The above photo was taken by Ken McCreedy, and was taken at an after show backstage meet and greet in the 1980s. The show itself took place at the O’Keefe Center in Toronto (now known as Meridian Hall). I love the candid nature of this photo, and the look of joy in Doug’s face. It’s…
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“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…
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!
Gary Brown on his Genii Article: Expanded
In 1997, I had reached out to Erica Larsen who was, at that time, editing Genii, about doing an issue devoted to Doug Henning. Erica kindly agreed, arranging for a few other writers to contribute pieces, and I volunteered to do a biographical sketch. Because Doug was still involved in trying to launch the Veda Land project,…
Plymouth “Magic Wagon” Expanded Commercial
Okay, I promise this is the last time. The above spot is an an unseen and expanded version of the shorter commercials that I’m sure we’re all used to. What is unseen you may ask? Well, there’s a lot more of Doug floating for starters, and a little more exposition espousing the wonders of the…
Norm Nielsen
I’m sure you’ve all heard, but, famed respected magician and poster collector Norm Nielsen passed away yesterday. His act, along with his massive collection of magic posters, was legendary. It should be no surprise that among his vast collection were some original Doug gems from “Merlin” and the “Magic Show.” As you can see from…
Orlando Tupperware Auditorium Ad
This ad was recently passed onto me, however I’m not really sure what the year was for it. As we all know, Doug toured almost endlessly in his career, and it’s sometimes hard to peg down when and where performances took place. However, with a name like the “Tupperware Auditorium,” you can guarantee this performance…
Candada 150: Doug Pop Art Portrait!
The above art is called “Jumpsuits and Mullets,” and was made in conjunction with 2017’s “Canada 150” celebration . This year long event commemorated, you guessed it, Canada’s 150th birthday. The work itself is acrylic on wood panel and, if you’re like me, it’s now your wallpaper on your smart phone. The artist, Dan Springer,…
Doug Across America-Tour Clippings
In his career, Doug certainly got around. In between his immensely popular television specials, he kept up an almost constant touring schedule that included here, there, everywhere, and beyond. While we all know his famous stops on Broadway and the Pantages, the clippings shown below are a small sampling of Doug’s relentless travels through America!…
Admired from Afar-The Magic Show
It’s Monday folks. So, what better way to start the week than something else with the letter “M” in it…Anita Morris! This number features Morris recreating her role of Charmin from the Broadway “Magic Show” production. As the wife of its original director Grover Dale, she truly was a powerhouse performer who always lent the…
Saturday at Sardis!
Today’s entry features photos from when (I’m guessing) Doug’s caricature was created for the esteemed New York City restaurant “Sardis.” For many, you really haven’t hit it big until you are hanging on the wall of this venerable institution. I’m also guessing this was probably from the time of “Merlin” as well. It’s interesting to…
And Another Potter & Potter Auction Item!
This one’s for for all those Henning collectors out there, and yes I know who you are! Take a look at this neat window card that will be featured in the Potter & Potter Winter auction being held on Saturday, December 15th. While we’ve all seen the picture before, what makes this one unique is…
The Chip Romero Collection: “Hendoo” Business Card
We all have to come from somewhere don’t we? Featured above, is an exceptional find in the history of Doug Henning. You see, way, way before Doug Henning was Doug Henning, he was “The Astounding Hendoo!” For more on this early phase in Doug’s career, here’s an except from John Harrison’s 2009 biography on Doug’s…
Jim Steinmeyer Los Angeles Book Signing
Hello All! Where was I? Oh yes… Before I get to more traditional posts this week I wanted to let you know of a very special and rare book signing tomorrow in Los Angeles. Jim Steinmeyer, magic designer and author extraordinaire, will be speaking and signing copies of his new book “The Secret History of…
Ivan Reitman Spellbound Variety Ad
The above photo comes courtesy of Brian Lumley, but was given to him by Montreal based magician Blair Marshall. A big thank you to both. Some of you may know the fabled story of how Doug and director Ivan Reitman developed what would become “Spellbound” over a long rehearsal and fundraising period. However, when the…
Original Spark Costume
One of my favorite pictures of Doug comes from late in his career and is featured above. It’s very simple and to the point and, in a way, sums up his whole persona to me. In fact, I like it so much I use it for my “Contact” page here on the site. So, you…
Original Merlin Playbill
Today’s entry comes courtesy of Nancy Henning, and is the original “Playbill” for “Merlin.” A few weeks back, I was fortunate enough to post the more elaborate commemorative program for the show, and it’s interesting to compare and contrast the two. However, in addition to being signed by Doug himself, this “Playbill” also is a…
Gazebo Illusion
The following is the grand finale to “World of Magic VI.” The special originally starred such variety show luminaries as Marie Osmond, Ricky Schroder, and Shields and Yarnell. What’s a Shields and Yarnell you may ask? That’s another story. You can’t argue that Doug didn’t go all out with this one! In fact, it’s its…
NY Times “Merlin” Interview: Part 4
So, as we wrap up this week on “Merlin” it’s interesting to think of what could have been had it run longer. But, the fact that we are still talking about it means some of the “magical musical’s” incantations and spells might just still be lingering. See you soon! FOR HIM, MAGIC IS MORE THAN…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 