Category: Merlin
1,000th Post: “Merlin” Commercial BTS Photo
Well, today is my 1,000th post. I know right? When I think about that I’ve posted on this site 1,000 times, it’s a little mind boggling. But, Doug has always been worth the effort, and it’s an honor to do it whenever I can. Here’s to another 1,000! Anyway, I recently came across this behind…
“Merlin” Opening Night Photo
The above marquee photo is from the opening night of “Merlin” which “officially” occurred on February 13, 1983. I say officially because the show had 69 previews before this “official” opening night…which was postponed 3 times by the way. All of this was unheard of at the time. Not least of which was never formally…
Nathan Lane Discussing “Merlin” on Playbill.com
This newly filmed video for Playbill.com is a must for Doug fans. At the 1:33 mark, Lane reminisces about his time on the “Merlin,” and hints at the drama that ensued during its production. Other than a few jokes in other interviews, I’ve never heard Lane talk about the show so much. It’s fascinating getting…
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….
“We Haven’t Fought a Battle in Years”-Nathan Lane in “Merlin”
The above song was featured in Doug’s great, lost musical, “Merlin.” Sung by Nathan Lane, the audio quality of the recording is lacking, but gives you a taste of the comical and fun nature that the show had. Lane, over the years, hasn’t been very kind on his time spent on the show. In fact,…
Jim Steinmeyer Reflects on Ivan Reitman and “Merlin”
Esteemed Author/Illusion Designer Jim Steinmeyer graciously agreed to share his thoughts on working on “Merlin” with Ivan Reitman and Doug in today’s post. “Merlin” turned out to be the last collaboration between Doug and Ivan. While the production’s troubles are well known, Jim reminds us of how Reitman brought joy to the rehearsal process, and…
1983 Merlin Fan Letter
The above fan letter was sent to me recently by Steve Schlanger who had no idea of its origins. But, as you can clearly see, Harriet Weston of 19 Willits Road throughly enjoyed her time at Merlin. So much so, that she put pen to paper to tell Doug about it. This letter is a…
John Gaughan “Merlin” Instagram Photos
Hey everyone! If you weren’t aware already, I wanted to direct you to illusion designer extraordinaire John Gaughan’s extensive Instagram account. While the account by itself is a sight to behold, recently they have been posting unseen photos of “Merlin” on stage and behind the scenes. I’d love to post them all here on the…
“Merlin” Times Square Billboard
“Join the Crowds who are Cheering!” So started this billboard that hung above Times Square in the early 80s. If it wasn’t evident already, “Merlin” was heavily promoted during its relatively short run on Broadway. There was a lot on the line and at stake for Doug’s second appearance on Broadway, and the producers weren’t…
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…
“Fergus’ Dilemma” from Merlin
The above song, of course, comes from “Merlin” and features one of Nathan Lane’s musical numbers from the show. While the sound quality is lacking, it does give you a “representation” of what the music was like. Over the years, Nathan Lane hasn’t talked about “Merlin” all that much. When he has, it always hasn’t…
Merlin-Original Marc Hellinger Theater Photos
Due to a pinched nerve in my shoulder, I’m not able to write extensively until it heals. However, I wanted to give a special thanks to writer Michelle Ainsworth for sharing these original photos taken by her father during the original run of “Merlin.”
Genii: “Merlin Crusade” Article by Jim Steinmeyer-Final Part
All photos shown in this article are from the original Genii Magazine article, and are the property of Jim Steinmeyer and their respective copyright holders. Special Thanks to Jim Steinmeyer
Genii: “Merlin Crusade” Article by Jim Steinmeyer-Part Three
All photos shown in this article are from the original Genii Magazine article, and are the property of Jim Steinmeyer and their respective copyright holders. Having fun yet? I certainly hope so! Be sure to come back tomorrow for the exciting conclusion to Jim Steinmeyer’s “Merlin Crusade!” Special Thanks to Jim Steinmeyer
Doug and Chita Rivera-Merlin Stage Door Photo
As everyone knows right now, things have been a little crazy around the world. In times such as these, it’s important to tend to our own loved ones and personal health. However, when possible I feel it’s important to post when I can. Hopefully, Doug’s perpetual positivity can shine a little love and light onto…
From the Playbill Archives: (New) Merlin Interview
Well, it’s not often that you get some new Doug Henning news in your Google feed. However, that’s exactly what happened today when Playbill.com dug into their archives for this vintage article from the opening of “Merlin.” As you would imagine, Doug talks enthusiastically about the show and its illusions. What else would you expect?…
Unseen Merlin Production Publicity Photos: Part Two
Special thanks to Michelle Ainsworth These photos are from the collection of Michelle Ainsworth. Any unauthorized usage of them for profit or personal promotion is in violation of copyright laws.
Unseen Merlin Production Publicity Photos
These pictures were given to me by writer Michelle Ainsworth and really showcase the scope and scale of “Merlin” very nicely. The top color photo was taken by photographer Peter Cunningham and is a real stunner if you ask me. While there is no documentation as to who took the second photo, I suspect it…
Merv Griffin Show- Chita Rivera Performing “Merlin”
Finding existing performance clips of “Merlin” is a lot like finding Sasquatch or seeing a UFO. They tend to be very fleeting, and you have to look hard. Well, as luck would have it I recently came across this excerpt from the “Merv Griffin Show” where Chita Rivera performs “I Can Make it Happen.” As…
Doug Henning’s World of Instagram: Unseen Chita Rivera Photo
The above photo comes from the National Portrait Gallery’s Instagram account (@smitsoniannpg). It goes without saying that this photo features Chita Rivera in her role as the evil Queen in “Merlin.” Taken in a dressing room, this picture really showcases the beautiful and detailed costuming that was prevalent in the production as a whole. Even in…
Doug’s Henning’s World of Instagram: Merlin Marquee
The world wide web isn’t the only place to uncover rare Doug treasures. Instagram also has some nuggets waiting quietly to be discovered. The above picture comes from @bygonebroadway, and show’s the original “Merlin” marquee in all its glory. I personally had never seen this photo before, and was struck by how thirty-seven years its…
Original Stage Manager”Merlin” Script with Notes: Part 2
And without further ado, the second and final part of Act 1, Scene 6 of (insert drum roll here) “Merlin!” Special Thanks to John Harrison
Original Stage Manager”Merlin” Script with Notes
The following script excerpts comes courtesy of John Harrison, author of the excellent biography “Spellbound: The Wonder-Filled Life of Doug Henning.” I’ll be posting it over the next couple of days, but rather than talk about the script myself, I’ll let John explain it further. “It is Act I, Scene 6 (the final act prior…
The Merlin Understudy that Never Was
The above picture is of Doug with actor Andrew Hill Newman. If history had operated accordingly, Andrew was to have been the first understudy to take over Doug’s role in “Merlin.” However, many of you don’t need this website to tell you that “Merlin” was a somewhat tumultuous production with many ups and downs. Many…
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….
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 