Magic New Zealand® E-zine

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1708
Date: Sunday 26th March 2023
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================

1. Editor's Message
2. First Magician To Perform In Las Vegas
3. MAGIC Live 2023
4. April Genii Magazine
5. 2023 S.A.M. Convention, July 23-26
6. Mark James On The Magic Word Podcast
7. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 23
8. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #100
9. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #33
10. Follow Me Follow You - John Carey #191
11. Masters Of Illusion
12. E-zine Archives
13. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice

--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------

Hearty Congratulations Paul Stone on achieving your hundredth issue of your weekly article 'No Stone Unturned' it's always a popular and excellent read and long may it continue!

Thrilled to report Diamond Jim Tyler had a very successful lecture tour here in New Zealand this month starting in Auckland, then Dunedin a lecture and also world class public show, lecture in Wellington, with a final lecture in Christchurch, plus a lovely time holidaying around the South Island with his lovely partner Drew Irwin.

If you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in HTML format go to:
http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2023-Jan-to-Dec-2023/1708-Mar26-2023.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. First Magician To Perform In Las Vegas
--------------------------------------------
Message posted in Facebook by Lance Burton (US)

Sad news from Las Vegas this morning. The first magician to perform in Las Vegas, Gloria Dea, has passed away at 100 years old.

I had the privilege to spend an afternoon with Gloria in August of 2022. Thanks to Rudy Coby, AnnaRose Einarsen, and Fielding Franklin West for making that happen.

Gloria at 100 years old was beautiful and charming with a wicked sense of humor. She just loved magic! It was my honor to do a private performance for her. Her laughter and applause made me feel special. I think she felt the same.

I hope she knew how loved and appreciated she was. God bless you Gloria.

Lance Burton

--------------------------------------------
3. MAGIC Live 2023
--------------------------------------------
Message by Stan Allen, Las Vegas

Just a Few Days Left to Register for Just $157 Down.

Tuesday, March 28th, is the last day to register using our convenient payment plan, spreading the cost over three monthly installments.

As always, should you have a change of plans, your registration is 90% refundable through June 1st, 2023.

Take the first of three small steps today, and join your friends in August 6th-9th!

Stan
MagicConvention.com

--------------------------------------------
4. April Genii Magazine
--------------------------------------------
Message by Richard Kaufman - Editor Genii Magazine

Subscribe to Genii for as little as $35! www.geniimagazine.com

On our cover this month is Irish magician Nikola Arkane. She slips into several characters, including FizzWhizzPop when performing for kids, and "Nikola Arkane" when working for other humans. Many of you may have seen her appearances on Sweden's Got Talent, widely viewed on YouTube and Vimeo. She does close-up, stage, kids shows, and builds a lot of her own props. Busy, busy! Tom Stone interviews this versatile performer. * We also have a story on the French magician Jan Madd, who has spent a lifetime in magic.

Writer of jokes for magicians, business people, and politicians, Robert Orben recently died at age 95; his friend Stan Allen provides a fond remembrance.

We get some spooky stuff from Mr. Steinmeyer in this month's "Conjuring," in which a dead woman exerts a bizarre influence over a living spectator in "The Vasty Deep."

Krystyn Lambert explains how to create a unified show (great advice) in "Stage as Studio."

In this month's "What Would Paul Do," Jonathan Friedman turns PH's "Bizarre Twist" into a printing style routine (video included).

In his "Material Concessions," David Regal takes something you know and does it better when cutting to the Aces.

John Bannon gives us double trouble this month with two tricks in "Dealing with It," which includes a swift Ace switch - say it thrice.

In "Exhumations" Jon Racherbaumer explains his take on a numbers game for numbskulls. This would seem to be a widely applicable item.

In his penultimate "Magicana" column, Chris Beason teaches four things: the first two use a daring discrepancy that will make you smile.

There's lots of tidbits in this month's "Eye" courtesy of Vanessa Armstrong; she's also an editor over at Slash Film, which is good for folks who like movies.

In "Knights at The Magic Castle" Shawn McMaster reports on the latest performers, and Max Maven's memorial service.

Of course our issue ends with "Light from the Lamp" which has a guest book reviewer this month. With my reprint of The Complete Works of Derek Dingle soon to be released, I invited Jamy Ian Swiss back to these pages to write a bit about it; it is one of his favorite books. Other books, and tricks and videos, are reviewed by Nathan Coe March, Ryan Plunkett, and Suzanne (who digs deep into the new Homer Liwag Masterclass).

--------------------------------------------
5. 2023 S.A.M. Convention, July 23-26
---------------------------------------------

The Stars of Tomorrow show is still accepting applications.

The deadline to receive applications is April 15, 2023.

Stars of Tomorrow has been a beloved tradition at every S.A.M. National Convention for decades, and we're doing it again at the 2023 S.A.M. Convention, July 23-26, at Harrah's New Orleans Hotel & Casino in New Orleans, Louisiana.

We're looking to hire young close-up and stage magicians, plus an Emcee for the Stars of Tomorrow Stage Show.

Each selected act will receive a stipend, and each member of the act will get one year free membership in the Society of Young Magicians (SYM). SYM membership is not necessary to apply.

One adult accompanying each act will get a free convention registration. (Registration is free for all youths 17 and younger accompanied by an adult.)

Applicants must complete an application form and submit an audition video.

Here are a few details:

Close-up and stage audition videos must contain the act the magician plans to perform - effects, music, patter, costume and props. Videos don't have to come from actual performances or be professionally produced. Emcee videos should contain examples of emcee work, e.g., introductions, jokes, short magic effects, interaction with audience members.

Stage acts should be 5-10 minutes long and appropriate for stage. Close-up acts should be 6-8 minutes long and repeatable.

Audition videos may contain auditions for more than one category, but the performer will be selected for one category or act, only. No pyrotechnics may be used.

The Stars of Tomorrow experience is invaluable for young magicians. It gives them the opportunity to showcase their talent and experience the thrill of a major magic convention.
Direct questions to Producer Marlene Clark at StarsofTomorrow@samconvention.com.

Information and applications are available at www.magicsam.com/StarsofTomorrow.

--------------------------------------------
6. Mark James On The Magic Word Podcast
---------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells MIMC (US)

Last week we broadcast an interesting episode on The Magic Word Podcast with Kyle Purnell. Among other topics ranging from his appearance on "Penn & Teller Fool Us" to his Penguin Lectures, he discussed his diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsion Disorder (OCD) and how it helps him with his creativity in magic. Moreover, it is interesting that he was diagnosed with this disorder when he thought he had none of the symptoms.

Perhaps those listening might relate to some of his symptoms and be surprised to learn that they, too, might have OCD. You can listen to that episode anywhere you get your podcasts. But for more content including videos, photos, the blog and to listen online to the podcast, please visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/745-kyle-purnell

That conversation was recorded earlier this year at the Magifest in Columbus, Ohio. This week we are releasing another chat we had while at that convention. Mark James was one of the performers/lecturers at the convention. In fact, although he has performed several times in the U.S. including the Magic Castle, this was his first magic convention appearance. We hope it won't be his last. In this episode, Mark doesn't hold back with so many tips for professionals that you will literally need a notebook to keep up as you write down some of his solid, commercial ideas.

You can get this episode, as with all the other content from the Magic Word Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts. Or you can get additional content at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/746-mark-james

--------------------------------------------
7. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 23
---------------------------------------------
Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)

A few days ago I did it! I was able to found a support association for the museum and have now officially registered it. It is a non-profit association. This means that donations, for example, can be tax-deductible, which is an advantage for the donor. On the other hand, with the association I can ensure the continued existence of the museum. Anyone can become a member. The membership fee is 7 euros per month. In return, the member can attend all events in the museum free of charge. In addition, every member receives a discount on the entrance fees to the magic shows.

At the moment I am trying to restore a special exhibit to its original state. It is a unique costume of the famous German magician SINO. He made a dress in the late 1940s with 100 light bulbs that could light up in many different colours and patterns. With the help of the association I can try to finance the costs for the work on the dress of lights.

People from other countries can also become members ...

On my YouTube-Channel you can see the dress of lights in the current issue.

See you next time

Wittus Witt
Magic Museum Bellachini
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com
https://www.youtube.com/@WittusWitt-Zauberkunst

-------------------------------------
8. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #100
-------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone (US)

When my friend Alan Watson asked me if I would write an article for Magic New Zealand, I was happy to do it. Little did I think at that time that I'd be here nearly two years later completing my one hundredth consecutive article!

One thing that I've learnt during this process is how fast a week flies by! I've hardly put an article to bed, when suddenly it's copy deadline day once again!

It's been a busy week here in the entertainment capital of the world. Lance Burton (yes, Master Magician Lance Burton) was back in town for a couple of days, and a group of around a dozen of his friends which included Mac King, who popped in before dashing off to perform his afternoon show at the Excalibur Hotel & Casino, got together for lunch to belatedly celebrate his Birthday.

It's always great to see Lance, and he was in excellent form. Although Lance officially 'retired' in 2010, to become a gentleman farmer back in Kentucky, he is still performing his 'Lance Burton & Friends' Show at various venues across the country.

He definitely still has the showbiz 'bug', and if anything, is enjoying performing more than ever. Lance has even bought and had refurbished a tour bus for himself and the cast to travel in. It goes without saying that 'Rocky' his adorable canine companion, goes to all the shows with him!

Lance has always been very loyal to his co-stars, and the show still features the original cast of Fielding West, Michael Goudeau and Keith West, who is the tour manager, booker, and illusionist!

Lance Burton & Friends performed two sold-out shows this week, one in Santa Barbara, and the other in Cerritos, California. And I understand that they could have as many as thirty shows lined up for this year. Some retirement!

It was sad to hear of the passing of Gloria Metzner, better known by her stage name of Gloria Dea. In case you weren't aware, Gloria was the first magician to ever perform in Las Vegas. And last year she celebrated her 100th Birthday. She was an amazing lady and was honored with a special award this week from UNLV (University of Las Vegas), which was accepted on her behalf by legendary magician David Copperfield.

Absinthe is a show at Caesar's Palace, or rather in a fixed spiegeltent at the front of this famous property. Advertised as 'a raunchy roller coaster full of acts you've never seen, and won't forget', it is without doubt a totally unique show, with some fantastic speciality acts.

Having said that, it's definitely not a show to take your grandmother too, as the two hosts, although both superb performers, use every possible swear word, and sexual inuendo. If you have young teenage kids, they could learn their entire sex education in one night!

But what made it worth the price of admission, and it's not an inexpensive show, with ticket prices ranging from $150 - $225, were a troupe of three jugglers.

Anyone who knows me, is aware that I am a huge fan of Variety Acts, and especially jugglers, as I often sing the praises of various superb jugglers that I have booked for my shows, including the legendary Kris Kremo, Wally Eastwood, and Charlie Frye to name a few.

However, the three jugglers in Absinthe, whose names I haven't as yet been able to find, were nothing short of sensational! I have been around this business for 50 years, and they were the most original, most talented, and most entertaining juggling act that I have ever seen. Absolutely superb!

--------------------------------------------
9. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #33
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kent Cummins, Director (US)

Magic with Animals

Pulling a rabbit from a top hat is one of the most enduring images of a magician…even though it is a trick that is rarely performed. But I have done magic with rabbits, as well as with doves, a puppy, a cat, and a hamster. (No lions and tigers or bears, no way.)

My first time using a live animal in a magic show was while I was in the Boy Scouts, and our family dog had puppies. My parents encouraged me to give away one of the puppies, so I built a Magic Dog House out of corrugated cardboard, inspired by the ideas in Grant's Victory Carton Illusions.

I ended my magic show for the scout troop by showing the dog house empty and then producing the puppy. I asked, "Who would like to have this puppy?" and lots of kids raised their hands. One of them had their parents with them to say it was okay, and my first trick with a live animal was a success.

I have never owned any doves, and doves have never been a regular part of my act. But there were two occasions when I needed to add something spectacular to my show, and I chose Chalet's Doves to Rabbit.

I rented the necessary props, and borrowed the necessary doves. I remember using a Balloon to Dove Tray to produce one of the doves, but I honestly don't remember how I produced the other one. I put the two doves into the cage, dramatically spun it around, and as the box collapsed, there was Bonkers the Bunny.

Next week I will tell you more about Bonkers the Bunny, and what it was like performing with Iris the Eye Bunny.

The Fantastic Magic Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of magic. Check out my free weekly podcast at:

www.FantasticMagicCenter.com
kent@magichotline.com

-------------------------------------------
10. Follow Me Follow You - John Carey #191
-------------------------------------------
Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

One card plot I've always had a passion for is Do As I Do.

Any effect where you can share the credit with a spectator and make them feel good is a nice thing. You will require two different colored decks for the following. Set the Five of Hearts to second from top in both decks ahead of time.

Bring the decks out and offer the spectator a free choice of either. Both of you remove the decks as you say you will play a mysterious game called follow me follow you. Say to your helper that you would like them to replicate your actions. Spread off about ten to twelve cards into the right hand. Turn that hand palm-down and allow the packet to drop face-up to the table. Your spectator copies you.

Repeat the above a few more times, pushing off packets and dropping them on top of the tabled pile, making it sloppy in appearance. Your helper mirrors your actions. If you didn't realize, this is a complete bluff and false mix. Credit to John Guastaferro for this lovely variant on a Gary Oulette false cut. I don't draw attention to the 'mixing'. The sloppy visual picture on the table implies this.

Both of you gather up your decks and turn them face-down. Lose/burn your top card into your deck and have the spectator do likewise. Then lose the bottom card and once more ask them to copy you. Both of you now take a peek at the top card (5H) and then shuffle decks. Then swap decks with the spectator. "So at the start we each took a deck. You mixed yours and I mixed mine. We then took a peek at a card and then shuffled. That's why they call this follow me follow you." Ask your helper to remove their card from your deck as you remove yours. Build up the moment and then both of you turn the cards face-up to reveal a miraculous coincidence.

Notes:

After a couple of packets have been tossed down each of you can give the balance a quick shuffle if you wish and then continue spreading and dropping;-)

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

Masters of Illusion, hosted by Dean Cain, returns for Week Seven of Season Nine on The CW Network Season this Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 8/7c with two 30-minute encore episodes airing back-to-back.

Magicians featured in the 30-minute Encore Episode of "Flash, Shine, and Wonderland" airing at 8/7c include: Alexandra Duvivier with Dean Cain, Rudy Coby (Magic Wash-O-Matic), Joshua Jay (Diamonds in Your Future), Anna DeGuzman (Magic with a Flare), Chipper Lowell (Chipper Stickers), Andi Gladwin (Mind Magic Wonderland) and The Clairvoyants (Thommy Ten and Amélie Van Tass) (Out of the Box Magic).

To view performance highlights of the March 25th encore episode airing from 8:00 - 8:30 p.m., please visit: (Highlight Clip of Magician Alexandra Duvivier and Dean Cain) https://vimeo.com/792072737/0565488543 and Compilation Clip of all the magicians in this episode) https://vimeo.com/792072613/eda0adeb24

Magicians featured in the 30-minute Encore Episode of "History, Mystery, and Hilarity" airing at 8:30/7:30c include: Farrell Dillon with Dean Cain, Murray SawChuck (History Magic), Trigg Watson (TV Show Magic), Eric Jones (Pushing the Boundaries), Eric Eaton (Magic Makes Perfect!), Sirinda (Magical Pendant) and Ed Alonzo (Still - Wild and Zany).

To view performance highlights of the March 25th encore episode airing from 8:30 - 9:00 p.m., please visit: (Highlight Clip of Magician Farrell Dillon with Dean Cain https://vimeo.com/792286448/bfb30b0575 Compilation Clip of all the magicians in this episode) https://vimeo.com/792286413/4cf23f35a8

To view a Sizzle Reel of Season Nine of Masters of Illusion on The CW, please visit: https://vimeo.com/792034027/cf820000a4

---------------------------------------------
12. E-zine Archives
---------------------------------------------
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)

--------------------------------------------
13. 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.