* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #476 Date: Sunday 11th February 2007 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.Alan-Watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Billy McComb Magic 3. You Tube Adds Another McComb Clip 4. First New York Performance Of Topas And Roxanne 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 47 - Nick Lewin 6. Is Your Logo REALLY Working For You? - Kyle Peron 7. Broken Wand - Nick Hubrecht 8. The trip from HELL by Paul Romhany 9. S.A.M. National Convention Comes to Dallas! 10. Broken Wand - Charlie Cox 11. Taylor Martin, Show Dates & Characters 12. The Fourth Magic Circle Heritage Weekend 13. Family Entertainers Workshop 14. Magic Happenings In Singapore 15. MAES Comes To Trevose, Pennsylvania 16. South Tyneside Convention 17. Making Pearl Poodles (Dogs) And Other Designs 18. Vegas News: Mcbride Magic At The Edge 19. The Amazing Orchante Saga 20. e-zine Archives 21. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- As of today we now have 11,731 subscribers of Magic New Zealand from 78 different countries. If you know of a magician friend who does not receiving Magic New Zealand please forward them a copy suggesting they might like to subscribe. To subscribe to Magic New Zealand go to: http://www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html The more subscribers worldwide we have, the more information and magic events we can share with each other. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Billy McComb Magic -------------------------------------------- Message from Myles Sinclair Back in the year 2000, my late wife Patti and I spent seven weeks emptying Billy McCombs home in Tuftnell Park London of his magic collection. It took so long because Billy wanted to give us a detailed history of every single item! It was a lot of fun! The original list ran to 30 pages and most of it has gone. However, there are still one or two gems left, and this could be the last opportunity you get to obtain a keepsake that belonged to the great man himself. If you send an email with Billy McComb in the subject line, I'll forward a pdf file giving you full details of what is available. Email: magic@hey-presto.demon.co.uk -------------------------------------------- 3. You Tube Adds Another McComb Clip -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) I got such a wonderful response about the clip of Billy McComb. I posted on You Tube that I have added another McComb clip taken from a Pathe News Pictorial that played in British cinemas in the 50's. I will be updating these clips on a regular basis so please check it out at http://www.youtube.com/nicklewin1 I have also uploaded several archival videos of myself for the Magic New Zealand readers who have been asking about me! -------------------------------------------- 4. First New York Performance Of Topas And Roxanne -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler - Parent Assembly # 1 Full Evening Show "Magic Affairs" May 12 2007 Parent Assembly #1 of the Society "Salute to Magic" May 12, 2007 the Heckscher Theater in New York. The "Salute" is the oldest continuing magic show in the U.S and will honor Howard Schwarzman as it's "Magician of the Year." This will be the only US appearance by Topas in 2007. See what all of Europe acclaims as one of the best magic shows in many years. The unique team brings their full evening repertoire that leaves audiences breathless and on their feet. The show is filled with colorful illusions comedy, exciting family entertainment and includes the FISM winning "bells and sunglasses" act you saw on the World's Greatest Magic" TV show. Seating is limited. Act now. Tickets are now on sale at $50 - Phone 212-725-5258 or order online at www.sampa1.com Photos on request. -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 47 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Daryl: the Fooler Dooler in chief! The first time I heard about Daryl was when I was working at the Magic Cellar in San Francisco. He was held in great esteem by the local magicians and was considered the man to watch. Sadly our paths did not cross in that gloriously strange establishment. My first meeting with Daryl was in Los Angeles when he was visiting the Magic Castle. I was hanging out with my friend James Lewis and we ended up in one of those after hour's magician sessions that were such a delightful part of an evening at the Castle. I watched Daryl perform a few card tricks and immediately tucked my deck of cards firmly in my pocket. I definitely felt outclassed: not just by the quality of Daryl's card work but also by his amazingly light and quirky presentation. I have always felt rather awkward performing for my fellow magicians but Daryl seemed to thrive on it! It doesn't surprise me in the least that he became 'The Magicians' Magician.' During the 80's my wife Susan and I formed a company and produced a series of shows for corporate clients. One of my very first moves was to sell the client on close-up magic for their functions. It was then that I really got to see the full strength of Daryl's performing style. He was without question the most effective strolling magician I had ever seen. Period. I don't know about you but nothing gives me the Heebie Jeebies more than the process of performing walk around magic in a banquet room. I have done it but never learned to enjoy it. Daryl was in his element and strolled through the crowd like a whimsical troubadour dispensing his magic like a blessing. Time and again I saw him look at a group and instantly register not just when to perform but when intruding on a group would be a mistake. Believe me, as a producer, the last performer you want is to hire someone who can't make that distinction. My perfect A-team when it came to performing at a corporate function was Daryl and Bruce Cervon. They were a perfect compliment to each other. Bruce would settle down at a table in the corner of the room and gather a huge crowd to watch him. He always started by saying, "I'll do 15 minutes on then break for 10." He never did. Once Bruce got started he never stopped. In fact stopping a freight train might have been easier! He would create a sensation at the side of the room while Daryl would nonchalantly wander among the crowd and bring the magic to the rest of the room. It was a joy to watch. Of course, many magicians are more aware of Daryl as the traveling magic dealer who seems to effortlessly sell his wares as quickly as he can demonstrate them. Daryl's knowledge of magic and the quality of his routines make it a safe bet that your purchase will be a Good one. Ah but if only one could purchase that certain something that Daryl adds to routines in his performance! That being said, I truly believe if a performer masters Daryl's Ambitious Card Routines, Rope Routine and Pakistani Rope Trick; they can make a fine living with just these three tricks. One last thing: did I mention that Daryl is one of the nicest and smartest people in the magic community? I guess I did now. Please send any Bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net or http://www.nicklewin.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Is Your Logo REALLY Working For You? - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from By Kyle Peron (US) E-Mail: Magic4u02@aol.com Many of you use a logo and may understand the importance of it as a weapon in your marketing tool box. But you may not know that the quality of your logo can mean the difference between success and failure of your magic marketing. It really can be that simple. Logos make up the most recognizable and international language in all the world. Like magic, a good logo can be understood by most any culture or language no matter what country you live in. A good logo will communicate exactly what that company or product is all about and it will do this in a matter of seconds. We call this brand mark recognition. For example: If you simply see the wavy swatch of the Coke logo, you will immediately know it is Coke and that it is a quality drink that quenches your thirst. You will recognize it even without the word Coke or Coca-cola even being there. Another good example of this is the Nike symbol. This is a logo that is recognized the world over as quality athletic products. You simply see the swoosh and know immediately what it stands for and what they are all about. Good quality logos do this easily because they can cross many barriers and provide your magical service with a means of delivering to your customers a uniform message every single time. But, your logo must be a lot more then just a pretty mark on a piece of paper. Having the logo look good is not enough if it does not help represent your services to your intended market. Keep in mind that often times your logo is the first impression a client may get of you and the services you want to provide to them. With this in mind, your logo needs to show professionalism, quality and value. Your logo should try and meet the following criteria: Does your logo identify you and your services to your intended market? - Does it show your market exactly what magical services you are providing and offering to them? - Does your logo distinguish you from others with similar services within your marketplace? - Does it help you stand out from the crowd and show professionalism and quality? - Does your logo show to your customers the quality of service you provide to them?  - Kyle- When people see your logo, can they tell you provide a quality product simply because your logo mark shows that same quality and thinking? Remember that your logo is a big part of your overall image. If your logo does not do some of these things that I mentioned above, then it is only working against you and your overall marketing plan. As much as a good logo can help you, a bad logo can really hinder your progress. If your logo is a hindrance, then it is time to think about updating it and possibly seeking some professional help to do it. Your logo design really is that important to your overall marketing. Your logo is really a part of the foundation of your marketing and acts as a way to consistently send out the same quality message to each of your customers. It tells them the quality of your services and separates you from a huge number of similar services your customer may be confronted with on a daily basis. I hope this has been some help to you and gives you a simple look at how important your logo really is and gives you some guidelines for which to see if your own logo measures up to what it should be. If anyone would like to see some samples of what I am referring to in this article, please just let me know. I would be happy to share a few PDF samples with you that show how good logos can really work and points out the various tips I mentioned above. If you might be interested, simply send me an e-mail at magic4u02@aol.com. I would be happy to get it out to you in hopes that it might make some of my points a little clear to you. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. Kyle Peron Magician and Illusionist Graphic Designer and Illustrator (Specializing in Logo creation) www.kyleandkellymagic.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Broken Wand - Nick Hubrecht -------------------------------------------- Message from Mandy Davis Diva of Deception Chairman - Young Magicians Club www.theyoungmagiciansclub.com In Memoriam Last month The Magic Circle lost one of its members. Nick Hubrecht was 29 years old. He was an enthusiastic performer of close up magic who earned his living entertaining people all over London and its neighbouring "Home Counties'. One night, after a successful gig he went to retrieve his car from the top of a multi-storey car park and was bothered by some lads asking for money. Nick showed them he only had £5.00 and the last he heard were the words 'It's not enough!' - and he was then thrown over the top of the car park. Nick landed on his feet - unfortunately I don't use this term metaphorically but literally. The force broke nearly every bone in his body before his head hit the concrete. The doctors said he'd never talk again, he'd be a vegetable and certainly live in a wheelchair for the rest of his life - but Nick was a determined young man. By the time six months had passed Nick was back at The Magic Circle, walking with the use of a frame. His speech was understandable and, above all as far as he was concerned, a deck of cards was his constant companion and the one he credited for getting him through his ordeal. He believed that magic helped him through the hours of physiotherapy and certainly worked to regain the use of his arms and his hands. As time went on his speech improved, his concentration improved and he walked unaided, with feet at a strange angle, shuffling along but delighted to be in the clubroom talking to everyone who stopped by to ask about his progress. He was so thrilled when he told me he'd done his first close up booking since the dreadful accident! Sadly it seems that all was not as well for Nick as he implied or maybe as he was led to believe. Internal damage caught up with him and in the middle of January he passed away in his sleep. Nick was just an ordinary magician who loved his art - with an extraordinary determination which worked miracles for those last eighteen months of his life. -------------------------------------------- 8. The trip from HELL by Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Well, here I am in the middle of absolutely nowhere on a cruise heading to nowhere with nothing to wear!! Let me explain. I left Auckland five days ago now on what turned out to be a 44 hour flight to Mombasa in Kenya. It was a grueling flight so was happy to finally make it to my destination. I made it however my luggage (AGAIN) did not! This is the third time in a row on a ship I"ve lost my luggage. It turns out that the money I make from cruising goes towards replacing my act!!! This time is a little worse because normally I can go in to town and purchase clothes etc. However in this 16 day cruise there is only ONE stop which was yesterday (rest are sea days) and it was a remote island with nothing. So I'm now on the ship heading to Singapore with no luggage in sight and have asked if they ever do find my luggage to forward it back to New Zealand where I catch my next ship after this one is 20 days time!! Trust me folks, if you think cruising is glamorous think again. I still have to perform some type of act, actually this contract calls for a 45 minute show and 2x 20 minute shows, so I am trying to put everything together with 'nothing'. Quite and exercise. Hope to be back in Auckland on the 17th February. Regards Paul Romhany www.chaplinmagic.com ----------------- 9. S.A.M. National Convention Comes to Dallas! ----------------- Message from Michael Douglass Join us for magic's friendliest convention, July 4-7 in Dallas! Opening ceremonies get underway at 1:30 p.m., followed by Yu Sekine, Japan's top stage contest winner of 2006 and the Five Star Teach-In Lecture/Show. Then, Magic from the Heart of Dallas, featuring headliners of magic from Texas; S.A.M. Stage Manager and Magic Businessman Bruce Chadwick offers seminar tips on Magic and Marketing; and a late-night all-Convention participation event: The World's Biggest Magic Show (bring your best effect that can be done in 60 seconds or less, and we'll see how many acts grace the S.A.M. Miracle Stage in 60 minutes!) And that's just part of the first day...! Later in the week, experience fresh International Talent at the Viva La Magia! show, featuring Latin America's top magic entertainers, and experience the Oceans 7 Cruise Ship Magic Show--both on the stage of the renowned Majestic Theatre! For more information, please click on S.A.M. Convention Details. You can still get in on an "early bird registration rate", but the rates go up on March 1st! -------------------------------------------- 10. Broken Wand - Charlie Cox -------------------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibáñez Society of American Magicians President Elect Greetings, This just received from Craig Fennesy through Joe Vecciarelli Respectfully, Maria Ibanez ------------------------------- Fellow magicians, It is with sad regrets to inform you all that our beloved friend and fellow magician Charlie Cox died this week of unknown causes. Charlie was just re-elected as our Sgt of Arms for Ring 170 for 2007 and was one of the original members of the magic club. I have spoken to his daughter Linda and she will keep in touch with more details as they become known and provide updates on the funeral details. Linda is not sure when the funeral will be, possibly Thursday or Friday. At this time she does not think there will be any viewing hours. We are making arrangements for a broken wand ceremony to take place at the funeral. He will truly be missed by all. Please pass on the word. Craig Fennessy President IBM Ring 170, Orlando, Florida -------------------------------------------- 11. Taylor Martin, Show Dates & Characters -------------------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibáñez Society of American Magicians President Elect Taylor Martin As Andrea Merlyn To Appear In FL, IL, NY, OH, TX And IN Taylor Martin, Show Dates & Characters January 8, Atheaeum, Indy Singles Night-Andrea Merlyn April 4, 2008, Magic Chicago, Andrea Merlyn May 18-29, 2007, Orlando Fringe Theater Festival, 6 shows as Andrea Merlyn, Red Venue June 2007, Market Days, Johnson Hall, Johnstown, NY, Rodney the Younger June 16 & 17-Shandy Hall, 1812 Rendevous, Cleveland, OH, Rodney The Younger July 4-7, 2007-Dallas, TX-S.A.M. National Convention October 5-7, 2007, Battle of Mississinewa 1812, Marion, IN, Rodney The Younger -------------------------------------------- 12. The Fourth Magic Circle Heritage Weekend -------------------------------------------- Message from Chris Woodward (UK) 2 & 3 June 2007 Dedicated to the memory of John Salisse CBE - Saturday 2 June - 10.30am - 5.30pm: The 32nd Collectors' Day With top international speakers Arranged by Eddie Dawes and Peter Lane Tickets (including coffee, light lunch and tea) £32.00 6.30pm - 10pm: John Fisher presents A Tribute To Channing Pollock A celebration featuring surprise guests Tickets (including buffet supper) £37.50 * * * - Sunday 3 June - 10.30am - 11.30am: Christopher Woodward presents The Amazing Fogel 'In Search of the Sensational' 12.00 noon - 12.30pm: 'Educating Archie' A celebration of the famous radio show starring ventriloquist Peter Brough With personal appearance of Brough's famous partner, Archie Andrews 9.00am - 1.30pm: Auction Viewing 2.30 - 5.30pm: The Heritage Auction A sale of quality material of interest to both collectors and performers Auctioneer: Henry Lewis Sale Manager: Tim Reed Auction Catalogue (includes admittance to the auction And Sunday morning events) £12.00 Admission to all events including Auction & Sunday morning presentations: Inclusive ticket only £75.00 The Heritage Auction Catalogue, and tickets for Collectors' Day & A Tribute to Channing Pollock can be purchased separately. See prices above. Reservations and enquiries to Heritage Weekend Reservations The Magic Circle The Centre for the Magic Arts 12, Stephenson Way, London, NW1 2HD, UK Tel: 020 7387 2222 Fax 020 7387 5114 Email cma@themagiccircle.co.uk Payment may be made by cheque (payable to The Magic Circle) or by Visa/MasterCard. All events will be held in The Centre for the Magic Arts. Programme subject to alteration All Events Are Open To Non-Members Of The Magic Circle -------------------------------------------- 13. Family Entertainers Workshop -------------------------------------------- Message from Steve Kissell CSP (US) We are hosting the www.AmericasFunniestMagician.com contest in Las Vegas in May. Many thanks. www.FamilyEntertainersWorkshop.com is the link for all the details. Yours in Laughter, Steve Kissell CSP 1227 Manchester Ave Norfolk, VA 23508-1122 www.KissellTalks.com 757-423-3867 business 757-489-1587 fax 757-615-8355 mobile -------------------------------------------- 14. Magic Happenings In Singapore -------------------------------------------- Message from Bob Chua (Singapore) Thought you may like to know about the magic happenings in Singapore. Please check it out at their forum: http://forums.singaporemagiccircle.com/ -------------------------------------------- 15. MAES Comes To Trevose, Pennsylvania -------------------------------------------- Message from Bill Ragsdale August 23 - 25, 2007 Location Map The 2007 MAES convention will be held at The Radisson Hotel 2400 Old Lincoln Highway at US Route 1 Trevose, PA 19053 215-638-8300 Check out the MAES gift shop. Order now and have your MAES items in plenty of time for the convention. Convention Headliners include: As with most magicians, Richie B was bitten by the magic bug at a very young age when he received his first magic set. It remained a hobby until about 10 years ago when Richie B. become very serious and intensely studied the art of magic. He continuously practices sleight of hand magic which has won him numerous awards as voted by his peers, including the MAES 1st Place Close up Magician 2005. Unlike most professional magicians, Alain Choquette sticks to the basics of his trade without using a great deal of Hollywood-style special effects, and it is precisely because of this simplicity that he continues to sell out shows all across North America. No matter how simple the tricks may look, audiences will still be scratching their heads and asking, "How did he do that?" all night long and Mr. Choquette is not about to give up any of his secrets. For an evening full of humour and good old-fashioned entertainment, Alain Choquette is sure to deliver the goods - and there's nothing magical about that! Rated one of the top magicians in the United States, Dan Garrett has an international reputation in magic for outstanding performances across the USA and in over a dozen other countries. Garrett served as National President (1994-95) of the Society of American Magicians, the world's oldest and most prestigious magic society. This is the same office held by the great Harry Houdini. Dan has been featured on the cover of their professional magic magazine twice. This year the Society of American Magicians celebrated its 100th Anniversary in New York City. Dan was chosen "Best of Atlanta" for six consecutive years as published in the book Best of Atlanta. From Monte Carlo to Tokyo, from Las Vegas to Rome, audiences around the world have thrilled to the exotic, fast paced mysteries of the dynamic team of Goldfinger and Dove . Their innovative style has influenced countless other magic teams. The ebullience, spirit, and genuine joy that sparkles through each and every performance is an inspiration and a delight to audiences around the world. Multiple award winners and Performing Fellowship recipients Goldfinger and Dove's long list of TV appearances include ABC, CBS, NBC, UPN, FOX, and many cable Acccess Networks (Discovery, Playboy) as well as international televised broadcasts. (BBC, NHK-TV) Bruce Kalver has been working professionally for over 40 years. His work in magic has taken him all over the world. He has toured with his wife and partner, Arlene, on cruise ships sailing the Atlantic and the Caribbean, in Dinner Theatres all over the country, and at trade shows where they added their magic touch to many products and services. Currently, Bruce is the First Vice President of The Society of American Magicians and moderates their online newsgroup. He is also the editor of the Society of Young Magicians members' magazine which is read worldwide. Joe Lefler , AKA Mr. Tricky has been a Balloonologist since 1985. Joe has taught balloon sculpture all over the country and has three instructional videos out to help other people learn the skill of making figures from balloons. Joe has performed for many of the country's top corporations and has made numerous television appearances. There is no other magician-no other human being-in the world like Bob Little . And, because underneath his quirky, sexy "Wild Man" persona there is an experienced pro who really knows what he is doing at all times and who knows how to teach the real work of captivating an audience, there is no other magic lecture to compare with a Bob Little lecture. He seems sometimes to come from outer space with his hyperkinetic body language and outlandish discourse, and yet he is chock full of down-to-earth advice on how to capture an audience's attention and create a thrill at an effect's climactic moment. His repertoire is culled from the legacies of such as Walter Cummings, Paul Rosini, Ken Allen, and Max Londono, but he exemplifies how to customize the creations of others to suit our own styles. George Saterial has become the first and only magician in the world to receive the Gold Medal of Excellence from the The International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians. It's rare that either award is given--in nearly twenty years they have been granted a combined total of only seven times. By merging a truly original concept with classic style, an obsession with perfection, charisma, and tireless practice and work, George Saterial has achieved arguably magic's greatest feat - George was awarded both honors in the same year. The award-winning routine is entitled "Timeless Magic," as time literally seems to stands still when this classically inspired piece is set in motion. In the latter part of the 1980s, while wandering through a furniture store, George spied a grandfather's clock. At first he didn't think much of it, but the more he thought of it, the better he liked it. It could, he reasoned, become his trademark. Using his engineering skills, he built a clock that was the centerpiece of his act when he won the two gold medals in 1999. Set at the spellbinding hour of midnight, candles, handkerchiefs, and even doves magically appear and disappear. Simultaneously, the inner workings of the timepiece are incorporated into the illusion, right down to the clock's sphere and pendulum. Most importantly, it's George's endearing smile, playful, charming (and even a bit flirtatious) persona, and unparalleled magical talent and skill that win audiences over. From the stages of Broadway in New York to New Zealand's renowned Regent Theater, George has traveled five continents performing "Timeless Magic" along with the rest of his extensive repertoire of stage, close-up, and roving magic. He has conquered nearly every possible venue including theater, television, film, music videos, cruise ships, corporate special events, and has even performed on ice at a six thousand-seat arena. George has also entertained an impressive list of celebrities including Clint Eastwood, Mick Jagger, and Tony Randall, just to name a few. Lowell Buchannan (the "Magic Chef") Joan Decouer Graham Fishman Pete White -------------------------------------------- 16. South Tyneside Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Martin Duffy (UK) Have you heard about this years South Tyneside Convention on 16, 17 & 18th March 2007.? I am pleased to welcome Magic Box (http://www.magicbox.uk.com ) as main event sponsor. We have just added Robert Baxt (you may know him from his Better Newspaper Tear) to the line-up. At the top of the bill we have Max Maven and Shoot Ogawa - Shoot will be presenting his Close-up act, lecture and Gala Show spot too. We have added the brilliant Ultra Violet act of Marc Oberon to the stage shows too as well as his act as known. We also have Daniel Garcia, Robert Baxt, Trixie Bond and John Lenahan all lecturing and performing. With Ray Alan, Pete Firman, Alex Lodge and Romany performing only. As you probably know we try to get acts that have never performed in the UK before and Daniel Garcia and Robert Baxt fall into this category. Max will also be teaching items never before seen in the UK. Both he and Shoot will also be running limited entrance Masterclasses. Contact details are: Karri Prinn Events and & Marketing Cultural Services Division Neighbourhood Services South Tyneside Council Central Library Prince Georg Square South Shields Tyne and Wear NE33 2PE 0191 424 7986 07855 505 953 karri.prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk There are details on the councils website http://www.southtyneside.info/learningandleisure/magic/default.asp And a link from the Magic Box website at http://www.magicbox.uk.com/ I would suggest that you book quickly as the reputation of this convention seems to be growing each year. ----------------- 17. Making Pearl Poodles (Dogs) And Other Designs ----------------- Message from Adrian Smith (South Africa) Apart from making pearl poodles (dogs) are there any other designs or shapes that one can make with pearl beads (especially for the boys?). Can any body help? Adrian Smith South Africa adrian3@absamail.co.za ----------------- 18. Vegas News: McBride Magic At The Edge ----------------- Message from Jeff McBride (US) The McBride Magic team is developing a series of new illusions for a major stage production to open in early 07. Our friends and fans can look forward to witnessing McBride's Megamorphosis, which will be featured in the 07 production of McBride Magic At The Edge. Tobias Beckwith will be the executive producer, coordinating all the production teams. We are so grateful to have Tobias at the head of our team, handling the show production, business and marketing with his usual skill and expertise. Gary Stadler has been creatively engaged, developing a new lightbeam levitation illusion for the show, entitled Illumination 3. Abbi will be featured in a new version of Guardian Angel. Our staff artist, Duncan Eagleson, has been designing the sets. Scott Hitchcock will be developing new sound and audio magic for the show. Bill Smith and Johnny Gaughn are consulting on our new grand illusion concepts. ----------------- 19. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 141 Sally Ann Phillips Sally became Mrs Metzger when she married Derek Metzger in London, England in 1986. Derek is another, well-known New Zealand singer, who is making a big name for himself in Australia, where he and Sally now reside - in the beautiful harbour city of Sydney. I will be documenting Derek's story later; meanwhile, it's back to Sally - my very dear friend since 1965, which is now 37 years ago. That is one hellava long friendship! Born in Plymouth, Devon co, England, Sally's family then moved to a village in Dorset called Wool, which is near Lulworth Cove. Her father went to New Zealand as a diver, working on the building of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Having seen what a great country it was, he decided that the family should move out there. They packed up their thatched cottage and set sail for Aotearoa (New Zealand). The year was 1957. Unfortunately, Sally's dad died in 1958, so he never saw the Bridge completed. It's not surprising that Sally became involved in show business. Her great-grandfather owned a circus and her grandmother, her mother's mum, was a bareback rider. Sally's mother was also in the business; she was a member of many repertory theatres and worked with the likes of Robert Morley and Rex Harrison. In fact, Robert Morley attended a V A C Ball (Variety artists' convention) one year and as Sally says: "He and my mum got on famously - he said it was a pleasure to see her again, whether or not he actually remembered her is unlikely, however, they did spend an hour together, chatting away". It was in 1963, at the 'Crystal Palace' dance hall in Auckland, when Sally (then just a wee slip of a girl), first became involved with New Zealand show business. She met and became friends with Helen Warren, and it was through Helen that Sally started working in the coffee shop at the Crystal Palace, which was owned by Helen's brother, the late Philip Warren. He was later to become a major theatrical promoter - entrepreneur in Auckland, when he bought Fullers Entertainment Bureau from the late George Tollerton, famous New Zealand Ventriloquist during the 1940s and early 50s. 'Fullers' became a division of 'Prestige Promotions' - Phil being the Managing Director. He eventually became one of Auckland's most famous, congenial and influential Businessmen. Sally laughingly recalls that there wasn't a hot water system in the coffee lounge of the dance hall, so they had to heat the water up in buckets, using the gas rings on the small stove. I guess that if they were making coffee by the bucket load, and the punters were happily drinking it by the gallon (and knowing Phil as I did, they were surely paying over the odds for the stuff), it must have tasted okay! Sally still remembers Philip sitting in the tiny box Office, selling entrance tickets into his establishment, the Crystal Palace - for five shillings each; that's probably when he started counting his first million! A quick aside. I remember another dance hall promoter who was also around in those days - Dave Dunningham. He had the 'Orange Ballroom' which, I think, was in Ponsonby. It was managed by Joe Wheeler. I remember Herma Keil and the 'Keil Isles' played there, with Herma being the lead singer. I think his brother Freddie was involved as well. What 'Blast From The Past' that is. Many Auckland entertainers of my vintage will remember the - 'Orange'. Dave Dunningham had another venue on the North Shore, it was called - 'Surfside'. I used to work my Hypnotism show there. That was fun! Many N.Z. singers, and other entertainers like comedian Ralph Cohen, worked at the Crystal Palace in those early days, all endeavouring to carve out a reputation for themselves. One of them was the late Lew Pryme, who was singing in various clubs and dances around Auckland. He and Sally became very close friends, which lasted right up to his much publicised death in 1990, from an aids related disease. It was either on the night of Wednesday 29th or Friday the 31st of December 1965, at the Rotorua Soundshell, that Sally and her friend Jenny (they were holidaying in Rotorua at the time), were first introduced to us - the 'Demonos' and Orchanté (Peter Newberry, the late Peter Taylor and myself), by Lew Pryme, who was the compere at the Soundshell Xmas shows that year. Some time after that, Sally and Peter Taylor became an item for a short while; it was through Peter that Sally eventually ended up working with Peter Newberry; that partnership lasted for around 10 - 11 years. Continues Next Week -------------------------------------------- 20. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) -------------------------------------------- 21. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. 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