from Michael Woolf (NZ) - Editor "Magicana" Magazine "Magicana" Magazine for October-November will be in the mail in two weeks time. I'm working hard on this issue, which will contain a questionnaire, asking subscribers what features they like best about the magazine, and any changes they would like to see. I'm trying to keep the best traditions of 47-year-old "Magicana" alive while at the same time introducing new concepts, in key with the 21st century. So far, all comments have been very favourable. Please encourage your friends and fellow magicians to subscribe: at only $NZ40 a year (including mail) it's said to be the best value magic magazine in the world! Michael Woolf Editor/Publisher, "Magicana" Magazine Box 38046 Wellington Mail Centre Wellington New Zealand 64 4 587 0045 fax 64 4 587 0042 mobile 25 577774 ------------------------------------- 26. World Magic Awards 2000 Show ------------------------------------- Message from Abb Dickson (USA) World Magic Awards 2000 Show Will Air In The States On September 25, 2000 On The Pax Network... Gay Blackstone Executive Producer On 9/14 I attended the taping of the WORLD MAGIC AWARDS in Hollywood, California... a slick 2-hour television Awards Show billed as the Academy Awards of Magic. Executive Producer of the show GAY BLACKSTONE put together this, the second of the annual event, which brought together Stars of Magic from the four corners of the globe. In a quick conversation before the show began taping, Gay hinted to me that the show has already been picked up for next year, and there could be a possibility of shooting in MONACO! The awards are chosen by the World Magic Awards Board of Directors (of which I am one!) represent the greatest achievement in fourteen categories plus a special award for outstanding lifetime contribution to the art of magic. This year's prestigious awards 'presented by JOHNATHAN FRAKES of Star Trek Fame, and his energy and smooth style brought just the right element of style to this 'strictly black-tie event.' Awards went to: Best Illusionists - The Majestix Best Magic Review - Carnival of Wonder Rising Star - Mystina Mentalist - Max Maven Escape Artist - Thomas Solomon Magician of the Year - Franz Harary Close-Up - Brian Gillis Comedy - David Williamson Young Performer - Nick Rushton Cabaret (Male) - Ed Alonzo Cabaret (Female) - Tina Lenert Stage Magic - Ayala Classic Magic - Tony Clark New Discovery - Simon Winthrop Up and Coming - Will Tremont The Prestigious Blackstone Award was awarded to Penn & Teller. The show was a production of ASSOCIATED TELEVISION, INTERNATIONAL and will be airing around the World .... very soon. ------------------------------------- 27. Masters Of Magic ------------------------------------- Message from Abb Dickson (USA) Gay Blacksone Also Currently Shooting A Series Of 26 Half Hour Magic And Variety Specials For Pax...Masters Of Magic Shooting before, and after the World Magic Awards 2000 show, the new series MASTERS OF MAGIC, Gay Blackstone also Executive Producer will bring to the television screen the first real "series" of magic and variety since the mid-1970's! Each show is shot live before a studio audience, and features a wide range of Magicians and "Magical Variety Performers". ------------------------------------- 28. Steve Wyrick Opens His Show In Las Vegas ------------------------------------- Message from Abb Dickson (USA) Steve Wyrick Opens His Show In Las Vegas At The Sahara A Lukewarm Start.... Texas Illusionist STEVE WYRICK (finally!) opened his new show at the Sahara Hotel in Las Vegas. The show, which is rumoured to have cost millions of dollars, is not without it's opening 'bugs,' but should smooth out later into an interesting show. The Steve Wyrick Theatre, completed just hours before the opening to the public for preview shows, is themed as an aircraft hangar, and the show features the sudden appearance onstage of a full size helicopter, the vanish of a speeding Nascar Race Car, and a cornucopia of newly designed Illusions that will have every magician rushing to their 'copy-builders' to rip-off. What they will never be able to duplicate is the relaxed style and personality of STEVE WYRICK who brings a breath of fresh air to the otherwise jaded Las Vegas magic scene. Working smoothly and unflappably through a maze of technical problems, Steve took his audience through a look into his personal world of magic. Good show, and I'm sure the 'bugs' will be worked out soon. You are sure to enjoy the show. ------------------------------------- 29. "The Protection Of Magicians' Secrets" ------------------------------------- Message from Abb Dickson - International President World Alliance of Magicians "The Protection Of Magicians' Secrets" Publication By The World Alliance Of Magicians Now Available, Online At www.magiciansalliance.com After almost two years of research, the 200 page Legal Reference work brings together in one place all of the legal information available for the protection of Magic Secrets. See the MIKE CLOSE REVIEW in MAGIC MAGAZINE for details. The book is available for a donation of $ 25.00 (U.S.) and is shipped next day to anywhere in the World! For information, check out the World Alliance of Magicians (WAM) website. ------------------------------------- 30. "Magic on the Beach" ------------------------------------- Message from Rick Del Vecchio (USA) My IBM Ring 45, Miami, Florida USA is hosting their sixth annual convention, "Magic on the Beach" on November 3,4 & 5th, 2000. Performers include: Jason Byrne, Jade, Mike Caveney, Tina Lenert, Aldo Colombini, Paul Cummins, Sparks & Micharl P.Lair. There will be a welcome party on Friday, lectures throughout the weekend, spouse event, Dealers Room, close-up and Saturday Evening Stage Show. There is a farewell party Sunday afternoon. Everything takes place in the hotel. They have a Las Vegas style theater. Registration (before Oct. 15th) is $65.00 for Magician and $45.00 for spouse or juniors under 17. After Oct. 15th. registration is an additional $10.00. You can visit our Ring's website and print a registration form. www.ring45.com or email me at Rickeydee@aol.com The hotel is the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort 19201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, Florida. Convention rate is $79.00 per night. It is an Ocean Front Hotel. Reserve a room by calling (305) 932-2233 or go online at Ramada.com ------------------------------------- 31. One Man And His Magic - Jack Delvin ------------------------------------- Message from Mandy Davis (UK) 15th September 2000 Jack Delvin's one man show lasted two and a half hours and was the culmination of 50 years of magic. His wonderful laid back style and charismatic voice lulled the mostly non-magical audience into a sense of well being as trick after trick was performed for their entertainment. And, it was truly entertaining! Starting at the age of five, Jack took us on a journey through every trick that had inspired him and every act that he had built. From the miniature bottle that won't lie down to the Demon Wonderbox productions, Jack infused each one with the unique Marque of the English gentleman that he is. Anecdotes peppered the show - stories of his days in the RAF which lead to his meeting with Bernard and Jack Hughes; his time behind the counter at Ellesdons and his brush with Sorcar. Jack has seen them all - yet his personality remains his own. The show also included some tricks from his kids' act for Jack is a very successful children's entertainer. His cheeky ventriloquist doll, Johnny Sunshine, is an absolute gem as it evokes the past and yet is still relevant today. We saw some of Jack's own inventions & routines, too, many of which have been explained in full in his lectures. My favourite, however, has to be 'Escape from a Zimmer Frame/Walker' which he first performed at the Magic Circle on his 65th birthday along with Six Bus Pass Repeat - you just have to see them! Finally, we were treated to his current cabaret act. This encompassed 'Cards to Pocket', Diminishing Cards, a vanished and restored ring routine, a Chair Suspension, Sawing in Half, Linking Rings and a Guillotine. The audience left the theatre convinced that they had witnessed a show of miracles and sheer entertainment. And that is what it's all about. Well done, Jack! ------------------------------------- 32. Elgregoes Show Schedule ------------------------------------- Message from Greg Britt (NZ) 22nd Sept, Christchurch Casino, grand cafe, 7pm to 9pm. 23rd Sept, Christchurch Pet Expo, Advantage Magic and Fun Show, 11am, 1pm, & 3pm Gateway Restaurant 6pm to 8pm 24th Sept, Christchurch Pet Expo, Advantage Magic and Fun Show, 11am, 1pm, & 3pm. 25th Sept, ILLUSIONS at SCIENCE ALIVE, Exhibits & Illusion shows 11.30 & 2pm Elgregoes ILLUSIONS show will feature mismade lady, sub trunk, lester lake guillotine, & mephistos ring illusion where assistant enclosed in 8 metal rings attached to a pole escapes in a blink. Ph (03) 3655199 for admission details. 26th Sept, ILLUSIONS, Science Alive 11.30 & 2pm 27th Sept, ILLUSIONS Science Alive 11.30 & 2pm Captains Mis- Steak 6 to 8pm Stage Show and dress up contest at 7pm 28th Sept, ILLUSIONS Science Alive 11.30 & 2pm Captains Mis-Steak 6 to 8pm, 7pm stage. 29th Sept, ILLUSIONS Science Alive 11.30 & 2pm,Christchurch Casino 7 to 9pm Grand Cafe. 30th Sept, ILLUSIONS, Science Alive 11.30 & 2pm, Gateway Restaurant 6 to 8pm, St Martins Anglican Fundraiser show, guest appearance 9pm 1st Oct, ILLUSIONS, Science Alive 11.30 & 2pm 2nd Oct, ILLUSIONS, Science Alive, 11.30 & 2pm 3rd Oct, ILLUSIONS, Science Alive, 11.30 & 2pm. 4th Oct, ILLUSIONS, Science Alive, 11.30 & 2pm.Captains Mis-Steak 6 to 8pm, 7pm stage. 5th Oct, ILLUSIONS, Science Alive, 11.30 & 2pm.Captains Mis-Steak 6 to 8pm, 7pm stage. (Don't Forget Danny Archer Lecture At My Place 23 Halswell Junction Rd Starting 7pm) 6th Oct, ILLUSIONS Science Alive, 11.30 & 2pm, Christchurch Casino 7 to 9pm, Grand Cafe 7th Oct, ILLUSIONS Science Alive, 11.30 & 2pm, Gateway Restaurant 6 to 8pm 8th Oct, ILLUSIONS Science Alive, 11.30 & 2pm The illusions shows at science alive will continue to run every Saturday & Sunday till the 12th of November. After the school holidays Elgregoe continues with his antibullying show Its Cool To Be Kind, Uncool To Be Cruel, which is currently scheduled to appear at 55 Canterbury Primary & Intermediate schools. Sponsored by Cookietime the response from schools already visited has been most encouraging. I will be making an appearance in Wellington in November & Auckland in December more details closer to the time. ------------------------------------- 33. The Aunties holiday show ------------------------------------- Message from Arif Usmani (NZ) The Aunties holiday show is "The Princess and the Goblins", a huge musical based on the classic book by George MacDonald. Dorothy Winstone Theatre, Auckland Girl's Grammar Wed Sept 27 - Sat Oct 7 at 10.30am & 1.30pm Prices: $16 adults, $12 child discounts for parties of 6 or more. Bookings: ph 483 9788 ------------------------------------- 34. Props for sale ------------------------------------- Message from Graham Rogers (NZ) Backstage with a Magician Illusion (as performed by David Copperfield) Sawing thru (Jig Saw version) great comedy item Balloon stuffing machine, great for balloon vendors place toys etc inside large clear balloons Contact me either on magicgraham@hotmail.com or 025 453 174 for more details ------------------------------------- 35. TOLEDO - don't miss him ------------------------------------- Message from Horst Neimann (Aust) I work at a German Company at their office in Melbourne, Australia since 18 month and have 6 month left on my contract. Last month I was home in Germany and visited the big fair/exhibition our company took part in. A week long and with 180 different companies and about 45.000 visitors. Why am I writing this? Because at that fair entertained a lot of artists and especially one magician. He was scheduled to do 5 shows in three days and I was lucky to see the first. They placed him in a small theatre with not more than 120 chairs. I think we were about 75 persons when he started his 15 minutes. I think it was us 75 people, who laughed and 'cried' and very loudly showed that we loved this entertainer, that made 50 other to join us. Two hours later I was there to see the show again. The room was packed with people, outside was a couple of hundred more. The organizations committee said to us all that they had to change to a bigger room with 500 chairs and that the show will start in 20 minutes. Everyone went to the other theatre room and believe it or not, it was FULL, all 500 chairs. And this Swedish magical entertainer gave us a show we never will forget. To see 500 grown up people completely laugh, have tears in their eyes and half way "lean to the floor", that was something I assure. I managed to see 4 of his shows, lucky me, and I really can say: it's not what you do; it's how you do it. What did he do this Swede. He used ropes, big cards, rabbits and doves and a lot of funny things, BUT that was the combination with his funny presentation that was the big thing. He talked; he mixed his Swedish words with German words in a way that was hilarious. And the way he treated the helper from the audience was more than hilarious. At one of the shows the helper laughed so he couldn't stand up. (I know that was not a stooge because it was a man from our company). He was scheduled to do 5 shows but they managed to have him do a 6th show to full house. After I was back stage to talk to this funny Swede. There were a lot of people congratulating him to his success. I had a nice chat with him and he said he was in a way silent touring a little. He was not so interested in 'to talk about it loud'. He said he was in that age now where it was not needed. And, he said, he preferred not to be mentioned about. I'm sorry, I can't resist this funny man's stage name was TOLEDO. If you see that name in a fair/exhibition, don't miss him! ---------------------------------- 36. Re: Women in magic ---------------------------------- Message from Ron Porter (USA) I didn't see a few notable names listed: Tina Lenert (Magic Castle Magician of the Year), Frances Willard (Willard Spirit Cabinet act with Glen Falkenstein), Joycee Beck (Vernon loved her card work), Juliana Chen (FISM winner), Becky Blaney (Walter's daughter)... I'm sure there are more. These are some of the women who do professional calibre performances! ---------------------------------- 37. The Fringe 2000! - UK ---------------------------------- Message from Peter McCahon (UK) "The first night fringe was a show I felt privileged to have seen..." Steve Bedwell, Abra review of 1999 Fringe "The Fringe" is back! Those attending the IBM British Ring 25 convention in Eastbourne will be glad to hear that this year promises to be the best ever at "The Fringe". Our new venue promises to fulfil all the needs of late night magi looking for a great finish to the day. Situated less than a hundred yards from the front door of the conference hotel 'The Lansdown' we have discovered The Wish Tower Restaurant. Each night the doors will open after the finish of the main programme and the bar will be open for business, half an hour later the show begins! ------------------------------------- 38. He will be appearing in Johannesburg ------------------------------------- Message from Marijane Roux (South Africa) Last week Wolfgang Riebe had an appearance on eTV's "Toasty Show" where he did a crazy prediction with a piece of toast. Also he will be doing the draw for the Lotto within the next few weeks making the lotto tickets change to money and drawing the winning numbers. Then on 23/24 September he will be on SABC2 on the Maak 'n Las show again. Being German, and speaking English and Afrikaans fluently, Wolfgang has also been booked as the Emcee for all the October fests being held by SA Breweries who now have the No.1 beer in the world, 'Castle lager'. He will be appearing in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town entertaining the crowds with occasional beer related tricks as well. ------------------------------------- 39. Women in magic ------------------------------------- Message from Lori Krum (USA) I too have asked on many occasions about women in magic. I am just starting out at the tender age of 40. I never did magic as a child, I gained my interest and experience when I had my daughter 4 years ago and started planning parties for her. I found she was interested in magic and started doing more and more and I discovered how much fun it is to do magic. When I searched for a mentor, or someone to help me out, there was no one. I found a couple of great female magicians on line but in my area there is only one (she's not interested). I want the contact with other females who have magic in common. Men have their groups, but women are few. I have found as everyone else has that they are all assistants. Since I am heavier I am not willing to dress like that. Besides I don't NEED to - because the young children I entertain are always more interested in the magic we perform together. They are my little helpers. I am interested in more on the subject. It is interesting in why females don't become magicians. In fact I may have to research that fact. "Magic Rainbow" ------------------------------------- 40. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- Monday 2nd October Auckland - Danny Archer lecture Tuesday 3rd October Palmerston North - Danny Archer lecture Wednesday 4th October Wellington - Danny Archer lecture Thursday 5th October Christchurch - Danny Archer lecture Sunday 22nd October - IBM Ring 160 Day of Magic - Auckland If you require more information about the above events go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine-archive to research for more information. ------------------------------------- 41. News Items ------------------------------------- If you have any news items that you feel the majority of our subscribers would be interested in please e-mail me so I can include them in the next e-zine. The magician who e-mails me a particular news item FIRST will receive full credit at the top of that item. If the news is of major importance I will send them out immediately as a Newsflash. ------------------------------------- 42. MagicNZ e-zine archives ------------------------------------- Back issues of the MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine-archive Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: ezine Password: newzealand When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001nov0699.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (nov06) and the last next two numbers the year (99) ------------------------------------- 43. Benefit of subscribing to the MagicNZ e-zine ------------------------------------- You will now be informed well in advance of coming events and kept right up to date with the latest news. MagicNZ e-zine is published weekly, late on Sunday night. ------------------------------------- 44. Subscription Management ------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. To subscribe or unsubscribe from the MagicNZ e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors. Neither MagicNZ nor Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via MagicNZ e-zine. We reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions as we see fit. >> This publication may be freely redistributed to other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY << (c) Copyright 2000 Alan Watson ------------------------------------- 45. Contact Information ------------------------------------- Alan Watson Ph. (9) 483-9274 Fax. (09) 483-9274 Mobile 025 95-7070 e-mail alan@watson.co.nz www.magician.co.nz www.magicianz.com