Hey Everyone! My apologies for the unexpected two- week break. Life, a new baby, and work got the better of things…as they can do. But, I’m rested, relaxed, and ready to give you the best in all things Henning. For starters, Brian Lumley recently provided me with this truly great candid photo. Taken during rehearsals…
Author: Neil McNally
NY Sunday News-1974 “Magic Show” Sunday Spread
The above page comes from a 1974 “New York Sunday News” newspaper spread. In it, Doug is interviewed, while giving kids a lesson in magic. It’s a fun piece, and a nice representation on how “The Magic Show” was promoting itself during its very first holiday season. As the article itself is fairly intricate, I’ll…
New York Post-July,1974 Barbara Walters Article
Special Thanks to Richard Wiseman richardwiseman.wordpress.com
1977 “Magic Show” Abbreviated TV Commercial
The above late 70s commercial is a real rarity, and features a more abbreviated version of a longer one that aired around the same time. As you can probably make out, Doug had left the production by this point, and Joe Abaldo had taken over the lead role. More than likely, the production team wanted…
Remodeled James Earl Jones (Cort) Theatre Interior
As mentioned a couple weeks back, the venerable “Cort Theatre,” home of “The Magic Show,” was undergoing a renaming and extensive refurbishment. Well, yesterday it was official when the “Cort” became the “James Earl Jones.” A video at the event was shown showing Jones looking over the renovated theater. From the looks of it, the…
Mr. Barnes Will Be Back! Clipping
Special Thanks to Richard Wiseman richardwiseman.wordpress.com
New York Post “Magic Show” Review-May 29, 1974
Special Thanks to Richard Wiseman richardwiseman.wordpress.com
OTB Newspaper Ad-1974/75?
The above advertisement for OTB (Off Track Betting) is certainly one of the most obscure ads that I’ve seen Doug appear in. However, the story of how it ended up here is a unique one in itself. Author and psychologist, Richard Wiseman, recently sent me a group of newspaper clippings he found in an old…
“Magic Show” Airing This Sunday (9/4/22) on RSU-TV
If there are any readers of the website in Claremore, Oklahoma, set your DVR for tomorrow night at 7pm. I just found out that “The Magic Show” TV movie will be played as part of RSU-TV’s “Digital Drive-in” showcase. The station itself is a PBS affiliate, and is on Channel 35.1. This is certainly a…
Sept. 12th Cort Theatre Renaming
As mentioned back in March, the Cort Theatre is about to enter a new era. As of Monday, September 12th, the theater will be renamed after venerable actor and Sith Lord himself, James Earl Jones. The theater itself has been undergoing extensive renovations during COVID, and when I saw it last November you could barely…
“Illusion and Reality” Chicago Lecture-Mark Holstein Remembers
For those watching Sunday night’s “Magic Collector’s Corner” on Zoom, Mark Holstein briefly touched on Doug’s Chicago lecture “Illusion and Reality.” Along with Jay Marshal, it sounded like a really interesting and fun night for a variety of reasons. I asked Mark if he could elaborate on the evening for the website, and he was…
World of Magic ’76: Re-Appearing Elephant Closing in Full
Original Airdate: December 23, 1976 Special Thanks to Brian Lumley
World of Magic ’76: Vanishing Elephant Opening in Full
Original Airdate: December 23, 1976 Special Thanks to Brian Lumley
Doug Henning, Pizza Spokesman?
This internet ad made its way to me this morning, and brought a bit of a smile to my face. While the spokesperson in question isn’t implicitly Doug, it’s a little too coincidental to not think he has some fans over at Vevan Foods. As Doug himself was always health conscious, I have a feeling…
Longview Daily News (12/19/1975)-World of Magic ’75
I like this vintage article for many reasons. Not least of which are the pictures which aren’t often seen. The one immediately below, and the two at the end, were taken while Doug was in rehearsals at 75 Ninth Avenue in Manhattan. I also enjoy how this article gives the show the gravity and respect…
Fan Art Tuesday!
I’ve posted a lot of Doug art culled from the internet over the years. However, this one is definitely in my top three, for sure. Mainly, because of its simplicity in capturing Doug’s likeness in a seemingly effortless fashion. There is no doubt that this is Doug Henning. From that twinkle in his eye, to…
MDA Telethon Appearance-August 31, 1975
Today’s video was recently posted on the MDA Telethon You Tube channel. It’s part of a playlist of magicians that appeared on Jerry Lewis’ eponymous telethon over the years. Of course, Doug had to make the cut! Originally broadcast on August 31, 1975, Doug appears with his “Magic Show” co-star Dale Soules. In it, the…
Houdini “Mother Scrapbook” Article Link
Today’s article link hails from John Cox excellent Houdini website Wild About Harry. The article itself deals with Houdini’s scrapbook, and how John was able to be its guardian for one weekend. I won’t get into too many details, but needless to say, Doug features into the article in an important way. In fact, without…
Doug Fan Art Wednesday!
Every now and then, I like to post some examples of Doug art that is sprinkled among the internet. Truthfully, some of it is great, and some of it, well, not so great. However, the above work is definitely from the former category, and is bright and eye catching. Just like Doug himself! For more information,…
The Times-News-2/9/1980 (Doug on Rainbows)
Today is the blog’s 900th post, and what better way to celebrate, than with a highly detailed article profiling Doug’s theory on rainbows?
Eugene Register-Guard: April 25, 1976 (Electric Company Cover Article)
This is a nice little article from 1976. In it, details of the making of Doug’s iconic photo, levitating a woman on top of the World Trade Center, are revealed. It’s truly a death defying photo, and leaves no doubt that for that moment Doug Henning was truly riding high!
“What We Hide: Doug’s Bump Bows” by Jim Steinmeyer
In keeping with last week’s post, I wanted to highlight another great Henning article that Jim Steinmeyer wrote for his blog. It’s a fun piece profiling the origins of Doug’s closing tour music called “Bump Bows.” If you were lucky enough to see Doug live, maybe you remember it. If not, Jim even provides a…
Doug Henning and his “World of Envelopes”…Again
Special Thanks to Michelle Ainsworth for these vintage envelopes from Doug’s various offices!
Original “Merlin” Contract
Today I thought I’d present something not really magical. But, very necessary in the creation of “Merlin,” one of its original contracts. The tumultuous tale of “Merlin” has been told many times elsewhere on this blog. It’s a long cautionary one of a revolving door of talent that made its way to Broadway in 1983….
“What We Hide: Lessons from Doug Henning” by Jim Steinmeyer
I just wanted to let readers know about a fantastic article that appeared back on April 22nd in Jim Steinmeyer’s blog. It’s a touching tribute in honor of Doug’s then 75th birthday from someone who knew him best. I could talk more about it, but why not see for yourself. To read “What We Hide:…
Alternative “Magic on Broadway” NBC Commercial
In another blink and you’ll miss moment, here’s a brief commercial for Doug’s “Magic on Broadway” special. Last May I posted another version that had different variations and scenes than this one. However, the best thing about it, in my humble opinion, is an appearance by David Hasselhoff (The Hoff) at the end. Can you…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 