* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #269 Date: Sunday 10th June 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. Five Milbourne Christopher Awards For 2004 3. "Magic In Las Vegas" (And Related Arts) For June, 2004 4. The Magic Circle Centenary Celebrations 5. Topper Martyn Will Be Missed 6. Hofzinser Trilogy Left The Press 7. North American Siegfried & Roy Fan Club 8. Die Box Routine! 9. Unusual Magic Auction On eBay 10. 13th International Magic Festival, MAGICVALONGO 2004 11. MAGIC Live! 12. Terry Seabrooke’s Magical Adventures 13. Rocco's Flying Eagles With A Twist - Jamie-G 14. MacHeath's Back In Town 15. e-zine Archives 16. Subscription Management ------------------ 1. Editors Message ------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) I'm having 'LUNG Volume Reduction Surgery. It entails having the top halves of my lungs removed; a very dangerous and radical procedure - many have died but, my breathing is so bad now, It really is the only option I have left, to get some sort of 'quality of life' for a while. The OP doesn't cure the disease, but by removing the 'dead' part of the lungs (it only works on the upper half - thank God that's the half of my lungs that are knackered), it allows the remaining good, lower half to expand more, thereby allowing me take bigger breaths etc etc. Only one out of ten can have this particular operation, and even then, you have to pass strict criteria i.e. good heart, blood pressure... I passed but, I'm as nervous as hell - as I could die, the surgeon told us so; it IS a bloody dangerous procedure! Oh well! Nervous I may be, but, I DO HAVE A POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE! I will be staying in hospital for about ten days or so, to recover, and to make sure that I don't pick up an infection - that is the real 'killer', before I can go home. ---------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Five Milbourne Christopher Awards For 2004 ----------------- Message from Maurine Christopher (US) The judge’s panel, chaired by Robert L Bluemle, has selected five Milbourne Christopher Award winners to be presented at the closing night banquet of the Society of American Magicians convention July 10 in St. Louis, Mo. Plaques will be presented for lifetime achievement, illusionist, newcomer, literary award and mentalism. The Milbourne Christopher Foundation in New York presents the awards to encourage the best magic has to offer currently. Christopher, who died in 1984, first brought magic to primetime TV in America with his Festival of Magic in 1957. He wrote and/or edited more than 20 books in addition to performing in theatres and night clubs. His Illustrated History of Magic - in an updated version edited by Maurine Christopher, his widow - is still in print. Most of the Christopher Collection of prints, playbills, posters and conjuring books in at least 10 languages in still in her possession though she held one sale of duplicates after his death. ----------------- 3. "Magic In Las Vegas" (And Related Arts) For June, 2004 ----------------- Message from David Neubauer (US) www.dnmagic.com Playing Until Further Notice: Afternoons: Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas - 2 & 4 pm - Tropicana. Mac King Comedy Magic Show - 1 & 3 pm - Harrah's Clint Holmes Theater. Ronn Lucas (Vent) - The Man Who Can Make Anything Talk 3 pm - Rio. "Two Girls and a Guy - Music, Magic & Comedy." (Scott & Jenny Alexander) 5 pm Thur-Mon, Fitzgerald's. Evenings: Amazing Johnathan - La Cage Theater - 10 pm dark Tues - Riviera. Collin Foster - "Quicker than the Eye" 6 pm dark Tues - Westin Hotel. Danny Gans - (Impressionist) - Mirage. Dirk Arthur "Splash" - Riviera. (Starting in July) Dr. Scott's Outrageous Comedy Hypnosis Show. Mon 7 pm - Riviera. Genie & Richard Anthony - "The Exotic Hypnotics" – 11:30 pm - Riviera. Jeff Hobson - "V" – The Ultimate Variety Show – 7 & 9 - Aladdin. (starting June 15) Hypnosis Zone - 10 pm - Le Bistro Theatre - Riviera. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show - every Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Jason Byrne "V – The Ultimate Variety Show" - Aladdin. Justin Tranz (Hypnotist) 9 pm Dark Sunday - O'Shea's Comedy Theatre. La Femme - Various magicians - MGM Grand. Lance Burton, Master Magician - Lance Burton Theater - 7 & 10 pm - Monte Carlo. Nathan & Sarah - "V" – The Ultimate Variety Show – 7 & 9 pm - Aladdin. "V" – The Ultimate Variety Show – 7 & 9 - Aladdin. Penn & Teller - 9 pm dark Tues - 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 – 8 & 10:30 (Adults only 2nd show) - San Remo. Steve Wyrick - Steve Wyrick Showroom - 7 & 10 pm (dark Tues) - Aladdin. Thom Kaz-The Rock-n-Roll Hypnotist (1 drink min) 7:30pm Mon & 10pm Thur. – Laugh Trax - Palace Station. Tony Blanco - "Magic and Mirth" - Wed-Sun, various times - www.tonyblanco.com - Excalibur. Will Roya - "Spotlight" - 7 pm - (1/2 price for locals) Bourbon Street www.spotlightshow.com. World's Greatest Magic Show - 9 pm nightly, 7 pm Friday, 2 pm Sun - Greek Isle. Regulars: Kevin James, Kozak, Joseph Gabriel and The Majestix. Guests listed in the calendar below. Derek Roberts, Kenny Havard & Billy Fergueson (pre-show) Xtreme Close-Up Magic - Steve Dacri - 7 pm Tues - O'Shea's Comedy Theatre - www.STEVEDACRI.com. News: The Complete Roy Timeline www.reviewjournal.com/news/royhorn/ News story of David Saxe the producer of "V" buying the Ovation theatre: www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/leisure/2004/may/04/516796839.html Lance Burton's summer schedule: His show will be dark from May 31 - June 14 with an extra 7 p.m. show on Sunday, May 30. His regular show times are 7 & 10 on Tuesday & Saturday & 7 p.m. only on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. He also has an added show at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 4th. Another added show at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 5 and then dark from Sept. 6-20. Lance Burton will be co-presenting on the American Country Music Awards for the 2nd year in a row. He will, of course do a little magic with the envelope. Josh Turner is his co-presenter for Record of the Year at Mandalay Bay. "Jeff Hobson's Money and Madness" show closed at the end of May but it might be back in the fall. Starting June 15th Jeff will be in "V" - The Ultimate Variety Show, as the permanent host (until further notice.) Dirk Arthur is closing his show at the Plaza and will start in "Splash" in July. Arian Black who is currently in "Splash" will end when Dirk starts. June, 2004 Through June 6: Jeff McBride - World's Greatest Magic Show - 9 pm nightly, 7 pm Fri, 2 pm Sun. Greek Isle. Through July 17: Bruce Block - World's Greatest Magic Show - 9 pm nightly, 7 pm Fri, 2 pm Sun. Greek Isle. June 3-16: David Copperfield - Hollywood Theater – MGM Grand. June 5-9: Joan Dukore - "Spotlight" 7 pm - Bourbon Street. June 7-29: Arden James - World's Greatest Magic Show - 9 pm nightly, 7 pm Fri, 2 pm Sun. Greek Isle. June 9-10: Murray - "Spotlight" 7 pm - Bourbon Street. June 12-17: Les McKinney - "Spotlight" 7 pm - Bourbon Street. June 15: Jeff Hobson will join "V" - The Ultimate Variety Show, as the permanent host - 7 & 9 - Aladdin. June 19-24: Sferza - "Spotlight" 7 pm - Bourbon Street. June 26 - July 1: Murray - "Spotlight" 7 pm - Bourbon Street. July, 2004 Through July 4: Bruce Block - World's Greatest Magic Show - 9 pm nightly, 7 pm Fri, 2 pm Sun. Greek Isle. July 3-8: Mark Bennick III - "Spotlight" 7 pm - Bourbon Street. July 8-21: David Copperfield - Hollywood Theater - MGM Grand. July 10: Les McKinney - becomes permanent cast member. - "Spotlight" 7 pm - Bourbon Street. 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: Gazzo, Michael Close, Paul Cummins, Daryl, Aldo Colombini, Kostya Kimlat, Steve Draun, Chad Long, Dean Dill and the special guest of honor, premiere close-up artist and teacher Roger Klause. September 15: Magic University. Will be a one day extra fee workshops from the lecturers and a few special guests. www.lvmi.net. November 14-16: MINDVENTION – Las Vegas' First Annual All Mentalism Convention - San Remo Featuring: Bob Cassidy, Alain Nu, Terry Nosek, Mark Strivings, Richard Osterlind, Chuck Hickok, Brad Henderson, Bruce Bernstein, Lee Earle, Larry Becker and more to come! www.LVMI.net ----------------- 4. The Magic Circle Centenary Celebrations ----------------- Message from David Beckley (UK) The Greatest Magical Event in London – Ever! The Magic Circle has today announced the first details of the programme for its Centenary Celebration, due to be held in London in July 2005. The event will be the experience of a lifetime, celebrating 100 years of excellence in magic. The four fabulous days of magic from 20 – 23 July 2005 will take place in the luxurious Logan and Jeffery Halls of the University of London, and the modern Galleon Suite opposite in the Royal National Hotel, both in Bedford Way, London WC1. The facilities are perfect for enjoying magic, with raked seating for all stage and close up shows, providing superb views of the performers no matter where you are sitting. The venues are a few minutes walk from the superb Headquarters of The Magic Circle, where The Centenary Heritage Day will be held on Sunday 24 July (optional). The programme for the 20 – 23 July registration period includes: A dazzling Opening Ceremony and Gala Show. Star lecturers of international repute Three fabulous Close-up Galas under ideal viewing conditions A specially devised light-hearted Late Night Revue The International Dealers Fair with the latest from around the world Gala Shows Thursday and Friday evenings featuring world-renowned magicians The Saturday Spectacular International Centenary Gala More… More exceptional events and surprises ( to be announced) will be packed into the four amazing days, and each delegate will receive a complimentary copy of the specially commissioned colour illustrated book, Circle Without End, plus two more unique Centennial gifts. These are just some of the reasons why you must be part of The Magic Circle Centenary Celebrations, the most memorable, once in a lifetime magical experience, and the greatest magic event in London – ever! ‘Early Bird’ reserved places are still available, but these are going fast. Register NOW by phoning the Registration Officer, Brian Miller, on +44 (0)1371 870927 or download a form online at www.TheMagicCircleCentenary.co.uk. For Further Information Contact: David Beckley – PRO The Magic Circle Centenary TEL: +44 (0)1276 857935, E-Mail davidbmagic@aol.com Michael Bailey – Chairman The Magic Circle Centenary Committee. TEL: + 44 (0)1428 713472 , E-Mail michaelbailey@gunsgreen.freeserve.co.uk ----------------- 5. Topper Martyn Will Be Missed ----------------- Message from Ola Topper Martyn is a world renowned performer who has entertained us for a time. You could easily expect that a performer with so many years on the stage would have settled down a long time ago… but not Topper. He was very active both on and off the stage until very recently. 1998 Topper played the roll of the wizard in the Swedish children’s musical “Alfons And The Wizard”. The musical was based on the famous books of Gunilla Bergström. “Alfons And The Wizard” was a hugely successful play that toured the country and Topper absolutely loved the part of The Wizard. During his life Topper did a huge variety of things. Let’s take it from the beginning. He was born in England and his parents were famous vaudeville performers. His dad started his career as a magician in Australia. In fact, it was Toppers dad that thought The Great Carmo magic and in return Carmo thought him to juggle. During Toppers childhood the family often worked together with magicians, and he has been thought by some of the past masters such as Horace Goldin, Cingalee, Edgar Benyon, Fred Culpitt just to mention a few. Oh boy, does Topper have stories to tell. Toppers first time on stage was at Alhambra in Paris at the age of 2. 1938 he performed his first solo show with magic and mind reading and during the following years he worked his way around with a very mixed program. He played the banjo, juggled, did comedy and magic. Originally Toppers ambitions was to become a serious manipulator but soon discovered that the audience preferred to laugh than to witness sleight of hand. Topper never intended for show business to be his life. But, luckily for us, his studies never took off and he became a full time entertainer at the age of 18. Even at this young age, Victor C Martyn, (as he called himself) was a well known name in show business and his name could be seen in circuses, mime & vaudeville shows. 1945 Topper had a year long contract with a theatre in London and during this time he became a proficient ice skater. This newfound skill of his made him a popular intermission act during the ice hockey matches and from here the step was not far to the big touring ice skating shows. For a decade Topper toured with shows like Holiday On Ice in Europe, USA, Africa, Central & South America. Topper moved to Sweden in 1960 after meeting his wife to be in an ice skating production by Gustaf Wally. Outside show business, Toppers passions was for “old things”. I call them “old things” because they were not really antiques. He liked old things that were a little unusual and had a shop in the old part of Stockholm. The emphasis was not on expensive antiques, it was more a shop of the odd & strange. HE sold it in 1997. One of Toppers favourite stories is from when he just moved to Sweden and joined the Magic Circle. He went along to one of their conventions without knowing anyone. He did see a familiar face in the crowed and proceeded to introduce himself. The familiar face told him that “You are not supposed to be here, the magicians are at the other end of the hotel”. Topper had just met Olof Palme, the Swedish Prime Minister at the time. 1969 Topper was awarded the Grand Prix at the international magic convention in Karlovy Vary and he has received too many awards to list. Some of the highlights are:   a.. 1970 Comedy Magic World Champion (Amsterdam)   b.. 1973 Awarded “Visiting Magician Of The Year” by The Academy Of Magical Arts. He was also nominated as the “Lecturer Of The Year”.   c.. 1990 Awarded “Performing Fellowship Award”   d.. 1996 Honoured with the British “Carlton Comedy Prize” He has also received the French “Mandrake d’or” and a gold medal by Asahi Television in Japan. On Swedish television he set a Guiness World Record for the most number of magic tricks. In 1986 Topper performed 69 magical effects in 4 minutes and that record still stands today. Topper has entertained and lectured in 30 countries around the world. So, what made Topper so successful? He had a huge knowledge base and had a persona that was 100% unique. He was a master at putting shows together with high impact effects, superb timing mixed with surprises and knowing how to build to a climax. He will be missed. Credits: Above article has been modified to reflect the past tense. It was originally published in the Scandinavian magic magazine “Pegasus” in 1998. It has been loosely translated to English by Ola (Perth 2004) ----------------- 6. Hofzinser Trilogy Left The Press ----------------- Message from Magic Christian (Vienna) Just I wanted to tell you that the second part of my HOFZINSER trilogy left the press and is available at the Volker Huber Edition in Offenbach, Germany. Edition-Huber@t-online.de for 88.-Euros. Owners of the first volume pay only 75.- In a couple of days it will be on my homepage too. ----------------- 7. North American Siegfried & Roy Fan Club ----------------- Message from Craig Mitchell (South Africa) The North American Siegfried & Roy Fan Club have opened their hearts and in honour of Siegfried's birthday on 13th June have "adopted" eight College of Magic students and given them the chance to make their young dreams a reality ! The S&R Fan Club are the latest supporters of the College of Magic's "Adopt-A-Student" programme which provides funding to those students with financial difficulty as part of our Magic in the Community Outreach initiative. Thank you Siegfried & Roy Fan Club for your amazing generosity and Happy Birthday, Siegfried! For further info. visit www.collegeofmagic.com/news.htm ----------------- 8. Die Box Routine! ----------------- Message from Trevor Yates (South Africa) Greeting from Africa. I recently bought some magic from a retiring magician but he has mislaid the instructions. I know the basic story for Hippity, Hoppity Rabbit, but would like to get a manuscript on the original workings. Another question is: - I have a die box, with the four doors. This was bought some thirty years ago, again from an estate and with it came a few odds and ends. One of the pieces that I have put in a cupboard but never found use for it was a wooden rectangular box, made from the same material as the die box. Having a discussion with another magician he seems to think that this “tube” is part of the die box routine! Could this be true? I have never seen any other entertainer use this die box, and again I did not get instructions with it when I bought it. Can anyone help? They can e-mail me at joeco@icon.co.za ----------------- 9. Unusual Magic Auction On eBay ----------------- Message from Amos Levkovitch Today started an unusual Magic Auction on eBay. I think it will be of high interest for your readers. Greg Wilson (son of Mark and Nani Wilson.) is offering a unique line of original and classic Illusions that is worth checking out. The link is: http://cgi6.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=olivanders&include=0&since=-1&sort=3&rows=50 Audio Postcard, turn up your speakers, and click on this link: http://members.audiogenerator.com/postcards/?3667152 ----------------- 10. 13th International Magic Festival, MAGICVALONGO 2004 ----------------- Message from Jahn Gallo & Gun Portugal September 23-26, 2004 The 13th international magic festival, MAGICVALONGO 2004, takes place in Portugal from September 23rd to 26th. Set to appear are Michael Ammar, David Ginn, John Carney, Jan Gallo & Gun, Norbert Ferré, Le Royer, Jean Regil, Alexandra & Dominique Duvivier, Tiphaine and Valérie. Events include lectures, workshops, a magic fair, stage and close-up contests, Best Close-up Show, International Magic Stage Show and banquette http://hem.bredband.net/gallo/index.html Gun and I will present our stage act, give a lecture and a workshop at the convention - We will also have a very good time... and so will you if you decide to come along to wonderful Portugal. ----------------- 11. MAGIC Live! ----------------- Message from Stan Allen (US) Things are getting pretty busy here at MAGIC Live! Headquarters. Registrations are selling over 25% ahead of our 2001 "unconventional convention," and our list of performers, presenters, and lecturers gets more amazing each day! Here's the latest: 1. Early-Bird Registration Ending 2. Another Drawing For Free Las Vegas Show Tickets 3. What's Happening At Magic Live! 4. Why Live! Is This Summer's Best Bargain 5. Register With No Risk 1. Early-Bird Registration Ending June 15th is the last day to take advantage of the Special Early-Bird registration price of only $265. After Tuesday night at midnight, the full registration price goes back to $285. Go to: www.magicmagazine.com/live or call: (702) 798-0099, ext. 190 If you can only attend one magic convention this summer... THIS IS THE ONE! 2. Another Drawing For Free Las Vegas Show Tickets On the 13th of every month we have a drawing for free tickets to Las Vegas magic shows. For June, we're holding that drawing until after the 15th Early-Bird deadline. So there's still time to get your name in the hopper and be eligible for free tickets to: Lance Burton: Master Magician (Monte Carlo) The World's Greatest Magic Show (Greek Isles) Showgirls of Magic (San Remo) V, The Ultimate Variety Show (Aladdin) Don't miss out on this chance to win free tickets. All you have to do is register by midnight, June 15th, and you're in the running. 3. What's Happening At Magic Live! We sincerely believe that mystery and surprise is a big part of magic, and a big part of this unique event. So, we will not be announcing who's booked at MAGIC Live! in any of our advertising. However, we will tell you this... We have over 30 presenters and lecturers taking part in the three full days of teaching sessions. Accompanying lecture notes from these sessions will be given away free to registrants, along with a silk-screened three-ring binder to "hold" your entire Live! experience. Special lunch-time breakout sessions will bring our presenters up-close-and-personal for your questions and comments. We're creating two of the what just might be the best stage shows you've ever seen, both held in the beautiful Orleans Showroom. Tuesday night will be the unveiling of our "Close-up Experience," a totally new approach to presenting close-up magic at a convention. Plus opening and closing parties, an extensive Advertisers' Fair, name badges with your photograph on the cover of MAGIC magazine, daily prizes and giveaways, and a lot more surprises! 4. Why Live! Is This Summer's Best Bargain Although registration for MAGIC Live! is a bit more than the other magic conventions this summer, our special room rate at The Orleans is a quite a money-saver. Here's how it breaks down: Our Early-Bird Special registration is $265, and four nights at The Orleans will run you an additional $196 ($49 per night). Total cost of registration and hotel: $441. And only $363 if you share a room! That is truly an amazing deal for a four-day magical experience like no other. And, compared to the combined registration and room rate of other major conventions (and don't forget the free lecture notes), MAGIC Live! is the bargain of the summer! 5. Register With No Risk Your registration to MAGIC Live! is fully refundable up until July 22nd. That's over five weeks from now to finalize your plan. If, for some reason, you can't make it, simply let us know before July 22nd, and we will refund your registration... in full. So, the only risk you could take would be not to register and not be able to attend a sold-out event. Go to: www.magicmagazine.com/live or call: (702) 798-0099, ext. 110 If you can only attend one magic convention this summer... THIS IS THE ONE! ----------------- 12. Terry Seabrooke’s Magical Adventures ----------------- Message from Terry Seabrooke Just a note to tellI inn June I shall be touring in the Sir Norman Wisdom Show....Norman is still one of the most loved Brit entertainers. Many dates in many towns in midlands and south. Further tour in October. Also small tour with guitar legend Bert Weedon in the autumn. working Working one of the great conventions in August...Abbotts in Colon, Michigan. Hope to see some of you there. Have a good summer. Seabrooke the almost great!!!!!!!! ----------------- 13. Rocco's Flying Eagles With A Twist - Jamie-G ----------------- Message from Jamie-G (Canada) Rocco's Flying Eagles With A Twist-BY:JAMIE-G History: This awesome coin effect was taught to Rocco by the great Tony Slydini. I have added on to this effect some thing that will add a new zest to this effect. ( Even without what I have added it is still a great effect as a stand alone.) I have forwarded this effect to Rocco himself just in case anyone wanted to know. Rocco is one of my all time greatest magicians and plus from talking to him he seems to be a great person I only hope to be lucky enough to meet him in person one day. Effect: This effect is done with six coins. You put three coins in your right hand and the other three in your left hand. One coin from the left hand jumps magically to the right hand. Do the cross over until all six coins are now in your right hand. At the end of the routine the magician gets a spectator to blow on one of the coins and then hold out his hand. The magician then melts the coin visibly and physically leaving little chards of metal in the spectators hand as proof. Method: The method that I use is the one ahead principal. With one coin held in the classic palm each time. Also before you do the effect one coin is gimmicked with my magic foil system. Patter: As you are doing the coin routines you use 50 cent pieces. The reasoning for this is because of the Eagle on the back. After each time the coin flies into the opposite hand you tell your spectator that the Eagle flew over. My addition to this is that at the end of the routine the Eagle didn't want to spread his wings and fly he wanted to shed his wings. Note: Please remember that this is solely Rocco's coin effect I'm just adding a bit of spice to it. When I was telling Rocco about this effect he seemed to like it so I’m giving to you member's of Ring 2100. I hope that what I have added there will not only make this effect a little bit better but also playing a small part of being involved in a effect that Rocco is in is a great honour. Hope you guy's like this effect give it a try ----------------- 14. MacHeath's Back In Town ----------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) The following is a full-deck card story which I ran in my Showtime column in the Linking Ring magazine a year or so ago. I was reminded of it by the great piece about "Bimbo" by Capt. Bill James in this e-zine (also a full deck story). So now you have a choice of two! By Peter Marucci (With some assistance by Kurt Weill, Bobby Darin, etc. LOL!) "Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear "And it shows them pearly white "Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe "And he keeps it, ah, out of sight "Y'know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe "Scarlet billows start to spread "Fancy gloves, oh, wears old MacHeath, babe "So there's never, never a trace of red." Those are the opening lyrics to Mack the Knife, sung by Bobby Darin, whose rendition of it is probably the best-known - but certainly not the only - version. It has been done by Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and even the Grateful Dead took a shot at it once. The song is from The Three-Penny Opera, by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, which is based on the 18th century writer John Gay's The Beggar's Opera. Okay, enough of the music-appreciation stuff; how about the magic? Well, all right. The following is based on Mack the Knife, words by Peter Marucci and music by - well, nobody, since there isn't any. MacHeath's Back in Town By Peter Marucci Effect: A card stab - and finally one with a story! Presentation and Working: With the song Mack the Knife playing in the background, the magician takes out a deck of cards and a business card, which has his business information on one side and a picture of a knife on the back. "One of the most popular songs of all time is Mack the Knife, relating the story of a dangerous but supposedly charming rogue named MacHeath. "MacHeath was a murderer, a thief, a pimp, and a general, all-round low-life. But, if you could overlook those little flaws, he was a really nice guy! "MacHeath's weapon of choice, when he was committing his felonies, was a knife; hence the title: Mack the Knife. "To spare the potential spilling of blood, I have a picture of a knife on the back of my business card. And, to further spare the spilling of blood, the "victim" this time will be a card from this deck." The magus takes out a deck of cards, has one chosen, and returned to the deck. The deck is then shuffled and the card is controlled to the top. To the spectator who chose the card: "I would ask you to take this business card and put it partly in the deck, anywhere that you choose." When she does so, you now have a deck of cards with your business card sticking about halfway out, with the business information up, and the knife underneath. "Remember that I was talking about Mack the Knife earlier, and so we should have a knife." (The following is a bit complicated to read, but very easy to do; so follow along with cards in hand.) Fan the deck and break the cards above the business card. With the right thumb on the back of the top card of the deck and the right fingers underneath, touching the face of the card above the business card, turn the right hand over, so that the cards in that hand are now face up, the right fingers are on the face of the card which is now facing up and the thumb in is on the back of the (former) top card, which is now on the bottom of the right-hand stack. The right hand moves over the business card, the end of which is slipped between the right thumb and the cards. Turn the right hand over, so that the right fingers are again on the bottom of the stack, touching the face of the card there, and the thumb is again on top, but this time has the business card clipped between it and the deck. The back of the business card will now be showing, revealing the knife. Place the stack of cards in the left hand on top of the right-hand cards, leaving the business card protruding from the deck about halfway. As well as turning over the business card, you have switched the two halves of the deck; the business card is now directly above the chosen card, which was formerly the top card of the deck. The knife, or part of it, should be showing. This only takes about a second so you carry on from your comment, ""Remember that I was talking about Mack the Knife earlier, and so we should have a knife." "Let's recap as a reminder of exactly what we did. "You chose a card, remembered it and put it back in the deck. "I shuffled the deck. "Then you put this business card into the deck at a place of your own choosing; you could have put the card anywhere in the deck, but you chose this particular spot," you say, pointing to the business card, sticking out of the deck. Place the deck on the table and step back or sit back. "Remember, you chose the card, you returned the card, you chose where the business card would go. So, in that case, I might as well let you continue to do all the work and I'll just sit back and not touch the cards again. "Would you please remove all the cards above the business card/knife." When she does so, you continue, "Now, would you remove the knife - or, rather, picture of a knife on that card; please keep the card as a souvenir. "Now, for the first time, please tell us the name of your card." When she does so, ask her to turn over the top card on the half of the deck sitting in front of her - but first, repeat that she chose where the business card would go and remind her that she, and not you, is the one handling the cards. She turns over the top card on the half of the deck in front of her and it is, naturally, the card she selected. "It appears that Mack the Knife has struck again." Second thoughts: The historical information, about Brecht, Weill, and Gay, is accurate. You may want to add to it, but not too much; remember, you are supposed to be entertaining the audience, not giving them a lecture. The turnover move has been around for a long time; I remember first coming across it in a Paul Harris book about 30 or more years ago. But I had never found a use for it until now. If you try this, you may be tempted to use a real knife. Don't. First of all, it will be too heavy and awkward to do the turnover move properly; secondly, you don't want to be flashing a knife around in front of your audience these days! (You could get shot!) Otherwise, enjoy this; I'm sure your audience will. Peter Marucci 270 St. Andrew St. East Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 1R1 e-mail: showtimecol@aol.com ------------------ 15. 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) ------------------- 16. Subscription Management ------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or individuals. 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