A big thank you to Michael Mitnick who was more than kind enough to send me an original copy of the libretto from “The Magic Show.” It goes without saying that it’s a fascinating read, and one that I’ll be breaking up over several days. As there are no videos of the original Broadway production,…
Month: April 2021
Jerry Andrus Performing for Doug and Debbie
The above photo is of renowned magician Jerry Andrus (1918-2007) performing for Doug and Debby. This event took place at the Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland, Oregon. While the year is a bit of a mystery, it’s safe to say it was in the mid-1980s. This picture represents a magical meeting of the minds…so to…
Charles Reynolds 1981 Newspaper Interview
The undated interview below came out around the time of Doug’s fabled 1981 performances at the Pantages. Much of Doug’s time at the Pantages has been written about here before, so I won’t go into it further. But, what I will go into a little bit is someone who hasn’t been discussed as nearly as…
Two Doug Caricatures by Dean Carnegie!
The above caricatures of Doug were made by magician and podcaster Dean Carnegie, and each one represents a very unique and abstract take on everyone’s favorite magician. As there were always many sides and levels of Doug, these two drawings represent him all too well. Special Thanks to Dean Carnegie http://www.carnegiemagic.com http://www.themagicdetective.com
Doug Performance Photos- Pittsburgh May, 1981
These phenomenal pictures come from the collection of magician Tom Interval. They were taken by him at Pittsburgh’s Stanley Theater on May 5, 1981, and really give you a sense of the drama and artistry that went in to all of Doug’s performances. While all of us have seen these two illusions on television before….
7 Front Row Doug Performance Photos on EBay
Scouring Doug items on EBay is kind of a mixed bag. There’s a lot of standard stuff that was mass produced, and floods the page (i.e. Wonder Whims, programs, etc). But, every now and then you come across some unique nuggets that make it worth your while. Case in point, these seven performance photos that…
Doug and Dai Vernon at the 1978 S.A.M Convention
Sorry for the lack of posts this week. But, due to some work related projects many balls have been in the air this week. However, I wanted to get something quick off to everyone, and this picture of Doug and Dai Vernon at the 1978 S.A.M. New York convention does the trick! I’ve only seen cropped,…
Magic Collectors’ Corner Returns!
I can’t think of a better way to start my 700th post than with the announcement that the “Magic Collectors’ Corner” is back this Sunday! Last year, this online Zoom show thrilled audiences over 33 weeks with a deep dive into all things magic and magic history. There was even one show dedicated to Doug…
Christian Slater on Merlin
In the almost four years I’ve been doing this website I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned that Christian Slater was in “Merlin” as a child actor. Yup, that Christian Slater played the young “Merlin” in this infamous and fabled production. As he’s had a rich and varied career since, I’ve always wondered what he had to say…
1985 Fox Theater St. Louis Dancing Handkerchief Photo
There’s a lot to love in this photo of Doug and Debbie performing the always fun “Dancing Handkerchief” routine. This was taken at St. Louis’s Fox Theater circa 1985, and really shows the fun the two were having performing this famous illusion. A dancing handkerchief, or a picture, really does speak a thousand words! Special…
One Wacky 1980’s “How To” Magic Article with Doug!
Just when you thought you’ve seen everything. In my travels online, I came across this single page, and it’s a bit of a head scratcher to say the least. Alternately fun and frightening, the article clearly was a “how to” article for kids to learn “magic.” I love the design choices in this. Taken at…
CAM JAM w/ Chip Romero this Wednesday!
Hey everyone! It’s great to be rested and relaxed after a week off and back in action. Let’s get to it! I’m particularly excited about today’s post as it features a very special live event this coming Wednesday, April 14th at 8pm EST. The Society of Canadian Magicians will be featuring Henning collector extraordinaire Chip…
Doug Henning Face Mask
You can chalk the above item to one of the most timely bits of Doug merchandise out there today. Yes for $15 you can be a proud owner of a Doug Henning “Magic Show” face mask. The poster art itself is from the 1981 filmed version of the musical, and it certainly makes for a…
Unseen Magic Show Publicity Photo: Part 4
Photographed by Martha Swope Cort Theater Marquee Photo by Brian Lumley
