* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New
Zealand)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1651
Date: Sunday 9th January 2022
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editor's Message
2. FISM Update - Old Quebec UNESCO Site
3. Vanish Magic Magazine January 2022
4. 4F Postpone Until 2023
5. The Magic Word - Mia Krejcik From Petrick And Mia
6. The Magic Word - Megan Swann And Mike Powers
7. SAM 2022 Convention Breaking News
8. New Year's Honours List - Henry Lewis MBE
9. The Magic Castle will be reopening on January 11th
10. Jeff McBride's 2022 Magic & Mystery School Events
11. News From The Academy Of Illusions
12. Magical Women With Connie Boyd
13. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #43
14. I've Got Your Number - John Carey #147
15. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
16. E-zine Archives
17. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
If
you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in HTML
format
go to: https://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2022-Jan-to-Dec2022/1651-Jan09-2022.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. FISM Update - Old Quebec UNESCO Site
--------------------------------------------
Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)
The
beauty of Old Quebec is difficult to describe. A walled
city with limestone buildings and narrow cobblestone streets
look like something out of a fairy tale. I never tire of
it.
All
of walled Old Quebec has been designated as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, and no wonder. Quebec was founded by the
French explorer Samuel de Champlain in the early 17th century.
It bears eloquent testimony to important stages in the European
settlement of the Americas. It was the capital of New France
and, after 1760, of the new British colony. The Historic
District of Old Québec is an urban area of about
135 hectares.
It's the only North American city to have preserved its
fortifications, together with the numerous supports, gates
and defensive works which still surround Old Quebec.
The
Upper Town, built on the cliff and defended by fortified
ramparts, has remained the religious and administrative
centre, with its churches, convents and other monuments
like the Dauphine Redoubt (one of the best examples of a
building associated with Canada's military history), the
Citadel and Château Frontenac hotel.
The
Lower Town grew up around Place Royale and the St. Lawrence
River harbor. A well-preserved integrated urban ensemble,
the historic district is a remarkable example of a fortified
colonial town, unique north of Mexico, and forms an urban
area which is one of the best examples of a fortified colonial
city.
Since
its inclusion on the World Heritage List in 1985, a number
of buildings in Old Québec have been added to the
list of properties protected under the Cultural Property
Act, including the Site historique et archéologique
de l'Habitation-Samuel-De Champlain, the Ursuline Convent
of Québec and the archaeological reference collection
of Place Royale, all places worth a visit.
Furthermore, any construction, renovation, restoration and
signage interventions in Old Québec must have the
prior authorization of the Commission d'urbanisme et de
conservation of the City of Québec.
--------------------------------------------
3. Vanish Magic Magazine January 2022
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Romhany - Editor Vanish Magazine
Our
feature artist this month is a star in India, Anchal Kumawat.
She recently appeared on Penn & Teller's Fool Us with
a wonderful presentation of a classic illusion and has a
huge following on Social Media. We get her exclusive story
in this edition of Vanish.
Ben
Robinson takes us behind the real story of Nightmare Alley.
A recent film that is getting rave reviews but are you aware
of who was the real inspiration for the book?
Lee
Asher has an excellent article on early playing cards and
magicians. If you love playing cards you'll thoroughly enjoy
this article.
Nick
Lewin has Eight New Rules For Magicians. These gems are
worth their weight in gold and might be controversial for
some but he speaks the truth!!
Felicity
Fields introduces us to the youngest and first female President
of The Magic Circle in the UK. This is a huge deal and a
positive step forward for one of the most prestigious magic
organizations in the world.
Christopher
T Magician shares another great article on performing magic
for kids and family audiences.
If
You Love Magic Tricks then we have a great variety from
Sucker Silk to Card, Magic with a Shoelace, Patrick Kuff's
Back Perception for mentalists, and Louie Foxx's Tooth Fairy
trick.
Reviews
- We have the exclusive reviews on the very latest tricks
including three released that no other Publication has yet
reviewed ...
Twister
by Danny Weiser - twist a Sharpie in to a Shar-Pei dog -
"The best trick you'll ever do with a Sharpie."
Orbit
- Global Magic in Australia has produced one of the best
levitation gimmicks on the market - you can make a phone,
cards, glasses and so much more float in front of your spectators
eyes.
Invisibelt
- Produce two bottles - the most advanced system on any
production of a bottle or glass of drink. Each unit is custom
made from leather.
Reviews
- we also have reviews of other magic that has just come
on the market.
--------------------------------------------
4. 4F Postpone Until 2023
--------------------------------------------
Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)
It
is with great regret that the 4F board has reluctantly decided
to postpone 4F until 2023. With the new variant sweeping
the world and spreading amongst both the unvaccinated, and
less severely the vaccinated, we felt we should do the responsible
thing to help keep people safe.
For those who are registered, there will be a one-day zoom
convention in April.
--------------------------------------------
5. The Magic Word - Mia Krejcik From Petrick And Mia
--------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
Last
week we featured an episode with Melanie Kramer, an assistant
who not only helps magicians on stage, but also from inside
the boxes. This week we bring back a name which may not
be familiar to any magician who got into magic within the
last 20 years. Mia Krejcik is the other half of the magic
duo, Petrick and Mia, who were internationally famous in
the 1980's and 90's. They performed in nightclubs, casinos,
conventions and on television plus they lectured everywhere
featuring many of Petrick's original magic tricks and routines.
Then around 2000, they just up and disappeared. Since then,
Mia pursued a career as a real estate agent in Las Vegas
and separated from her husband, Petrick, around 2004. But
now Mia is coming back into the community and wants to renew
old friendships she developed during her world tour.
In
this episode, Mia talks about meeting Petrick in Czechoslovakia
and then gives us a lot of detail on the preparation and
follow-through of their escape from Communist Czechoslovakia
into the free world. It is quite an interesting and sometimes
harrowing story that I'm certain you would like to hear.
You can download and listen to this episode wherever you
get your podcasts. But for more content, video, current
pictures, links and the blog, please visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/655-mia-krejcik
From
the Magic Word Podcast we wish each of you a very Merry
Christmas and thank you for listening to our episodes each
week.
--------------------------------------------
6. The Magic Word - Megan Swann And Mike Powers
--------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
Megan
Swann and Mike Powers on The Magic Word Podcast
2021
ended on a high note with the last podcast episode of the
year featuring a chat with the first female President of
The Magic Circle (TMC) in its 116 year history: Megan Swann.
This twenty-something year old lady has known and performed
magic for most of her life (since she was five years old)
and worked up through TMC by joining their youth program
and then advancing through the ranks of offices until she
was elected in 2021 as President.
Her
environmental magic act has been performed for many years
as well as one that featured her ballet skills. At the time
of her rise to office, she was the "toast of the town"
with practically every news media clamoring to talk with
her. It was during that time that The Magic Word Podcast
recorded a conversation with Ms. Swann but we delayed the
broadcasting of that episode until some of that swirl of
media died down.
To
hear our conversation, you can listen wherever you get your
podcasts or you can listen online at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/656-megan-swann
where we also supplement the audio experience with video,
photos and the blog. Also, if you prefer to watch our Zoom
conversation, then you can stream it on our YouTube channel
at: https://youtu.be/_lWdKspwbqM BTW, we are only three
subscribers away from our 1,000 mark. You could be the one
to push over. Please subscribe to our channel today!
To
kick of the New Year, we welcome Mike Powers, a retired
science teacher and an amazing close-up, card magician.
Mike is in this week's Episode #657 as he discusses card
tricks, science, magic conventions, and he even teaches
us his trick, "Science Friction" which is the
best impromptu trick you can do in a restaurant using just
a straw! You can listen to this and all the other past episodes
of The Magic Word Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
Or you can watch some videos, see some photos, read the
blog, download and/or listen to the episode at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/657-mike-powers
This
week we also want to welcome our newest Friend of The Magic
Word, Ken Dickensheets, who made a donation just before
the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve. Thank you,
Ken, and if anyone else would like to "put your money
where your ears are" then please consider helping keep
this podcast going with your donation or ongoing pledge.
To learn why your gifts are crucial to us, just take a look
at the information on our website at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/fotmw
Thank you and Happy New Year!
--------------------------------------------
7. SAM 2022 Convention Breaking News
--------------------------------------------
Message by Mark Weidhaas (USA)
One
day passes and individual show tickets now available. Plus
Just added: Chad Long Show/Lecture and I.B.M. International
President Ken Scott Lecture.
If
you can't attend the entire convention, or you want to bring
friends to one of our amazing shows, we have you covered.
A one day pass is $175 and includes all events (except the
extra cost banquet). The banquet is $100 and includes the
Max Maven Tribute Game Show, produced by Erika Larsen with
Lucy Darling as the host and Mac King, Jeff McBride and
others as contestants.
Individual
Show tickets include the All Things Magic Pro Close-up show,
Max Maven and Friends Gala Show, SAM Contest of Magic, SAM
Medal Winners Gala Show, SYM Stars of Tomorrow, and the
Screening of Quiet Masters: The History and Relevance of
the Black Magical Artist. Individual tickets can be purchased
at EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/2022-sam-las-vegas-convention-39533509893
Convention
registration until 1/10/22 for SAM Members $389; Non-Member
$449. (Starting 1/10/22, Walk-in Registrations are $50 more)
The
S.A.M. Convention will be January 15-18, 2022 at the Golden
Nugget Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas. Arrive early to join
in the Friday night Exhibitor's costume Party with escape
rooms, raffles, and celebration of the 2020 holidays lost.
Youth, 7 through 17, are free, thanks to scholarships from
the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund.
www.samconvention.com
for more information.
--------------------------------------------
8. New Year's Honours List - Henry Lewis MBE
--------------------------------------------
Message by Lee Hathaway (UK)
Huge
congratulations to The Magic Circle's Henry Lewis on being
made an MBE in the New Year's honours list "for services
to fundraising and charitable causes".
Henry,
at 102 our eldest member, is an honorary vice-president
and MIMC has helped the society in so many ways. He has
been a performer raising funds and has used his skills as
a professional auctioneer on our behalf.
He
was the executive curator of our museum and catalogued our
extensive collection of magic artefacts. Notably in 1998
he loaned £100,000 interest free to help fund our
HQ.
Henry
is a legend. If I even reach near to 102 or am half as cool
and brilliant as he is I'll be delighted.
This
award is so well deserved.
Congratulations
Henry!
--------------------------------------------
9. The Magic Castle Will Be Reopening On January 11th
--------------------------------------------
Performing
Schedule
Jan
17-23
Close-Up
Gallery
Cocktail Hour (Thu - Sun)
Cocktail: Phil Van Tee
Close-Up (Mon - Sun)
Early: Jeff Corn
Late: Doc Docherty
The
Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Taylor Hughes
Late: David Goldrake
Palace
of Mystery
Pop Haydn
Elliott Hunter
Saturday
& Sunday
Palace Show
Pop Haydn
Elliott Hunter
Peller
Theatre
Jeff Black
Tyler Rabbit
Library
Bar
HUBB
Friday
Lunch
Doc Docherty
Saturday
& Sunday
Parlour Kids Show
(Kids of All Ages)
David Goldrake
Jan
24-30
Close-Up
Gallery
Cocktail Hour (Thu - Sun)
Cocktail: Makoto
Close-Up (Mon - Sun)
Early: Emanuel Brown
Late: Derek Ostovani
The
Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Greg Wilson
Late: Chris Mitchell
Palace
of Mystery
Keith Fields & Lady Sarah
Luna Shimada
Saturday
& Sunday
Palace Show
Keith Fields & Lady Sarah
Luna Shimada
Peller
Theatre
Rob Gould
David Gabbay
Library
Bar
Terry Lunceford
Friday
Lunch
Emanuel Brown
Saturday
& Sunday
Parlour Kids Show
(Kids of All Ages)
Greg Wilson
Jan
31-Feb 06
Close-Up
Gallery
Cocktail Hour (Thu - Sun)
Cocktail: Benjamin Barnes
Close-Up (Mon - Sun)
Early: Alexandra Duvivier
Late: Tam Vo
The
Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Eric DeCamps
Late: Steven Brundage
Palace
of Mystery
Chipper Lowell
David Zirbel
Saturday
& Sunday
Palace Show
Chipper Lowell
David Zirbel
Peller
Theatre
Chuck Jones
Kerry Ross
Library
Bar
Ron Bell
Friday
Lunch
Paul Green
Saturday
& Sunday
Parlour Kids Show
(Kids of All Ages)
Tricky Tim
--------------------------------------------
10. Jeff McBride's 2022 Magic & Mystery School Events
--------------------------------------------
Message by Jeff McBride (US)
January
2022 - Magic & Mystery School Events
13, 20 & 27 - Masters and Mentors in Magic - with Jeff
McBride and Larry Hass - Live Online
18-25 - Book Yourself Solid with Life Cycle Shows - with
Paul Draper - Live Online
February
2022 - Magic & Mystery School Events
1- Book Yourself Solid with Life Cycle Shows - with Paul
Draper - Live Online
18, 22, 25 - Show and Business - The Pro Class - with Tobias
Beckwith and Jeff McBride - Live Online
10, 17 & 24 - Deep Study of a Modern Master: Eugene
Burger - with Larry Hass - Live Online
March
2022 - Magic & Mystery School Events
1, 4, 8, 11, 15, 18 22, 25, 29 - Show and Business - The
Pro Class - with Tobias Beckwith and Jeff McBride - Live
Online
April
2022 - Magic & Mystery School Events
5, 8 - Show and Business - The Pro Class - with Tobias Beckwith
and Jeff McBride - Live Online
https://shop.magicalwisdom.com/
--------------------------------------------
11. Magical Women With Connie Boyd
--------------------------------------------
Message by Connie Boyd (USA)
Eleanor
Roosevelt's quote & ANCHAL's Insane ESCAPE from Chains,
Box & Raging Fire in India
@Eleanor Roosevelt is considered to be one of the greatest
First Ladies the US has known. Her motivational quote "do
one thing every day that scares you." is the perfect
inspiration for @Magician Anchal The Magic Girl's deadly
escape, chained and secured into a welded box, hoisted and
lowered into a bonfire.
The
bonfire is ignited and Anchal miraculously escapes the raging
flames and a terrifying death. Just watching Anchal will
scare you.
https://youtu.be/ojI8mWkQDqE
--------------------------------------------
12. News From The Academy Of Illusions
--------------------------------------------
Message by Jay Scott Berry (Australia)
Happy New Year, everyone! With all the momentum of the last
3 months, I'm happy to report that we've landed in 2022
at full stride and with guns blazing.
The
big story here is our alliance with Abra.tv. Tim Wise set
up this Global Magic Network almost 2 years ago. He and
I are longtime friends and have just waited until the time
was right to join forces. As many know, some of the top
magicians in the world are already on the Network with their
own Channels. These include Lance Burton, Greg Gleason,
Jeff McBride, Franz Harary, Romany, Dan Sperry, Doc Eason,
Fielding West and more! Just 2 weeks ago, the stars aligned
and I took over as the News Director and Anchorman, while
Tim focused on Rebranding and setting up the entire structure
for 2022. On January 1st, we launched the Abra.tv News,
with a fresh and exciting new look.
My
top stories were the rapidly expanding Mystique Dining Venues,
Lance Burton on Tour, Monday Night Magic in NY and the upcoming
S.A.M. Convention in Las Vegas. Paul Draper joined me with
a regular series, "Navigating the New Normal"
and Greg Gleason reported from the MGM in Las Vegas on what
shows are up and running there. Finally, we closed with
a heartfelt photo montage, saying goodbye to those we lost
last year. You can watch the entire program or just the
individual segments on the FB Page or at www.Abra.tv I'm
already hard at work on this weekend's edition, scheduled
to air on Saturday, 6pm PST.
Our
other big story is the OMC Competition, organized by Geno
DeVille and DeVille Magic. The entries flooded in from around
the globe and included bright new stars as well as Masters
and Grandmasters of the Art. When the votes were tallied,
the decision was unanimous. The winner, with his Mind Bending
new version of Matrix, is Greg Gleason. I will feature this
story, and the performance, on Saturday's Abra.TV News.
Congratulations, Greg, well earned and deserved. I like
to imagine that somewhere out there, Al Schneider is smiling.
--------------------------------------------
13. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #43
--------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone (US)
Firstly,
I'd like to wish one and all a very Happy & Healthy
New Year!
After
a period of nearly two years without being anywhere near
an ocean, I've rather surprisingly found myself performing
on a number of cruises over the past four months.
This
has made me think a great deal about what wonderful opportunities
cruise ships have offered, and continue to offer, to all
entertainers including magicians.
As
theatres and clubs seem to be closing at an alarming rate
across the world, the cruise market goes from strength to
strength, not only filling the void and providing a much
needed lifeline for performers but has, in many cases, even
raised the bar.
The
theatres, some which can seat up to1500 passengers on many
of today's cruise ships, are fabulous, with state-of-the-art
lighting and sound and sizeable stages, making it possible
for West End and Broadway quality productions.
The
Covid pandemic has of course put a spanner in the works
to some extent, and has caused huge problems for the cruise
companies, and the latest Omicron variant is once again
raising major concerns for the future of the industry.
I
do of course completely understand these concerns, and I
appreciate that they are very real issues, but my own experience
from what I have witnessed at first hand has greatly reassured
me.
The
cruise companies are taking every possible measure to keep
both passengers and crew safe, whilst continuing to offer
a memorable vacation to its guests. Let's be honest, they
have no choice if they are to survive. If the cruise industry
is shut down again it would be a blow to so many entertainers,
magicians, singers, comedians, dancers and musicians.
And
we need to also give a thought to the many thousands of
crew members from across the globe who work so hard for
up to 8 months on a contract, and who rely on their jobs
to support their families back home. Another shutdown would
be completely devastating for them.
And
whilst there are bound to be some cases of covid on board,
if they are dealt with professionally and quickly by the
medical staff, and those affected are isolated in their
cabins, life can go on as normal for everyone else.
All
passengers and crew have to be fully vaccinated to board
the ship, and the bottom line is that you are most likely
far safer on board than walking into your local supermarket
where you have no idea who has or hasn't been vaccinated!
Now,
onto a much lighter note! I like to exercise, and I walk
for an hour every day, with my headphones on, listening
to my favorite music. I have always found this to be a very
creative time for me, and I have regularly come up with
ideas and routines for tricks as I walk.
I'm
sure many magicians have their own favorite places where
their minds work overtime. I know for some that driving
in the car is one such place.
On
my most recent cruise I was pacing around the top deck doing
my laps, when I came up with a method for a classic effect
of Wayne Dobson's that I've always wanted to perform, but
the method that Wayne used, I have personally never felt
comfortable or confident with.
That,
of course, is no reflection on Wayne. He is an absolute
inspiration and without doubt one of magic's most creative
thinkers, and a brilliant performer too. It was more about
a comfort zone for me.
Anyway,
I'm pleased to say that I've tried out my method in three
shows and it has gone down really well each time, and so
I'll be including this very strong effect in all my shows
from now on.
-------------------------------------------
14. Pin Thing - John Carey #147
-------------------------------------------
Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/
Pin
Thing is my take on the modern classic Mentalism PIN divination.
There are some wonderful versions out there by some very
talented creators, including propless versions which are
pretty cool. I wanted a version that didn't go on forever,
was easy to do, and strong.
Below
are the fruits of my labor.
You
will require eight business cards. On the blank surfaces
you will write a different number with a sharpie. These
are:
13
18
23
28
33
38
43
48
You
will notice that these numbers are a stack where there's
an increment of five. Stack your business cards in the above
order and you are ready to rock n roll! In addition you
will require two business cards without writing on the blank
surfaces.
"Michael,
numbers play an important role in all of our lives. There's
door numbers, phone numbers, membership numbers, lottery
numbers, and of course PIN numbers just to name a few. In
fact, let's try a little experiment with PIN numbers right
here, right now. Now I wouldn't dream of asking or working
with your PIN. Instead, let's get you to combine a physical
action with a mental one to create your very own fantasy
PIN number! I've got some cards here with random two digit
numbers on. Let's mix them up with a few cuts from me but
also you. Now please take one out and I will look away and
I want you to turn over your card and lock the thought of
the number you see into your mind. Got it? Good."
So
the above is my opening script. It sets the scene and the
mood. I display the numbers, turn the packet over and give
it a complete cut and then ask my participant to do the
same a couple of times to mix them. Of course as we are
working with a cyclical stack, everything remains the way
it needs to be for us to get secret information from them.
Spread the packet of business cards for a free selection
and look away as they remember the number written on their
card. As you do this casually cut at the point the card
was selected from and complete the cut. Now by simply peeking
the bottom card you will know what their number is. Let's
say you peek 18. That means they are thinking of 23. Turn
back around and hand them your cards and ask them to pop
those and their card away in a pocket. Take out two blank
business cards and a marker.
Ask
your helper to write their two digit number onto the blank
surface of their card. "So you've completed a physical
task, now you will combine that with a mental one and create
two more digits to form a PIN number." We will now
utilize my dear and brilliantly talented friend Michael
Murray's beautiful Springboard concept from his classic
book A Piece Of My Mind. Say to your participant that they
will create two further random digits by playing a little
game called higher and lower.
In
our example we know they are thinking of 23. Get them to
focus on their first digit they wrote down and ask them
do they want to make that digit one, two or three higher?
Let's say that they say two higher. Ask them to write that
new digit next to the two on the business card. You will
know that it is four because of Springboard. Next ask them
to look at the second digit and ask them if they want to
make that one or two lower? We shall say that
they say one lower. Get them to write that new digit next
to the other three digits, thus forming a PIN number. Because
of Springboard you will know that this is two and that their
PIN is 2342.
You
now secretly have all the information you need to bring
this piece home. Take the other business card and the marker
and ask your helper to try and transmit their pin one digit
at a time. I act this out quite seriously and start writing
their pin down in stages, hesitating a couple of times as
if I'm uncertain. Finally I ask them to show the group and
I their pin and a moment later successfully reveal that
their thoughts are mine!
So
there you have it. A practical solution you will love using.
Just practice it for a couple of days and work on the script.
Change it to suit your personality and make the effect you!
-------------------------------------
15. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
-------------------------------------
Written by the late Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)
The
guy selling various Australian parrots and cockatoos at
the market stall told us that he'd already clipped one wing
to prevent it from flying off, and assured us that the cockatoo,
which was getting on to being a year old, would soon tame
down after a week or so of living with us. 'Bollocks'! As
you may have gathered, we do not like the idea of keeping
pets of any
description locked up in a cage - with the exception of
snakes, don't mind them but they are not my idea of a pet.
Talking about snakes has given my brain and memory cell?
a hefty jolt, so I'm
just going to have to make a sizeable diversion here. "Waddya
mean you're not surprised"?
The
first time I saw a LIVE SNAKE used in an act was when a
magician from Australia was booked onto the 'Dominion Breweries'
N.Z. hotel circuit for a few weeks (by the Entertainments
Director [known as 'God'] of the company; what a laugh that
was - see Vol.1-'The New Zealand Years' page 147 paragraphs
6/7), which annoyed the hell out of me as I was working
the circuit too, and had been told that his act was similar
to mine; His wife worked as his partner/assistant (as Veronica
and I did) they were billed as -'Aly Kabah & Enrica'
(real name was Gerry Holmes). I just had to see this act.
I'm
guessing that it was sometime in 1973 that I went to the
Glenfield Tavern in Auckland to watch this act, for the
reasons stated above, and also because it had been heavily
advertised
that Aly Kabah was going to perform 'Psychic Surgery' as
part of his performance. I won't get into that side of Aly's
show at this time, as there is a lot more to say about it;
it played a major role in my own show later.
It
was the first and only time that I have seen a magician
successfully combine Magic with a 'Fakir' act and, make
it work! The only things that Aly performed in his show
that I did in
mine, was to eat fire and swallow swords! Aly hammered a
nail through his tongue, ate a light bulb and then borrowed
somebody's glass, drank the contents then ate the glass
as well - I guess
'borrowed' was the wrong word to use. There was a lot more
in his show but his 'Coup De Grace was the 'Psychic Surgery',
which brought the house down.
The
other 'feat' that elicited almighty screams from the enthralled
crowd was when he invited a lady from the audience to join
him on stage. Enrica then brought a smallish box onstage
and
gave it to Aly who then promptly pulled the drawer out of
it, and then asked the woman to - "Please place your
hand into it - make sure that it's completely empty".
She felt around - even had a good look inside, then confirmed
that it was. Again Aly asked her to make absolutely certain
and again, she vowed that it was, whereupon Aly slammed
the drawer back in, quickly muttered a few 'magical words'
that sounded like something in Arabic and immediately pulled
the drawer back open, reached in and pulled out a bloody
great snake! The poor woman nearly fainted!
By
now, I guess that every magician in the world reading this
will recognise the very ancient and time honoured prop known
as the 'Drawer Box', more commonly seen in children shows,
producingand vanishing silk handkerchiefs, lollies etc Not
***xxx??8/-- SNAKES!
Damn
near every female in the audience screamed and several choice
expletives came from the men, but it didn't end there -
Oh No, Aly had barely got started on this one. He bundled
the snake
back into the drawer, which was a good trick in itself,
closed the drawer back in then immediately opened it up
and of course the snake was gone. Aly turns the box around
and shows the entire audience that it is empty - then he
asks the woman to again place her hand into the drawer and
confirm for herself then where there was once a snake was
now a complete void. She looked at Aly as if he was a total
madman, uttered a scream and took off! Aly looks worried,
where the snake is, he wanders around looking for it picking
up this and that and lifting up the curtains etc.
By
now the audience is getting worried; you must remember that
this is New Zealand, which has no snakes what's so ever,
unlike Australia which has some the most-deadly snakes and
the world!
Aly
finally pulls out a little flute and starts playing a little
tune on it, wandering around the audience as he does so.
Finally he stops at a table that has several people sitting
at it - he
carefully reaches underneath the table and - pulls out the
snake! Every chair at that table flew backwards at a great
rate of knots as the people sitting on them scattered, screaming,
in all
directions! It was one hell of a performance!
We
became great friends with Aly and Enrica after we arrived
in Australia; I'll get back to them later.
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16. 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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