* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #187 Date: Sunday 27th July 2003 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.alan-watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================   1. Editor’s Message   2. The Milbourne Christopher Foundation New Website   3. DANTE Memorial Fund Update   4. Bill and Marlene Seagraves Lecture - Brisbane Australia   5. "Xtreme Close-Up Magic" - Steve Dacri   6. Tony Griffith's Creative Magic Teach-In Day   7. George Schindler - S.A.M. Honorary Membership   8. New Fantasy In Black Lecture - Don Drake   9. Siegfried & Roy Come To Tampa   10. IBM Ring 322 Website Updated!   11. Midwest Magic Jubilee Aug 14-16 - St Louis, Mo   12. The Easter Egg Bag - Peter Marucci   13. e-zine archives   14. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One A number of subscribers have asked me how many members does Magic New Zealand now have? Magic New Zealand has 6,103 subscribers spread over 65 different countries and grows on a daily basis. -------------------------------- Maurine Christopher is accepting bids for the last remaining Houdini illusion in the Christopher Collection. Titled Man in the Moon (thought it was done with a woman) this illusion has been restored by John Gaughan. “I would keep it myself - if I lived in a roomy castle, rather than in a Central Park co-op" Maurine says If you would like to purchase the above – e-mail Maurine at: Mcfdtn@aol.com -------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. The Milbourne Christopher Foundation New Website ---------------------------------- Message from Ben Robinson (US) The Milbourne Christopher Foundation was incorporated in New York State as a non profit foundation spotlighting the best magic has to offer in 1989. A look at the past winners via the alphabetical listing on the Awards page will show a veritable Who’s Who of magic talent concentrating on: best newcomer, mentalist, publisher or writer, life achievement and illusionist. Other topics may be added at the judges discretion. The panel of judges cover the awards soley. There is a separate Board of Directors. The awards reflect the muti-varied concerns/talents of the great Milbourne Christopher who performed in 72 countries and authored or edited 23 books in his lifetime (1914-1984). Christopher was the first magician to take magic to network TV and perform live and unedited (unlike specials on network today) beginning in 1957 featuring his performance of the death defying bullet catch, Sorcar, Robert Harbin, June Merlin, Rene Septembre, and the immortal Cardini. The program was hosted by Ernie Kovacs, a popular cutting edge pioneer TV comedian. The foundation decided in 2002 to undertake the distillation of the goals, achievements and future plans of the foundation on line and has engaged the offices of Ben Robinson’s illusiongenius.com to spearhead the operation. The website was launched in July 2003 and was formally announced at the 101st celebration of the Society of American Magicians in Las Vegas at the annual summer national convention by Foundation Chairman, Maurine Christopher. The website is a “growing, living, breathing entity that will continually change based on desires of the foundation heads,” said Robinson. The biography of Mr. Christopher was written by Maurine Christopher and Christopher’s student of 5 years, Ben Robinson, himself author of the 1990 Christopher award-winning book on the bullet catch, Twelve Have Died. Pictures show Christopher in LOOK magazine, performing at the White House in 1935, and his seminal texts such as his biography of Houdini and his epic Illustrated History of Magic. “Magicians will learn what a debt they owe to Milbourne Christopher, and this should set a standard to aspire to that will return magic from the hands of those who expose secrets on TV or demean the art. The elegance and intelligence of a Christopher performance is something the world could use now” Robison said. Further information: www.Mchristopherfoundation.org ------------------------------------ 3. DANTE Memorial Fund Update ------------------------------------- Message from Phil Temple (US) In its first 30 days of fundraising, the Dante Memorial Fund received over $3,500 in contributions, with donations coming from France, England and throughout the United States. Donations from $100 to $500 have been received from prominent performers, magic enthusiasts, authors, dealers and collectors throughout the United States, including Bob Albo, M.D., Marshall Brodien, David Copperfield, Dom DiMento, Gary Frank, Richard Goode, M.D., Edward A. Morris, Norm & Lupe' Nielsen, William Northway, Jr., Marvyn & Carol Roy, John Slidell, Merrill Snyder, M.D. , Burton Sperber, and Phil Temple. However, while the majority of donations are in lesser amounts, they are of equal importance, as noted in a touching letter from Mr. Maurice Rowland of Essex, England: "The enclosed check is but a pittance, but it is all I can afford on my retirement pension. I have never forgotten several of Dante's illusions, and they have provided me with many happy memories. I wish there could be several zeros after the figure, but I know that every little bit counts - and, in this case, it is the thought that matters." In further support of this project, at the recent S.A.M. Convention held in Las Vegas, M.U.M. Editor David Goodsell made a special appeal for the Dante Memorial Fund at the General Membership Meeting, with solicitation flyers and donation envelopes being made available for the convenience of convention attendees. Also at the convention, the S.A.M. Endowment Fund Board , under the Chairmanship of Warren Kaps, voted to donate $300.00 to the Dante Fund. Now, to supplement the established Dante Memorial Fund appeal, beginning July 13th, collectible magic items will be posted on eBay, in the "Collectibles: Fantasy, Mythical & Magic" section, under the heading "Dante Memorial Fund ". All monies received from these auctions ((less eBay & PayPal fees, and mailing expenses), will go directly into the Dante Memorial Fund at WestAmerica Bank. (Payment for winning bidders in these auctions will be by PayPal ONLY). To date, original Dante programs, table tents, photos, show programs, a 6 sheet Dante poster and other magic collectibles are scheduled for auction. These auctions will provide excellent opportunities for magic enthusiasts to purchase a piece of magic's history, and help the Dante Memorial Fund at the same time. For further information, contact Fund Chairman Phil Temple at: dantefund@earthlink.net. ---------------------------------- 4. Bill and Marlene Seagraves Lecture – Brisbane Australia ---------------------------------- Message from Glen Rhodes (Aust) Secretary - The Queensland Society of Magicians While on holiday from NZ, Bill and Marlene Seagraves drove up from the Gold Coast to Brisbane to present a lecture to the Queensland Society Of Magicians. Bill is an engaging, instantly likeable guy who has obviously been in the magic business for many years. Apart from the magic he Showed us, he also parted with 'bits of business' gleaned from over countless performances. We all enjoyed the magic and it was clear that we only scratched the surface of Bill's skills as a magical entertainer. Do not miss the opportunity if Bill is in your town. I hope to catch up with them both again in the not too distant future. ---------------------------------- 5. "Xtreme Close-Up Magic" - Steve Dacri ---------------------------------- Message from Steve Dacri (US) Greetings from the Oven of America: Surely that's what Vegas feels like this month! But they say that next month will be cooler, so come on over and check out our new show, which plays in the somewhat cooler evenings of August. Our show schedule: 7pm, Monday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday Special Matinee: 4 pm on Tuesday only. Dark Sat and Sun.. We start on MONDAY AUGUST 4..7pm.. "Xtreme Close-Up Magic" Starring Steve Dacri August 4 - 29 The Orleans Hotel & Casino Tropicana Boulevard - Las Vegas It's the only Close-Up Magic Show in Las Vegas. Limited to 100 seats for best viewing. A Roving Camera projects the magic on 17 screens around the room. Log on to Magicwebchannel.com for more details Or check out The Orleans Hotel & Casino website, www.orleanscasino.com ------------------------------- 6. Tony Griffith's Creative Magic Teach-In Day ---------------------------------- Message from Grant Willcox Review by Grant Willcox. A Polished Professional In my opinion, Tony Griffith is one of the top close-up magicians in the UK today, and certainly one of the most likeable magicians you will ever meet. When I saw that Tony was doing a teach-In day, I jumped at the chance to spend an intensive day of learning with a gentleman of much experience. Although I have watched Tony work on a few occasions, this was a chance to get to the detail on the real secrets of close-up & corporate performance. After a warm greeting into Tony's home by his wife Judith, the select group settled with Tony into a day of much interest & inspiration, and got to learn some of the history behind where he finds himself today, as one of the best close-up workers in the field. In a well organised but relaxed day, Tony taught the group about 'Corporate Entertainment', which he describes as magic performed to any organisation where a degree of management is involved. We found out that this included after-dinner speaking & trade shows, as well as close-up magic, and Tony gave practical performances of the type of material that he has used successfully throughout these arenas, all of which were based on subtlety, fine routining & entertainment value. What strikes you about all of Tony's magic is that it is all highly "do-able", and very commercial, as well as being well thought out. It would have been very hard for anyone in attendance not to come away with at least 3 items or ideas that could be put into practical use. After a fine buffet lunch in the afternoon, Tony continued with the day discussing trade shows & after dinner speaking, giving many valuable insights into both fields of work. He also displayed some of the technical equipment that he uses on a regular basis, including microphones, PA equipment, and portable graphic backdrops. I found this area useful, as I certainly wouldn’t know where to start looking for such equipment. He concluded this section by detailing some of the administrative/organisational systems that he uses on a day to day basis, which covered the essential business side of things. Again, Tony's professional attitude to all things shone through here, where his methodical approach has been used to obtain a really slick operation. The proceedings for the day were closed by an informal Q & A session, which I must say was a little quiet - mainly because Tony had explained everything so well throughout the day. After this, we had a superb afternoon tea, before departing for the journey home. I left Tony's house with a great deal of insight and some wonderful ideas that I could apply to my magic. Later I found that the info pack that we were all presented with also contained some great summary notes, as well as a free trick, promotional items, and other useful material. This was a day full of enrichment for all who attended, and at the reasonable ticket price of £25, represented brilliant value for money, considering the fine level of tuition we had ---------------------------------- 7. George Schindler - S.A.M. Honorary Membership ---------------------------------- Message from Warren Kaps (US) The highest award and honor given by the Society is honorary membership. The criteria for the award is either an outstanding achievement in the advancement of the art of magic or significant contribution of effort in support of the Society. This year the candidate for Honorary Membership met both criteria. As a magician, he is equally adapt in all phases of magic, including stage, close-up and illusions, as well as ventriloquism. He has preformed and lectured all over the world and was featured as a magician in the Woody Allen movie, New York Stories. In addition, he is the author of numerous books on magic and balloon sculpturing. His contributions to the Society have been numerous, including being a Past National President, Trustee of the Houdini Hospital Fund, International Assembly Coordinator and Public Relations. The Award of Honorary Membership goes to the world's greatest magician - George Schindler. In addition to the Award, George received a magnificent Houdini Plaque celebrating the Society's Centennial Anniversary. ---------------------------------- 8. New Fantasy In Black Lecture - Don Drake ---------------------------------- Message from Don Drake (US) I'll be traveling either down I-40 or I-70 the third week in August, and would like to pick up some lectures along the way. There are several cities I haven't been in yet, and the new Fantasy In Black lecture is excellent. These cities are Denver, Salt Lake, Santa Fe, Nashville, Knoxville and all others in this area of the country. I met several at the convention (SAM Las Vegas) who were interested, but due to a crash of my hard drive, I lost a lot of the contact information. I will try to renew it via the clubs. My lecture package is downloadable from my web page listed below. Everything is on the Lectures page, including my Fall schedule. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who is interested. I plan to leave Las Vegas approximately August 15, but the dates are negotiable. If there are any clubs out there that would like the lecture, please contact me, as I have the last two weeks in August to fill in. Only August 19 is taken at this time. I start my New England tour on Sept 2. Thanks for your time, DONDRAKE The Magic of DONDRAKE 1412-A Santa Margarita St., Las Vegas, NV 89146-9306 Ph. 702-880-5370 dondrake@blackartsecrets.com ---------------------------------- 9. Siegfried & Roy Come To Tampa ---------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibanez - RVP - SA States S.A.M. Las Vegas Icons in Town to See Their Protégé Darren Romeo, the Voice of Magic (Tampa, FL) - Las Vegas icons Siegfried & Roy were in Tampa last night, Wednesday, July 23, to personally attend their protégé Darren Romeo's shows at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Romeo is the renowned singer/illusionist from the Las Vegas Mirage Hotel & Casino, who performs twice nightly, except Tuesdays. His show is a feature of Busch Garden's "Summer Nights." The adventure park's new night time event, Summer Nights, allows guests to enjoy the park until 10:30 PM every night until August 3, 2003. Last night was certainly magical at the Stanleyville Amphitheater. When Siegfried & Roy came to the shows to offer Romeo their support, they witnessed for themselves all the audience emotion evoked by his extraordinary blend of magic and music. "I can't believe it! They finished their show in Las Vegas and hopped on their plane to catch my show in Tampa. They are unbelievable," said Romeo. At the close of both the 8:15 PM and 9:30 PM performances at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Siegfried & Roy joined Romeo on the Stanleyville Amphitheater stage, and together the three waved and bowed before a packed house of clapping, cheering fans. The "Magicians of the Century," took Romeo under their wings as a protégé, and have made him the beneficiary of a lifetime of performing experience. Of Romeo's inimitable style, Siegfried commented, "What the animals are to Siegfried & Roy, the voice is to Darren.. The show is a roller coaster of powerful magic, breathtaking music.. all emanating from the persona of an entertainer unlike any other to be hosted by Las Vegas." Roy boasts, "Darren uniquely blends the theater of Broadway with the magic of Las Vegas." "They wanted me to try the Florida area to create a different fan base from Las Vegas," Romeo explains. "Now, with the incredible response from my new fans at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a major 'Siegfried & Roy Present' show could be a reality in the Florida area." Siegfried & Roy have redefined Las Vegas and are loved throughout the world. With the longest-running and most famous magic show in Vegas, they have sold out every performances since the day they opened 11 years ago. In addition, their role in animal preservation is unprecedented. ---------------------------------- 10. IBM Ring 322 Website Updated! ---------------------------------- Message from Ronaldo B. Moraleta (Philippines) MAGFI's website just had been updated! Check out: www.magfi.com.ph Click on News and Hall of Fame! Upcoming Events: Aug. 29, 30 and 31 MAGFI will perform on stage at Greenbelt 1 for Parenting 101 MAGFI will also have a booth for this 3 day exhibit if you're not busy please do pass by and say hello! Oct. 24 - 3rd Annual Open Stage Magic Competition Abelardo Hall Auditorium, UP Diliman, Q.C. Thank you very much! Magically, Ronaldo B. Moraleta, M.D., DPCGG 91 General Avenue, GSIS Village Project 8, Quezon City 1106 Philippines ---------------------------------- 11. Midwest Magic Jubilee Aug 14-16 - St Louis, Mo ---------------------------------- Message from Terry W. Richison (US) Just a reminder for those of you that have not already registered, the Midwest Magic Jubilee is coming soon! August 14 – 16, 2003 at the Airport Marriott, in St. Louis, Mo. Check out the web site for Performers, lectures and special guests that will be appearing! www.mmjubile.com You can call for information too. 1-800-899-8304 or 314-298-8300 or 314-514-0215. Cost is only $125 for 11 great lectures, dozens of performers, contests and more! Don’t miss out! Talent Registration Hotel Info Contest Dealers Schedule August 14-16, 2003 Ten Exciting Lectures - Stage and Close-Up Contests Three Public Stage Shows - Close Up Shows - And More! Special Guest: Howard Schwarzman!!! Look Who’s Coming! Max Maven - Dan Garrett - Lee Asher Morgan and Mikala - Simon Lovell Richard Hughes - Peter Marucci Tony Miller - Tom Jones and Rachel Wild Mike Powers - Maria Schwieter Jay Mattioli - Chris Korn - Terry Richison Nathan Kranzo - David Sandy ---------------------------------- 12. The Easter Egg Bag - Peter Marucci ---------------------------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) While the Easter season is a piece off yet, it can be one of the busiest times of year for magicians; it's spring break and, for those not heading to sunnier climes, there are all sorts of groups looking for some way to entertain children and young people. It's also a logical season for magic, with all those rabbits, chicks, ducklings, and eggs, eggs, eggs. Live (or spring) rabbits come out of a hat; sponge rabbits appear and disappear in a spectator's hand; chicks and ducklings make their appearance from chick pans; and Easter eggs come and go in that old standby, the egg bag. The problem with the egg bag is that, like so many other "classics" of magic, there is no logical ending. Once the egg has vanished and re-appeared, there's little left for the magician to do -- except that most insist on doing it over and over again. One of the best, if not THE best, egg bag routines (and the only one I have ever used since discovering it) is Bruce Elliott's from his book titled, I believe, Classic Secrets of Magic (unfortunately long out of print). Good as the routine is, I have yet to see another magician ever perform it -- and it is far too good to be forgotten. So here, with my own touches and additions, is: THE EASTER EGG BAG By Peter Marucci Effect: The magician shows a bag and an Easter egg. He puts the egg in the bag but apparently steals it out and slips it under his arm. He shows the bag empty but the audience shouts, "It's under your arm." The magi goes through the obligatory nonsense of lifting the wrong arm and, finally, lifts the suspect arm; there is no egg there -- it is back in the bag. The magi offers to show the audience how the trick is done. He goes through all the same motions, explaining how he pretends to put the egg under his arm but really puts it in his pocket, where he takes it out later and slips it back into the bag. As the magi apparently concludes his explanation, he takes the egg out of the bag and tosses it into a hat or his case. Then he takes another egg out of the bag, and another, and another and finally pulls the source of the eggs out of the bag -- a small toy rabbit, duck or chicken. Working: You'll need an egg bag, one with an easily accessible pocket -- not the tiny red bag with the little hole in one corner. You'll also need five plastic eggs of a size that one can be comfortably concealed in your hand (craft stores have plastic eggs in various sizes and you can color them too look like Easter eggs -- just be sure to color them all the same!); and a final load: a little plastic rabbit, duckling or chicken. (Personally, I use a cheap plastic duckling which I got by the gross, and give it away at the end to the birthday child or one of the children at the event.) The duck is in the load chamber, one egg is in the bag, and the other four are in your right jacket pocket. (This is obviously not going to work with a form-fitting tuxedo!) Take the egg out of the bag, show the bag empty, put the egg back in the bag into the load chamber with the duck. As you take your (empty) hand out of the, pretend to slip the (non-existent) egg under your left arm. Then show the bag empty, announcing that the egg has disappeared. During the following hollering and shouting to lift your arm, lift the right arm and lower it; then turn around and lift the right arm again; finally, facing the audience, lift the left arm to show that there is no egg there. Say something like, "Well, you almost figured it out; but the egg isn't under my arm -- it's in my pocket." Reach into your right jacket pocket, palming one egg and holding another at your fingertips. Show the visible egg to the audience and drop it into the bag, secretly adding the palmed egg. There are now three eggs in the bag and the plastic duck. You say, "Here's how the whole trick works -- now that you know the secret." Reach into the bag and pretend to take the egg out. "You see, I take the egg out and only pretend to put it under my arm." Move your right hand under your left armpit, as if leaving an egg there, but keep your right hand cupped, as if still holding the egg. "What I really do is slip the egg into my jacket pocket." Put your hand into your right jacket pocket, palming another egg and picking up the last egg with your fingertips. Bring your hand out and show the visible egg. "Then, when nobody's looking, I sneak the egg back into the bag." Drop the visible egg into the bag, adding the palmed egg. There are now five eggs in the bag and the plastic duck. "Then, for the big finish to the act, after I've shown you that the bag is empty, I reach into the bag and pull out the egg." You do just that, pulling out an egg and dropping it into some sort of container (see Second Thoughts). Showing your right hand empty, you continue: "And I reach into the bag and pull out the egg." Do so, again dropping it into the container. Again show the hand empty and say: "And I reach into the bag and pull out the egg." Again, show the egg and put it in the container. You do this two more times, using exactly the same words -- "And I reach into the bag and pull out the egg." Finally, after the fifth egg, you stop: "I wonder where all these eggs are coming from?" And you reach into the bag and pull out the plastic duck, presenting the "magic duck" to a member of the audience. Second thoughts: Until you've actually done this for a live audience, I can't begin to get across to you the reaction it will bring: Nothing, after the first egg; curiosity after the second; puzzlement after the third; and downright amazement by the fourth and fifth. The production of the duck should bring the house down! The psychology behind this is two-fold. First, the audience is suckered without realizing it (and without being made to feel that they have been suckered). Second, it seems impossible that all the eggs and the duck could fit in the little bag, especially since you showed it empty at the beginning; this seems to preclude, in the audience's mind, that there is anywhere in the bag to hide anything. The only downside of this routine is that it can be a little "angly." If you are working totally surrounded, there is a chance that someone might spot the palmed eggs as you take them out of your pocket. But it should be no trouble, especially at Easter time, to find plastic eggs that are the right size to be completely concealed in you hand. This isn't something you are gong to be able to do in five minutes; it needs careful work on the timing and you have to be able to read your audience to get the best possible reaction out of them. The original Elliott routine finished with the production of the eggs; that may be enough for most people. I added the "source" of the eggs -- the duckling -- just because I liked the idea. For maximum effect, when pulling the eggs out of the bag, it's probably best to deposit them in some sort of clear container -- a plastic bowl or box. That way, with the eggs visible, their number looks much greater than what the little bag could hold. As I said, this needs much practice and rehearsal. But, for the few who will make the effort, the reward will be a feature routine that can play just about anywhere and can be carried in your pocket. Have fun -- and be entertaining! Peter Marucci 270 St. Andrew St. East Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 1R1 ------------------------------------- 13. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives ------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: magic Password: kiwi When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999) ------------------------------------- 14. Subscription Management ------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. To subscribe or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Magic New Zealand e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday. The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors and not those of Magic New Zealand. Neither Magic New Zealand or Alan Watson can 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 that they will not hold Magic New Zealand and/or Alan Watson liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed herein. We reserve the right to edit, correct or, in our discretion, choose not to publish any submissions provided to Magic New Zealand for potential publication. Magic New Zealand welcomes readers to submit timely articles or news items which appear to be of interest to our readers. Those submitting to this e-zine agree that we have permission to publish their submissions and that they have the full copyright to the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand are fully protected by international copyright as provided by law, and articles cannot be published for profit by anyone other than the individual author without the written permission of Magic New Zealand. >>This publication may be freely redistributed (but not sold) to other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer.<< © Copyright 2003 Alan Watson