* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #43 Date: Sunday 15th October 2000 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editors Message 2. "Orchante" ex-pat Kiwi professional magician 3. Women in Magic - Jann Goodsell 4. "Lounge Wizard" 5. Capers Dinner Theatre - Lounge Wizard 6. Caesar's Magical Empire 7. Convention will probably fail 8. The Richard Webster Popular Fiction Award 9. MagicNZ Web Ring - www.magic.gen.nz 10. NZ "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2000 11. 'Coin to Nesting Barrels' 12. Magic programmes on NZ TV 13. Carters in Waipuk 14. Diarise these events 15. News Items 16. MagicNZ e-zine archives 17. Benefit of subscribing to the MagicNZ e-zine 18. Subscription Management 19. Contact Information. ------------------------------------- 1. Editors Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Nicole Watson Nicole is in the Auckland Hospital after breaking her right leg in two places. The break at the ankle was a shattered break so she will be having an operation to have it pinned on Tuesday. I see her daily and if you want to drop her a personal message write to her at: nicki@watson.co.nz I had a number of requests regarding the schedule for the World Festival of Magic - New Zealand part of the tour featuring Chuck Jones & Co: Refer item 10. Both Pat Sweeney/Paul Marcus (of Christchurch) and Graham Grant (Wellington) are in poor health and I am sure they will be delighted to see you whenever you are in their cities. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: alan@watson.co.nz ------------------------------------- 2. "Orchante" ex-pat Kiwi professional magician ------------------------------------- Message from Peter Zenner (UK) >Tommy Orchard - "Orchante" ex-pat Kiwi professional magician, living in >England, is now a subscriber of MagicNZ. I'm sure we will hear from Tommy >soon to let our members know what he's been up to over the years. Many many moons ago, Orchante and myself were guests for the evening at the Edinburgh Magic Circle. We both had to wait outside until their business meeting finished and what a session we had! I only knew of Tommy through his fakir act but his pockets were bulging with close-up magic and he appeared to be a master of everything he touched. I heard on the grapevine that he was seriously ill and that was a few years ago also. Glad to know that you are still around, Tommy, and looking forward to hearing what you have been up to of late. ------------------------------------- 3. Women in Magic - Jann Goodsell ------------------------------------- Message from Jann Goodsell (USA) - President, Society of American Magicians Although I read every "issue" that Alan Watson sends me, I have not as yet made any comments of my own. However, I would like to do so concerning women in magic. I cannot really give any definitive answers as to why there aren't more female performers. I surely wish there were!!! However, I do have a couple of other observations to make. I notice that, when flyers are sent out about upcoming magic meetings, often the following statement is made: "Please bring your wives!" I once tried nicely to point this out to an Assembly. I got reamed! He said they didn't have any females in their club because they apparently didn't want to join. Yeah, right! Another guy said he didn't mean anything by it; in fact, he had helped many female magicians. Well, he definitely should have known better. I think this is a mindset that must be corrected. Second, while attending a magic camp for youth this past summer and then working with the youth at the T.A.O.M., I noted that there were a few more females this year, but not that many. How many parents encourage their daughters? I am concerned that there are not more female magicians out there--not just for the numbers. I worry that women and girls feel that they are being discouraged. Worse, they feel that they must have a "sexy" act in order to succeed, that they cannot make it in a "straight" act. I am not judging those who choose this mode, but it is not the only way to go! If you are a man, when you meet a woman/girl at a magic club meeting, do not assume she is an assistant or the wife/daughter of a magician. Try the opposite assumption. You will be surprised to learn that this mindset can be changed, too. If you are a female performer, go out of your way to encourage other women and young girls. We don't have to ignore the side of it, but a special word here and there, a little individual attention, and some encouragement would go a long ways. Let them know that it's possible to perform magic...even if you're a girl! Thanks for listening, all of you. I appreciate hearing about what is going on in New Zealand. My husband (yes, I am a female) and I plan to make a trip there next year and look forward to seeing many of you. ---------------------------------- 4. "Lounge Wizard" ---------------------------------- Message from Ross Skiffington (Aust) I have just finished a short season in Melbourne of my new cabaret show "Lounge Wizard". It went extremely well with excellent attendance and we are off to Sydney at the end of November for a 3 week season at the Glen Street Theatre, French's Forest. The good news is that Caper's in Melbourne, where we were performing, were so pleased with the response they are bringing us back for a return season next year. ---------------------------------- 5. Capers Dinner Theatre - Lounge Wizard ---------------------------------- Message from Ross Skiffington (Aust) With Ross Skiffington and Wendy Dalton. At Capers Dinner Theatre. An empty stage except for a big black trunk welcomes us to the space. On top is a sign saying "Don't Touch." From the back of the room a man who has wandered off the street, inebriated, makes his way to the stage and, fascinated by the trunk, at first touches and then opens it. Inside are various props including a pair of legs, a kimono which he wears some scarves and various magic accoutrements, and finally a guillotine. Playing with all these magic things, he moves finally to place his hand into the guillotine. With a deft move he chops, and his hand falls behind the box. The drunk puts everything back in the box and slowly leaves the room, chastened and having learned that magic is a serious business. Ross Skiffington is very serious about his magic, (a recent recipient of a lifetime achievement award for magicians) and over the next 2 hours he brings us all the tricks and illusions we know and love, plus a few new ones. After a brief interlude of Dalton dancing and sweeping the space, we see Skiffington as himself, talking about his life in magic and giving us some insights into the dedication and time needed to be any good. The dancing cane, card tricks, mind reading and predictions are all there, always with a possibility that this trick has failed, but we are wrong. Then a wonderful illusion, a small box with 2 one-inch holes drilled in the sides, through which is threaded a rope. With two assistants from the audience holding a curtain arrangement, Dalton stands in front of the box with one end of the rope tied around her, the other held by another audience member. The curtain is lifted and shimmied, then dropped and Dalton is gone. Skiffington opens the tiny box and Dalton emerges miraculously to the applause of the stunned audience. Then comes Neville Fontaine, a Skiffington character, who is the worst of the lounge performers. Loud, brash and insensitive he insults his audience and performs tricks that sometimes go terribly wrong, to the great amusement of his assistant Bruceene (Dalton) in a series of outrageous costumes. Just before interval we are treated to Bruceene giving a truly awful rendition of a cabaret song while being sliced in three and having her middle section moved sideways. After interval comes a truly wonderful character that Ross calls Ms Magic. A white face, totally expressionless, all glitter and tails, mirror ball, flashy lighting, this is Skiffington at his best. The Prince of Prestidigitation. This is hardcore magic, but just when we think we know the secret Ms Magic shows us we were wrong to make assumptions. Always with humour close at hand we have rope tricks, the wonderful floating zombie ball, another 2 trunk illusions, appearing bottles, and by this time at least a quarter of the audience has been involved in an illusion in some way. To finish, Skiffington sits in front of us and removes the white face, and showing us his first magic case, finishes with the exquisite linking rings, and a confetti and fan trick. Verdict: It must be done with mirrors. Don Bridges ---------------------------------- 6. Caesar's Magical Empire ---------------------------------- Message from Dr. Steely (US) I am writing this in an attempt to generate support for the attraction at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada...Caesar's Magical Empire. On a recent trip to Las Vegas, my husband and I stumbled across Caesar's Magical Empire, and were amazed and astounded during several hours of dinner, up-close magic, and illusions. Unfortunately, this all came to an end during the final moments of the last performance, when we learned that the owners/operators of Caesar's Palace, Park Place Entertainment...were planning on closing Caesar's Magical Empire, and turning it into a nightclub (of all things). If any magician has ever been to Las Vegas and been to Caesar's Magical Empire...you will know what a tragedy the closure of this attraction/venue would be. It is a marvellous experience that showcases young and up-and-coming magicians...allowing them exposure and practice in their talented field. Several points came across quite clear following my experience of Caesar's Magical Empire....after talking with several residents of Las Vegas, it was evident that marketing and advertising of the 'Empire' was virtually nonexistent...none of the local people in Las Vegas that my husband and I spoke with knew of Caesar's Magical Empire, nor had ever even heard about it. If local residents of Las Vegas don't even know of an attraction in their own town...how can tourists and visitors to the city know about it??? I believe that with the proper exposure, this attraction could be seen to be the world of wonder and enchantment that it professes itself to be...and revenue generation from it (obviously what Park Place Entertainment is concerned about) would increase substantially. Does Las Vegas need another nightclub??? Definitely not, and it is certainly not the attraction that Las Vegas could benefit from in terms of attracting the 'right' people to its fair city. Could the Magicians and Illusionists use another venue for showcasing their talents? A resounding YES! And what a shame and tragedy it would be to lose this beautiful venue that has been used for such a purpose. Over the next few days, it is my intention to attempt to contact as many magicians and illusionists in Las Vegas as I can, as well as professionals in this field around the world...in an attempt to generate support for what I feel to be an asset to the city of Las Vegas, and to the profession which it showcases. I will also attempt to contact members of the Park Place Entertainment Board of Directors, hoping to illustrate to them that if their marketing and advertising has been nil or little, then it is obvious why Caesar's Magical Empire is not cost-benefit-effective. Also that they need to rethink their marketing strategies of this venue, rather than simply closing it down in favour of something that may not attract the type of clientele that would benefit the area. Please, PLEASE, if you can voice your opinions on this matter to Park Place Entertainment (Arthur M. Goldberg, CEO), and/or Caesar's Palace itself...it would be greatly appreciated, and extremely helpful in keeping this venue alive. Also, please pass on this information to any professional peers and friends. I am not aware at this time how urgent this matter is...nor even if the final decision has been made to close Caesar's Magical Empire (from speaking with the attraction's production manager I was led to believe that we still have time to save this show!). ---------------------------------- 7. Convention will probably fail ---------------------------------- Message from Obie Obrien (US) I agree with David Boyd that a convention after Xmas will probably fail, as this is the time that airfares are expensive and usually fully booked for the holidays. Why do the airlines block these dates out???? The reason is everybody travels these days so they hike the airfares. But I wish them luck. ------------------------------------- 8. The Richard Webster Popular Fiction Award ------------------------------------- Message from Richard Webster (NZ) I'm in Germany for the next week attending the Frankfurt Book Fair. I then have a week in Devon and Cornwall, followed by a few days in Singapore on the way home. I have a few talks and book signings to do, but the final week of the trip is mainly to research my next book. The Richard Webster Popular Fiction Award is now up and running. If any of your readers have literary aspirations, they might like to check out: http://www.richardwebster.co.nz It could be worth $5000 to them. ---------------------------------- 9. MagicNZ Web Ring - www.magic.gen.nz ---------------------------------- Message from Chris Parkinson (NZ) MagicNZ has created the MagicNZ web Ring, a new feature for New Zealand magic organisations and New Zealand resident and internationally based Kiwi magicians to enhance and increase visits to their web sites. FREE Membership to MagicNZ Web Ring ONLY to approved applications for more information e-mail Chris Parkinson - webmaster@netgate.co.nz ---------------------------------- 10. NZ "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2000 ---------------------------------- Message from Tania Merota (NZ) DATES & VENUES TOWN SHOW TIMES November Thursday 23 INVERCARGILL 2pm - 5pm - 7.30pm Civic Theatre Friday 24 DUNEDIN 2.30pm - 7pm Regent Theatre Saturday 25 TIMARU 5.30pm Theatre Royal Sunday 26 CHRISTCHURCH 2pm - 5pm - 7.30pm Monday 27 CHRISTCHURCH 5pm - 7.30pm Tuesday 28 CHRISTCHURCH 5pm - 7.30pm Theatre Royal Wednesday 29 DAY OFF Thursday 30 NELSON 7pm The Trafalgar Centre Friday 1st December DAY OFF Saturday 2nd WELLINGTON 2pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Sunday 3 WELLINGTON 2pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Michael Fowler Centre Monday 4th DAY OFF Tuesday 5 PALMERSTON NTH 1.30pm - 4pm - 7pm Regent On Broadway or College of Education Wednesday 6 NEW PLYMOUTH 5pm - 7.30pm TSB Show Place Thursday 7 WANGANUI 2.30pm - 5pm - 7.30pm Wanganui Collegiate School Friday 8th DAY OFF Saturday 9 AUCKLAND 11am - 5pm - 7pm Sunday 10 AUCKLAND 11am - 5pm - 7pm Logan Campbell Monday 11 HAMILTON 2.30pm - 5pm - 7.30pm Founders Theatre Tuesday 12 ROTORUA 2.30pm - 5pm - 7.30pm Rotorua Convention Centre Wednesday 13 GISBORNE 2.30pm - 5pm - 7.30pm War Memorial Hall Thursday 14 NAPIER 2.30pm - 5pm - 7.30pm Napier Municipal Theatre Friday 15 TAUPO 5pm - 7.30pm The Great Lake Centre Complex Saturday 16 TAURANGA 2.30pm - 5pm - 7.30pm Bay Court Theatre or Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre QE2 Sunday 17 WHANGAREI 5pm - 7.30pm Forum North Exhibition Hall ---------------------------------- 11. 'Coin to Nesting Barrels' ---------------------------------- Message from Michel Fouché (NZ) Those who attended Danny Archer's lecture will be familiar with his 'Coin to Nesting Barrels'. My question relates to the barrels themselves. Where do you get them? In the lecture Mr Archer stated that they were available at most toy stores, however I am having great difficulty in finding anything that nests other than cups (which don't have lids). I have tried Toyworld, Kmart, DEKA and have had no luck anywhere. If anyone knows where they might be sold could they please share this info with us all. ------------------------------------- 12. Magic programmes on NZ TV ------------------------------------- Message from Edward Hall (NZ) Friday 20th October 9.55pm TV3 World's Most Dangerous Magic 2 Saturday 21st October Discovery Channel - Australia and NZ (NZ times, Aus 2 hours earlier) 10pm Magic's Greatest Illusions. 'Don't try this at home' 11pm Magic's Greatest Illusions. 'Nothing up my sleeve' Midnight Magic's Greatest Illusions. 'Now you see it' The discovery channel then repeats the individual episodes over the 24th to 27th October at 8pm and 2am timeslots. Details on each episode at http://www.aunz.discovery.com/dsc/oct/episodes/epi_magicsgreatest.html http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~edhall/magic/ ------------------------------------ 13. Carters in Waipuk ------------------------------------- Message from Bill & Mandy Reid (NZ) Have had a great weekend with 5 hours walk around at Carters in Waipuk on Saturday, got good radio publicity while we were there. We also performed the chair suspension at lunch time which went live over the radio with the reporter interviewing the volunteer while being suspended. Sunday we were the guest performers in a theatre show in Hastings, we got to perform our illusions & stage act, which we always enjoy performing. ------------------------------------- 14. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- 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.html to research for more information. ------------------------------------- 15. 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. ------------------------------------- 16. MagicNZ e-zine archives ------------------------------------- Back issues of the MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html 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) If you want to print copies of MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine-archive ------------------------------------- 17. 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. ------------------------------------- 18. 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 or 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 ------------------------------------- 19. 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