I’d be remiss in not mentioning that the poster artist David Edward Byrd passed away on February 3rd. In his career, Byrd was responsible for such legendary theater and concert posters as “Godspell,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Follies,” “Jefferson Airplane,” and “The Jimi Hendrix Experience,” to name a very small few. However, it is his…
Category: Magic Show
Doug Henning Tribute at “The Magic Castle
I’d be extremely remiss in not mentioning something, well, magical happening this week in Los Angeles. Brandy LaPlante and friends are currently performing a one week tribute to “The Magic Show” at the “Magic Castle.” In honor of the show’s 50th anniversary, a 45 minute version featuring magic and musical highlights is being presented at…
50 Years of “The Magic Show”
I’d be very remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that today, May 28th, is the fiftieth anniversary of the premiere of “The Magic Show.” This little Broadway show that could, has a long and storied history. It’s a story of Doug Henning’s dream to bring modern magic to the masses, and in the process changing the…
Original “Magic Show” Actress Annie McGreevey Reflects
I recently had the pleasure of asking original “Magic Show” cast member Annie McGreevey to reflect on her time with the show. Playing Donna, part of club Top Hat’s rock group “Donna & Dina, Annie was more than happy to oblige. I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC. Within the first year…
“The Magic Show’s” 49th Anniversary
I’d be remiss in not mentioning that today is the 49th anniversary of the premiere of “The Magic Show.” It goes without saying that the show itself continues to live in the hearts and minds of Doug and magic fans everywhere. It’s a special show indeed, and one that is worthy of a revival. Whether that…
Paul Shaffer on Marc Maron’s “WTF Podcast”
Today’s post comes from musician Paul Shaffer of David Letterman and comedy fame, among other things. Appearing on Marc Maron’s popular “WTF Podcast,” Schaffer recalls his career and how he’s gotten to where he is today. However, an unexpected story along the way is how Shaffer spent a year as the bandleader in the original…
Newly Discovered Doug Costumes: Part 3
It was certainly an eventful week of posts concerning possible Doug costumes. Wasn’t it? So, what did we learn? Well, the general consensus was that the costumes that looked like they were originals from “The Magic Show,” were more than likely from the touring version. Abb Dickson, in addition to owning a generally massive costume…
Newly Discovered Doug Costumes: Part 2
Yesterday, I received A LOT of responses regarding the two costumes that photographer Drew Perlmutter has in his possession that may or may not be from “The Magic Show.” Before, I get into specifics on the provenance of these tomorrow, I wanted to show you the rest that were sent to me. The second set…
Newly Discovered Doug Costumes
Photographer Drew Perlmutter, recently contacted me with a treasure trove of magic costumes that had recently come into his possession. As he explained to me: “The clothes had been sitting for a while in bags in a trailer, presumably since the 90s. My girlfriend’s best friend’s aunt… had come into them from a friend named…
Original “Magic Show” Poster Concept Art
I recently received an email from Lon Cerel shedding some light on whatever happened to “The Magic Show’s” original concept art, as well as a previous post I had done regrading it. Just a subtle hint, it’s with Lon: I recently stumbled upon your posting regarding David Byrd’s original artwork that was used to create The…
“Broadway World”-What Are the Longest Running Musicals That Haven’t Been Revived (Yet)?
“Broadway World” had a brief “Magic Show” mention today in their “Broadway Deep Dive” section by Jennifer Tepper. The article itself profiles many long running musicals that never have gotten a revival and, you guessed it, “The Magic Show” makes an appearance. To read the whole article please click: HERE
The Co-Stars of “The Magic Show:” Part 2
“Anita Morris” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division “David Ogden Stiers” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division “David Ogden Stiers” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division “Dale Soules” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division These photos are copyrighted by the New York Public…
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…
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…
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…
Jason Bishop Show: Doug’s “Things That Go Bump in the Night”
Today’s post comes from a You Tube series from illusionist Jason Bishop. In this edition, he analyzes Doug’s famed version of “Things That Go Bump in the Night.” As mentioned, there are many versions of this illusion spread out over various TV specials of Doug’s. However, this one was from the 1981 filmed version of…
Spanish Language “Magic Show” Poster
The images below are from a Spanish language production of “The Magic Show” that appears to have been from 1975 (month/dates unknown.) The production also starred popular Mexican actor and comedian Manuel Valdes (1931-2020), listed here as Manuel “Loco” Valdes. However, anything past this is up to your imagination, as photos from the production itself…
Cort Theater Renaming
In bitter sweet, but also happy news, comes word last week that Broadway’s “Cort Theater” will be getting a rename in the near future. During COVID, the theater has been undergoing an extensive and long overdue renovation and expansion. However, once the construction is completed, the theater will be renamed for legendary actor, James Earl…
Original “Magic Show” Souvenir Book: Final Part
Special Thanks to Brigitte Marlt Splash Page: Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library. “The Magic Show, 1974 May” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1974.
Original “Magic Show” Souvenir Book: Part Two
To Be Concluded Tomorrow… Special Thanks to Brigitte Marlt Splash Page: Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library. “The Magic Show, 1974 May” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1974.
Original “Magic Show” Souvenir Book: Part One
A full scan of the “Magic Show’s” souvenir book recently came my way, and what a time capsule it is! From director Grover Dale’s introduction, to Kenn Duncan’s photos, to even the coloring book in the back, it all makes you feel like you were there seeing the show for the very first time. But,…
Cort Theater Expansion-Nov, 2021
Whenever I’m in New York City, I make it a point to walk by the Cort Theater off of 49th and Broadway. As you all know, it was the original home of “The Magic Show.” As these photos from a couple weeks ago can attest, it’s been going through a lot of changes as of…
Filmed “Magic Show”Soundtrack in Full
I thought I would mix things up a little today in terms of “The Magic Show” soundtrack. Now many of us have heard, and probably own, the original show’s album. But, how many of you have heard the filmed version’s isolated score soundtrack by itself? Well, if you’ve always wanted to hear that, then today…
Original “Magic Show” Movie Tickets
The above ticket stubs come from two of the four filming dates of the “Magic Show” movie. As you can see the production took place in Toronto’s Queen Elizabeth Theater, and director Norman Campbell had five to six cameras rolling to cover the action on stage. In addition, two weeks of filming occurred without an…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 