While this “1985 All-Stars of Magic” photo was featured in an earlier post, this version is of a different angle. Organized by Lance Burton and Fielding West, this one night only event featured a who’s who of magic to raise money for hunger in Africa. Fielding himself can now be seen on the far right hand…
Month: May 2019
Rare Peter Cunningham “Merlin” Photo
The photograph featured below was taken by well known theater and music photographer Peter Cunningham, and features a stunning image from “Merlin” that I’ve never seen before. As related to me by its owner Michelle Ainsworth, the photo was purchased from Cunningham himself, and was one of the first times he had photographed a Broadway…
“Merlin” Illusion Breakdown Sheet
Today’s post is a doozy, as it’s not often we get to see the actual illusion breakdown from “Merlin.” The document itself gives us a good idea of the order of the illusions themselves, and just how many there were within the show itself. Now, obviously I had to some redacting in the “How” column….
Handwritten “Merlin” Monthly Expenditure Notes
Money, money, money! It makes the world go round doesn’t it? The notes featured below list the general costs and supplies that went into producing “Merlin” per month. While $421.74 may not seem like much now for a Broadway show, in 2019 dollars that equals to $1116.84 per month. Unfortunately, not everything can be conjured…
1983 “Merlin” Animal Breakdown Sheet
If yesterday weren’t enough for you feast your eyes on this detailed breakdown sheet of how the animals in “Merlin” were positioned and used. It really brings you a whole new appreciation to see the level of care and preparation that goes, and still goes into, the usage of magic and animals on stage. Enjoy!…
Original “Merlin” Dressing Notes
“Spellbound” author John Harrison was kind enough to share with me some truly eye-opening items from his Henning collection. If you ever wondered how complex “Merlin” was to put on every night, just look at this “Dressers’ Notes” sheet. This document, and a few you’ll see throughout the week will give you a fascinating window…
Grover Dale: Final Thoughts on Doug
Special thanks to Grover Dale for adding this exclusive comment to “The Doug Henning Project” to cap off a great week of memories. ‘Surrounded by Broadway pros, Doug Henning not only grew as an illusionist. He grew as an actor, performer, and human being. He caught the ball and ran with it. Witnessing his exceptional growth…
Grover Dale Remembers “The Magic Show:” Broadway Success!
Back to the Magic In Edgar’s office, the team evaluates David Byrd’s poster. It’s stunning. ‘All that’s needed to complete it,’ David confides, ‘is a title. What do we call it?’ After three predictable ideas, I share a thought. ‘Why don’t we just call it what it is, ’The Magic Show.’ Following a round of…
Grover Dale Remembers “The Magic Show:” Stephen Schwartz and Beyond
The Meeting that Triggered Broadway’s 8th Longest-Running Musical Next day. From the moment I describe replacing Henning’s rock-star approach with the sweet-lovable-kid-next-door that he actually is, Stephen’s eyes light up. It got even better as we shared the impact an over-the-top-and-much-older magician could make during attempts to steal Doug Henning’s illusions from him. ‘A mad-cap…
Grover Dale Remembers “The Magic Show:” Part One
All this week, “The Doug Henning Project” is fortunate to be printing excerpts from “Magic Show” director Grover Dale’s upcoming autobiography. Mr. Dale has been gracious enough to allow the chapter devoted to “The Magic Show” to be previewed here, and what a chapter it is! As you will see all this week, “The Magic…
Magic Show Monday: Before Your Very Eyes!
Lets’s get this week started on a high note with a musical selection from “The Magic Show” soundtrack. “Before Your Very Eyes” is one of the showstoppers of the musical, and still holds up extremely well today! While it’s difficult to find a proper video recording of “The Magic Show” as originally presented (I’m not…
eBay Week: Wonder Whim Sunday!
What better way to close out “eBay Week” than with that toy of toys a “Wonder Whim?” While, Doug’s failed experiment with this 1980s toy line stands as a bit of an anomaly in his career…what an anomaly it is. A cross between a Cabbage Patch Kid and Rainbow Brite, this lonely and down and…
ebay Week: Rarely seen Doug and Chita Rivera “Merlin” Photo
Now we’ve all seen pictures of Doug and Chita Rivera in their “Merlin” costumes. However, I gravitated to this one because of its natural and over all congenial tone between the two stars. I’m guessing this was taken at the premiere of “Merlin” (correct me if I’m wrong), and it shows a bit of a…
eBay Week: “Spheres of Merlin” Framed Poster
This beauty hails from 1976, and features one of Doug’s most famous quotes: “The art of a magician is to create wonder. If we live with a sense of wonder, our lives become filled with joy” Painted by fantasy artist Gilbert Williams, I assume this was part of Doug’s touring merchandise. The only place I have…
eBay Week: 1977 “World of Magic” Doug and Earth Press Photo
Doug literally goes global in this little seen press photo publicizing 1977’s “World of Magic.” I have to admit, I’ve seen many, many photos of Doug in my time. But, this one is a first even for me. Its odd choice of having Doug ominously standing over the Earth with beams shooting out of his…
eBay Week: Love, Peace, and Magic Poster
This week I thought I’d try something a little different, and highlight what I feel are some of the more unique Doug collectibles on eBay right now! The above “Love, Peace, and Magic” poster comes from a 1975 issue of “Dynamite Magazine.” I really love the design and typeface of it all, as it really…
Happy Birthday Doug!
Today is what would have been Doug’s 72nd birthday! While Doug may be not here to celebrate with us, his memory stays strong in the hearts of everyone who has ever picked up a deck of cards or believes in the power of magic to entertain, thrill, and astound! So, wherever you are today, remember…
“Magic Detective” Doug Themed Podcast!
Dean Carnegie’s excellent “The Magic Detective Podcast” will be featuring another Henning based episode premiering this Friday. As it will be Doug’s 72nd birthday, the timing of this is more than appropriate. In it, Dale intends to pick up from Episode 13, and continue to discuss the specials. If the last episode is any indication,…
“The Doug Henning Project’s” 2nd Anniversary!
Two years ago today I began this website not knowing what to expect, or even if I’d be able to post something new every day. Well, as you all know that hasn’t been the case, as the magical world of Doug Henning is a very rich and positive place with always something new to find. …
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 