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CLICK HERE FOR STORIES FROM LAST MONTH
CUFFED WITH NO KEY
(3/27/02)
Magician Frank Stevenson of "The Wallies" recently witnessed his son's
embarassment after locking himself in a pair of trick handcuffs. Robert
had seen his father free himself from the cuffs dozens of times and
thought it would be a hoot to show his friends. Unfortunately, he didn't
know the secret and locked himself in the restraints only to discover
that his father did not have a key. Fortunately, the fire department
did... a bolt cutter.
— CLICK HERE to read an article from the Nottingham Post.
— Click Here to read an article on the Derbyshire Evening News.
NUTRITION MAGICIAN
(3/27/02)
Max Howard "The Nutrition Magician" recently staged a presentation of
his nutrition themed magic show at Lost River Elementary school. For
example, "Later in his act, Howard took out a bag of lollipops, showing
the kids the candy purple, red, green, and his favorite, orange. 'My
friends,' he warned, 'this is a bag of trouble.' Then he tapped a
toothbrush, which he called a magic wand, against the bag and made the
lollipops disappear. "
— CLICK HERE to read an article from the Bowling Green Daily News.
MORE MONSTER IN A BOX
(3/25/02)
As we mentioned in our March 14 update, the March issue of Wired
Magazine provides an in depth study on Artificial Intelligence. Among
the articles on the topic is an excerpt from "The Turk: The Life and
Times of the Famous 18th Century Chess Playing Machine" a new book by
Tom Standage. You can now read the article on-line which begins by
introducing us to the challenge given to Wolfgang von Kempelen by
Emperess Maria Teresa of Austria Hungary which resulted in one of the
few illusions whose method remains shrouded in secrecy even to this day,
"The Turk."
— CLICK HERE to purchase the book "The Turk" for 30% off.
— Click Here to read the Wired Magazine article on-line.
MAGIC ON THE STREETS
(3/25/02)
The Jersey City Chronicle profiles street magician Yhovany Delossantos
in an article entitled "Young magician performs tricks on Jersey City
streets" in which he discusses being inspired by David Blaine. he has
even learned to levitiate. "Delossantos gets a big kick from frightening
people with his tricks. After learning the secret to levitation, he
prepared to shock his girlfriend. The two were sitting on a stoop one
evening when Delossantos stood up, walked a few feet away and, without
giving any warning, started to rise above the ground. She started
screaming, he said."
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
THE MAGIC OF BOOKS
(3/25/02)
Well, it's that time of year again. Summer...and libraries all over the
country are kicking off their summer reading programs, many of which
feature magicians. An article in The Citizen tells of the recent
conference of librarians in New Hampshire where magician Phil Spitz
performed. Attendees were looking for deas to "jazz up" their summer
reading programs.
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY
(3/25/02)
The New York Times reminds us that yesterday was the Birthday
of legendary magician and escapologist Harry Houdini. Born on March 24th, 1874
as Eric Weiss, Houdini is remembered in the article which also
reprints his obituary from November 1, 1926.
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
AND THE GOLD GOES TO...
(3/22/02)
..Allen Merrell ! Fromk the BBC we learn tha the British Magical Society
has awarded one of its most coveted awards to Magician Allen Marrell.
Their "Gold Medal" for magic has been awarded only four times within the
last 97 years. Allen comments on the honor by saying, "The public shows
its appreciation by applauding, but you've reached the pinnacle if you
get a gold medal from fellow magicians."
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
REAL MAGIC
(3/22/02)
A recent issue of the Berkley Satellite took "The Magic of Realism" as
it's theme and included several articles related to the art of magic.
The first such piece is entitled "Magic and Mockeries" and the editor
makes the statement, "The allure of magic lies in the direct conflict
between what we see (or what we want to see) and what we understand as
truth or reality. Magic as entertainment is remarkable as a terrain in
which we are consciously aware of, even celebratory of this conflict.
But our cognizance of this clash of seeing and believing can also serve
as a general warning about coming to conclusions simply because our
senses push us in a particular direction." The second, "Presto Chango,"
discusses the culinary lives of eight magic notables. The third,
"Interview With a Real Live Magician" gives us a look injto the life of
magician Roy Porfido in which Roy recommends that young magicians,
"attend a magic conference such as the 100-year anniversary shindig
planned for July by SAM, the Society of American Magicians
(http://www.magicsam.com). SAM is the oldest magicians' society and
boasts the late Harry Houdini and David Copperfield as members. The
International Brotherhood of Magicians, or IBM (www.learnmagic.com), is
the largest union of Magicians, while locally the Oakland Magic Circle
(www.geocities.com/shadowmanmagic/) hosts monthly magical get togethers
where local magicians talk shop and compare tricks."
CLICK HERE to read Magic and Mockeries.
CLICK HERE to read Presto Chango.
CLICK HERE to read Interview With A Real Live Magician.".
SMOKIN ACES
(3/21/02)
In an article published by Variety we lear of a new movie project to be
produced and directed by Narc's Joe Carnahan with a working title of "Smokin' Aces."
The film is described as "an ensemble action comedy dealing with the disappearance of
a semi-famous Las Vegas magician."
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
MAGIC ENTHUSIAST
(3/21/02)
Sixteen year old magician Corey Vermillion is the focus of an article
appearing in the South Bend Tribune under the title, "Enthusiasm won't
disappear ; Magician liked stage from early age." In the piece, Corey
says, "I am having a great time," he said. "I love to perform; I love
kids and grown-ups are fun to watch when I do a neat trick."
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
MAGICIAN SALUTED
(3/21/02)
From an article appearing in the Las Vegas Review Journal we learn that Lance Burton
will be the subject of the next Second City Celebrity Salute. The ceremony is scheduled
to take place one Sunday March 31 at the Flamingo.
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
MAGIC IN NEW YORK
(3/20/02)
As first reported on the 16th, magician Jim Merrills and his daughter
Sara recently made a trip to NYC where they performed for area
children. Merrils, known for performing an anti-drun and anti-violence
themed show, decided to take his show on the road after learning that
area budget cuts had limited such activities in the schols. Merrills is
the regional director of Community Crusade Against Drugs, which
publishes Listen and Winner magazines. He is also the owner of
Experience the Magic, which provides three different life-skill programs
to elementary, middle and high schools.
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
CLICK HERE to visit Jim Merrills online.
PASSION FOR MAGIC
(3/20/02)
Society of American Magicians President Warren Kaps is profiled in an
article appearing in the Bergen Record which details his career as an
atorney and magician. The piece begins by relating a story of his use of
magic in the courtroom. "In one case that turned on a witness's
recollection of a car accident, the Hackensack lawyer showed a picture
of a red car. 'Then I made a magical pass over the car and it turned
green. The mind can play tricks on you.' " Prior to becoming President
of SAM, Kaps served as legal counsel for the organizaton. "When
magicians get together, they just want to have a good time," Kaps said,
"Magic is the type of hobby that doesn't have financial, race, or color
lines."
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
SPOOKY HOUSE
(3/20/02)
Ben Kingsley and Mercedes Ruehl are the stars of "Spooky House," a
family movie that begins a limited release run on April 19 in the
Southwest. "Kingsley plays a renowned magician who, after his wife
mysteriously vanishes during a performance, grows embittered and
reclusive until he is befriended by a group of neighborhood children. It
marks the debut release of Entertainment Highway. The picture had its
world premiere at the Chicago Intl. Children's Film Festival, where it
won the best of fest award and the children's jury award. "
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
BEST OF VEGAS
(3/20/02)
Lance Burton recently performed at the Best of Las Vegas award ceremony and was later presented
with the Best Magician award. The magician teamed with singer Clint Holmes for a comic illusion.
The cermony was held at Mandalay Bay's Storm Theatre.
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
CONJURING TIME
(3/19/02)
Sean Masterson's presentation "Conjuring Time" is reviewed in an article
from the Chicago Metromix. Performing in the intimate Live Bait theater,
Masterson is recommended by the reviewer who says, "Given the banter and
references to Houdini, Masterson's "Conjuring Time" slightly recalls the
appearance at the Steppenwolf Theatre of the chatty cardsharp Ricky Jay.
Jay's skills and intellectualizing go far deeper, but he's intimidating
rather than warm. Masterson is far more traditional and eager to please."
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
MURRAY'S NEW GIG
(3/18/02)
Murray Sawchuk who bills himself as the "Guy with the CDs" and as the
"Guy with the Hair" is the latest magician to land a gig in Las Vegas.
Unfortunately, the review of the show offered up by the Las Vegas Sun
suggests stronger marketing and better jokes and says, "Murray may
sustain for a while, but he will need a strong marketing plan and
equally strong word-of-mouth for a long run."
CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
MAGIC IN THE AIR
(3/17/02)
"Copperfield puts magic in the air" is the title of an article appearing in the
"State Journal Register" to promote an upcoming performance by the illusionist.
In the article, David discusses his efforts to connect the audience to his illusions emotionally.
"All the pieces that I did in the beginning were very large in scale," says Copperfield, 45.
"Then I started looking for more meaning to things; things that everyone dreams about.
Nobody wakes up in the morning and dreams about vanishing the Statue of Liberty."
— CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
ZANY CABARET
(3/17/02)
Frank Oliver and his "zany cabaret" are the subject of an article in the SF Gate
which says "He's an overgrown kid playing with fire and very sharp objects, an inept klutz .
. . and an eager innocent dabbling in gross-out humor with irresistibly boyish charm."
Among the characters presented by Oliver in "Frank Olivier's Twisted Cabaret and Pandemonium Vaudeville Show" is
magician the Great Frankini.
— CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
COUNTS OF THEFT
(3/17/02)
From an article published in the Cincinnati Post we learn of the theft
of William Brewe's collection of magic memorbilia by three of is
protegees. Approximately half of the collection, which was sold to a Las
Vegas magic dealer by the so called "Counts of Conjure", has been
recovered by police. The three accused of stealing the collection have
allegedly admitted the theft to Brewe saying that they wanted the peices
to go to people who appreciated their meaning. The missing collection is
said to be valued at more than $300,000.
— CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
8O YEARS OF MAGIC
(3/17/02)
The West Australian has published a story reporting on the 80th
anniversary of the WA Society of Magicians entitled "Magicians conjure
up a party." Their "Day of Magic" will present an afternoon of
performances for the public to mark the event. Seventy eight year olf
society president Patrick Cordier and the 2002 magician of the year,
says, "The kids keep me young. I'm working harder now than I did when I
was working full time."
— CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
COMEDY TRICKS AND NAKED CHICKS
(3/16/02)
Fielding West's latest outing at the Bourbon Street Showroom is the subject of an article
from the las vegas Sun which states, " 'The Fielding West Show: Comedy, Tricks & Naked Chicks'
is 70 very strong minutes of comedy, tricks and two comely females --Natalie Lund and Marcy Parker
- who are topless at times. West is also assisted by Bob the Bird, a real bird."
— CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
MAGIC LIFTS SPIRITS IN NYC
(3/16/02)
From the South Bend Tribune we learn of a recent trip to NYC by magician Jim Merrills
where he staged his ant-drug and anti-violence show. Of his at, the author states,
"Each segment has a message. With the straitjacket, for example, children learn
how addicts willingly put themselves in situations that are difficult to escape."
— CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
BEST OF LAS VEGAS
(3/16/02)
Lance Burton is scheduled to perform as part of the Best of Las Vegas
fund-raiser and awards-variety show to be held today. Sponsored by the Las Vegas Review Journal,
the the show will act as the stage on which 22 of the 215 Best of Las Vegas awards.
The show will benefit the Sunrise Children's Hospital Foundation.
— CLICK HERE to read the complete article.
BLAINE APPEARS LIVE
(3/15/02)
From Yahoo entertainment news we learn that street magician David Blaine
will appear at a benefit to be held in Los Angeles called "People And
Places With No Name." Blaine and other celebrity guests will participate
in the "benefit performance and dance party of the event, which will be
hosted by Tatiana von Furstenberg, Amelia Fleetwood, Savannah Buffett,
Karen Kimmel, Jacqui Getty, and Liz Goldwyn." The goal of "People And
Places With No Name" is to provide awareness and aid to the people of
in Afghanistan Ethiopia, and Angola and was founded by celebrity
photographer Michael Comte in association with the American Red Cross
and International Committee Of The Red Cross.
— Click Here to read the complete article.
— Click Here for more info on David Blaine.
CHAT WITH COPPERFIELD
(3/14/02)
The Chicago Sun Times recently sat down with magician David Copperfield
while in the midst of a four day run at the Rosemont Theatre to discuss
his current show and favorite Chicago landmarks. "There's a new illusion
called 'Think Ahead,' that deals with premonitions and mind
reading--people in the audience will look into the future and make
predictions that then come true," Copperfield said. "There's 'Back
Cracker,' where I fold myself into a pretzel shape. I will also walk
through a solid steel wall, and I have a new sleight-of-hand featuring a
poisonous black African scorpion. And just to keep things light, there's
a very funny bit called "Binky's Final Performance,' featuring a very
tormenting clown. Ever since I was kid I've had a fear of 'evil' clowns,
so this is my take on that."
— Click Here to read the complete article.
— Click Here for more info on Copperfield.
MONSTER IN A BOX
(3/14/02)
The March issue of Wired Magazine provides an in depth study on
Artificial Intelligence. Among the articles on the topic is an excerpt
from "The Turk: The Life and Times of the Famous 18th Century Chess
Playing Machine" a new book by Tom Standage. The article begins by
introducing us to the challenge given to Wolfgang von Kempelen by
Emperess Maria Teresa of Austria Hungary which resulted in one of the
few illusions whose method remains shrouded in secrecy even to this day,
"The Turk."
— CLICK HERE to purchase the book "The Turk" for 30% off.
— Click Here to visit the Wired Magazine web site.
SHERLOCK AMAZED
(3/13/02)
The Globe and mail offer up an amusing review of Marc Salem's "Mind
Games" which is being staged in Toronto's New Yorker Theater. The piece
is presented as an investigation by Sherlock Holmes and Watson into
Salem's mentalism with the goal of obtaining a "$100,000 stipend to
anyone capable of proving that he uses stooges, plants or concealed
electronic devices in his act." As the investigation proceeds, Watson
observes, "More amazements followed, all put down by Holmes as trickery,
fakery and the power of observation and persuasion. I sensed, however,
more than a touch of jealousy in Holmes's countenance, mixed with a
touch of envy and a grudging admiration. These were, after all, the
types of skills on which Holmes had built his reputation."
— Click Here to read the complete article.
— Click Here to visit Marc on-line.
CARTER'S MAGIC SHOWS
(3/13/02)
The Panatagraph is the latest publication to review and recommend Glen
David Gold's novel "Carter Beats the Devil" saying, "Glen David Gold's
"Carter Beats the Devil" emulates its magician hero, Carter the Great.
It skillfully weaves fantasy and reality into one seamless illusion. "
— Click Here to read the complete article.
— CLICK HERE TO BUY THE BOOK FOR 30% OFF!
WIZARD OF MONTREUIL
(3/13/02)
The Nando Times is the latest to recommend the newly release George Melies DVD
"Melies the Magician" by saying, "(Melies) was forced into bankruptcy, and running
a candy store when he was rediscovered and lionized, a decade before his death.
These new DVDs should help ensure that 'the Wizard of Montreuil' isn't forgotten again. "
— Click Here to read the complete article.
— CLICK HERE TO BUY THE DVD FOR 10% OFF!
WOWING HIS AUDIENCE
(3/13/02)
Aaron Isaacs is profiled in an article from the Finger Lakes Times which
says, "For more than two years, Isaacs - a Seneca Falls native - has
performed his magic for thousands of people. From children at birthday
parties and schools to adults at Christmas parties and cocktail hours,
Isaacs' effects appeal to audiences of all sorts - and he prefers to
call them effects, not tricks, because he is attempting to entertain the
audience not deceive them."
— Click Here to read the complete article.
— Click Here to visit Aaron on-line.
HOUDINI LIVES
(3/11/02)
The Las Vegas Sun has published a lengthy article discussing the Houdini
tribute show presented by Dixie Dooley at th Greek Isles Theatre of
Magic in Las Vegas. Discussing his lack of "star status," Dooley says,
"Maybe one of my downfalls is that I'm not out there promoting myself,
knocking on doors, trying to get onto shows. I've been more into
performing and promoting my live show and creating new illusions. I love
creating the magic." The show's producer David Saxe is also quoted in
the piece saying, "I'm not sure he wants to be big time. What he does is
more like underground. His show isn't completely mainstream the seances,
the Houdini escapes. He is more for the real magic enthusiasts."
— Click Here to read the complete article.
CHAMBER MAGIC
(3/11/02)
On March 8th, Magician Steve Cohen was featured in a segment broadcast by
CNN which discussed his on-going performance entitled "Chamber Magic." Steve has set himself
apart from the pack by presenting his "Demonstration of Modern Conjuring" in a
setting reminiscent of the intimate performances popular in the 1800's at
New York's Waldorf Astoria. To increase the impact that the intimacy has upon the performance,
Steve limits attendance to 30 guests. Cohen is an experienced corporate performer and
has acted as magical coordinator for David Blaine.
— Click Here to watch the segment at CNN.com.
— Click Here to visit Steve Cohen on-line
REAPPEARING ACT
(3/11/02)
"Harry Houdini, the greatest escape artist of all time, has done it
again! This time from a dusty cardboard box in the back of a bedroom
closet! No restraint can hold him!" is a quote from an Atlanta Journal article
continuing the coverage that reports on the recovery of the Houdini
statue stolen from the magician's grave site in 1983. Magician and
"Houdini Expert" Sidney Radner is quoted in the article saying, "This is
going to make news around the world."
— Click Here to read an article on this from AJC.
— Click Here to read an article from Newsday.
HOUDINI FOUND!
(3/10/02)
Over the years, the gravesite of famed magician and escape artist Harry
Houdini has been defaced by vandals on numerous occasions. In 1975, one
item removed from the site, and never recovered, was a bust in the
likeness of the performer. From the New Jersey Journal we learn that
"Stephen Chotowicky, 43, was arrested after the statue was recovered
from his home in New Hyde Park, along with newspaper clippings about the
theft in 1983, according to Nassau County Police. " The site had been
restored in 1996 thanks to a donation from Houdni enthusiast and
magician David Copperfield. The story also reports the circumstances
leading to the recovery of the bust saying, "The bust was found by
police executing a search warrant at Chotowicky's home after an
investigation into a theft he had reported, police said. Chotowicky had
filed a complaint saying that his son-in-law had stolen some tools."
— Click Here to read an article on this from NJ Star.
— Click Here to read an article on this from the NY Times.
— Click Here to read an article on this from the NY Daily News.
HARRY THE HAT
(3/9/02)
Harry "The Hat" Anderson is profiled in the most recent issue of New
Orleans Magazine in which he discusses the opening of his "by
appointment only" magic shop "Spade and Archer," his new marriage and
his move to New Orleans. Describing the shop, Harry says, "Itıs an
antique magic collection. Props. And also just ephemera from inside my
head: models of carnival freaks, electric chairs, a first edition of
Ulysses."
— Click Here to view the complete story.
PUBLIC HANGING
(3/9/02)
Ananova.com's "Quirkies" section reports on an upcoming stunt to be
staged by an Australian magician known as "Frankie Houdini." According
to the article, "Frankie, who claims he's distantly related to Harry,
will be suspended in a straitjacket 100ft in the air outside Dewsbury
Town Hall." He said of his trick: "I like to call it the public hanging."
— Click Here to view the complete story.
HIODINI
(3/8/02)
From an article in the Northern Echo we learn the intriguing tale of
"The Vanishing Professor." The piece discusses the establishment of a
boarding house in the 1860's which was frequented by artistes and
performers. "One of those artistes was Professor Luigi Meurice Hiodini,
'the Most Astounding Prestidigitateur in the World', who was touring in
his unrivalled Prestidigitateurial Seance, entitled 'Wonder World'." The
hotel owner's eldest daughter was later married to the professor but
stayed behind while he toured with his show. In 1885, he mysteriously
mysteriously "disappeared into thin air" never to be heard from again.
— Click Here to view the complete story.
MAGIC AND DANCE
(3/8/02)
From the Palm Beach Post we learn of a performance collaboration by
Thomas Dance Studio's ENCORE! Dance Company and the International
Brotherhood of Magicians Mike Ellis Ring 117. Called, "Magic & Dance,"
the performance will take place on Saturday at 7PM on the Lake Worth
campus of Palm Beach Community College. Magician Richard Adler (Mr. A)
will act as emcee and the show line-up will feature magician Scott Bernard.
— Click Here to view the complete article.
TWISTED CABARET
(3/8/02)
San Francisco Weekly offers up a review of "Frank Olivier's Twisted
Cabaret : A crazed and dangerous night of vaudeville." Oliver's
characters for the show include "a magic act with a white dove goes
horribly wrong; so does an audience-participation trick involving a
little guillotine. A magician named "Unkle Paul" Nathan (who puts on his
own cabarets now and then) and an alter ego named Maurice."
— Click Here to view the complete article.
MAGIC STORYTELLER
(3/8/02)
Magician and storyteller Debbie Carrol is featured in an article from
the Providence Journal promoting her performance of "Irish Magic Shows"
on Saturday in Middletown and Newport. In the piece she says, "I don't
have a rabbit or any live animals. You don't find much of that in Irish
magic. You also won't find violent tricks where things get cut or
chopped. "The show is magical and the audience will learn a lot about
Ireland."
— Click Here to view the complete article.
ACTION STAR MAGIC
(3/8/02)
Rumors linking action star Jean Claude Van Damme to Japanese illusionist Princess Tenko
are discussed in an article publised in Japan Today.
"He could also use a clone whenever he comes to Japan because the tabloids had a field day
with him last summer when he was linked to a Japanese illusionist named Tenko Hikida. Although
he is married, rumors swirled that they were an item and that she was going to make his wife vanish.
Asked about the rumors, Van Damme at first was lost for words.
'In our business, lots of people are always making up stories. They are playing a game.'
Yes, but what about the rumors? 'I have never had sex with that woman and I'm not going
to marry her. If you ask me again, I'll give you the same answer,' he answered firmly."
— Click Here to view the complete article.
TENKO SOCCER
(3/8/02)
Asahi.com tells the tale of the beleagured Ventforet soccer team which,
in spite of being sponsored by magician Princess Tenko, has ended each
season in last place.
— Click Here to view the complete article.
DESERT WITNESS
(3/7/02)
In his new book, "Visions In The Desert," dancer Vassili Sulich relates an interesting story
from a performance by Siegfried and Roy. "One night, in the dance number that followed their magic, '
there was no music to be heard, only the piano and a few notes from a distant flute,' he writes.
They soon found out why: 'At the end of their act, the cheetah jumped from the box ...
and fell into the orchestra pit. The petrified conductor was glued to the wall,
while the rest of the musicians escaped. The cheetah stood still until Roy came to fetch her.' "
— Clisk Here to view the complete article.
— CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE BOOK FOR 20% OFF
LIGHTEN UP
(3/7/02)
Magician and comedian Judy Carter was the guest speaker at Grand Island Area Chamber of
Commerce's annual meeting which was attended by more than 650 people. During her
presentation, she encouraged people to "lighten up about their lives and appreciate
themselves for who they are." She also stated, "I'm going to show you how you can
laugh your way out of stress."
— Click Here to view the complete article.
— Click Here for more info on Judy Carter
CIRCUS MAGIC
(3/6/02)
Andre Stosch-Sarrasani, director of the 100 year old Sarrasani Circus is profiled
in an article from the Frankfurt Allgemeine in which he discusses earlier
carrer plans to become a performing magian.
— Click Here to view the complete article.
— Click Here for more info on the Sarrasani Circus
ANIMAL MAGIC
(3/5/02)
Lance Burton will host an all new special set to air on Animal Planet tonight entitled
"The Secrets of Animal Magic." Burton will also appear more than six times during
ABC Family Channel's March Magic Week. According to the press release,
" 'The Secrets of Animal Magic' was filmed in Las Vegas and Lance Burton who stars
in his own show "Lance Burton: Master Magician" hosted this Animal Planet
first-run TV special. The family friendly show at the Monte Carlo Resort &
Casino has some 60 doves, geese, ducks along with Petey the mouse, Elmer the
bunny rabbit and Elvis the parakeet. Even the show's mascot Monte and Lance's
pet Golden Retriever gets his 15 minutes of fame since he comes to work nightly."
— Click Here to view the complete Press Release.
— CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE SCHEDULE FOR MAGIC ON TV
COPPERFIELD MASK
(3/5/02)
A clay mask Hand Painted and signed by David Copperfield is currently
being auctioned for charity on ebay and the current asking price is
$12,000. According to the description, "David Copperfield took the time
to paint and decorate this clay mask to help children in need. It is a
one-of-a-kind signed original and comes with a certificate of
authenticity. The size is approximately 6" X 10". The proceeds from the
auction go to Make-A-Wish Foundation, The National Childrenıs Cancer
Society and The New York Times 9/11 Neediest Fund's School Arts Rescue
Initiative. "
— Click Here to view the item at eBay.
FINAL SEANCE
(3/5/02)
A review and discussion of the book "Final Seance: The Strange
Friendship Between Houdini and Conan Doyle" by Massimo Polidoro is the
subject of an article from The Skeptical Inquirer entitled "The
Gullibility of Conan Doyle." Introducing the piece, the author states,
"I have long been aware that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ended his friendship
with Harry Houdini on account of Doyle's blind, gullible belief in the
very scam Houdini had disproven over and over. But not until I read
Final Seance did I become convinced that incurable adherence to a
security belief in the face of irrefutable evidence can only be
described as a form of insanity. And I am far from the first person to
reach that conclusion."
— CLICK HERE to view the complete article.
— CLICK HERE to buy this book for 30% off.
NO HOCUS POCUS
(3/5/02)
Magician Michael McKay, who is set to stage his "fun, clean,
family-style magic show" at the Somsen Auditorium on the Winona State
University campus on Sunday is profiled in an article from the Winona
Daily News. In the piece, Michael says, "The nice thing about (magic) is
most people don't want to know how it's done. "I am not a wizard. I have
no special powers. "My goal in life," he said, "is to put a smile on the
face of everyone we meet."
— CLICK HERE to view the complete article.
ABRACADABRA VOILA
(3/5/02)
The Kennebec Journal recently published an article on preofessional
magician Eric Gagne who just happens to still be in high school. While
discussing his performances and plans for the future, Eric says that
magic will always be a part of his life no matter what course he follows
professionally. My name is getting out there in Maine," he said. "I'll
always leave time and space for magic."
— CLICK HERE to view the complete article.
— CLICK HERE to visit Eric online.
MAGIC UNITES DC POLITICIANS
(3/4/02)
Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle was recruited to participate in with
David Copperfield and Webster in a benefit performance of "Slo Mo Duck"
at Ford's theater in Washington DC. Copperfield was only one of the
celebrities appearing in the annual benefit which will later be
broadcast by ABC under the title "An American Celebration." In
attendance at the performance were some of Washington's political heavy
hitters including President George Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney and
his wife, Lynne, Interior Secretary Gale Norton, Transportation
Secretary Norman Mineta, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, top Bush
aides Karen Hughes and Andy Card, and a battery of lawmakers like Senate
Minority Leader Trent Lott.
— CLICK HERE to view the Feb. 28th story from AP.
— CLICK HERE to view the March 3rd story from Fox News.
MOVIE MAGICIAN
(3/3/02)
French magician and film maker George Melies is the focus of a piece from the NY Times
that promotes and reviews the Facet Video release of "Melies the Magician" on DVD.
In addition to a documentary on the performer, the DVD contains fully restored versions of
15 Melies films including the ground breaking "From Earth To The Moon."
— CLICK HERE to read the March 3rd story.
— CLICK HERE PURCHASE THE DVD FOR 10% OFF
SHELL COLLECTOR
(3/3/02)
Anthony Doerr's new collection of stories is reviewed in the NY Times
under the title, 'The Shell Collector': Stories About Hunting and Being
Hunted. Several of the tales have a magic theme including one in which
an "outdoorsman from Montana falls in love with a magician's assistant
who has the power to read dreams and see the souls of dying animals."
— CLICK HERE to read the March 3rd story.
— CLICK HERE PURCHASE THE BOOK FOR 30% OFF
IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND
(3/2/02)
Marc Salem is featured in the current issue of MacLeans which presents
an over view of an effect in which he reads the mind of the interviewer
over the phone.
— CLICK HERE to read the March 3rd story.
— CLICK HERE to visit Marc Salem Online
DREAM PORTAL
(3/1/02)
"This show is all about dreams," said Copperfield.
"Most people have a perfect place they'd like to go to.
A place they picture when they close their eyes and imagine
themselves somewhere special. So I thought how great that would be
if you could really go there just by closing your eyes and wishing it."
This quote is from a Cincinnati Post article promoting David Copperfield's recent show in
Ohio.
— CLICK HERE to read the Feb 28th article.
— CLICK HERE to visit David Copperfield online.
MAGIC COMES HOME
(3/2/02)
Magician Eli Kerr is profiled in a piece from the Nevada Appeal that
highlights his appearance during career day at Eagle Valley Middle
School as a part of their career day. The 26 year old illusionist
performed his first show fourteen years ago at the same school when he
was a student. Kerr is quoted in the piece saying, "I want to bring
magic into this century and make things different. The limits of it have
basically been explored. It's been around hundreds of years, and
chopping women in half has just become a standard." Eli is currently
touring to present his "Magic and Mystery: The Art of Illusion"
— CLICK HERE to read the March 1st article.
— CLICK HERE to visit Meca Magic for info on the touring show.
COMEDY TRICKS AND NAKED CHICKS
(3/1/02)
Fielding West, Murray and Melissa Sykes are the focus of an article from the Las Vegas
Review Journal which describes West's latest attempt to compete with other shows on the
Strip. West has recruited Marcy Parker and Natalie Lund to add "topless appeal" to the show
which he says is more intimate and accessible that the shows staged by Lance Burton and Siegfried and Roy.
West's show is produced by David Saxe, brother of emale illusionist Melinda.
Canadian performer Murray has landed a gig at the Frontier in which he
performs sleight of hand with Compact Discs.
— CLICK HERE to read the March 1st article.
ANDRE KOLE IN LITCHFIELD
(3/1/02)
Andre Kole will stage a show on March 12 at Washington Auditorium in Litchfield, Minn.
that is being sponsored by Crow River Area Youth for Christ. Kole performance is
promoted as "an exciting, mind-boggling, magical extravaganza involving tons of
elaborate equipment, lighting, music, costumes and special theatrical effects" during which the
spectators will witness people appear, disappear, dematerialize and levitate. In addition,
the show "includes a presentation relating to the spiritual dimension of life."
— CLICK HERE to read the March 1st article.
— CLICK HERE to visit Andre Kole Online.
SELF TAUGHT WIZ
(3/1/02)
An article in the Daily Southtown recently focused on magician Michael
Ammann who is quoted saying "People's lives are not as good as they
could be, or they might be heartbroken, and if I can turn that around
and make people forget about their troubles or their sadness, I want to
do that."
— CLICK HERE to read the March 1st article.
Click Here For Stories from January 2002
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