* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #100 Date: Sunday 9th December 2001 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz www.alan-watson.com e-mail AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Visa Story 3. Offering A New Consultation Service 4. New Fantasy In Black Lecture Tour 5. Publicity 6. Re The Banana/Bandanna Bit 7. The Death Of Tony Barratt 8. Guillotine For Sale 9. Los Angeles Magic History Conference 10. Upcoming NZ TV listings... 11. Wanted To Publicly Thank Him 12. Geller's Drawing Duplications 13. Charles "Chuck" Kirkham Died 14. The Orchante Saga #54 15. Diarise these events 16. MagicNZ e-zine archives 17. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One TWENTY days to go before the 26th New Zealand International Magic Convention starts. We have registrants coming from as far away as Germany, India, England, USA, Australia and right throughout New Zealand. We are in process of closing off registrations - so if you are planning to attend this convention and have not registered yet ring the Convention Secretary, Tony Wilson NOW! +64 9 576 9581 or e-mail him twilson@extra.co.nz ----------------------------------------------------- The World Festival of Magic Show has been touring throughout New Zealand since 1986. Chuck Jones & Company (USA) have been the stars of this show 14 times. Chuck is the consummate professional and I've enjoyed touring with him through Australasia on 3 separate occasions. Chucks performs illusions to a high standard and is entertaining for all ages. Listening to the lay people afterwards this years top favourites were the Mismade-Lady and the Spiker Illusion. Both illusions have become his signature illusions. Michele and I were delighted to see our good friend Michelle Burke who has been Chuck's popular assistant for many years. For those that don't know Michelle has just recovered from a very serious brain tumour operation and it was touch and go right up to the last minute whether she could tour. ----------------------------------------------------- WARNING: There are a number of magicians who are sending computer viruses. Everyone should be using a virus protection programme and regularly updating their preference files. To give you an idea one day I received 34 e-mails with viruses attached and 95% were magicians! ----------------------------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. Visa Story ---------------------------------- Message from Susan Lewin/Henderson (US) After reading Paul Romhany's Brazil/Visa story I panicked as Nick Lewin was supposed to join a Holland America ship in Rio the next week. I had not researched a Visa. Fortunately I contacted Nick's new agent (his former agent's assistant had the incorrect information). The agent gave me this wonderful website.......write this down comedy magicians and world travelers....Zierer Visa Service (1-800-843-9151 San Francisco office) www.zvs.com. I contacted the service and they assured me that a British citizen did not require a visa to Brazil. Nick should be in Rio today and I have not heard from him, so I assume he made it. Thank you for sharing your experience in this publication. It has opened my eyes to the problems out on the road. Another brief comment about the "Banana Bandana" routine. Please note that I am not a magician or a comedian, but Nick told me that the routine originated in vaudeville and that it is where the phrase "Second Banana" comes from. It is apparently a two person routine.....the "second banana" reads from a book of instructions as the "first banana" performs the trick. Nick performed it during his stint at the Maxim during the last days when he wanted to add some different material. He sometimes uses it on the cruise ships, but he always feels terribly guilty because of its origin. It "packs flat and plays very big," plus all ages love it. And just a third comment....there are lots of magical options in Las Vegas, but be sure to catch Amazing Jonathon at the Golden Nugget if you can, especially when Billy McComb is opening (not that all the other acts like Milt Larsen and Rich Bloch are not great...because they are terrific, but it is rather wonderful that Billy McComb started his Las Vegas career with AJ at this point. It gives us all hope that there will always be work if you keep your skills up. Our teenage daughter Kat just saw Billy and Amazing Jonathon and she thought the show was so funny! Amazing is the ultimate "bad boy" of magic and we all know that if we had the chance that we could reform him ! HMMM.... come to think of it, he must have stolen the "bad boy" title from Billy McComb. ---------------------------------- 3. Offering A New Consultation Service ---------------------------------- Message from BJ Hickman I'm offering a new consultation service that you might want to share with your readers. Those who do children and family shows might especially be interested. I'd also like to know what you think. Details at: www.bjhickman.com/private.htm ------------------------------------- 4. New Fantasy In Black Lecture Tour ------------------------------------- Message from Don Drake (US) Hi Alan, I will be doing a new Fantasy In Black lecture tour on the West Coast of the US, starting in April of 2002. This year the lecture is better than ever, and includes a spook show done with black art (of course ). I would like to start in San Diego and work all cities up to and including Vancouver BC. Anyone interested please contact me via e-mail, and I'll send you a lecture package with all the details. This is not your ordinary lecture, and is improving every year. Thanks and have a magical day! DD Phone (702) 880-5370 web: http://members.aol.com/dondrake ---------------------------------- 5. Publicity ---------------------------------- Message from Clive Court (Canada) December is a good month to interest your local TV stations in a story about magic, particularly this year with the new Harry Potter movie playing over the Christmas period. So, here's how I suggest that local rings go about approaching the TV stations. You send them (by hand or fax) your customized version of the following one-page advisory: MEDIA ADVISORY There's magic in the air this Christmas. And not just the usual "magic" associated with the family festive season. This year the popular Harry Potter movie and books have helped create a special interest in all things magical including the process of becoming a wizard. For a glimpse into the local scene of wizardry, you are invited to visit a meeting of The Vancouver Magic Circle (insert name of local club) to see how modern wizards learn and practise their craft. WHO: The Vancouver Magic Circle WHAT: A monthly meeting of the local branch of the International Brotherhood of magicians founded by a Canadian and two Americans in the 1920s and now a worldwide organization of 15,000 members bringing magic to people everywhere. WHEN: Wednesday, December 5, at 7pm. WHERE: (at a downtown location to be disclosed only to those interested) WHY: To shed a little light on how you become magician in the 21st century. HOW: Both junior and senior magicians will demonstrate how they learn and practise their art today. VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES: You will see both male and female, junior and senior members demonstrating quick visual effects (not longer than 20 seconds). You will also see a levitation and sawing-in-half illusion. Some members will be in colourful costumes others will look just like your friends at work or the next door neighbours. CONTACT: (insert name, email, regular phone, and cell phone number of the person most available during the day to answer calls from assignment editors) _________________ This should be addressed to: News Editor, WIZ-TV, Whatever Street, WHEREEVER, Oz. 54321 NOTE: It's important to include junior, female and minority group members and have them do quick, visual tricks. Everyone should come with a quick trick. (1-10 seconds). Dove and rabbit productions are excellent but vanishes are not because they may appear "cruel." and you certainly don't need that. Club executives should have some carefully crafted quotes (10 to 20 seconds in length) about the benefits of magic, joining a learning organization, or the history of the club. Stress the benefits--particularly the public, social or learning benefits. This is not the opportunity for the local stars to grab spotlight. That will probably kill the story. So, there we are. This is one of the "secrets" of media magic. Give it a try (anywhere in the world) and I'll be most interested to hear about your results. The real secret here is that over the holiday period (whatever the holiday) journalists also like to take time off. Media outlets are understaffed. So if the story is topical or seasonal and entertaining they may use it several times over the holiday period which means increased exposure. The same media advisory will also work for the print media. Just make sure you have some effects standing by that will look good in still photos (e.g. levitation, suspension). Have a great holiday season... West wishes, Clive Court aka The Funslinger PS. The layout of this advisory is important. If the effect is lost in transmission, please email me funslinger@magicwest.com and I will fax you a copy. ---------------------------------- 6. Re The Banana/Bandanna Bit ---------------------------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) In a message in the latest newsletter, Tim Ellis writes: << 7. Re The Banana/Bandanna Bit ---------------------------------- >Message from Tim Ellis (Aust) >Yes, Copperfield did it on his Chinese TV special, but credit must go >to the originator of the bit, Tom Ogden. Tom did not want to part with the piece as it was one of his trademark effects at the time. But David decided to do it, and now everyone is cashing in on the routine except for, you guessed it, the guy who thought it up in the first place. >> I don't wish to open a debate on this. Tom Ogden is a great performer and creator. But this was being done probably before Ogden was born, and certainly before he was performing magic. I remember seeing it on television at least 40 to 50 years ago, and it was old then! ---------------------------------- 7. The Death Of Tony Barratt ---------------------------------- Message from Robert Freeman (UK) "May 2001 marked the death of Tony Barratt of St Albans. For well over 20 years he had played the part of Master Will Somers, King Henry 8th Jester, at the Banquets held at The Old Palace Hatfield. An accomplished musician, playing Lute, Pipe & Tabor, Hurdy Gurdy, and various wind instruments, he was also a good Ball and Club juggler. Magic interested him; he performed about a dozen tricks, in his character. Tony would at times perform alongside myself, or with Stuart Fell, A.I.M.C. (Taro the Jester) up and down the country, will be known to some Circle members. The rhyme below, which he wrote, in 1984, was used to affect as he juggled 2 balls and a skull. On the last line the skull was rolled along the floor. The rhyme I feel is well worth setting out to a wider audience, and those who wish, may use it, with credit." HEADS YOU LOSE! Behold this skull and I shall tell how once full-brained, this empty shell by juggling rose, by juggling fell, headlong to oblivion. I'll spin his tale, and toss his head but listen well, lest it be said with skull and crossed balls I've misled by sinister dexterity. No juggler he of common sort whose skilful skill for groats is bought; his head ensconced intriguing thought - treason and skullduggery! He juggled Princes, Queens and Kings, through greed and bribes and poisonings he twisted minds, and arms - and things - impudent rapscallion! Imagine'. Juggling crowned heads' lives instead of balls or rings or knives; heady stuff for he who thrives on lunatic buffoonery! Yet, topsy turvy now he flies, scoured of scheming, leached of lies; a bauble fit for jesters' jibes in death, defying gravity. No dizzier now for want of wit than when the headsman cleaved it, this 'head-for-heights' is only fit for numbskull jocularity. Take heed! - for now 'tis plain to see the rogue who juggles royalty is off his head; - his head's off he! - Caput! Mortuum! and heads will roll !!! ---------------------------------- 8. Guillotine For Sale ---------------------------------- Message from Wayne McEwan (NZ) magicguy@xtra.co.nz Lester Lake Guillotine for Sale cuts a cabbage in the rack first; add this brand new illusion to your act. (photo available) contact Wayne McEwan magicguy@xtra.co.nz $1200 plus freight these sell for $2000 US$ ---------------------------------- 9. Los Angeles Magic History Conference ---------------------------------- Message from Lupe (US) November was an exhausting but rewarding month. We travelled for three weeks to Argentina, Los Angeles and Japan. We want to thank all the wonderful people we met and their unparallel hospitality. Bazar de Magia in Buenos Aires is probably one of the premier magic shops in the world. They also publish "Mystica" a little publication in Spanish full of outstanding material. I was blowing some of the collectors in Los Angeles away with a bill switch published in it. Really good stuff. The Los Angeles Magic History Conference is our favorite magic convention. One gets to see all the magic collectors and learn a lot on the history of our beloved craft in a relaxed atmosphere. The big treat was to see Mike Caveney's Collection (Egyptian Hall West). If you think we have great posters, wait until you see Mike's! Mike and Tina have done an outstanding job of organizing and displaying the material. Over 100 collectors were in awe. Finally, the Japanese are amazing people. We will never forget courtesy, hospitality and friendship. We are now back home for several months taking care of orders, manufacturing and restocking our items. We are making more doves, card presses, labels, bottles, etc. Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us for orders, questions or just to say hello! Norm and I want to wish you a wonderful and terrorist-free Holiday Season. Take care! mail@nnmagic.com -- Nielsen Magic -- http://www.nnmagic.com ---------------------------------- 10. Upcoming NZ TV listings... ---------------------------------- Message from Edward Hall (NZ) Wednesday 12th December 2001. 7:30pm, TV3. David Blaine: Magic Man. Sunday 16th December 2001. 5:00pm, TV3. Lance Burton: Master Magician - Top Secret. http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~edhall/magic ---------------------------------- 11. I Wanted To Publicly Thank Him ---------------------------------- Message from Sandy Singer I have heard Andrew Wimhurst is so incredible, he has to be seen to be believed. Last Wednesday A-1 promised me I would have Andrew's new video on Friday or Saturday--took 7 days--mailed on the 27th--7 days--a Post Office screw-up. Reason for the urgency? I am entertaining at the Vanderbilt Bridge Club (of which I am a member) Christmas party this evening. The Rosduck bridge routine is a fine act, but I've done it a few times already. There is a poker/bridge routine on the new Wimhurst video that I wanted to perform. Last night I did a search for Andrew's e-mail address--found one, and wrote him a note, asking for the bare bones of the effect. This morning I found the complete routine in my e-mail box. Andrew is not only a fine performer, but a really nice person, too, and I wanted to publicly thank him. I have now had time to look at his video--AWESOME--it doesn't get any better than this! ---------------------------------- 12. Geller's Drawing Duplications ---------------------------------- Message from Steve Knight (UK) It's not exactly news but some of your subscribers may be interested in a list of Mr. Uri Geller's drawing duplications which can be found at: http://www.zem.demon.co.uk/ugtd.htm ---------------------------------- 13. Charles "Chuck" Kirkham Died ---------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (USA) Just received word from James Hamilton that a very close friend has died after a long illness. Charles "Chuck" Kirkham died Dec. 4. Chuck was a very successful performer of illusions, pickpocket act and good close-up in the Los Angeles for over forty years. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio area he was exposed to Percy Abbott of Australia. Percy helped Chuck get started in magic and introduced him to magicians in the area. One of these magicians was Will Rock who had purchased the Harry Thurston Illusion show (brother to Howard Thurston). Will sold the show to Chuck who over a period of years moved it to Los Angeles. We were fortunate to get to see him present several of the illusions from the Thurston show on local magic shows. He was a top-notch magician who really knew the business and its history. ---------------------------------- 14. The Orchante Saga #54 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Beyond the Wellington Opera House, to the 'smalls' Despite their losing a large amount of money from the venture, Veronica and I remained great friends with Gerald Weeks, and his wife Helen, often staying at their home whenever we were in Wanganui. I mentioned earlier that Gerald was a clever, amateur cartoonist; in the flyleaf of a book I have titled - 'The Memoirs Of A Sword Swallower', Gerald sketched a cartoon of a fakir - turban, Ali Baba pantaloons, curly toed slippers etc. It depicts myself swallowing a sword with the sharp point ripping through the pantaloons - exiting from my - rear end, with the simple caption -'OOPS'!!! As so often happens, we lost touch with Gerald and Helen when in 1976, Veronica and I left for Australia. After 25 years I decided to try and get in touch with Gerald; I knew that he was or had been the public relations officer in Wanganui so last week I contacted the information centre there and was saddened to learn that Gerald had died November last year (2000). One year too late! See you later, old friend. After Wellington, Veronica and I decided to 'hit the smalls' ourselves which is what my 'angels' should have done in the first place. Looking back at some old yellowing newspaper advertisements towns such as WAVERLY, PATEA, HAWERA, MANGAKINO, TAUPO, TE KUITI and TAIHAPE among others, are listed. I must digress (0h No, not again). We met up with a chap called Brian Lerkhie (I can't remember how) who was a good friend of Trevor King, who hails from Christchurch (see Pages 13 and 16). I must tell you more about my 'Uncle' Trev, at a later date. His amazing life story would fill several volumes. He probably knows more (since the year dot) than any one else in the country about New Zealand's entertainment history, and it's various artists/entertainers (including international stars). I've got a box full of letters and 'yummy' information that many would wish I didn't have (digression ends -'Thank God for that')!!! Brian was a freelance photo/video-grapher, with contracts with the New Zealand Tourist Board, National Geographic Magazine and such like. He teamed up with us for a short time, doing the advance work - posters, advertising etc. and generally helping out during the show. It's late August with September just around the corner - the middle of winter in New Zealand. With several inches of ice and snow lying on the ground, it was bitterly cold as we, or should I say the car, slid and skated up to the front door of the TAIHAPE town hall. This was one town/ show we shall never forget! The Wellington Opera House was a $1,000 per night - the Taihape town hall - $3 a night. It showed! We spent the entire afternoon unfolding and setting up the chairs for the auditorium - I use that term loosely. At least it kept us warm and prevented icicles from forming on end of our noses etc. You see, the town hall was devoid of any form of heating whatsoever. We would have been warmer inside an Eskimos igloo! Actually, in a small room backstage we found an ancient bath - it had two taps, one said COLD the other - HOT! We all laughed hysterically until somebody stupidly turned the hot tap on. You wouldn't believe it, BLOODY HOT WATER RAN OUT OF IT! A short flight of steps led up to one side of the stage. It was also the only way to get to the one and only toilet in the entire place. The cubicle was very cleverly situated just feet away from the entry to- Stage Left It was, therefore, rather disconcerting when, in the middle of telling a bunch of people that - "You Are Becoming Soooo Sleeepy", the discordant clanging of a chain being pulled followed by the unmistakable sound of old, rattling pipes and a gurgling flushing toilet, intruded upon that peaceful moment! Worse, was when someone, amid grunt and groans, rather loudly farted -continuously, prior to and during, a rather obvious 'vindaloo' style -'No.2'! The eye-watering whiff of 'Something Evil' wafting its way across the stage was enough to make a strong man go weak at the knees! - Continues ------------------------------------- 15. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- The 26th NZ Magician's Convention Auckland Friday 28th to Monday 31st December 2001. For The registration form, Convention programme & The Official Competition Form go to: www.magician.co.nz/convention2.html ------------------------------------- 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 << © Copyright 2001 Alan Watson