*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New
Zealand)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1422
Date: Sunday 14th January 2018
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1. Editor's Message
2. The Allan Slaight Awards
3. Vanish Magic Magazine Edition 42 Out Now
4. British President Is January Linking Ring Cover
5. The Magic Word Podcast - David Berglas, Part 1
6. The Magic Word Podcast - David Berglas, Part Two
7. The Magic Word Podcast - Anthony Owen
8. Jay Fortune - Indulge Me
9. Working Blue And Gold Banquets - #472 - Kyle Peron
10. Magic Camp Scholarships
11. AbraCORNdabra
12. Sleight Night January Is Going To Be Cool
13. Magic Castle Turning 55
14. World's Greatest Escape Artist Appears At Coney Island
15. E-zine Archives
16. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
We would like to welcome Jay Fortune (UK) as a regular Column
Writer, see item (8).
If
you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in a
HTML format
go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2018-Jan-to-Dec-2018/1422-Jan14-2018.html
If you would like to write a regular column for Magic New
Zealand or
have some magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com
--------------------------------------------
2. The Allan Slaight Awards
--------------------------------------------
Message by James Alan
Nominations
are now being accepted for work completed in 2017 for the
Allan Slaight Awards. Each year the ASA awards a total of
$50,000 recognizing outstanding achievements in the pursuit
of the impossible across five different categories:
Sharing
Wonder ($15,000) recognizes exceptional magic performed
for the public, whether in live performance, on television
or online. Past recipients include Derek Delgaudio (2017),
Darcy Oake (2016) and Penn & Teller (2015).
Sharing
Secrets ($10,000) recognizes work that advances the study
of magic as a performing art, whether in print, on video
or any other medium. Work related to the history of magic
and its practitioners will also be considered. Past recipients
include John Lovick (2017), Richard Kaufman (2016) and Mike
Caveney (2015).
Rising
Star - Canadian & International ($5,000 each) recognizes
emerging talent in Canada and abroad. Past recipients include
Edward Hilsum (2017), Eric Leclerc (2017), Jorge Blass (2016),
Luc Langevin (2016), Henry Vargas (2015), and Mahdi Gilbert
(2015).
Lifetime
Achievement ($15,000) recognizes a person, company or organization
that has demonstrated a commitment to advancing magic as
a performing art, and made major contributions to that goal
throughout their or its lifetime. Past recipients include
Max Maven (2017), Ton Onosaka (2016) and Johnny Thompson
(2015).
Nominate
Now!
The
deadline for submissions is midnight on March 15, 2018.
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of independent judges
and the winners will be contacted in the spring.
www.magicana.com/slaight
--------------------------------------------
3. Vanish Magic Magazine Edition 42 Out Now
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Romhany, Editor Vanish Magazine
Free
digital magic magazine - read online OR download the PDF
plus purchase a printed copy direct from the magazine online.
This
edition features Canadian superstars Murray Hatfield and
Teresa. For over 21 years they toured Canada with the largest
touring illusion show featuring magicians from around the
planet. They continue to tour and perform at events around
the globe including performing for audiences of 10,000 people
nightly at the PNE in Vancouver for two years running. This
is the first time their story has been told in detail and
a chance for magicians to get to know one of the hardest
working couples in the business.
We
also have lots of great magic including free online tutorials
as well as written routines.
Magic
Reviews - the very latest magic effects are given honest
reviews by working pros.
Guest
Articles, Essays and more.
Get
Your Free Copy Today - over 100 pages -
The
world's most popular magazine for magicians with over 100,000
readers.
--------------------------------------------
4. British President Is January Linking Ring Cover
--------------------------------------------
Message by Dennis Schick, USA
For
many years, it has been the tradition of the I.B.M.'s monthly
magazine, The Linking Ring, to feature the current president
of Ring 25 -- The British Ring -- on its January issue cover.
Why? Because Ring 25 is the largest of all I.B.M. Rings.
That is why Richard Cadell is there with his sidekick bear
puppet Sooty. Read how Richard came to be Sooty's voice
and become the most popular puppet in Great Britain. In
like manner, the January Hocus Pocus Parade is from members
of Ring 25, and compiled by Ian Adair. There are fifteen
separate effects described, with several illustrated by
Tony Dunn.
As
usual, editor Sammy Smith kicks off the editorial content
with his column. In the new year he brings us "The
Year Everything Changed." Across the page, International
President Bob Patterson brings us the announcement of a
new I.B.M. Ring, as well as encouragement to all of us to
help our Rings and organization grow.
Other
Feature Articles in the January issue include: "The
Magic Therapy Project," about how a Linking Ring column
inspired a research project; "Why do you do Magic?,"
by Hannah Farquhar (Shawn's daughter), a challenge to magicians
to rethink what they do; "Cognitive Science Demystified,"
an attempt to demystify cognitive science, by Dr. Lynn Miner;
"Houdini: The British Tours," by Derek Tait; and
"Caveat Emptor -- Buyer beware," by Dr. Steven
Schlanger;
Columns
in February are: Bev Bergeron's Cutting Up Jackpots, "Entertaining
Young Children;" Marketing Magic, by Kent Cummins,
"The top 12 ways to achieve organizational goals using
entertainment (Part 3);" Polishing The Rings, by Skip
Way, "Investing in social media;" The Therapy
Of Magic, by Scott Hood, about a personal performing experience;
Magic Words Matter, by Dr. Lynn Miner, "Doctoring sick
sentences;" Connecting With Kids, by Carlos Adriano;
The Card Corner, by Mike Powers, who brings us "Long
distance collectors," by Al Stratyner and Mike Powers;
Simple Diversions, by Andrew Woo, "Initial this polymer,"
Michael Breggar's Auto-Magic, "Awards season."
(movie prediction); and Ring Resources by Dr. Lynn Miner.
Hocus
In Focus brings reviews of nine new magic products -- books,
tricks, and DVDs. Eight magicians are honored with obituaries
in this month's Broken Wand. And there are Ring Reports
from sixty-nine Rings.
The
Linking Ring magazine comes with I.B.M. membership. For
more information, go to www.magician.org.
--------------------------------------------
5. The Magic Word Podcast - David Berglas, Part 1
--------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
Happy
New Year and Happy Anniversary to The Magic Word Podcast.
We have reached episode #400 and what an episode it is!
It is so epic that we are breaking it up into two parts.
We had a two-hour conversation with the International Man
of Mystery, Mr. David Berglas and the first of a two part
podcast is on The Magic Word this week as episode #400.
In
this podcast, David Berglas talks about some of his books,
the Berglas Effect, its origins and how it differs from
the Any Card At Any Number (ACAAN) plus he reminisces about
some of Britain's past masters on television like David
Nixon and Paul Daniels, among others. This was recorded
just as a British Channel 5 television episode ("How
Magic Changed TV") was about to be broadcast. Since
out discussion, the broadcast has aired and the episode
in its entirety in on The Magic Word website.
You
can watch that video, see some photos of David Berglas,
read the blog, listen to the podcast online and download
the MP3 file at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/400-david-berglas-part-one
This
week we also list a rather lengthy list of those "Titans
of Trickery" who have passed on. The names are listed
(in no particular order) on The Magic Word Podcast website
as "Magicians' Valhalla" at the bottom of the
blog. You can also order your 2018 Magic Poster Calendar
there, too. Happy New Year!
--------------------------------------------
6. The Magic Word Podcast - David Berglas, Part Two
--------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
We
continue on this week on The Magic Word Podcast with David
talking about his work on the film, "Casino Royale"
with Orson Welles and Peter Sellers. He talks about some
"behind the scenes" friendships he developed and
how this film led to additional film consultations. David
also talks about "The Piddingtons" radio broadcasts,
his philanthropic work with the Cape Town College of Magic,
the awards named in his honor, how he got the moniker "The
International Man of Mystery", and more.
You
can watch a couple videos of David (one performing and the
other an interview at The Magic Circle), see some photos
from the set of "Casino Royale", read the blog,
listen to the podcast online, and download the MP3 file
at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/401-david-berglas-part-two
--------------------------------------------
7. The Magic Word Podcast - Anthony Owen
--------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
Anthony
Owen has been the man behind the scenes for many magicians
for many years. No longer a regular performer, Anthony works
with magicians in producing and directing their shows on
television and on stage. Many of those with whom he has
worked include Paul Daniels, Derren Brown, Dynamo and David
Copperfield, just to drop a few names. Recognized not only
by his magician peers, he has also received several awards
from BAFTA for his work on British television, among other
accolades. He was the co-founder of Monday Night Magic,
upon which a similar venture in New York City was formed,
plus he is a creator of numerous effects, many of which
are in his new book, "Secrets".
You
can watch a trailer about his new book, see some photos,
read the blog, listen to the podcast online, and download
the MP3 file at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/399-anthony-owen
This
week we also congratulate the three winners of our contest
for a copy of "The Linking Rings" an Eli Marks
mystery by John Gaspard. Congratulations to Dale Rabon and
Edwin Baker with a special congratulations to Marc DeSouza,
a Friend of The Magic Word. Be sure to listen for upcoming
contests.
-------------------------------------------
8. Jay Fortune - Indulge Me
--------------------------------------------
Message by Jay Fortune (UK)
Having
been living and breathing magic (even dreaming it
but we won't go there as I only discuss these things with
my therapist) since the age of womb, and after a successful
career as a professional magician, an agent, a show director
and producer, artist manager and promoter, radio presenter,
consultant, shoe-carrier for better known acts (please,
stick with me as the blowing of ones own trumpet will soon
become clear), I have decided to impart my knowledge to
the masses (e.g. my girlfriend, pets and the kind old deaf
lady down the road who makes a wonderful flan). I'm currently
writing a book on how to make a living as a professional
in the crazy world of show business (working title 'Get
Paid to Play as a Pro').
But who the hell am I? you ask silently in your mind, deepening
your brow, wearing a facial mask of annoyance.
My
name is Jay Fortune - real name, not a stage name. I mean
c'mon, if I could choose any name I wouldn't pick that.
But when bookers and clients discovered my name (I told
them, they didn't have to root through my bins like a seedy
private investigator who insisted that he was working for
a neighbour and had the wrong bin, but I suspected otherwise
and that my girlfriend's sister was up to something) they
always smiled and remarked how I had a great name for showbiz.
Quite.
Now,
the new book (working title 'The Gig Guru') is aimed at
all manner of entertainment, whether you're a magician (my
first love and obsession), comedian (I get away with this
although this column may prove otherwise), singer (I confine
my vocal talent to the bath, preferably under the water),
variety artiste, speciality performer, mime, circus, emcee
or just fancy playing in a band on a weekend night and earning
some extra dough-ray-me.
Over
the coming months, until Alan decides the hate mail is such
that he has no option but to tell me to stop writing for
him, I will dip into the developing book (working title
'From No-Biz to Show-Biz') and grab some hints, tips and
advice I have learned over the previous decades which will
be tailored specifically for my dear magical brothers and
sisters the world over.
So
let's start at the very beginning.
Indulge
me.
Sorry,
that's too literal.
Let's
start here; your magic. Okay, here comes a bombshell. It
does matter what you do and the way you do it. Oh. My. Days.
Have I just completely ripped up the manuals here? Aren't
we always told that it doesn't matter what you do, but the
way you do it? If that was the case, then my clients wouldn't
have minded when I turned up as a magician for their event
only to then clean the backstage toilets (also doubling
as a dressing room) instead of doing my 'act as known',
but do it dressed as Dolly Parton wearing a Donald Trump
face mask. That is, if it really didn't matter what I did,
but only the way I did it.
No!
You must, must, must take great care over what you do and
the way you do it.
Take a look at the vast majority of magic show reels and
promos. Devoid of personality, usually not even a face in
focus, just some hands. And the occasional crotch-shot,
which ends up being far more entertaining and interesting
to look at, than the supposed entertainment the 'magician'
is pretending to weave their magical spell over.
To
be successful as a paid magician you must give very careful
consideration and a lot of thought, research, trial and
error to your magic. Precisely what it is you are going
to do. The magic must communicate your performing personality
effectively.
It
comes down to being self-aware. And hard work.
Be
conscious of the magic you are currently doing. Why do you
choose to do the effects you do? Are they really great pieces
on which you can peg your performing personality so the
two become intertwined in a seamless display of originality
and uniqueness?
Be
self-aware. Your magic will define you, and in turn will
define your success as a paid performer. It took me (and
I'm still evolving) years of shows to finally begin to develop
my performing personality and find the magic that works
for me. Even this isn't set in stone. As we age, we change,
and so should our style, rhythm and choice of material.
For
now, though, please may I ask, if you love your hobby and
have ideas of making it a source of income, to spend time
enjoying exploring different magic. Look at the tricks you
currently do. Are they strong magically? If not, bin them.
There's many wonderful miracles, far more than you'll ever
have chance to read and watch in your lifetime, so pick
the most magical ones.
And
begin to enjoy the process of injecting you into your magic.
Don't
let the focus be your hands.
Or
your crotch.
We'll
explore more next time. Until then, I've got to get my Dolly
kit from the dry cleaners, there's a toilet gig in the diary.
©JayFortune2018 www.jayfortune.co.uk
Jay Fortune.
Magician. Artist. Writer. Designer.
Call me: 07542 180733
Read me: http://www.jayfortune.co.uk/category/blog
Follow me: instagram.com/mrjayfortune/
https://www.facebook.com/jayfortuneartist/
Store: http://www.jayfortune.co.uk/shop/
--------------------------------------------
9. Working Blue And Gold Banquets - #472 - Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.facebook.com/perondesign
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
February
will soon be upon us and that usually means the time when
many cub scouts host their annual Blue and Gold banquets.
It is also a great opportunity for the family entertainer
to land a few shows, make some money and have a great time
in the processes. I wanted to take this week to share with
you some general tips I have used over the years that have
really helped. I hope they may help you as well.
To
start, there are a few ways to market to Blue and Gold banquets
that have worked for me.
1)
go to the actual scouting councils in your area and ask
them about their newsletters (placing an ad in one) or even
asking them if they would be able to help you get the word
out about your shows. Most of them are very helpful and
do not mind helping and assisting you in any way they can.
2)
doing some internet research through search engines like
Google and then "qualifying" the list and doing
a mailing out to them. I use both and have worked very well
for my wife and I. It is amazing the information you can
obtain through simply asking for it.
In
regards to fees or what to charge, I have found that at
least in my own area, you can probably get a standard birthday
party fee and perhaps a little bit higher but your birthday
fee is probably about the norm or a good place to start.
They do have budgets but not always a large one. As an example,
if your birthday fee is about $200, then I would start your
B and G fee range at around $175-$225 and go from there.
A few contacts will determine for you what the range is
in your own area.
If
you find that you are facing the problem of too many packs
not having he funds for your show, a great idea is to suggest
to them to combine with another pack and do a larger banquet
together. This way they can pull resources, help each other
out and have a bigger budget for things.
In
regards to buying magic specific to blue and gold banquets,
I do understand that paying a large fee for a trick you
may only do once, is not to your advantage. However, if
you are booking on average of 3 or more blue and gold banquets
a year, then adding a blue and gold themed effect works
well and you pay it off in one show easily. It then adds
value to your show from that point on. If you do many blue
and gold banquets then this becomes a nice investment.
A
few things you will want to keep in mind when working a
Blue and Gold:
-
try and keep your show to either 30 minutes or 45 minutes.
In fact, be able to do either. Ask them in advance what
works best for them. Now my fee does not change regardless
of how long I do. The reason to have your time length set
like this is because most Blue and Gold Banquets have a
lot of stuff going on that day. You are up against award
ceremonies which take time to do. Asking them what works
best for them is a value add and they will appreciate you
asking them in advance.
-
keep in mind that because they usually want to do awards
and a ceremony at the banquet, that you will want to try
and go on first if you can help it. Once again, simply asking
them usually works great here. If you do not ask, then be
prepared to wait and go on later than your scheduled start
time.
-
get the cub master involved in the show. The scouts absolutely
love it if you get the scout master involved in the show
in some way. Use your imagination on what will work best
for you. This can be anything from an Instant Magician routine
to having the scout master help you with a "Do as I
Do" style effect.
-
yes your goal is to entertain the scouts. However, keep
in mind that this is a family event and if you can gear
your show towards having entertainment for all ages in attendance,
you will do much better.
-
get used to asking what is on their schedule for that evening.
Most follow a very similar plan but some like to mix it
up and have the awards at a different meeting. I usually
ask upfront so that I can determine when the dinner will
be and the proper order of things. This allows me to better
tell them where my show will fit best.
-
remember that this is a golden opportunity to market yourself
before and while you are at the event. Blue and Gold banquets
usually always have a program that someone does. I always
ask if I might be able to be listed in it and I then give
them my information to be included in the program. This
is free advertising for you so feel free to ask them about
it. I have never had any problem with it and they are more
than happy to assist you. While at the event, having some
sort of marketing material the kids will like to keep is
a great way to give something out that they will hold on
to. Also have your business cards with you because you will
be asked by folks after the show if you present a good performance.
If you would like more detailed information about scout
shows and how to market to them, I cover off on a lot of
this and more in my book "Blue and Gold: The Complete
Guide to Working Scout Markets". It can be ordered
by going directly to: www.kpmagicproducts.com. If you have
any questions about working the scout market, please feel
free to email me directly. I would be happy to help you
out in any way I can. So, get busy and start getting your
materials ready for a successful scout season ahead.
I
hope this is of help to you as we enter into the Blue and
Gold season ahead. 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 kylekellymagic@gmail.com. I would
love to hear from you.
-------------------------------------------
10. Magic Camp Scholarships
--------------------------------------------
Message by Trudy Monti, USA
The
Magic Endowment Fund realizes the importance of the magic
arts in the lives of youngsters and, therefore, is pleased
to award scholarships each year for young magicians to attend
magic camps.
Scholarship
applications are now being accepted for Tannen's Magic Camp
(July 14-21, 2018 at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania)
and Jeff McBride's Magic & Mystery School 7 Day Master
Class (August 9-15, 2018 in Las Vegas). You may access applications
and pertinent information via the SAM website at http://www.magicsam.com/?page=Scholarships.
PLEASE
NOTE that the applications for Tannen's Magic Camp must
be submitted by February 15, 2018. In addition, if you are
applying for a scholarship to Tannen's Magic Camp, please
check the Tannen's website for pertinent information regarding
the scholarship process.
If
you have additional questions, please contact Trudy Monti
at TrudyMonti@aol.com
Thanks!
Trudy
Monti
Trustee, Magic Endowment Fund
-------------------------------------------
11. AbraCORNdabra Convention
--------------------------------------------
Message by Steve Daly <tinyb1999@yahoo.com>
The
Midwest's Premier Magic Convention
This is the Magic Convention Lance Burton Recommends!
May
18, 19, 20, 2018
Des Moines, Iowa
Easy
To Attend - Located at the Airport Holiday Inn
Directly across the street from the
Des Moines International Airport!
24/7 Free Shuttle Service!
Early
Bird Registration is only
One Day - January 18th, 2018
This super special, 24-hour registration
Price includes...
*
Lectures
* Shows
* Contests with
Outrageous Contest Prizes
* Flea Market
* HUGE Dealers Room
* Workshops
* FREE gifts
* Silent Auction
* Parties
* Free snacks
* Spectacular Events
AbraCORNdabra
features events that are exclusive to this convention, including...
* The Magimasters Seniors Magic Tournament
This contest is for Magi aged 50 or older only!
Winner receives the coveted Magimasters Jacket, Hat, &
Trophy.
All who enter, receive a Magimasters Medallion
*
The North American Title of Children's Magician Of The Year
Contest.
This is a competition exclusively for magi who perform For
Children!
Birthday Party Magicians, Daycare Center Magicians, Family
Event Magicians, Etc.
One Winner takes home $2,000.00 worth of magic props as
well as the prestigious
Title & Trophy.
This contest is judged by... Children!
Other titles are held in England & Canada.
This is for the north American title!
*
The Kernels Young Magicians Showcase Show any magician aged
20 or younger may participate in this Show. All who perform,
get a free lunch & helpful Critique of their acts with
leading magicians!
AbraCORNdabra
also has a free tuition Program for Young Magicians,
Allowing them to attend AbraCORNdabra for free!
We
also have a program for young magicians to raise funds to
attend for free, Including free hotel & free Dealer's
Room Money!
*(If
interested, Contact us about these programs!)
*
Free Flea Market - bring your gently used magic props and
sell them,
no table charges!
No
hidden additional charges or fees collected!
You
sell the item, You Keep The Money!
Each
year, AbraCORNdabra features a dozen or more Pro Magicians...
Some of you may have heard of ... others are true, "working
pros" you may not have heard of. All are hand-picked
and create a "something for everyone" experience
that will leave you fulfilled and going home with something
of magical value to add to your repertoire.
Registration
is limited to 200 attendees. That Is It!
We
do this so all who attend have plenty of "one-on-one"
time with our magical Guest Stars. At AbraCORNdabra, you
are part of our "Magical Family" - Not just a
number.
Last year, (our 7th year) we were 12 registrations shy of
selling out. Some of our professional guest magicians loved
the convention so much, they are returning with many more
from places like the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and other
major cities such as
New York City. This is a convention you have to see, to
believe!
Never
"Rushed" - Never "Pushed" - always a
good time. It's a Magic Party that last 3 days in the Heartland
of America.
More
information, photos, schedule, contest rules, etc. are at:
www.AbraCORNdabra.com
How
much is our Special 24-hour/One day
Early Bird Registration????
$150.00
USD
*(That's $50 per day which includes everything!)
Travel & Hotel Accommodations are additional.
Truly, the best Magic Convention Value in the United States!
Got
to www.AbraCORNdabra.com on January 18th, 2018
to take advantage of this special one day/24-hour special!
Prices
go up January 19th, 2018!
-------------------------------------------
12. Sleight Night January Is Going To Be Cool
--------------------------------------------
Message by Nicholas J. Johnson, Australia
Sleight
Night January is going to be cool...literally.
It
was 42 degrees in Melbourne the other day (in case you didn't
notice).
Luckily,
The Laneway Theatre has installed air conditioning just
in time for our first show of the year on 17 January.
Join
Felix Lee, Dave Lee, Caleb Street and Anthony Demasi for
some ice cold close up magic.
The show is already 50% full so book today. Doors open at
7:30pm and the show starts at 8:00pm.
As
always, please let me know if you have any questions.
Hope
you can make it!
All
best,
Nicholas
J. Johnson
0409461776
www.conman.com.au
-------------------------------------------
13. Magic Castle Turning 55
--------------------------------------------
Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz
Los
Angeles Magazine
The
Best of LA Revealing the Secrets Inside the Magic Castle
L.A.'s
mysterious clubhouse for magicians celebrates 55 years
by Marielle Wakim
When
you think, "castle dedicated to the magical arts,"
you probably think Hogwarts. But long before there was a
school of witchcraft and wizardry, there was the Magic Castle.
Since opening on January 2, 1963, the place has held fast
to its goal of being a private club for magicians (if you
want in, you better know a member who turns tricks-the card
kind-on the regular).
Back
then, only 150 people could say they owned a membership
pin. Today, more than 5,000 magicians from more than 40
countries have earned an exclusive spot and consider the
castle their headquarters.
The
Magic Castle as we know it is everything Bill Larsen could've
imagined (and then some). After quitting his day job, the
attorney and amateur magician pulled a Von Trapp and transformed
his family into a touring troupe of prestidigitators with
plans to eventually open a club. Bill Sr. died before he
could see the vision through, so his sons, Milt and Bill
Jr., picked up the wand.
A
derelict Gothic Mansion Milt had seen in Hollywood seemed
like the perfect place. "I loved the idea of turning
a haunted house into a magic castle," says Milt, who's
86. In 1961, he began restoring the chateau, which sits
just below the restaurant Yamashiro, on Franklin Avenue.
With the verve of Walt Disney, Milt created a dreamland
bursting with mischief and architectural detail: Antique
banisters, Tiffany stained glass windows, and Lalique chandeliers
were either bought at auction or taken from soon-to-be-razed
manses in L.A. The old gym floor from Hollywood High is
now a countertop at one of the castle's bars, and the original
backdrop from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson can
be found behind another.
"From
the time you enter to the time you leave, you're in a wonderland,"
Milt says. "When you walk into our reception room and
say 'open sesame' to a carved owl in a bookcase, and it
slides open, your mind goes to fantasy. And fantasy is what
it's all about." Bill Jr. oversaw day-to-day operations
and the business side of the club until his death in 1993,
the Roy Disney to Milt's Walt. To this day, the Magic Castle's
raison d'être is to serve as a society for magicians
and the home base of the nonprofit Academy of Magical Arts-budding
illusionists can take classes or study Houdini's original
notes in a private library.
But
there's no point in being a performer without an audience
(count Cary Grant, Orson Welles, Ryan Gosling and Katy Perry
among visitors and members past and present). About a dozen
pros put on shows in four main theaters each week, and amateur
magicians delight small crowds at felt-topped tables throughout
the space. As for Milt, he's busy thinking ahead. "We
have wonderful plans for expansion," he says. For his
next trick, he plans to keep the castle going forever.
-------------------------------------------
14. World's Greatest Escape Artist Appears At Coney Island
--------------------------------------------
Message by Thomas Solomon, USA
New
York: Coney Island USA presents, Thomas Solomon in his show
"American Escape Artist."
Recognized
as the "World's Greatest Escape Artist" and known
for his cutting-edge work in the field of escape artistry
and magic, American Escape Artist will be showcased in a
limited run every Friday evening in February at 8pm at the
Coney Island Theatre, 1208 Surf Avenue, in Brooklyn. Tickets
are $15.00 and can be purchased in advance at the Coney
Island box office or by calling 347-699-4386. Tickets can
be purchased by going to:
magicatconey.com
Mr. Solomon, also recognized for his charitable work in
his foundation for Wounded Soldiers entitled, Patriotic
Performers has been recognized by former Presidents Barack
Obama and George H.W. Bush as well as New York and New Jersey
Governors, the Honorable(s) Andrew Cuomo and Chris Christie.
As
an escape artist, Mr. Solomon's feats are legendary; he
has escaped locked handcuffs numerous times in the Hudson
and East Rivers, the Potomac, Boston Harbor, the Gulf of
St. Lawrence and many, many others. His network television
special in Great Britain, "The Escape Artist"
had him escaping numerous jails, straitjackets, locked safes
and handcuffs throughout London. His special for the History
Channel, No Jail Can Hold Me" has him
escaping Al Capone's prison cell at Eastern State Penitentiary
and the leg irons that held Billy The Kid at the Lincoln
County Courthouse in New Mexico.
Veteran Broadway actor and director, Robert Fitch has exclaimed:
"His audiences are awed by his presentations. He [Solomon]
has raised the science of escapes to the level of art in
entertainment."
True
to his charitable work, Mr. Solomon will donate a percentage
of all ticket sales to the Meals on Wheels" program
in Williamsburg, Brooklyn whose mission is to provide hot
meals to the City's homebound disabled and elderly residents.
---------------------------------------------
15. E-zine Archives
---------------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e- zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right
"Archives"
When you enter the archive the e- zines are in issue order
in folders for each year and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt
first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the
date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)
--------------------------------------------
16. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies
or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your
privacy.
You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand®
E- zine at: www.magicnewzealand.com
Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.
The opinions and statements expressed therein are those
of the individual contributors and not necessarily those
of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand®
nor Alan Watson QSM vouch for the accuracy or reliability
of any opinion, message, statement, or other information
reported via Magic New Zealand® E- zine.
Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute
to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand®
or Alan Watson QSM, jointly or individually liable or responsible
in any way for the opinions or statements contained therein.
Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct
or disregard any articles submitted.
Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news
items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting
articles to this e- zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand®
the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm
their copyright of the material submitted.
All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected
by international copyright legislation and articles must
not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual
authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely
redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied
in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and
the above disclaimer.
©
Copyright 2017 Alan Watson QSM
www.magicnewzealand.com
www.facebook.com/magicnewzealandnewsflash
http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand
www.watson.co.nz
www.magician.co.nz
www.balloon-twister.co.nz