Magic New Zealand® E-zine

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New Zealand)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1528
Date: Sunday 21st July 2019
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================

1. Editor's Message
2. I.B.M. 2019 Convention Competition Award Winners
3. FISM North America Website Is Fully Operational
4. D-Day Magician Mark Raffles Retires At 97
5. The Richard Webster Seminar In Berlin
6. Away We Go - John Carey #50
7. European Magic History Conference 2019
8. 2019 Summit Magicians
9. Question Re The Late Magician Peter Tappan
10. Save On I.B.M. Early Registration For Pittsburgh 2020
11. FISM Quebec 2021
12. American Magician And Entertainer Rob Zabrecky
13. Masters Of Illusion Returns For Week Six
14. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
15. E-zine Archives
16. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

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

EDITOR'S NOTICE: Please note next week Sunday July 28 will be the last publication of Magic New Zealand ezine, as Michele will be on holiday in the U.S. The newsletter will RESUME on our return Sunday September 1st.

If you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in HTML format
go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2019-Jan-to-Dec-2019/1528-Jul21-2019.html

If you would like to write a regular column for Magic New Zealand or
have some magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com

-------------------------------
2. I.B.M. 2019 Convention Competition Award Winners
------------------------------------

Youth Close-up:
Award of Merit - London Jones
1st Place - Geno Ploeger

Youth Stage:
Award of Merit - James Irwin
1st Place - Colin Eleazer

Adult Close-Up:
Award of Merit - Emmanuel Sutter
1st Place - Josep Vidal

People's Choice - Josep Vidal

Adult stage:
Award of Merit - Elliott Hunter
1st Place - Masayo Sato

People's Choice - Masayo Sato

-----------------------------------
3. FISM North America Website Is Fully Operational
------------------------------------
Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)

The FISM North America website is fully operational, and new items will be added as they become available. https://www.fismna2020.com/?lang=en

Register early in order to get a good seat at the gala shows.

At the time of registration, you can indicate your interest in competing. The categories within stage and close up are:
Close Up: cards, micro and parlour
Stage: mentalism, illusion, manipulation, comedy and general.

The category of invention can be in either stage or close up.

-------------------------------------------
4. D-Day Magician Mark Raffles Retires At 97
-------------------------------------------
BBC News

While a severe stammer was to prevent him joining the Army at the onset of World War Two, it did not stop him following in his family's footsteps from the age of 16 with a silent magic show.
He helped build air-raid shelters during the Blitz though when his talent was spotted, he was recruited to the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA).
For the next three years, Raffles entertained troops including Allied forces after D-Day in 1944, receiving the Veterans Badge for his wartime service.

Raffles recalled: "At an RAF base we were invited to chalk our signature, messages or cartoons to Mr Hitler (on bombs) and we did it with gusto.

"Later that night, some members of our audience had to deliver those bombs and I couldn't help but think, had we delivered the last bit of laughter and glamour some of those airmen would ever see? It certainly made you work hard to please."

During this time, he had developed what would become his celebrated "pickpocket act'", under the stage name of Ray St Clair, where he would return items to the stunned audience.

He had three children with his wife Joan, who all followed him into showbiz, and became a regular on TV screens during the 1960s, 70s and 80s, including popular game shows such as 3-2-1.
A life member of the Inner Magic Circle with a gold star, he is also both a past president of The International Brotherhood of Magicians and a life member and past president of the Blackpool Magicians Club.

Now he is set to enjoy his retirement at Queen Elizabeth Court in Llandudno.

Gary Carr, of RMBI Care Company, said: "Mark has brought more than a touch of magic to our home. His immense wartime contribution keeping up the spirits of our troops is humbling and it's a privilege for us to care for him."

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-48992674

-------------------------------------------
5. The Richard Webster Seminar In Berlin
-------------------------------------------
Message by John Reeves:

The Richard Webster seminar in Berlin last October was a huge success, and we're thrilled to announce he'll be back in Berlin again this October 2019 with a brand-new two-day masterclass in psychic entertainment called Psychic Entertainment for Fun and Profit.

Full information can be found at https://richardwebsterberlin.wordpress.com/

-------------------------------------------
6. Away We Go - John Carey #50
-------------------------------------------
Message by John Carey (UK)
https://carey-scene.com/jc-main

Tom Dobrowolski Effect

A no-fuss and direct handling for cards across.

Performance

Have three cards selected and controlled to the bottom. I like to have three cards touched one at a time (preferably by three different spectators). As each card is touched up-jog the selection and allow the spectator to memorize it. After the cards are memorized I perform a Neal Elias multiple shift.

At this point act as if you had forgotten that you need ten cards separated from the deck. Ask a spectator to go ahead and deal ten cards from the top of the deck to the table.

Take the deck back and obtain a break above the three selections on the bottom of the deck and take them into left hand Gambler's cop position.

Ask your audience if there is anyone especially proficient at shuffling cards. Take the deck from above with the right hand and give it to the shuffling volunteer and allow your left hand to drop to your side.

Immediately when they begin to shuffle pick up the tabled cards, turn them faceup, and add them on top of the copped selections.

Turn to another spectator ask him to assist by checking the cards.

You have plenty of motivation to have the cards recounted and observed to make sure the selections are not there.

Hand the packet to the spectator and instruct them to count the cards one at time, turning them face-down and adding them to the bottom of the packet (the classic Paul Harris Las Vegas Leaper count). Instruct the spectators who made the selections to observe the cards in the packet.
This allows them to count each card individually and verify that the selections are not amongst them.

Instruct the spectator with the packet to hold it face-up between his palms.

Take the deck back from the shuffler and ribbon spread it so that the faces are towards the audience.

"So if your cards aren't in those 10 cards they must still be here, right?"

Nod in confirmation as you deliver this line. This will encourage the selectors to nod in agreement. They are really affirming a set of propositions and a conclusion based on those propositions, but the rest of the audience will interpret this as the spectators confirming that they can see their cards still in the deck.

What remains is to perform the magical transference. I leave this to your own preference.

Whether you want to invisibly remove and toss cards one at a time or any other such ruse, it is all good.

"So if I have done what I claimed to do and transferred three cards invisibly to your packet how many cards should you have now?"

"13." (They should say if their math is acceptable.)

Instruct the spectator holding the packet to count the cards out loud, face-up on to the table. Stop them when they reach 10. Ask them how many they have left.

The spectator will respond "three."

Remark, "10+ 3 makes..." they should respond 13. "But it wouldn't be a miracle unless those three cards are the selection."

Have each spectator who made a selection name their card one at a time. As the cards are named instruct the spectator holding the cards to turn the relevant card around, revealing it to all.

-------------------------------------------
7. European Magic History Conference 2019
-------------------------------------------
Message by Magic Christian

August 22nd-25th 2019

Reminder: Don't forget, there is a limitation in spots only 10 places left.

Concerning the 8th European Magic History Conference, August 22nd-25th 2019, I would like to remind you in case you did not register already.

There is a limit of 100 participants, and we have a group of around 90 now. There are only 10 spots open.

The official homepage is https://emhc2019.com/ and you can read the program and the speakers as well as the topics.

under https://www.facebook.com/Emhc2019-560123187774830/ we are on Facebook as well.

The hotel in which this special conference will take place is a wonderful **** (4) star hotel and the oldest in Vienna, founded in 1600! 419 years there was always a boarding house or hotel on this spot of Taborstraße 12, in the second district. Of course, it has been rebuilt to the standards of today.

The registration for late entrees is 280 € from July 1st. A Welcome Dinner in Marchfelderhof - https://www.marchfelderhof.at/ and a reception in the City Hall with the Mayor are included. Visit Vienna, so most attractive City to live in of the world - elected in the last ten years. Enjoy its charming way of living, Viennese food and pastries and wonderful wines.

Please book the hotel on time and mention in Hotel Stefanie or the City Hotel that you will take part in the Magic Conference. Maybe they will give you still a discount of 15%.

Please spread the news among your friends.
With best regard, magically
Magic Christian

-----------------------------------
8. 2019 Summit Magicians
------------------------------------
Message by Lee Asher (US)

If you haven't heard, I'll be one of the headliners at this year's Conjuror Community Summit. These days, it's a rare occasion for me to attend a magic convention. But how could I say no? Look at this terrific line-up!

Other 2019 Summit Magicians:
- Jim Steinmeyer
- Nathan Kranzo
- Jason Dean
- Steve Barcellona
- Alexander Slemmer
- Johnathan Levit
- Aaron Fisher & Adam Grace

There's no doubt, we're bound to have an incredible experience together. I hope you'll join us. All weekend long, my plan is to help elevate and encourage you. Even if you only want to talk magic, playing cards or life - I'll be right there.

Take advantage of this special occasion with me.

--------------------------------------------
9. Question Re The Late Magician Peter Tappan
--------------------------------------------
Message by Walter Blaney (US)

Would you remember a magician named Peter Tappan? He was a good friend in magic, who died in 2007. He was known for a foot square Floating Cube. It rose off his roll-on table top, floated up into the air, like twenty feet or so, moved around the theater under his control, then flew back to the table top. He appeared at various magic conventions through the years, where we often shared a hotel room together. A good close-up magician, very inventive, and a great guy.

I'm trying to remember the name for one of his specialty tricks.... "Peter Tappen and his Floating Silver Cube", or Quicksilver Cube. It fooled most who saw it... and had a most clever method. Would anyone know of a magic magazine story on Peter, and/or his trick? or maybe even a video link to his performance?

My thanks for any info you may have.

walter@walterblaney.com

-------------------------------------------
10. Save On I.B.M. Early Registration For Pittsburgh 2020
-------------------------------------------
Time is Running Out for I.B.M. 2020 Pittsburgh Registration Savings!

As we bask in the afterglow of the recent success of what many are calling the best I.B.M. Convention ever, we are ramping up to make it even bigger and better with 20/20 vision for July 8-11, 2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!

In order to make it more affordable for you, we are extending our Early Registration price of only $239 until AUGUST 15th, 2019. After that time, the price will increase to $299.
Register to get your $60 savings NOW by Going to:

https://click.mlsend.com/link/c/YT0xMjAyNDA4NzA2NDYxOTI3MT
g1JmM9czNmOCZlPTkwNTkxMDgmYj0yNjQyMzcxNDgmZD15M
GozZjVi.Fopeyd0U2UXES29ap0MxmrCurH8iKN7ZNgK-jpLMlUo

--------------------------------------------
11. FISM Quebec 2021
--------------------------------------------
Notice to those who want to sign up for the FISM, in Quebec City, in 2021.

Prices will increase on AUGUST 1st, 2019.

www.fismquebec2021.com

--------------------------------------------
12. American Magician And Entertainer Rob Zabrecky
--------------------------------------------
Message by Rob Zabrecky (USA)

American magician and entertainer Rob Zabrecky has written a memoir, Strange Cures (RothCo Press), about his unusual childhood, life in music in beginnings in magic:

Strange Cures is a turbulent, against-all-odds memoir of self-discovery, success, failure, and reinvention, told by one of LA's most interesting natives. With an unflinching gaze, musician/magician/actor Zabrecky recounts his bizarre coming-of-age tale and his quest to find a place in the arts - and the world. The author reveals a young life filled with both physical miracles and subversive role models, including an uncle who impersonated an FBI agent and, in a drunken delusion, shot and nearly killed him.

He takes readers on a roller coaster ride through the nascent days of Silver Lake's music and art community, as seen through the lens of his critically acclaimed band, Possum Dixon. We explore the left-of-center landscape of Jabberjaw, LA's independent coffeehouse which featured the early talents of Nirvana and Beck; Zabrecky's own struggles with drug addiction, love, and recovery; and finally, his re-emergence as a magician venturing into the sacred world of Hollywood's Magic Castle.

Strange Cures is a trip through the thrilling and hazardous landscape of Southern California at the close of last century. His story is a revelatory look inside the Los Angeles underground music world of the early 90s - as seen through the alleys and doorways from a key insider.

About Rob Zabrecky:

There's simply no other entertainer like Rob Zabrecky. Through a wide range of artistic work that spans acting, magic, and music, Rob Zabrecky has established himself globally as an original entertainer.

In film, he's best known for his roles in A Ghost Story, Lost River, and Decay. In television he's appeared in guest and co-star roles in Lady Dynamite, GLOW, Comedy Bang! Bang! and many others. Currently, he's a reoccurring co-star on the CBS biopic series, Strange Angel, based on the life of rocket scientist Jack Parsons.

As a magician, he has invented a magical world through a series of strange and beautiful effects which he combines with remarkable timing and sensational theatrical edifice. His absurdist and deadpan humor have delighted audiences from Tokyo to New York City. Recognized for his efforts, he has received six awards by the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle.
Zabrecky's career began as a musician while being the singer- songwriter and bassist for the Los Angeles group Possum Dixon, who released three albums on Interscope Records during the 1990s.

Praise for Strange Cures:

Zabrecky's memoirs are surprising, addictive, terrifying, magical. He careens through childhood, rock and roll, and popular entertainment by driving on the shoulder, passing on the right, and then playing bumper cars with the cold, hard truth. You're in for a fantastic ride.

- Jim Steinmeyer, President of the Magic Castle, author, inventor Zabrecky is one of the most extraordinary people I know. The thought of his memoir makes one of my nipples tingle.

-Derren Brown, mentalist, illusionist, and author

Zabrecky's eccentricity is the result of a fearlessly lived and delightfully examined life. Strange Cures combines magic and music, knowledge and innocence, humor and pathos into a singular and unique narrative. His story is a weird and worthy subject. As is he.

-Jason Alexander, actor, comedian, director

Zabrecky has always been one of my favorite artists. Strange Cures reveals the twisted origins of his creativity and brilliance. I loved him before I read this book. I love him even more now.

-Derek DelGaudio, magician, performance artist

I shouldn't have been surprised that one of the greatest performers and most interesting people I've ever known would have lived one of the most amazing and harrowing lives I've ever read about. If the fates smile on Zabrecky, the memoir about the next phase of his life won't be nearly as fun a read.

-John Lovick, author, magician

Zabrecky is the real deal - a true artiste who wears his remarkable talents and turbulent troubles with an unforgettable ghostly-face. Do yourself a favour, eschew the vanilla, and read this fearless, hysterical, and remarkable work.

-Andy Nyman, actor, writer, director, and magician

Rob Z's stoic stage persona and mastery of the pregnant pause begs the question; what machinery turns behind that penetrating gaze, what is the engine of Zabrecky's singular, intoxicating charisma? The answer is revealed within the pages of Strange Cures. Compelling, endlessly entertaining, and like the author himself, a sepia photograph you just can't stop looking at.

-Derek Hughes, magician

Rob Zabrecky's memoir 'Strange Cures' is an ode to a forgotten L.A.

-------------------------------------
13. Masters Of Illusion Returns For Week Six
-------------------------------------
Message by Steve Moyer (US)

Masters of Illusion returns for week six of sixth anniversary season on The CW Network

Hosted by Dean Cain, The series returns Friday, July 19th with an orignal 30-minute episode airing at 8/7C

Hollywood, CA (July 12, 2019) - Masters of Illusion, produced by Associated Television International and hosted by Dean Cain, will return for Week Six of their sixth anniversary season on The CW with an original 30-minute episode airing on Friday, July 19, 2019 at 8:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. Central. Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by 40 cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers.

This week's episode will include:
"Masters of Illusion" - (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET)
"Floating Fire, Quick Hands and One Spidey" (TV-PG) (HDTV)
Your Friendly Neighborhood Magician - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Tetro (Dancing Torches), Anna DeGuzman (Ring Flights), Eric Jones (Cut The Magic), Joshua Jay (Socks), Tommy Wind (Mona Lisa), Spidey (Phobia Deck) and Ed Alonzo (Jumbo Cards). (#606). Original airdate 7/19/19.

To view performance highlights of this episode, please visit: https://vimeo.com/345508629/5c53086e53

Please note, the television show, Masters of Illusion will be preempted on Friday, July 19, 2019 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. in several U.S. cities due to sporting events. As a result, Masters of Illusion will be broadcast instead in New York, NY on WPIX on Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.; in Phoenix, AZ on KASW on Friday, July 19, 2019 from 9:30 - 11:30 p.m.; in Sacramento, CA on KMAX on Saturday, July 20, 2019 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m.; in Harrisburg, PA on WHP-D3 on Friday, July 19, 2019 from 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.; in Albany, NY on WCWN on Friday, July 19, 2019 from 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. and in Rochester, NY on WHAM-D2 on Friday, July 19, 2019 from 10:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Dean Cain, host of Masters of Illusion, is an actor, producer and writer. Cain also appears in the hit CW series, "Supergirl," in which he plays the role of Supergirl's adoptive father, Jeremiah Danvers. Later this year, in October 2019, Cain will serve as Co-Chair, along with Montel Williams, of the Inaugural Impact Humanity Television and Film Festival in Yerevan, Armenia. Dean Cain has also collaborated with Montel Williams on several other projects, including, executive producing the upcoming documentary film, "Hate Among Us," also with Montel Williams, as well as the critically acclaimed documentary film, "Architects of Denial." Recent film credits as an actor include "Gosnell" and "Angry Men." His breakthrough performance as an actor was in the dual roles of Superman/Clark Kent in the television series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman."

The roster of award-winning magicians from around the world appearing in Season Five of Masters of Illusion is a virtual who's who in the field of magic.
Alexandra Duvivier (Paris, France) https://www.alexandraduvivier.com/, https://www.facebook.com/alexandra.duvivier.1
Andi Gladwin (Gloucester, UK) www.illusionist.co.uk, .@WhoIsAndi
Anna DeGuzman (Hollywood, CA) Instagram: .@annadeguzman, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsAnnaD/
Bill Cook (Chicago, IL) www.billcookmagic.com, .@billcookmagic
Billy Kidd (London, UK) www.billykiddshow.com, .@billykiddshow
Chipper Lowell (Fullerton, CA) www.chipperlowellexperience.com, .@chipperlowell
Chris Funk (The Wonderist) (Chilliwack, British Columbia) www.chrisfunkmagic.com, .@chrisfunkmagic, https://plus.google.com/+chrisfunkmagician-thewonderist
Chris Korn (Venice Beach, CA) www.chriskorn.com, .@kornkeezie
Dan Sperry (Las Vegas, CA) http://dansperry.com, Facebook: http://facebook.com/dansperryofficial, Instagram: http://instagram.com/dansperry
Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich (Las Vegas, NV) https://douglasleferovich.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DouglasLeftyLeferovich/, YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/douglasleferovich
Ed Alonzo (The Misfit of Magic) (Toluca Lake, CA) www.edalonzo.com, .@edalonzomagic
Eric Buss (Los Angeles, CA) https://ericbuss.com/, .@ericbuss
Eric Jones (Philadelphia, PA) www.ericjonesmagic.com, https://www.facebook.com/ericjonesprestidigitator
Francis Menotti (Philadelphia, PA) http://francismenotti.com/, https://www.facebook.com/francis.menotti
George Iglesias (Lima, Peru) www.MagoGeorge.com, .@MagoGeorgeOf
Greg Frewin (Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada) www.gregfrewintheatre.com, .@GF_Theatre
Greg Gleason (Las Vegas, NV) www.gleasonmagic.com, #GregGleason
Jarol Martin (Las Vegas, NV) https://www.facebook.com/jarolmagic/
Jarrett & Raja (Jarrett Parker and Raja Rahman from Las Vegas, NV) www.jarrettandraja.com, .@jarrettandraja
Jason Andrews (Las Vegas, NV) www.jasonandrewsmagic.com, Instagram: .@ImJasonAndrews, Facebook: https://facebook.com/ImJasonAndrews
Jeki Yoo (South Korea and North Hollywood, CA) www.jekiyoo.com, http://www.instgram.com/jekiyoo, http://www.facebook.com/jekiyoomagic
Jibrizy (Chicago, IL) www.jibrizy.com, .@jibrizy
Joel Meyers (Brooklyn, NY) www.meyersmagic.com, .@joelmeyersmagic
Jonathan Pendragon (Londonderry, Vermont) http://www.jonathanpendragon.com/, .@jpendragonmagic
Joseph Gabriel (Las Vegas, NV) www.gabrielmagic.com
Joshua Jay (New York, NY) www.joshuajay.com, .@joshuajaymagic
Miss Katalin (Las Vegas, NV) https://misskatalin.com, https://www.instagram.com/misskatalin/, https://www.facebook.com/missKatalin/, .@missKatalin, https://www.youtube.com/misskatalin
Matt Marcy (Los Angeles, CA) https://www.mattmarcy.com/
Michael Turco (Wayne, NJ) http://turcomagic.com/, .@michaelturco
Murray SawChuck (Las Vegas, NV) www.murraymagic.com, .@MurraySawChuck, www.facebook.com/MurrayFanPage
Naathan Phan (Las Vegas, NV and Orange, CA) www.magicasianman.com, .@naathanphan
Rick Smith Jr. (Cleveland, OH) https://www.facebook.com/RickSmithJrpage/, .@RickSmithJr1
Shaun Jay (Raleigh, NC) http://shaunjaymagic.com/, http://facebook.com/shaunjaymagicofficial, http://instagram.com/shaunjaymagic
Shoot Ogawa (Tokyo, Japan and Los Angeles, CA) http://www.holyshoot.com
Spidey (Montreal, Canada) www.spideymagic.com, .@spideyhypnosis
Steven Brundage (Las Vegas, NV) https://www.stevenbrundagemagic.com/, https://www.facebook.com/brundagemagic, .@brundagemagic, https://www.instagram.com/brundagemagic/
Tetro (Los Angeles, CA) https://tetromagic.com/, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tetromagic/, Twitter: https://twitter.com/tetro, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tetromagic/
The Evasons (Jeff and Tessa Evason) (Annapolis, MD) http://www.theevasons.com, https://www.facebook.com/TheEvasons,
https://twitter.com/TheEvasons, .@TheEvasons, https://www.instagram.com/mentalistduo/
Titou (Baptiste Molard) (Paris, France and Las Vegas, NV) http://titoumagic.com, https://www.facebook.com/TheMagicOfTitou, .@MagicianTitou, https://www.instgram.com/titoumagician/
Tommy Wind (Las Vegas, NV) www.tommywindmagic.com, .@tommywind

Masters of Illusion is produced by Associated Television International with returning Executive Producers David McKenzie ("The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards," "Marie"), Gay Blackstone ("The World Magic Awards" 2007-2009), David Martin ("The World Magic Awards" 2007-2009, "Marie"), and Al Schwartz ("The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards," "The Golden Globe Awards" 2013 and 2014), along with Co-Executive Producer Jim Romanovich ("From Rocky To Creed," "The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards").

Associated Television International (ATI) is an Emmy Award-winning company that has been the world's largest producer of magic for both stage and screen for over three decades. ATI's television series, specials and feature films have aired on all U.S. broadcast networks, major cable channels and with television partners all over the world. Current series in production include: "The Hollywood Christmas Parade," "Masters of Illusion," and the Emmy Award-nominated "Laura McKenzie's Traveler." ATI has also been Emmy Award-nominated for its various television specials and series. For more information, please visit www.associatedtelevision.com

To view a Sizzle Reel of Season Six of Masters of Illusion on The CW, please visit: https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/338343631/ac14f5fc12

To learn more about Masters of Illusion, please visit http://www.cwtv.com/shows/masters-of-illusion/
Network with us at:
https://www.facebook.com/cwmastersofillusion
https://twitter.com/cw_illusion
https://www.facebook.com/MastersofIllusion
https://twitter.com/Mastersofillus
@cw_illusion
#MastersOfIllusion

-------------------------------------
14. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
-------------------------------------
Written by the late Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)

There's a Magician/Hypnotist in town - Manurewa - the Later Years

I'm relating events in my life, from 1954 to ........ now, that's a little scary! Do you, like me, sometimes feel like it was only yesterday?

Word soon got around Manurewa, and I started performing at various Weddings, 21st's parties, etc. - as you do. Quite often, the local newspapers would report on 'so and so's' wedding, etc., with "and local young magician, Tommy Orchard, SON OF LOCAL POLICEMAN, performed magic at such and such an affair - and hypnotised a group of people and ----. etc". Always, it was "the SON OF JACK ORCHARD-----" One week, it would be a report of how "JACK ORCHARD ARRESTED LOCAL YOBBO" - the next, "Tommy Orchard, the son of ----" It was almost a challenge to see which of us would grab the next headlines.

BACKTRACK! While temporarily living in Papakura, I, like most magicians, got interest in Ventriloquism - learnt the art from the book 'Ventriloquism for Boys and Girls' - A Complete Set of Lessons in the Art of Voice Magic, written by Douglas Houlden, published 1958. Got a ' Vent' doll (it was made in Australia) from God knows where, and practised like mad. I remember riding my bicycle round the streets with 'Melvin' (that's what I called him), on the bar, yelling 'hello - how are you - goodbye' to all and sundry. That was fun. Hey - it wasn't me - it was the little fella - no, no, the other little fella - the wooden one!

I've also acquired (probably from the same source I got Melvin), three booklets all written by GEORGE TOLLERTON - New Zealand's most famous ventriloquist during the '40s. He became a house hold name with his radio show called, 'Chuckles with Jerry' (Jerry being his vent. Doll).
These booklets, titled respectively 'Chuckles with Jerry' pub. 1940 - 'Jerry Chuckles Again' pub. 1944, and, '; Chuckling Jerry's Micro-fun' pub. 1946, are full of scripts from the Radio shows, from which I put an act together, thus adding another string to my bow.

It was okay for a while - had some fun, earned a few 'pennies' but, not really my forte - besides, there was already a ventriloquist in Auckland at the time - the absolute best, and, still is, my friend Trevor Hodson - better known throughout the country as 'Jon Zealando' - he is
an immensely multi-talented magician/entertainer. In the early '60s another 'vent.' appeared briefly on the scene - Alan Cox - called himself 'Alleni'- got some good publicity for a short time, then 'disappeared' to Australia.

I've got a little ahead of myself. For the first year or two after returning to 'civilisation' I felt very much like a 'fish out of water', having gotten used to the country way of life, which I loved - since then, city life never has agreed with me - much rather be outside of city or town limits - spoilt, you see, by Raupunga, although THAT was pretty extreme!

Finished off my schooling at Papatoetoe High School (a town about 5 miles north of Manurewa), but didn't enjoy that too much, I was always getting 'stick' because I was a 'cop's' son - many of the pupils, like me, came from Manurewa, and my father wasn't too popular with the local lads - he 'spoiled all their fun'. The local Dairy (Milk Bar in the U.S.A. and Australia) was the 'hang-out' for everyone - it had THE JUKE-BOX - continuously pounding all the latest rock and roll hits of the day - the owner must have made a fortune. My father was always there, either trying to get the volume turned down, or breaking up squabbles/fights, or looking for some yobbo, (they all were as far as Dad was concerned). I wasn't allowed near the place, so that kind of put me on the outer - apart from the 'crime' of being a policeman's son.

Every time one of the 'lads' or their father got into strife with 'THE LAW' revenge could be had via THE LAW'S son! It took an awful lot of magic tricks and hypnotic 'stunts' to save my skin behind the bike-shed, - it's little things like that which my Dad knew nothing about, until now. Self-preservation played a large part in my becoming a 'better' entertainer and I very quickly learned how to talk my way into, and out of, most situations!

Events seemed to move very quickly in 1959/60/61. I shall expound further next issue. Have fun, everyone!

--------------------------------------------
15. E-zine Archives
---------------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e- zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button centre right "Archives"

When you enter the archive the e- zines are in issue order in folders for each year and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)

--------------------------------------------
16. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy.

You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E- zine at: www.magicnewzealand.com

Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.

The opinions and statements expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson QSM vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E- zine.

Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson QSM, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions or statements contained therein.

Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted.

Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e- zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted.

All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer.