* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #69 Date: Sunday 15th April 2001 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz www.alan-watson.com e-mail alan@watson.co.nz ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Paul Romhany - three month cruise 3. Pinocchio's nose 4. The 5th U.S. Deaf Magicians Festival 5. "Electricks" - Ross Skiffington 6. 26th NZ Magician's Convention - Update 7. The Magic Cellar Saloon in San Francisco 8. Books for sale 9. The passing of Bob Ford 10. History - NZ National Magicians Conventions 11. Palmerton North Magician's Mini Convention 12. I have located a woman who imports silk 13. Melbournes Magic Malarkey 14. The Orchante Saga #25 15. Diarise these events 16. MagicNZ e-zine archives 17. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Bernard Reid tells me that he has just bound the first 50 issues of the MagicNZ e-zine and the volume is approximately 10cm (4inches) thick. 2nd week School holiday programme for the Alan Watson family magic shows: Royal Oak Shopping Mall - Monday 16th April to Sunday 22nd April (Show times 11.00am and 1.00pm) ------------------------------ Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: alan@watson.co.nz ------------------------------------- 2. Paul Romhany - three month cruise ------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) I start a 3-month run on Cruise ship starting out in Rome on April 29th. 24th April - Australia then fly to Rome. 29th April - 22nd July on a cruise ship for 3 months calling in to ports including the following:- Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy Naples/Capri (Sorrento), Italy Cairo/Giza(Alexandria), Egypt Port Said, Egypt Nazareth/Galilee (Haifa), Israel Jerusalem/Tel Aviv (Ashdod), Israel Rhodes, Greece Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey Athens, Greece Overnight onboard vessel Athens (Piraeus), Greece Naples/Capri (Sorrento), Italy London (Dover), England Plymouth, England Cornwall and Devon. Waterford, Ireland Dublin, Ireland Holyhead, Wales Glasgow (Greenock), Scotland Kirkwall, Scotland (Orkney Islands) Inverness (Invergordon), Scotland Edinburgh (Rosyth), Scotland Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France London (Southampton), England ---------------------------------- 3. Pinocchio's nose ---------------------------------- Message from Guy Bavli Read your Pinocchio nose, and just wanted to say that 5-years ago, I was consulting for the Pinocchio musical in Israel. For that of course one of the main effects was the nose, which I made to fit the actor's nose, using the appearing cane basic with a special gimmick to make it slow and for the nose of the person... as well the color and wood look. This was something I will never forget as it took me and the special effect person who made the mould for the actors nose, 3 nights to establish it, and those were my longest 3 nights I had :-) ---------------------------------- 4. The 5th U.S. Deaf Magicians Festival ---------------------------------- Message from Dr Simon Carmel Secretary-General Society of World Deaf Magicians The 5th U.S. Deaf Magicians Festival will take place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa on May 16-19, 2001. The headquarters will be at Best Western Longbranch Hotel and Convention Center. The program includes all-star magic show (Friday evening), the close-up, stage contests and lectures by both deaf and hearing magicians, magic dealers, and city tour. For more info, please contact Matthew Morgan and Rickie Rowray, co-chairs, at magicmorgan@aol.com, and balloonartist@prodigy.net The voice interpreters for those who are not familiar with sign language will be provided during the events. (The president [Ukraine] of the Society of World Deaf Magicians may plan to attend there as a guest and performer.) The 9th World Deaf Magicians Festival will be held in Moscow, Russia in April 2002. ------------------------------------- 5. "Electricks" - Ross Skiffington ------------------------------------- Message from Ross Skiffington (Aust) Just a quick note to let you know that I am back in Melbourne after a month away on board the cruise ship, Silver Cloud and about to open a return season of "Lounge Wizard" at Capers from 24th to 28th April. The show is then to be presented as part of the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in May. In July I am presenting an evening of Magic & Illusion, "ELECTRICKS" at The Glen Street Theatre, Sydney with The Ross Skiffington Grand Magic Company. The season runs for two weeks with my kids show "Patrick's Hat Trick" during the daytime. ---------------------------------- Lounge Wizard is a magic cabaret featuring Ross Skiffington & Wendy Dalton Ross Skiffington was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Convention of Magicians 2000 for his contribution to the Art of Magic. He is recognised as Australia's finest Illusionist and over the past 30 years has performed throughout Australia and overseas in theatres, television, showrooms, Expos, circus, cruise ships etc. Ross is a trained actor as well as a director, creator and magic consultant and has just returned from performances on board the cruise ship, Silver Cloud. "Lounge Wizard" is to be presented at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in May and in July Ross is presenting an evening of Illusion & Dance, "ELECTRICKS" at The Glen Street Theatre, Sydney with The Ross Skiffington Grand Magic Company. Wendy Dalton is a trusty and trusting assistant. She has worked with Ross for the past 15 years and is an integral part of The Ross Skiffington Grand Magic Company. Her choreographic skills have contributed much to the style and professionalism of the company. Through her work in television and the theatre Wendy is well known in the dance world as a dancer, teacher, choreographer and adjudicator. Together, Ross & Wendy present an intimate, amazing and very theatrical evening of magic, chaos & characters for five nights only from 24th to 28th APRIL 2001. Cover Charge: $19.50 Concession: $17.00 Doors open 7pm ShowTime 8.30pm There will be a full bar service with meals and Tapas style food available. "Australia's finest exponent of magic and illusion occupying a unique niche in our performing arts"....Harry M Miller "Mr Skiffington's feats are as good as, if not better than, anything I have seen in Las Vegas."...Ken Longworth. "Ross Skiffington is the magician most respected by his peers"....The Experts Expert - The Australian "The presidigitational Ross Skiffington comes up with the right stuff"...Tim Robertson, The Age. "While it is common to see magic, it is rare to experience it...Magic at its best."...Nick Morton Capers Cabaret, Corner Burwood & Power Streets Hawthorn 3122 Phone Bookings: 9819 1797 www.caperscabaret.com.au ------------------------------------- 6. 26th NZ Magician's Convention - Update ------------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) - Convention Secretary A three-page registration form, including choice indication form for competitions will be posted after Easter to all IBM Ring 160 members, all registrants from the 1999 & 2000 Magic Days & others who have asked for details about our convention. The electronic form of the three-page release will be available in Word 97 shortly from the convention Secretary. twilson@xtra.co.nz This should assist our overseas registrants. Accommodation details are available on request. You will be able to pay by credit card using the same form and there will be a discount for those that register by August 1st. Some registrations have already been received so don't delay ------------------------------------- 7. The Magic Cellar Saloon in San Francisco ------------------------------------- Message from Jack Browne (US) You may have heard of The Magic Cellar Saloon in San Francisco, which thrived in the '60s and '70s at Earthquake McGoon's on Clay Street. Turk Murphy's San Francisco Jazz Band played traditional jazz upstairs, and there was dancing. Downstairs, in the "Cellar," Martin Lewis held forth as the "house magician" for a long time. He did both close-up and stage shows, and he was outstanding. Among the stalwarts I remember performing at the Cellar were Slydini, Derek Dingle, Pete Biro, Caz Boxley, Tina Lennert and Mike Caveney. As you know, Mike has written a terrific 375-page book entitled "Carter the Great," which is available from Caveney's Magic Words, Pasadena, California. (caveney@aol.com) The Cellar had plush red carpeting, huge Carter wall posters, some of Carter's illusions such as his "Spike Cabinet" and glass cases displaying portions of Carter's apparatus as well as other memorabilia such as handcuffs belonging to Houdini. What happened to the world famous Carter collection after the Cellar in 1977 closed makes for a very interesting story, which is explained fully in Mike Caveney's book. With Mike's permission, and with credits duly given, I wrote a piece on this subject that was published in the Winter 2000 edition of "The Cricket," which is a quarterly publication of the San Francisco Traditional Jazz Foundation (SFTJF). Said article can be accessed on the SFTJF website at www.sftradjazz.org, and features a picture of Carter with Houdini and Carter performing "Levitation." I'm told by David Sandy, our I.B.M. "webmaster," that the article has also just been added to the I.B.M. website as well, which is: http://www.magician.org ------------------------------------- 8. Books for sale ------------------------------------- R Pryce (NZ) - rpryce@xtra.co.nz The art of invisible thread by Jon LeClair NZ$65.00 - US$35.00 Don Drake's Blackart breakthroughs NZ$50.00 - US$24.95 Illusion show know how by Ken Griffin NZ$45.00 - US$20.00 Illusionworks 3 by Rand Woodbury NZ$85.00 - US$42.00 Illusionworks by Rand Woodbury NZ$85.00 - US$42.00 Diversions by Rand Woodbury NZ$110.00 - US$65.00 Tony Clark Unmasks NZ$60.00 - US$30.00 Magic Stage illusions, Hopkins NZ$26.00 - US$13.95 ------------------------------------- 9. The passing of Bob Ford ------------------------------------- Message from George Robinson Jr I know Bob had friends around the world, so here is info on his passing: It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of a dear friend, Bob Ford of San Antonio, Texas. Bob passed away on April 2nd. He was a long time member of the IBM, The Magic Circle and the Masonic Lodge as well as a key player in the San Antonio magic scene. He is survived by his wife Christina of 48 years, daughter Leni Vale and son Darryl. I first met Bob over 27 years ago while he was touring the Rio Grande Valley. He was always a cheerful friend with many interesting stories. He continued to perform for various civic groups and schools until last year when he began to finally slow down and curtail his busy schedule. Bob was a very good friend of Robert Harbin and built a few original-style Zig-Zags with Harbin's permission. Along with this, Bob made custom items for friends, which were always well made and sought after. The TAOM convention will never be the same without Bob's presence, but I am sure his spiritual presence will be felt never the less. I join all of Bob's friends in sending my condolences to his wonderful wife and family. May he continue to wield his wand with the greats in the here after. ------------------------------------- 10. History - NZ National Magicians Conventions ------------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) 1st 1930 December AUCKLAND. To celebrate 10th Anniversary NZSM 2nd 1940 March WELLINGTON. To coincide with NZ Centennial Celebrations 3rd 1945 CHRISTCHURCH 4th 1946 December NAPIER. World War II Victory Celebrations 5th 1950 December CHRISTCHURCH 6th 1956 December HAMILTON 7th 1958 December CHRISTCHURCH 8th 1960 December HAMILTON 9th 1962 Easter DUNEDIN 10th 1964 Easter WELLINGTON 11th 1966 December CHRISTCHURCH 12th 1968 December AUCKLAND 13th 1971 Easter DUNEDIN 14th 1972 December HAMILTON 15th 1964 December MASTERTON 16th 1977 Easter CHRISTCHURCH 17th 1979 December AUCKLAND 18th 1982 October PALMERSTON NORTH 19th 1985 October CHRISTCHURCH 20th 1987/88 December MASTERTON 21st 1990/91 December AUCKLAND 22nd 1993 Easter CHRISTCHURCH 23rd 1995 Easter WANGANUI 24th 1997 Easter NAPIER 25th 1999 Easter LOWER HUTT ---------------------------------- 11. Palmerton North Magician's Mini Convention ---------------------------------- Message from Norm Twigge (NZ) Format for Mini - convention to date is - we will to have two lectures, but still waiting to hear from Sean Taylor to confirm for the other, two competitions - favourite 3 minutes and close - up, dealers, sales tables, and the evening cabaret style show with Barry Govan, and top N.Z. performers. Registration forms will be ready within a week and will be sent out to Clubs and anyone requesting them. The venue will accommodate 80 people maximum, so prior registration is a must - there will be no registrations at the door on the day. Reg. fee is $40 single, $75 double and $20 juniors 15 and under. ---------------------------------- 12. I have located a woman who imports silk ---------------------------------- Message from Ross Harlick (NZ) It is available in three different grades - very thin to thick. The silks are multicoloured, black or white. She does not do silk printing but I am sure she will be able to assist if anyone is wanting silk. Silks can be cut to order. Her name is Elaine (Annabelle Silks and Accessories, Takanini, Auckland) Telephone 09 296-0939 evenings. 025 287-5219 cell phone. ---------------------------------- 13. Melbournes Magic Malarkey ---------------------------------- Message from Pat-Trick (Aust) Since Joshua Jay is coming this way we are having a Mini Close-up Convention in Melbourne on August 5th. Its an all day event with lectures, competitions and close-up shows. Its only $65 and lunch is included. The venue is ideal with raised seating and excellent layout. Stars are Joshua Jay, Chuck Fayne, Andrew Wimhurst, Barry Govan, Tim Ellis. To find out more look up the Malarkey Web page www.maskelyne-devant.com/malarkey.htm Folks Come along.... We are giving away a special gift to the first 20 registrations. Please check our website for further information. ---------------------------------- 14. The Orchante Saga #25 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Memories Sometimes, when writing my Saga, I get stuck - I believe it's called writer's block,. I have found that a great source of inspiration is looking through old Diaries at past bookings - 1964 was a very good year, which included my first overseas engagement. From the dozens, hundreds, thousands, of various shows, a few trigger a flood of memories - December 31st - New Year's Eve., 64/65 was one. A booking from Fuller's Entertainment Bureau - Thames Memorial Hall - a Mr Peter Taylor, a juggler from Auckland City would pick me up 3.30pm, from my home town, Manurewa, which was on the way to Thames (which is on the Coromandel Peninsula, south of Auckland). Makes sense, use one car, and share the petrol. I knew all the Auckland acts who were around at the time, but didn't know Peter (stage name 'Delmere'), as he was then just starting out in Show 'biz'. We hit it off, straight away. Peter, an Englishman, made his living as a Painter/Decorator, working as a Performer on a semi-pro basis. Later he became a full time professional, but would still do the odd painting job, when things got a bit tight. Anyhow, the job in Thames was done and dusted by 11pm - we had a choice of hanging round for New Year's Eve celebrations, or heading back to Auckland - a good 4 hour trip in those days. We decided to head back: ten minutes to midnight, in the middle of nowhere, and I'm saying 'Christ, Peter, you'd think there'd be a pub around here somewhere. We've got to have a drink to bring '65 in' NOTHING! Then I spot some lights way off the road - it was a farmhouse. 'C'mon, Peter', I'm yelling 'It's bloody near WHOOPEE time. Let's get up there'. 'We can't just bowl up there like that', says Peter, being your typical reserved Englishman. 'Bullshit - this is Kiwi country. It's bloody New Year's Eve' I said. Five minutes later, I'm hammering on the door. ***** I N T E R L U D E ***** Yesterday morning, Monday April 9th 2001, around 9.30am, or so, we - Veronica and I - lost a member of our family. SHAZAAM was my beautiful seal-point Siamese cat - she was my surprise birthday present from Veronica 13 years ago. Unfortunately, she became ill with a liver/kidney infection - treatment did not help. I spent the entire 'last night' nursing and comforting her, finally coming to terms in the morning that the only 'cure' for her suffering was Euthanasia. IT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT AND HEARTBREAKING DECISION TO MAKE - AND SHE KNEW! If, as you read this, are thinking 'What in the hell is he going on about, it was only a 'bloody cat'", well, you had better go and get a heart, Tin man! Those of you who, like us, are animal lovers, know, don' t you, what we are going through. For 13 years she brought us love, joy, and affection. She was 'MAGIC'.- hence her name. I hope that all of you will understand that I'm in mourning. I'll finish this episode of my saga, later. - TOMMY ORCHARD 'REST IN PEACE, SHAZAAM ------------------------------------- 15. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- Palmerton North Magician's Mini Convention Sunday 3rd June 2001 Joshua Jay (US) NZ Lectures: Auckland Friday 10th August 2001 Christchurch Monday 13th August 2001 The 26th NZ Magician's Convention Thursday 27th to Monday 31st December 2001 ------------------------------------- 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. 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 MagicNZ e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday. 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 2001 Alan Watson