* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #240 Date: Sunday 7th March 2004 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. Malini Opened Last Night To Rave Comments   3. Spokeswoman: Roy Horn Able to Walk Again   4. Dante Fund Update   5. Bell Shakespeare's production of The Comedy of Errors   6. I.B.M. Ring Website Competition   7. Magic Masters Of Chicago   8. Greg Hudson Touring NZ   9. Michael Krantis Back On Air With Fresh FM   10. Florida Magicians Convention -- Updates And Special Information   11. The Tampa Bay Magic Club Day Of Magic   12. 2 Illusions For Sale   13. John R. Engman New President Of S.A.M. Hall Of Fame   14. Magic in the Rockies 2004   15. "Magic In Las Vegas" (And Related Arts) For March, 2004   16. College Of Magic South Africa   17. Cage Production Illusion For Sale   18. New Zealand Convention - Wanting To Share A Room   19. 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention Update   20. Quote From Michael Ammar Regards Magic Exposure   21. Magic Kits In Auckland Bookshops   22. The Amazing Orchante Saga   23. e-zine Archives   24. Subscription Management ------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One "The Lord of the Rings" Message from Bev Bergeron Sunday night in Hollywood the Oscars were awarded. If you have been keeping track, “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” won 11 Oscars. For those who do not keep up with this trivia, the three films were shot in New Zealand and produced over 4 years. After about the seventh award to the Rings movie and every receiver of an award thanked a long list of people in New Zealand, the Master of Ceremonies for the television presentation comedian/actor, Billy Crystal commented: “We are running out of people to thank in New Zealand.” Today, our Monday, a news show showed the number of New Zealanders who contributed to the production of the film. It was no joke, a large number of Alan Watson’s friends helped in someway with the film. Congratulations to all who helped bring three of the greatest movies ever produced. FAME -The Bev Bergeron Ring #170 - Orlando, Florida will hold its Annual Flea Market and Auction on March 20 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 4962 Apopka-Vineland Rd., Orlando. The tables are being filled at $10 each starting at 8:00 AM. The doors open to magicians at 9:00AM at $10 each. There will be a Dealers show, Auction and food and drinks will be sold. Go to: www.ring170.com for more information. www.BevBergeron.com ------------------------------- In July this year when Tony Wilson from New Zealand "Middle Earth" becomes the new International President of the I.B.M. he will become "The Lord of the Rings". - The Editor ---------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Malini Opened Last Night To Rave Comments ----------------- Message from Debbie McGee (UK) On Monday, 1st March, my husband, Paul Daniels, performed his one man show, The Magic of Max Malini at the Jermyn Street Theatre, 16b Jermyn Street, London. The box office number there is 02072872875. I have known Paul now for 26 years and have seen him perform, literally, thousands of times in every kind of venue. I have never seen him give a better performance than on this night. He was relaxed, in control and quite amazing. The audience, mostly made up from lay people and dotted with British stars from entertainment, were totally baffled and that amazement was very real. From the magicians in the audience there was more than one occasion where they led the applause. Later Paul mentioned the best part of the evening for him was when he heard a long drawn out groan of 'Nooooooooooo' from two young magicians who knew the trick he was doing, but had taken it to another step up the ladder. As the Malini show is small, the tiny venue is perfect. Dare I say it? So is my husband! A standing ovation came at the end in a venue in which you would least expect such a thing to happen and afterwards, at a party next door, I listened to and enjoyed the buzz of rich business people and entertainers talking about the show and the miracles they had seen. Very Malini. The show runs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for the next three weeks, until the 20th. Debbie McGee p.s. We just had a phone call from Mike Margolis, who worked on the David Nixon show for six years. David had a long running magic show with lots of guests on British TV. Mike said that he learned more about the true Art of Magic on Monday night than in all of those six years. “I have worked with so many magicians, but that night I saw real magic at work. Thank you.” ----------------- 3. Spokeswoman: Roy Horn Able to Walk Again ----------------- Message from Kris Kardo (NZ) BERLIN (AP) - Five months after he was mauled by a tiger, illusionist Roy Horn of "Siegfried & Roy" was able to walk again with the help of a wheeled walking aid, a spokeswoman for the duo said Tuesday. Horn, 59, managed to walk 558 paces last week with the assistance of the device, spokeswoman Claudia Dressler said from Munich, Germany, adding that he has "strong willpower" and is training intensively. Horn was mauled by a 300-pound white tiger in Las Vegas on Oct. 3. His partner, German-born magician Siegfried Fischbacher, has downplayed Horn's injuries from the attack, describing the illusionist's wound as "a little punch hole" on the left side of his neck. Fischbacher has said a stroke Horn suffered afterward resulted from blood pressure medication that sometimes made him feel faint. MGM Mirage officials say Horn has a long recovery ahead of him, and the duo's long-running show has been closed. ----------------- 4. Dante Fund Update ----------------- Message from Phil Temple -Chairman The Dante Memorial Fund As if by Magic, the dream of providing Harry August Jansen (DANTE the Magician), and his wife Edna Herr Jansen, with a dignified final resting place has become a reality! On March 2nd and 3rd, 2004, the remaining financial costs of this project were covered by proceeds from the sale of donated magic tricks and memorabilia at the Oakland Magic Circle's Annual Auction in Oakland, CA., and on the following day, a generous contribution from the Fantastic Magic Company (Gary R. Frank). Solicitation for the Dante Memorial Fund was begun in May of last year with a generous $200 donation from Nielsen Magic. What followed was a stream of contributions from well known personalities in the world of magic: Dr. Bob Albo, David Copperfield, Channing Pollock, Tony Clark, Marshall Brodien, Marvyn Roy & Carol, Moi-Yo Miller Montes, And P.C. Sorcar, JR., among others. Over 75 donations alone were received from members of The Magic Collector's Association. Add to this number the International Brotherhood of Magician's individual "Ring" donations, a large donation from the Society of American Magician's Endowment Fund, and those from magic clubs or enthusiasts, not to mention the proceeds from items auctioned on eBay, and you have over $14,000.00! Contributions for this project have been received from England, Australia and throughout the United States. To this end, special thanks and recognition should go to Dale Lorzo and Byron Walker for donating auction items: the S.A.M. Endowment Fund for underwriting the costs of transferring Mr. and Mrs. Jansen's remains from Los Angeles to San Francisco: Abb Dickson for donating two engraved bronze urns, and Gary Frank for underwriting the costs of engraving the marble frontispiece to the niche. The successful completion of this fund raising drive is due in large part to the generosity of the aforementioned donors. As Chairman for The Dante Memorial Fund, I would like to publicly thank those well known magic personalities, and Jansen family members who served with me on the Fund Board: Robt. Albo, M.D., Dr. John Booth, Prof. Edwin Dawes, M.U.M. Editor David Goodsell, Dean of the Society of American Magicians Jay Marshall, Norm Nielsen, Channing Pollock, Byron Walker, Linking Ring Editor Phil Willmarth, Dante's daughters: "Dolly" Jansen Haines, Mary Jansen Glazier, and his granddaughter Mary Schreiber. We worked well as a team! Since my first exposure in 1949 to his 1940 Morosco theatre audience book, I have always felt Dante represented what a real magician should look like. It wasn't until I grew older, that I learned that looks aren't everything. Dante WAS a magician in every sense of the word! His acceptance by the public around the world garnered him a theatrical record unequalled even to this date and the art of magic owes him a debt that can never be repaid. Through the generosity of magic entusiasts everywhere, we have now rewritten magical history. No longer do the mortal remains of Mr. & Mrs. Harry Jansen languish in an aging cardboard box in the basement of the Chapel of the Pines in Los Angeles. Now they are housed in the breathtaking, elegant and historical surroundings of the San Francisco Columbarium where those wishing to pay their respects to this Master Magician are always welcome. "Sim Sala Bim" ----------------- 5. Bell Shakespeare's production of The Comedy of Errors ----------------- Message from Ross Skiffington (Aust) The national tour of the Bell Shakespeare's production of The Comedy of Errors had been released.I will be on tour in the following Australian cities: Hobart 14th - 17th July Theatre Royal Newcastle 21st - 24th July Civic Theatre Sydney 28th - 7th August Glenn St Theatre Brisbane 10th - 21st August Playhouse QPAC Wagga Wagga 25th - 28th August Civic Theatre Perth 1 - 11th September His Majesty's Adelaide 15th - 25th September Dunstan Playhouse Adelaide Festival Centre When I did this show in 2002 it broke all box office records and is the first production The Bell Shakespeare put into storage. A major part of the success was the incorporation of magic and if you are coming to see it then make sure you are seated 10 mins before the curtain for the opening introduction. The business in the play is hilarious with magic throughout the play. I play two characters, Dr Pinch (a conjurer) and Balthasar (a merchant) both completely different. It was a genuine joy to perform every night. More recently I have been in Sydney re-staging the Melbourne Theatre Company's production of Blithe Spirit, the famous Noel Coward play. I had created some original effects for the Melbourne production and we had a week of pre-production at the Opera House in Sydney for the production as presented by the Sydney Theatre Company. I incorporated into the play a original version of Peppers Ghost using new technology. The ghost of the deceased wife Elvira materialised into the living room appearing firstly as a transparent image which slowly became three dimensional. She then walked into the acting space, invisible to the other characters. The director was thrilled with the way it happened. It was something he hadn't thought of when he first asked me to consult. In fact all of the effects I proposed were accepted and incorporated into the production. For the appearance of the second wife in Act Two I had her float in from the far recess's of the stage without walking. A gliding spectre.! The two wives also slowly disappear at the end of the play in a reversal of the Pepper's Ghost which looked delicious. There was absolute silence from the audience during both sequences. Other effects included a floating séance table (which did cause ripples and audience chatter), walking through a mirror, an animated table plus sofa and chairs that moved about the stage by themselves and to close Act One the ghost of Elvira picked up a vase on stage right and threw it out over the audience where it was caught by another character stage left. The full half circle. The audience LOVED that! They talked about it through intermission. Not that difficult in itself but within the context of a play extremely difficult to get the technical elements into place before the effect could be realised. However, top marks to a great team of technicians and actors who listened and were prepared to rehearse. It was a great pleasure to be part of the production. ----------------- 6. I.B.M. Ring Website Competition ----------------- Message from MikeD The International Brotherhood of Magicians in conjunction with The I.B.M. Endowment & Development Foundation is pleased to announce the first annual I.B.M. Ring Website Competition. The official announcement as well as all the details and registration form are on the I.B.M. web site, www.magician.org. Hurry on over there and check it out. This is really exciting news and I hope to see a lot of you getting involved in this great chance for the Rings to strut their internet stuff for us all to enjoy. ----------------- 7. Magic Masters Of Chicago ----------------- Message from Don Wiberg (US) The Magic Masters of Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. is holding its annual banquet and show on April 23, 2004 at the Lexington House in Hickory Hills, a suburb of Chicago. This year the show will feature Tom Burgoon, whose picture is on the February issue of Genii. In addition to Tom, there will be 4 or 5 other magic acts with local favorite, Steve Kellogg as the M.C. Members of the club will provide close-up entertainment for the guests before the dinner. Unfortunately even though the banquet isn't until April, the tickets are almost all sold out. This is such a popular magical event that over 460 tickets were paid for on the first night they went on sale in January. Since then the ticket sales have almost reached the capacity of the room at 640. If anyone knows of any club in the world that has a larger magic banquet other than one at a convention, I'd like to know. The Magic Masters of Chicago was founded in 1945 by Bill Dunbaugh, Past National President of the SAM and Jim Riley, local trick shop owner. Over the years the club has had the distinction of having two National Presidents of the SAM, Bill Dunbaugh and Hank Morehouse and two International Presidents of the I.B.M., Jerry Schnepp and Don Wiberg. The club meets in the south suburbs of Chicago. Visitor are always welcome. ----------------- 8. Greg Hudson Touring NZ ----------------- Message from Greg Hudson (Aust) Just letting you know I'll be touring NZ again. Arriving in Christchurch 12th March, Auckland 15th - 20th March then of to Dannevirke, and Napier finishing up 26th March. If anyone wants to catch up along the way email is: greg@greghudson.com ----------------- 9. Michael Krantis Back On Air With Fresh FM ----------------- Message from IBM Garden City Ring 148 - Adelaide ; Australia By popular demand Michael Krantis will present another morning of mind mysteries and Magick on FRESH FM Radio Monday 8th March 2004 - 92.7FM. This is Michael's third visit back on air with Fresh FM. This week Michael will be delving into the art of Telepathy and Clairvoyant Readings. In the past Michael has also presented Magic on ABC Radio and SAFM. This visit will mark his tenth performance live on air to South Australian Audiences. He will be presented by IBM Ring Garden City Ring and Aardvark Entertainment. We wish him all the best ----------------- 10. Florida Magicians Convention -- Updates And Special Information ----------------- Message from Maria Ibanez -President Florida Magicians Association Just a reminder that the Florida Magicians Association Convention is just around the corner, May 28, 29, 30 and that registrations are coming in fast and furious. Space is limited and we are approaching that limit quickly. If you haven't yet registered, do so now -- you won't want to be left out of the very special surprises we have planned -- all details will be released next week on the web www.floridamagic.org. After a year of working and getting all the details and "ducks in a row", the 2005 convention has been awarded to the West Palm Beach Club. Gary Croushore and Richard Adler of Mr A's have been working hard for a year and have contracts in place with the Crowne Plaza Hotel in West Palm Beach, Florida. A full disclosure of details will be made at the FMA Board meeting this year. At present there are two proposals for 2006 on the table -- there is a presentation from the West Coast of Florida (Tampa/Clearwater) and another from Ring 45 in Miami. Presentations may be made by other clubs who have an interest in hosting 2006 at this year's Board Meeting on Sunday morning. Please remember, the person making the presentation for the club must be a paid registrant at this year's convention. Please contact Maria Ibanez, President (merlina17@aol.com) and Rick del Vecchio Convention Committee Chair (rickydee@aol.com) and let them know if your club is interested in putting in a bid for 2006 so that your club can be placed on the agenda for Sunday. ----------------- 11. The Tampa Bay Magic Club Day Of Magic ----------------- Message from Maria Ibanez (US) Just received the following information from Mark Byrne A/K/A Mark the Balloon Guy -- he has asked me to forward to you The Tampa Bay Magic Club Presents A Day of Magic March 27, 2004 At the Largo Cultural Center Scheduled events Open 9 am -5 pm 9 am -2:30 pm Flea Market tables $5 each Silent Auction 9 am-1pm & The Second Annual Magic Competition Hosted by Erick Olson 7 pm - 9 pm Over $1,000 in Cash and prizes to be awarded Magic Competition is open to all magicians; Contestants are invited to contact Paul Preston: Daytime 727-302-2015 Evenings 727-531-7489, preston9@tampabay.rr.com Advanced & Reserved Tickets All events $ 21 / Day of Magic only (no evening show) $15 At Door No Reservation All events $32 / Day of Magic only (no evening show) $20 For Tickets contact Jim Gencur (727) 796-4287 Two Great Lecturers Cody Fisher 10 am –12 am Society of American Magicians MUM Columnist, Austin's Texas best entertainer and a really nice guy!!! /www. fishermagic.com Fred & Kellie Becker 3 pm –5 pm Jack Gwynne Award winners. A mix of magic, comedy and illusions. Fred has a degree in Speech and a Chavez graduate. Clients include Cypress Gardens Resort, Treasure Bay Casino and more than 30 cruise ships. His partner Kellie comes from the world of business and finance. Fred & Kellie is the author of several books and videos. • Cruise Magicians' Handbook • Video Promotions For the Magician • Taxes for Entertainers Book • www.fredbecker.com ----------------- 12. 2 Illusions For Sale ----------------- Message from Brendan Montana (Aust) magictothemax@bigpond.com 2 illusions for sale: Chris Murphy Twister bought for $5,400 2years old - sell for $3,000. Modern Art bought for $5,000 - will sell for $3,300. Both illusions together $5,500 - top condition. ----------------- 13. John R. Engman New President Of S.A.M. Hall Of Fame ----------------- Message from George Schindler - Society of American Magicians - Public Relations With the passing of John U. Zweers, President of the Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. the Board of Directors has elected John R. Engman as President. Also elected were Past National President Edward W. Thomas, as Vice President and Roselle Angeli Cespon as Recording Secretary. Ronny H.Cortes continues to serve as Secretary and Librarian. Mr. Engman served as Vice President of the Museum since its beginning in 1971. He was one of the original group of thirteen magicians recruited by John Zweers to plan the layout and details for the construction of the exhibits. John served three terms as President of S.A.M. Assembly 22 in Los Angeles and was the registrar for the SAM Convention in Pasadena in 1980. Visits to the Hall of Fame, located in Hollywood, California are by special arrangements made in advance by calling Ed Thomas at 323-644-1669 (ed@hjta.org) Leave a message. There is no charge for admission. (Electronic Photo of Mr. Engman on request) Further information www.magicsam.com ----------------- 14. Magic in the Rockies 2004 ----------------- Message from Tim Pendergast (US) IBM Ring 250, Fort Collins, Colorado is pleased to announce Magic in the Rockies 2004 to be held at the Fort Collins Marriott Hotel on September 9-12, 2004. Joe Stevens of Stevens Magic Emporium calls it, "The best kept secret in America." For prices and detailed information check out the website at www.prestodigitators.com and click on the link for Magic in the Rockies. At this point in time, talent includes: Banachek Rafael Benatar Tom Burgoon John Carney (under negotiations) Doc Eason Eric Mead David Oliver Bob Sheets Jon Stetson Registration information can also be obtained by contacting Tim Pendergast, at (970) 226-3088, or by e-mail at Penderwiz@aol.com. ----------------- 15. "Magic In Las Vegas" (And Related Arts) For March, 2004 ----------------- Message from David Neubauer www.dnmagic.com Playing Until Further Notice: Afternoons: Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas - 2 pm, 4 pm - Tropicana. Mac King Comedy Magic Show - 1 pm, 3 pm - Harrah's. Ronn Lucas and Friends (Vent) - The Man Who Can Make Anything Talk - Rio. "Two Girls and a Guy - Music, Magic and Comedy." (Scott & Jenny Alexander) 5 pm Thur-Mon, Fitzgerald's. Xtreme Close-Up Magic - Steve Dacri - 3 pm, 5 pm - (dark Mondays) - O'Shea's Comedy Theatre - www.STEVEDACRI.com. Evenings: Danny Gans - (Impressionist) - The Mirage. James Dimmare - World's Greatest Magic Show - 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm - Sahara. Dirk Arthur "New Art of Magic" - 7 pm - Plaza. Dr. Scott's Outrageous Comedy Hypnosis Show. Monday nights - Riviera. Hypnosis Zone 10:00 PM - 7 Nights a week - Le Bistro Theatre - Riviera. Jayden LaCross - TGI Fridays (Wednesdays - Sundays). Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show - every Saturday @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. La Femme - Various magicians (see schedule below) - MGM Grand. Lance Burton, Master Magician - Lance Burton Theater - 7 pm, 10 pm - Monte Carlo. Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley) - Erik Allan, Friday & Saturday. Ovation - Mark Kornhauser and others - 7 pm & 9 pm - Aladdin. Jeff Hobson - "Money And Madness Show" - Excalibur. Joseph Gabriel - World's Greatest Magic Show - 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm - Sahara. Kevin James - World's Greatest Magic Show - 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm - Sahara. Kozak - World's Greatest Magic Show - 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm - Sahara. Penn & Teller - 9 pm - Samba Theatre, Rio. Peter J. Shield webcasts- with various Vegas magicians - www.vegaswebcast.com. Richard Muna & Co. - Fox City Show - Tropics Lounge, Tropicana. Scott Lewis (Hypnotist) "Mindblowers" - Riviera's Le Bistro Theatre 11:30 p.m. Mondays. Showgirls of Magic - 10:30 pm - San Remo. Simon Winthrop - Casino Royal. Steve Wyrick - Steve Wyrick Showroom - Aladdin. The Majestix - World's Greatest Magic Show - 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm - Sahara. V - The Ultimate Variety Show - Nathan Burton and Sarah - 6 pm - Venetian. World's Greatest Magic Show - 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm - Sahara. Xtreme Close-Up Magic - Steve Dacri - 7 pm Sunday - O'Shea's Comedy Theatre - www.STEVEDACRI.com. Breaking News: Amazing Johnathan's show at The Golden Nugget has been cancelled due to legal actions against The Nugget and the new owners (although future shows are still listed on the websites). Watch for a new venue for Amazing Johnathan to be announced very soon. Anthony Cool's Hypnotist show at the Stardust has been cancelled for the same reason. News: The Complete Roy Timeline http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/royhorn/ Rich Poupoura will MC "The World's Greatest Magic Show" at the Sahara from March 1 - 7, and Dana Daniels will fill a slot from March 1 through 15 with Stan Allen taking that slot from March 16 thru April 4. The current show regulars are Kevin James, The Majestix, Joseph Gabriel, Kozak and James Dimmare. Steve Dacri's Xtreme Close-up Magic moved to The O'Shea's Comedy Theatre on the Las Vegas Strip, (3555 Las Vegas Blvd.) Tuesday through Saturday at 3 pm and 5 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm, 5 pm & 7 pm (dark Mondays) For more info, check out www.stevedacri.com The Mac King Comedy Magic Show is a bargain at $18.65 a ticket, but look for discount coupons ($6.95) outside Harrah's or at the Total Rewards Booth, or check out a new source we've just discovered: the cashier at the Rio's Carnival World Buffet. March, 2004 March 1 - 7: Rich Poupoura will MC "The World's Greatest Magic Show" - Sahara. March 1-15: Dana Daniels will appear in "The World's Greatest Magic Show" - Sahara. March 16 - April 4: Stan Allen will appear in "The World's Greatest Magic Show" - Sahara. April, 2004 April 2004: New Cirque du Soleil show opening in the old EFX Theater - MGM Grand. April 1-14: David Copperfield - MGM Grand. April 23-25: Ventriloquist Festival - Imperial Palace. www.inquista.com. August, 2004 August 22-25: MAGIC Live! (Magic Magazine's 13th Anniversary Convention) - The Orleans Hotel. www.magicmagazine.com/live/ September, 2004 September 12-14: The 4th Annual Las Vegas Magic Invitational - San Remo. Performing so far: Paul Cummins, Aldo Colombini, Chad Long, Steve Draun, Gazzo, Kostya Kimlat, Robert Allen, Danny Archer and the special guest of honor, premiere close-up artist and teacher Roger Klause. www.lvmi.net. September 15: Magic University. www.lvmi.net. November 14-16: Mindvention - The First Annual All Mentalism Convention - San Remo Featuring: Bob Cassidy, Alain Nu, John Riggs, Mark Strivings, Terry Nosek, Chuck Hickok, Brad Henderson, Bruce Bernstein, Lee Earle, Larry Becker and more to come! www.LVMI.net. ----------------- 16. College Of Magic South Africa ----------------- Message from Tim Ellis & Sue-Anne Webster (Aust) I thought I would let you know that the College of Magic has just recently launched our Distance Learning program which allows us to offer our training to students around the world making use of a unique combination of online training and real-world practice. The response has been fantastic . and the group dynamic of online learning has proved to be quite something. So if you ever come across somebody who's really wanting to learn magic - please do tell them to check out our website www.collegeofmagic.com - a few Australian students would add a nice global spin to things :) ----------------- 17. Cage Production Illusion For Sale ----------------- Message from Tony Laffan (Aust) magic@TonyLaffan.com As I go through my storage trying to make more room having brought the illusions out of Wonderland, I want to let you know I have a couple more things for sale. --------------------------- Cage Production Illusion For Sale I opened the show with it to produce Juleen. It is a great fast instant production of a girl. It does not have a road case though. It is small, fits in the back of our ford station wagon. It is Chromed steel and comes with a black cloth with a white border. It is the one I used at Dream World for several years. I have since replaced the same one with an Aluminium one otherwise I would still be using this one myself. The legs have been replaced with Aluminium ones, which makes it lighter. I'm asking $2000 for this one. ---------------------------- I also have the Collectors Workshop - "Chuck Faynes Card On Seat" It is a comedy do as I do routine with a volunteer and a Jumbo signed card appearing under his/her bum while he/she is sitting on the seat. It costs U.S. $815 and when I got it the exchange was high costing me over $1500 plus freight to get it here. To get it here today from the U.S. you would be looking at over $1200 with freight and customs. I have never ever used it, and it has been in the road case all this time. I never got around to performing it instead I kept working on other material and was always 'gunna' do this one next. Scott Davies was going to use it in the Circus with his assistant as a double routine because it has the volunteer in the role of the magician and the magician pretending to be the volunteer (if that makes any sense.not sure) It is currently out of stock anywhere so you can't buy one now and I don't know of anyone working it in Australia. If you want to read the routine then go to the web site link below where I bought mine as it has the full routine for you to see. It comes with a full teaching video and routine, cards, two chairs and travel case as well! www.vikingmagic.com/cgi-bin/dc.pl?html=full&key=76&view=1&data=data This link is a review of what they are saying about it as well. www.vikingmagic.com/cgibin/dc.pl?nd=reviewlist&advancedsearch=advsea rch&seach_realsku=76&search_keywords=fordisplay I am looking for around $950. So make an offer and it could be yours. ----------------- 18. New Zealand Convention - Wanting To Share A Room ----------------- Message from Mick Peck (NZ) I am travelling from Queensland to attend the upcoming New Zealand Convention and am interested in sharing a room at the Spencer on Byron, anyone in need of a room mate to share expenses is free to email me at: jrlawson@bigpond.net.au. ----------------- 19. 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention Update ----------------- Message from Mick Peck (NZ) - Junior Magic Workshop: We're proud to announce that David Ginn shall be hosting a workshop for the junior magicians of New Zealand attending the upcoming convention. David will be hosting a special 90 minute class on the afternoon of Friday 4th June, and will be speaking on stagecraft and etiquette, how to bring out the entertainment factor and engage your audience, ideas on show sequencing and routining. Tips, tricks and advice from a working pro - with magic along the way. This special class is FREE for all convention registrants under 20 to attend. - The 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention Queen's Birthday Weekend - 4, 5, 6, 7th June 2004 - Takapuna, Auckland. Featuring recognised world leaders in close-up magic, children's magic and comedy magic. We couldn't squeeze any more magic into these dates with a shoe-horn - It's MIDDLE EARTH MAGIC! Convention Website: www.aucklandmagician.com/convention/ Mick Peck - Talent Coordinator mick@aucklandmagician.com ----------------- 20. Quote From Michael Ammar Regards Magic Exposure ----------------- Message from Walter Zaney Blaney Here is quote from Michael Ammar that I think is a profound analogy regards exposure of our magic secrets to the general public. "The main loss from exposure is the ability to use that secret to create astonishment inside of someone who has seen the exposure. That may not seem like much of a loss, particularly to someone unfamiliar with the experience. But I think that if someone could experience the pure astonishment that magic can create by simply taking a drug, then that drug would sell quicker than Crack. As it is, the experience is becoming more and more rare. What a shame." Michael Ammar ----------------- 21. Magic Kits In Auckland Bookshops ----------------- Message from Colin Schwamm (NZ) 1. Manakau shopping plaza/mall (Auckland region): at Whitcoulls, about two stands in from the door, on the reverse side, are a couple of boxes of “John Tremaine BALLOONS" at the special price of $15 a box. Rated as "Suitable for 8+ years" but useful to anyone wanting to make such balloon shapes as Basic Hound Dog, Funny Bunny Rabbit and Cute Teddy Bear. In the box is a hardcover good quality full colour small-size 64-page instruction book and 25 colourful balloons and pump. The resulting animals etc. are useful for giving away at a magic session. 2. Manakau shopping plaza/mall [Auckland region]: At Paper Plus away down the back left in the children's section is a couple of copies of a box of elementary tricks instructions, suitable for beginners. $25 a box. It has a small thin paper booklet (by the looks of it) and a video tape running for 50 minutes on how to do some magic tricks. There appears to be no equipment provided; it has to be made by the user. Also in this area of the shop are a couple of beginners' books, written for children. Anyone know of some New Zealand sources/shops for balloons suitable for making animal and similar models? The type of balloon are called "260", that is, when fully inflated they are about 2 inches [5cm] in diameter and 60 inches (150cm) long. ----------------- 22. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 60 - Fellow Artistes From Yesteryear - Following on from the last page, the law never got changed, so Variety Artistes lost out, although special licences were issued to allow other types of acts to perform on licensed premises - bands, singers etc. Personally, I had no problem performing in hotels and other licensed premises the length and breadth New Zealand, until we left for Fiji/Australia in 1976. In fact, for some months I was under contract to Lion Breweries, working their hotels. As far as I know, I was the only variety ‘Sight Act’ in New Zealand working more or less permanently on the hotel circuit - from which the bulk of my income was derived. The other thing was that the breweries/hotels realised they could pack patrons in their bars without variety acts - but NOT Monday to Thursday! That's where I came in - with good publicity the ‘Orchanté’ Show could and did, ‘Pack-Out’ a week-night - the Pub/Hotel would sell lots more booze than they would have done otherwise, their customers were royally entertained, we got paid and everybody was happy! FELLOW ARTISTES - here then, in no particular order, is a list of New Zealand entertainers- nearly all were based in Auckland City - I worked with most of them during the early Sixties and Seventies. These names just might blow away a few cobwebs and perhaps bring back some memories of shows/concerts from times past, for those of you who are of my vintage. Although many of these artists are from memory, others, whom I had forgotten about, were derived from various old, yellowing posters and Christmas Carnival souvenir programmes from holiday resorts such as Orewa, Whitanga, Waihi Beach, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Whakatane/Ohope Beach, Rotorua, Taupo, Gisborne, Napier, Waikanae and Oamaru. Bill and Boyd, Don Linden, Les Andrews, Jimmy Fagg, Byko, Pat McMinn, Rusty Greaves, George Tollerton, Hira Jeram, Greg Mason, The Yeoman, Des Gibson, Lou and Simon, Howard Morrison Quartet, John Daley, Alan and Jazzbo, Jim McNaught, Kim Krueger, Ken Farr, Toni Williams, Peter Posa, Ray Woolfe, Anne and Jimmy Murphie, Max Merrit and the Meteors, Ray Columbus and the Invaders, Ken Lemon, Sivo De Pra, Lani, Pat Dugan, Big MikeDurney, The Sheratons, Fia Chaplin, Ian Saxon, Normonos, Chistine Barnett, Cathy Howe, Chic Littlewood, Ralph Cohen, Rod Derritt, George Tumahai, Keith Bracey, Phil Shone, Selwyn Toogood, John Maybury, Movados/De Monos, Peter and Gaye, Allison Durbin, Freddie Keil and the Kavaliers, Max Roland, Gray (Graham)Bartlett, The Jumping Jacks, Sam Pehi, Rama White, Val Proctor, Warren Lambert, Jeannie Hartley, Sandy Edmonds, Terry Cosslett, The Clevedonaires, Bob Paris, Lew Pryme, Max Cryer, Peter Sinclair, Tommy Adderley, Robin Ruakere, Robert Gennari, Lyndon Ferris, Dave Cowel, Sonny Day, Marlene Tong, Kini Quartet, Lyn Peoples, Miss Lee Grant, Mr. Lee Grant, The Chicks, Jack Thompson, Ossie Cheeseman, Karina, Sylvia Sevana, Maria Dallas, Dinah Lee, The Convairs, John Hore, Eddie Low, Cecil Morris, The Keil Isles, Mike Walker Trio, Max Andrews, Tony Wilson, Ross Hill, Watson Raines, DeLarno, Jon Zealando, Andy Loftis, Peter and Margo, Chris Parkinson, Delmere, Brody Brothers, Johnny Bond, Mike Dolan, Brendan Dugan, Kariba, Stan Wineera, Jack and Sylvia Riley, Toni Savage, Pam Seebold, Merv Smith, Bunny Walters, Craig Scott, Angela Ayers ,Tom Sharplin Bobby Davis, The Great Benyon, The Society Jazzmen, Paul Preston, Barry Knight, Sonia King, Derek Metzger, John Rowles, Kiri Te Kanawa, Alan Horobin, Suzanne Prentice and last but not least, yours truly, ‘The Amazing Orchanté’. I realise that very few of these names if any (with the exception of Kiri Te Kanawa) will mean a thing unless you are a New Zealander or an ex pat. Kiwi, but ‘Down Under’, many of these people were and some still are, ‘Big Names’. I'm sure that I've said this before but it bears repeating; New Zealand, for the size of the country and a population of only around 3.76 million, produces an amazing array of skills and talent - I'm proud to be a Kiwi, and, I'm part Maori as well, a great heritage! ------------------ 23. 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) ------------------- 24. 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