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: #1613
Date: Sunday 4th April 2021
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. MAGIC Live Registration Opening!
3. Free For Magicians Around The World
4. April Edition Of Vanish Magic Magazine
5. Andy Nyman And Jason Byrne On The Magic Word Podcast
6. Broken Wand - Vicente Freitas, ?? Mister Ralf "
7. Magical Women With Connie Boyd
8. Penn & Teller Return To Las Vegas Stage On April 22
9. A Game of Intuition - John Carey #114
10. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #5
11. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
12. E-zine Archives
13. 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: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2021-Jan-to-Dec-2021/1613-Apr04-2021.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

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2. MAGIC Live Registration Opening!
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Message by Stan Allen (US)

In my last update (March 7), I wrapped up by saying, "If things continue to move forward, we'll be opening 2021 Registration in May."

Well, things have been moving forward quicker than I thought they would, especially in the rollout of the vaccines and their effect on the spread of the virus, as well as the reopening of shows here in Las Vegas.

So we're opening MAGIC Live 2021 Registration about a month earlier than originally planned:

Thursday, April 22, 10 a.m., Pacific Time

Visit MagicConvention.com for more details and to join our mailing list.

Hope you can join us here in Las Vegas, August 22-25 2021.
Surprises await!

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3. Free For Magicians Around The World
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Message by Paul Romhany

A World First!!!

Recently, we caught rumour of a magician with some rare and exciting items.

A collection of historical magic props, illusions and memorabilia that was out of this world. Including some treasured Canadian history from the likes of Doug Henning and Dai Vernon!

So, we offered this magician some maple syrup and Tim Hortons to convince him to share a peek at the rarest items in his collection!

We're happy to say Chip Romero agreed!

Chip is a professional magician and collector who has offered to share CAM JAM attendees with a unique glimpse into magic's cherished history. Here's an opportunity to look behind the curtain in one of the largest collections of Doug Henning props, illusions and most treasured memorabilia.

Chip's collection has numerous legends in magic including items from the legendary Dai Vernon.

Important Note: Typically, our CAM JAM events are 1 hour long. We anticipate this event to exceed 1.5 hours!

This is a magicians-only event and it's free to attend. You don't have to be a member of CAM to attend.

https://www.cammagic.org/post/april-cam-jam-details

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4. April Edition Of Vanish Magic Magazine
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Message by Paul Romhany - Editor Vanish Magic Magazine

Our double cover features Jesus Hausson from Spain and Laura London from the UK.
We also have some great magic effects for online performances by Aaron Matthews and Louie Foxx, plus a great stand-up routine from Christopher T. Magician.

Nick Lewin writes about the legendary Fred Kaps and for anybody using the Internet to market themselves Peter Paxx interviews and gets some amazing pointers from an online marketing guru.

We highlight some really special products this month including Danny Weiser's Venture - one of the best released in the past year, plus inscribed which is a modern electronic marvel and the much talked about six DVD series Masterclass by Juan Tamariz and Dani Daortiz.

Felicity Fields continues her series and talks to two magicians about how they incorporate and are aware of children with ASD in their shows. There are also some important pointers that will help your shows go over much better for all kids. Another very important read for us all.

This and so much more in the latest Vanish Magic Magazine .... 100 pages

Click here to see the first few pages for Free if you don't subscribe already ...
https://digitalvanishmagazine.com/mag/0173954001617068776

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5. Andy Nyman And Jason Byrne On The Magic Word Podcast
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

In last week's episode of The Magic Word Podcast, we had an in-depth discussion with award winning actor, producer, writer and performer, Andy Nyman, from the U.K. Andy talked about some of his various acting roles and his work with his friend, noted internationally known mentalist, Derren Brown. But the meat of this conversation is hearing and learning from Andy's commitment to being true to himself and his personal goals. He discusses the "imposter syndrome" and how important it is to "trust the process" and the little phrase of, "perfect is the enemy of good" and how we should ponder these nuggets of wisdom. You can listen to this informative episode wherever you get your podcasts. But for more information, videos, photos and more, please visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/604-andy-nyman

This week we take our virtual microphone to Las Vegas, Nevada, to chat with illusionist, Jason Byrne. He is perhaps best known as a dove/bird worker performing on casino showroom stages, but he is also interested in cardistry and often performs illusions aboard cruise ships. You can hear the podcast, watch some videos, read the blog, and see some photos on Jason at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/605-jason-byrne

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to view these podcasts at https://youtuve.com/texasmagician plus subscribe to our weekly podletter for news on who is on each week with updates on contests, current projects and more.

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6. Broken Wand - Vicente Freitas, ?? Mister Ralf "
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Message by Karpes Truques E Ilusões

The team of the Tricks & Illusions Program and the entire Brazilian magic medium have plenty of reasons to mourn the passing of one of the best (if not the best) manufacturer of magical wooden equipment today.

On 30th March, presenting symptoms of Covid-19 during recovery from surgery, Vicente Freitas, the ?? Mister Ralf ", left us, a mining colleague admired by the quality of his products throughout Brazil and abroad. Libra's, we leave our condolences to family, friends and all the magical medium.

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7. Magical Women With Connie Boyd
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Message by Connie Boyd (US)

Gay Blackstone Talk 3

Do you know what Gay considers to be her career highlight? Hint: it involves Harry Blackstone Jr. Tomorrow on Magical Women Gay shares many valuable tips and thoughts about what she's learned with over 22 seasons as an Executive Producer on the ""Masters of Illusions"" television show.

Please subscribe to the channel to receive notifications when new videos are up!

Magical women By Connie Boyd on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/c/MagicalWomenWithConnieBoyd"

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8. Penn & Teller Return To Las Vegas Stage On April 22
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Article forwarded on by James Cross (US)

8 Newsnow
Las Vegas (KLAS) - Magicians Penn & Teller are making their return to the stage on Thursday, April 22, the duo announced in a news release Monday.

"We are so excited to go back to doing what we do, where we do it, for the people we do it for," said Penn Jillette. "Teller and I are both more than two weeks out of our second shots, and in the same bubble, so we can stand unmasked on our stage. We will give up seeing what we hope are smiling faces so our audience can stay masked and safe."

The show will feature all new content and magic and be in the Penn & Teller Theater at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. The duo will perform at 9 p.m. on the following dates:

April 22 - 25, 29 - 30
May 1 - 2, 6 - 8, 28 - 31
June 3 - 6, 10 - 13

The duo has been performing at the Rio since 2001.

"We haven't been on stage in over a year, so we don't know whether the audience will be coming to see us do miracles, or just to see if we remember which way to face on stage," Penn said.

Tickets go on sale to the public starting Friday, April 2 at 10 a.m. Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment's loyalty program, and Ticketmaster will offer a presale starting Thursday, April 1 at 10 a.m.

Masks will be mandatory for guests, and audiences will be socially distanced. There will be three-different seating options for the reopening of the show with a capacity of 257 audience members. Guests will be assigned arrival times when they purchase tickets and will be seated by theater staff.

https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/penn-teller-return-to-las-vegas-stage-on-april-22/?fbclid=IwAR3-_dJ9OUB-V3F2TfLtgIWNwu560hSamoSnRU67bNkgN7cwSnXDS3mmeWw

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9. A Game of Intuition - John Carey #114
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

A game of Intuition is my entry into the ever popular which hand effect. In my presentation though it's the spectator who successfully uses their heightened sense of Intuition to tell you which of your hands holds a coin. Built on three phases, the effect is all about them and the workings couldn't be simpler.

You will require a copper silver gaffed coin and a silver coin matching the silver side of your gaff. Keep these inside your left pocket until ready to perform. "Miri, today we are going to test your powers of Intuition. They do say that a woman's intuition is of a far higher level than a man's. Let's put this to the test with a couple of coins."

The left hand enters your pocket and removes the two coins cupped inside. This enables you to tell which way they are orientated. The right hand reaches over and takes the copper silver coin, copper side up and tables it. Then the silver coin is taken and tabled about a foot away to the right of it. Pick up the gaffed coin and hold it in an open finger palm position in the left hand. The right hand picks up the silver coin and holds it in the same open position. "I will take these coins behind my back and mix them around."

Put both hands behind your back and apparently mix them around, but in fact you bluff this and do nothing. Be sure to clink the coins to make this look real. Close both hands into fists and bring both closed hands back facing your spectator. "Are you ready to begin? Use your intuition and tell me which hand holds the silver coin?" Let's discuss the two scenarios that will arise: If they say the right hand turn the fist upwards and slowly open this hand to reveal a success, showing the silver coin. Then casually open the left hand revealing the copper side of your gaff. If however they say they believe the silver coin is in your left hand, simply flip the gaffed coin over inside your hand as you turn the left fist upwards and then open it to reveal silver.

"Maybe some would say that's just luck. But I truly believe you have excellent intuitive powers, Miri." Repeat the first phase, taking your hands behind your back, apparently mixing the coins around, but once again do nothing. Bring both hands forward, have your spectator concentrate and then reveal another success, using either of the contingencies discussed in phase one. If they say the right hand open it up showing silver and then open the left hand showing copper. Then toss the silver coin on top of the copper silver coin. But if they say the left hand secretly flip the coin over in your hand as you turn the fist upwards and then open the hand.

Then drop the silver coin in the right hand on top of this coin, without exposing it and close the left hand in readiness for the third and final phase. "You're doing exceptionally well. Let's try this one last time, but slightly differently. I will put one of the coins away. Now take a deep breath, focus and tap into your intuition just once more and tell me, am I holding copper or silver?" For this final phase the left hand opens just slightly to enable your right hand to reach inside and remove the regular silver coin. Put it away in your pocket without exposing it. Then ask your helper to tell you and the gathering which coin do they intuit you are holding. It's simply a case of opening the hand either with or without a secret turnover to reveal a truly amazing third and final success on the part of your spectator. Congratulate them on their intuition and then segue into your next piece.

Notes: As stated upfront, this effect is all about your spectator. Any effect that gives the illusion of empowering someone is usually a strong one. As simple as my approach is, a couple of road tests on your behalf will show you it's power.

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10. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #5
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

The Blackpool Magicians Club run the world's largest magic convention which normally takes place in the month of February. It is unlike any other magic convention in the world.

In 2020, it broke all records for the number of registrations with over 5000 people attending from all across the globe.

Although it was only just over a year ago, it seems so much longer because of the pandemic. Looking back, it was incredible that the convention took place at all. If it had been literally two weeks later, it would have been cancelled due to the lockdown.

But the convention did go ahead, and what a fantastic convention it was. The line-up of talent on offer was truly outstanding. The convention team headed up by Russ Stevens, Russ Brown and Guy Barrett pulled out all the stops.

Included were three incredible headline Gala Shows, one starring Lance Burton & Friends, another by the incomparable Arturo Brachetti, and the third, and no less impressive, a closing Gala packed with several of the world's greatest magicians.

I was involved in bringing Lance Burton over to Blackpool. They had tried for years to persuade Lance to appear but mainly due to his commitments in his own headline show at the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas which ran for nearly 14 years and over 5000 performances, he was unable to travel to the UK.

Since Lance's retirement in 2010, he had made guest appearances in a few shows for Charity, but in 2019 he put together his 'Lance Burton & Friends' Show also featuring comedy magician Fielding West, juggler Michael Goudeau who had been in Lance's Monte Carlo Show, and illusionist Keith West.

Finally, after much negotiating, we were able to make it happen, and so we all arrived in Blackpool with a large number of flight cases full of equipment.

Keith West and his amazing partner Kitty Marie worked like trojans to set up the props, assisted by the best backstage crew in the business.

When the curtain went up and Lance walked out onto the 3000 seater Opera House stage, the packed audience (in both houses - there were two shows immediately following each other) gave Lance a fantastic reception, the warmth of which I think even surprised him.

All the greatest magicians can take a small prop and even on a huge stage can make it play big. Paul Daniels was a classic example of this with his brilliant Chop Cup routine. Whilst Lance expertly performed three large illusions, he scored just as impressively with a few smaller 'front cloth' effects.

Aside from being a superb magician and a top professional, Lance has always possessed the most important ingredient of all for any performer, which is likeability.

Needless to say, Lance was a big hit and, apart from headlining his show, he also launched the European Premiere of his movie 'Billy Topit', as well as fitting in 'An Audience With' talk alongside his fellow Las Vegas Star, Mac King.

Mac also performed his own 'one man show' which was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the convention.

In my next article I'll tell you about our visit to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, and Lance's dancing exploits! And a memorable trip with Lance and all his 'friends' to Liverpool.

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

The 'Voodoo' Girls

At various times in the Saga I have mentioned the name David McKee, a promoter and record producer from Auckland. I don't know what David is doing these days or even if he is still around, but I would sure like to get in touch and have a chat about the 'Good Old Days'! What a character, about 5ft 8in - long fair hair and a face that reminded me of an impish pixie. He looked like he had never seen the light of day, and I always imagined that if he ever tried to sunbathe, he would vanish in a puff of smoke - he was also an inveterate chain smoker!

He came up with some really great ideas at times - well, HE thought so. One of the 'classics' that I 'fondly' recall was when he decided that my 'Yogi Act' needed some 'spicing up' - which entailed getting me not just One, but two - 'Make The Men Drool All Over The Place', very attractive, Very Naked stage assistants, courtesy of Rainton Haistie, the infamous owner of the two equally infamous strip joints on Karangahape road, the 'Pink Pussy' and the 'Pink Panther' clubs!

During this 'moment of madness', Dave also came up with a 'New Title' for my act: 'The Hellfire Show' with the Psychic Witchdoctor Orchanté And His - 'Voodoo Girls'! To make absolutely sure that everybody knew what they were getting, in this 'Unprecedented Presentation', he 'tastefully' had large black dots inserted in the middle of the 'O's of the word - 'Voodoo', in all the publicity posters and leaflets - It was most, TIT-illating. 'Psychic Witchdoctor? - I Ask You!' "Bloody hell Dave, what were you thinking of, even worse, why did I let you get away with it! Perhaps it had something to do with us both being - 'Nutters"!

I'm not quite sure, even to this day, just exactly how these two 'strippers' were supposed to 'assist' me, all they had to do was bump, grind and gyrate their voluptuous bodies in time to my music; Now if they were to have done this during my magic show - I mean, just think about the 'misdirection' possibilities, I could have created miracles!

The first show that David organised, that incorporated 'The Girls', was at the Great Northern Hotel, which was situated down the bottom of Queen St. just up from, and on the opposite side of the road from the main Post Office. With all the rebuilding that has gone on in downtown Auckland City since 'I left home', I wouldn't be surprised if it has long since been torn down. Now I had worked that hotel on many occasions in the past - and it was also where I used to meet my old friend Al Horobin (now deceased), for drinks. With two characters like Al and I, it didn't take long for the Manager to get to know us and vice versa, especially with my close - up magic sessions in the bar, that just seemed to 'kinda' happen, apart from my shows in the main lounge room.

The thing is, the 'Great Northern' was a very nice hotel, with a very respectable clientele, which included various International guests staying in the house. It wasn't until an hour or so before
'Show Time', that the Manager (whose name I can't recall) became aware that two strippers were in the show as well. He nearly had a fit! He grabbed hold of Dave and told him there was: "No way the show was going on, with those 'Two Birds' In It'!" "Orchanté can do HIS show, but not with those 'Slappers', in it!" Oops, panic stations!

'What ya gonna do, for help within minutes?' 'Call 'Ghostbusters?' 'No, call Sally Phillips!' I have mentioned elsewhere in my saga that, back in the sixties, Sally occasionally stepped in as an 'emergency' assistant for a few select artists/magicians when the need arose. Following a frantic telephone call, Sally arrived at the 'Northern' in record time, dressed to kill and looking every bit the Lady she is. After a very quick rehearsal - of sorts, the show went on. No problems - well what do you expect, when you've got two Pros' on hand! I MUST relate Sally's story one day, and that of her husband Derek Metzger, a very well-known N.Z. singer. Sally and Derek now reside in Sydney.

Delving into the depths of my 'bottomless' Aluminum trunk, (which holds over 35 years' worth of magazines, newspaper clippings, posters, leaflets and God only what else), a poster 'floated' up, advertising The 'Hellfire' Show - complete with the 'Naked Voodoo Girls', at the Thunderbird Valley Inn, together with the 'Impressions' Show Band. I guess the Girl's, and their 'knockers', finally got to - 'knock the punters socks off' - I don't think anybody really noticed me, even though I did try to keep 'abreast' of things! Think I had finish this now, before I make any more - 'boobs'!

To be continued.

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12. E-zine Archives
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Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e- zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com

Click on the red button centre 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)

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13. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
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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.

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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.