Magic New Zealand® E-zine

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* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New Zealand)
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Issue Number: #1579
Date: Sunday 19th July 2020
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
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Hi here is the latest news
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1. Editor's Message
2. Allan Slaight Awards 2020
3. Nick Lewin - Magic Castle Revisited - Part 5
4. Chris Cox "The Mentalist" On The Magic Word Podcast
5. Will Houstoun - What is Video Chat Magic?
6. N O T H I N G! - John Carey #88
7. Ongoing Adventures Of Romany! #17
8. The Atlanta Harvest Of Magic Postponed
9. News From Jay - Magical Artist
10. Update On Some Magic In Canada
11. Masters Of Illusion
12. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
13. E-zine Archives
14. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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If you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in HTML format
go to:

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

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2. Allan Slaight Awards 2020
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Message from Magicana (Canada)

The 2020 Allan Slaight Awards were hosted online this year, with a short video clip featuring each recipient in a week-long series of announcements. This year's recipients are:

Canadian Rising Star / The Sentimentalists

International Rising Star / Diego Vargas (Costa Rica)

Sharing Secrets / Juan Tamariz & Rafael Benatar (The Magic Rainbow)

Sharing Wonder / Derren Brown

Lifetime Achievement / Jim Steinmeyer

You can WATCH the award videos here: www.magicana.com/slaight2020

Since 2015, the Allan Slaight Awards have been recognizing outstanding achievements in the pursuit of the impossible. They were initiated by the Slaight Family Foundation and named after Canadian businessman and philanthropist, Allan Slaight, in honour of his significant contributions to the art of magic.

Every year, the awards also include cash prizes totaling $50,000 per year, which are distributed across the five categories. The Foundation has given away an astounding $300,000 to date. And also, each recipient receives an iPad as a commemorative gift to mark the occasion.

Congratulations to each of the 2020 Allan Slaight Award recipients. It has been a complete joy to highlight and share your exceptional work and contributions to magic.

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3. Nick Lewin - Magic Castle Revisited - Part 5
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Message by Nick Lewin (USA)

This ends my five part retro tour of the Magic Castle, with so many wonderful memories, and new ones being created nightly, no wonder the Castle was, and still is such a unique and beloved institution. As soon as the Covid-19 quarantine suspension of daily activity is done we can go back to enjoying the Castle in a non-virtual manner.

As I sat in front of the Magic Castle on that 50th anniversary, I listened to the speeches mingling with the sound of the elaborate fountain directly behind us, and all these precious memories paraded through my mind as an entire separate panorama of reminisces and events. Are my memories bathed in a rosy glow of nostalgia? You bet they are. As I write this short memoir I am saddened to realize that everyone I have written about in this story, other than Milt Larsen, is no longer with us. Milt remains strategically center stage, as the ringmaster who created the ultimate magic circus and is unquestionably the man without whom the Magic Castle would have remained but a wistful dream.

These particular memories are just joyous fragments and shadows of the past that I wanted to share with those who didn't have the good fortune to be there in those golden years. Fortunately 40 years later the Magic Castle remains firmly in place creating fresh and vivid memories for entire new generations. The club is now more commercial, better run, and more successful than ever before and looks set to entrance magicians and their guests for another 50 years. The Castle has an indomitable life of its own, based squarely on the shoulders of the individuals who have brought it to life over the years. For me though I will always love it best in those earlier years when I was young.

Over the years I have written many stories and articles about the Magic Castle, and the people I have mentioned in this story, and many others I didn't have the chance to include. If you have a serious interest in the topic I would suggest you visit my blog www.remarkablemagic.com where I am attempting to archive these personal recollections. I also strongly encourage you to read Ron Wilson's outstanding book "Tales from The Uncanny Scot," which is an essential resource for anyone who truly wishes to understand the roots of the Magic Castle. There are still a few copies of this limited edition book available at http://uncannyscot.weebly.com

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4. Chris Cox "The Mentalist" On The Magic Word Podcast
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

The last show I saw live before the Pandemic lockdown was "The Illusionists" featuring a cornucopia of conjurers that left me with a good memory as we all "hunkered down" for the ensuing months. One of the stars of the show whom I had on a previous podcast was Jonathan Goodwin, "The Daredevil". My time for chatting with others on the bill was limited if not impossible because they had to pack up and head for the next city. So, it wasn't until recently that I was able to finally conduct a Skype call with Chris Cox, "The Mentalist" from the show.

I was so impressed with his high energy and unusual approach to mentalism that I had to find out what made him "tick." In this week's episode, Chris talks about his road to the "big time" as he performed at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh and developed routines unique to him as he developed his character. And this is what is at the heart of this week's episode: the development of an onstage persona. And the character that Chris found is "gold." Unfortunately in this day of the pandemic and as we slowly roll out of it once again into the world, he questions whether his way of "reading minds" (i.e. licking a person's finger, having them rub his nose, etc.) may have to undergo a radical change.

You can download and listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts. But for more information, videos, photos, links, the blog, and more, then please visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/568-chris-cox And if you want even more content, then join Scott Wells and his guests for Magic and Martinis (a virtual happy hour) each Thursday evening at 7:00 Central Standard Time (GMT-5) on the Facebook page for The Magic Word at: https://www.facebook.com/themagicwordpodcast/ This week's guests will be Nick Lewin, Trixie Bond and John Sterlini. You can also find past videos on the page with guests like Rudy Coby, Gregory Wilson, Geoff Williams, Lance Burton and many others.

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5. Will Houstoun - What is Video Chat Magic?
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Message by Will Houstoun and Steve Thompson - Founders of www.VideoChatMagic.com

Video Chat Magic: A subscription-based collection of tricks, tools and essays, raising money in response to Covid-19.

There is more to magic on video chat than compromised versions of in-person tricks, or magic designed for TV. Video Chat Magic is a subscriber-based collection of over 35 tricks tools essays and pieces of technology specifically designed to enhance your performances in settings such as Zoom and Skype.

"As magicians reinvent their performances for remote environments Video Chat Magic is unveiling the most effective ways to succeed in this new medium."
- Luís de Matos

Inside you'll discover contributions from heavy hitters like Max Maven, Marc Kerstein, Luke Jermay, Richard Wiseman, and Jim Steinmeyer.

"Required reading for anyone who wants to do strong magic in this new medium."
- Jon Armstrong

MagicMask is one of the feature items. With MagicMask (a piece of software for macOS 10.14 or later), you can freeze a section of your screen while continuing to talk and move as normal elsewhere in shot. Behind the frozen section, however, anything can be going on. This is high end TV trickery applied to live interactive video chat. Extraordinary, never before possible effects are now in your grasp, and this piece alone has featured in a number of national television broadcasts in the US and Europe being used by some big names.

"MagicMask alone is worth the price of admission."
- Piff the Magic Dragon

Subscriptions are due on a rolling monthly basis and you can cancel anytime. In return, you will be e-mailed an average of two new tricks, tools or essays per week, as well as getting full access to our entire back catalogue. The project was founded in response to Covid-19 and so 100% of your subscription will be donated to charity. Nobody at Video Chat Magic is making a penny. So, if you love magic, are interested in performing on video chat and want to do some good in the world, join us today.

"The best way to donate money to the best cause with the best benefits."
- Ond?ej Pšeni?ka

Dr Will Houstoun MIMC (UK)

Check out my latest project, exploring the possibilities of live magic online and supporting charity in response to Covid-19: www.videochatmagic.com

web: www.DrHoustoun.co.uk
instagram: DrHoustoun

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6. N O T H I N G! - John Carey #88
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

NOTHING is a fun and very commercial card piece with a selected and signed card mysteriously moving through the deck back to its original numerical position, even though you do 'nothing'. It's the presentation which makes this as you will see in the attached YouTube link below.

With that in mind I will simply sketch the simple mechanics of the effect for you and let you put your own personality stamp onto it. You will require a double blank deck of cards available from all good dealers. Introduce the premise of doing nothing as you remove the deck and show nothing on one side and nothing on the other. Hand out the deck for shuffling, which always gets a laugh. Upon return of the deck mention that you had better do something. Ask for your helper to call out a number between Ten and Twenty. Let's say they name fourteen.

Deal and count the cards to their number and take the fourteenth card and turn it over and hand your spectator the card. Mention that as this is a trick all about nothing you would like them to write that word nice and big across the card. Then ask them to write the current time down too and finally initial the card.

Take back the signed card and drop it on top of the cards you are holding. State you will bury it down deeper into the deck. Swing cut about half the packet into your left hand. The right hand descends to the table and ribbon spreads its packet from left to right. Execute a double turnover of the signed NOTHING card and the card beneath it. Deal the top switched in double blank card on top of the ribbon spread, leaving it up-jogged a third its length.

Without pause the right hand takes the cards from the left hand held from above and drops them on top of the tabled spread and spreads them too. Finally you pick up the remaining cards that were counted earlier, give them a casual overhand shuffle and then drop those onto the spread and finish by spreading them as well. Pause to allow the image of what they believe to be their signed card protruding further down in the deck to sink in.

Ask your spectator to push the jogged card into the spread, gather it up and then square up. To conclude the effect you state that most magicians at this point would do something, but that you will do nothing! Remind your audience a number was called out earlier- fourteen in our example
and dealt to. Further state that the card at that number was signed, before being isolated further down into the deck. Deal fourteen cards and then stop. Your closing line is to mention that when they go home to their family they will say they saw a card trick where nothing happened. The card at their number is turned over to reveal their signed card and your job is done.

https://youtu.be/cLLoe9oQBD0

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7. Ongoing Adventures Of Romany! #17
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Message by Romany (UK)

Hello from the Monastery!

I've been having a gardening session this afternoon since the Buddhist centre is opening to the public next Monday and everyone wants the grounds to look their best. I was relieved to see that that overgrown shrubs I hacked back ferociously at the start of lockdown in March leaving bare twigs have grown back and look much better.

Yesterday, I pre-recorded my part in this zoom party event for this Friday. After the disastrous power cut during the dress rehearsal last week, the organiser is taking no chances and wanted everything pre-recorded. As usual I spent all day procrastinating about getting into costume and learning the script for the hosting, but my introductions and ten minute magic piece were fine on the first take and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I'd forgotten what fun it is to perform. After twenty five years on stage, like you I'm sure, we know what we're doing.

The event is an experiment thought up by the caterer. She's sent out goody boxes containing champagne, nibbles, and a pre-event challenge. She'll start by welcoming the guests, then introduce me as the hostess. I'll introduce a silhouette cutter, a dancer and a guitarist to do ten minutes each plus perform a magic set myself. Since large events still can't be held, it's an experiment to see what can be done virtually.

We're really not optimistic. There's a reason why we go out to events and don't stay home instead watching artists on YouTube. But the organiser is going to try and I've enjoyed helping her. I'm sure you won't remember, but a month ago, when the organiser first asked me to do it, I was so freaked out and full of fear after five months without performing, that I took refuge on the sofa for a whole day! And now, I've enjoyed the whole process and am looking forward to interacting with the guests. Typical showbiz!

I shall let you know how it goes next week!

Thank you as always for following my adventures!

With love and sequins
Romany

You can read more about Romany's magical adventures in her inspiring memoir Spun Into Gold - The Secret Life of a Female Magician, available worldwide and as an audiobook.
Book Depository Free Shipping bit.ly/2ONMFvB
Amazon UK bit.ly/2kqB4G6
Amazon USA amzn.to/2m3XT2J
Audible adbl.co/2qROlu5
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/romanydivaofmagic Please subscribe!

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8. The Atlanta Harvest Of Magic Postponed
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Message by Ken Scott (US)

Sadly The Atlanta Harvest of Magic October 1-3 2020 has been postponed until next year.

Dates to be announced. www.atlantaharvestofmagic.com

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9. News From Jay - Magical Artist
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Message by Jay Fortune (UK)

For the magical connoisseur, Jay Fortune has just launched his brand new 'Magician' series of paintings. Eight works are showcased, each an original and certified. Since retiring as a performer, Jay has established himself as one of the UK's most exciting emerging artists with work displayed in high-end galleries throughout the UK, including prestigious galleries in Mayfair and Chelsea. Pieces are ready to hang, with free global shipping and can be reserved today with interest free payment options. Why not invest in one of the new series here: http://www.jayfortune.co.uk/product-category/magic-magicians/

'Your art is wonderful, you're incredibly talented and your portrait of me is stunning.' David Berglas.

'When Jay Fortune does a painting, he has a knack for capturing a special moment in time. This comes through in his portraits of magicians: an instant, preserved for a lifetime.' - Max Maven.

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10. Update On Some Magic In Canada
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Message by Kent Wong (Canada)

It's always a privilege to give back to the community, especially in these trying times.

https://edmonton.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1979351&fbclid=IwAR0DFWc2LYN3da
45QM2k0y3HfCO_IbsyPMFxKYf2Ys90lWhJJB5hQuASYv0

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11. Masters Of Illusion
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Message by Steve Moyer (US)

Masters of Illusion returns for weeks nine through twelve of seventh anniversary season on the CW Network hosted by Dean Cain, the series airs Friday nights with two 30-minute episodes airing back to back, starting at 8/7c In addition, there will be two 30-minute encore episodes
airing back to back on Thursdays, July 16th and 23rd at 9/8c.
A calendar listing of what's coming up:

Hollywood, CA (July 9, 2020) - Masters of Illusion, produced by Associated Television International and hosted by Dean Cain, will return for Weeks Nine through Twelve of their seventh anniversary season on The CW with two 30-minute episodes airing back to back on Fridays at 8/7c for the next four weeks, including two additional air dates on Thursdays, July 16th and July 23rd, both at 9/8c. Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by 45 acts, including 46 diverse national and international cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers, 10 of which are women.

Attached below is a Calendar Listing of What's Coming Up Over The Next Four Weeks:
Thursday, July 16, 2020:
Masters of Illusion
"Virtual Magic, Psychic Worms, and Hans Klok" - (9:00-9:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Sword Suspension - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Trigg Watson (Virtual Groceries), Jeki Yoo (Egg Bag), Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich (Car Pad), Krystyn Lambert (Psychic Worms), Eric Jones (Rising Card) and Hans Klok (Three Sword Suspension). (#704) (Encore Presentation) Original Airdate 5/29/20.

To view performance highlights of the July 16th Encore episode airing from 9:00 - 9:30 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight of Trigg Watson) https://vimeo.com/418114998/59984e4005

Masters of Illusion
"The Blind Magician and Floating Off A Barstool" - (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Wild Cards - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Titou (Rings Escape), Juliana Fay (Floating Barstool), Leon Etienne (TSA), Joshua Jay (T-Shirt Build), Richard Turner (Wild Cards) and Ed Alonzo (Spoons). (#705) (Encore Presentation) Original Airdate 6/5/20.

To view a performance highlights of the July 16th Encore episode airing from 9:30 - 10:00 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight Reel of Titou) https://vimeo.com/418139064/e00f870826

Friday, July 17, 2020:
Masters of Illusion
"All The King's Clubs, Motorcycles, and Let's Get Small" - (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Magic Fun For Everyone - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Michael Turco (Motorcycle Appearance), Kyle Marlett (Magic Gardening), Tommy Wind (Phone Smash), Hans Klok (Origami), Nick Lewin (Coin in Bottle), Alexandra Duvivier (Oil and Water Cards) and Ed Alonzo (Hot Dog Cart). (710) Original Airdate 7/17/20.

To view performance highlights of the July 17th episode airing from 8:00 - 8:30 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight Clip of Tommy Wind) https://vimeo.com/425956420/45b8b58b27

Masters of Illusion
"Laughs, Levitations and Lies" - (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Light Magic - Hosted By Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion Features Amazing Magic Performed By cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Xavier Mortimer (Cue Card), My Uyên (Pole Levitation), Jay (Steal Your Thoughts), Murray SawChuck (Switchboard) and Jarrett & Raja (Floating Kid). (708) (Encore Presentation) (Original Airdate 6/26/20).

To view performance highlights of the July 17th Encore episode airing from 8:30 - 9:00 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight Clip of My Uyên) https://vimeo.com/425647096/86b01e45e3

Thursday, July 23, 2020:
Masters of Illusion
"Crossbow Roulette and Magic Just For The Funovits" - (9:00-9:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Magic Cocktail - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Xavier Mortimer (Holey Cards), Michael Turco (Magic Cocktail), Hans Klok (The Dancing Table), Chipper Lowell (Prize Package), Angela Funovits (Dicey Situation) and Ben Blaque (Crossbow Roulette). (#706) (Encore Presentation) Original Airdate 6/12/20.

To view performance highlights of the July 23rd Encore episode airing from 9:00 - 9:30 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight of Ben Blaque) https://vimeo.com/418152656/4f330766c2

Masters of Illusion
"Video Magic And The Magical Murder Mystery Tour" - (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Magic Heels - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Trigg Watson (Video Magic), Naathan Phan (Cell Phone in a Bottle), Paige Thompson (Magic Heels), Shaun Jay (Time Is Money) and The Sacred Riana (Psychic Murder Mystery). (#707) (Encore Presentation) Original Airdate 6/19/20.

To view performance highlights of the July 23rd Encore episode airing from 9:30 - 10:00 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight Clip of The Sacred Riana) https://vimeo.com/421281473/864b25313e

Friday, July 24, 2020:
Masters Of Illusion
"The Sphere of Fog, Crossbows, and More Ed Alonzo" - (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET) (Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Thor's Hammer - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Tommy Wind (Helicopter Appearance), Louie Foxx (Animal Bag), Alexandra Duvivier (Safety Pins), Ben Blaque (Crossbow Medley - Balloon), Ed Alonzo (Thor's Hammer) and Jason Bishop (Fog Sphere). (#702) (Encore Presentation) Original Airdate 5/15/20.

To view performance highlights of the July 24th Encore episode airing from 8:00 - 8:30 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight Clip of Jason Bishop) https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/410416459/d488328e1d

Masters of Illusion
"Quick Changes, The Bird King, and Very Sharp Objects" - (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
All Tied Up - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Jeki Yoo & Ellie (Quick Change Artists), Dan Sperry (Card Stab), Trigg Watson (Cleaning Cell Phone), Josephine Lee (Tied Up), Håkan Berg (The King of Birds) and Hans Klok (Flaming Spiker). (#701) (Encore Presentation) Original airdate 5/15/20.

To view performance highlights of the July 24th Encore episode airing from 8:30 - 9:00 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight Clip of Jeki Yoo & Ellie) https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/405650869/8eb61c89d1

Please note, the television show, Masters of Illusion will be preempted on Friday, July 24, 2020 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. in several U.S. cities due to sporting events. As a result, Masters of Illusion will be broadcast instead on PIX11 in New York, NY on Sunday, July 28, 2020 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and in Syracuse, NY on Saturday, July 25, 2020 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Friday, July 31, 2020:
Masters of Illusion
"Virtual Magic, Psychic Worms, and Hans Klok" - (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Sword Suspension - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Trigg Watson (Virtual Groceries), Jeki Yoo (Egg Bag), Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich (Car Pad), Krystyn Lambert (Psychic Worms), Eric Jones (Rising Card) and Hans Klok (Three Sword Suspension). (#704) (Second Encore Presentation) Original Airdate 5/29/20.

To view performance highlights of the July 31st Encore episode airing from 8:00 - 8:30 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight of Trigg Watson) https://vimeo.com/418114998/59984e4005

Masters of Illusion
"Alex, I'll Take Pickpockets and Monkeys for $1,000" - (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Looking Glass - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Michael Turco (Looking Glass), Leon Etienne (Tape), The Sacred Riana (The Victims), Chipper Lowell (Monkeys) and Jay (Pickpocket). (#703) (Encore Presentation) Original airdate 5/22/20.

To view performance highlights of the July 31st Encore episode airing from 8:30 - 9:00 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight Reel of Jay Jay) https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/414058522/633679cb17

Friday, August 7, 2020:
Masters of Illusion
"The Sound of Magic and the Intrusive Rope" - (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Chris Funk (Guitar Cord), Shoot Ogawa (Double Card Coin Matrix), Håkan Berg (Singing Rope Trick), Chipper Lowell (Soda Can Penetration), Nick Dopuch (Traveling Cards) and My Uyên (Shadowbox and Quick Change). (#711) Original Airdate 8/7/20.

To view performance highlights of the August 7th episode airing from 8:00 - 8:30 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight of Chipper Lowell) https://vimeo.com/425998610/489f49176c

Masters of Illusion
"Cell Phone Hack, Water Torture, and Alonzo's Shop of Horrors" - (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
A Lesson In Sleight Of Hand - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Naathan Phan (Magic is Hard), Anna DeGuzman (Phone Password), Richard Turner (Dealing Seconds), Ed Alonzo (Man Eating Plant), Eric Jones (Oxyclean) and Titou (Water Tank Escape). (709) (Encore Presentation) Original Airdate 7/10/20.

To view performance highlights of the August 7th episode Encore airing from 8:30 - 9:00 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight Clip of Ed Alonzo) https://vimeo.com/425699839/44e5ba8a58

Masters of Illusion is produced by Associated Television International (ATI) with returning Executive Producers David McKenzie, Gay Blackstone, David Martin, and Al Schwartz, along with Co-Executive Producer Jim Romanovich. For more information about ATI, please visit www.associatedtelevision.com

For more information on Masters of Illusion, please visit:
Website: http://www.cwtv.com/shows/masters-of-illusion/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cwmastersofillusion and https://www.facebook.com/MastersofIllusion
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cw_illusion and https://twitter.com/Mastersofillus
.@cw_illusion
#MastersOfIllusion

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12. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
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Written by the late Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)

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 (Oh 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 anyone 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

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13. E-zine Archives
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