A week or so ago, I posted the above 1970s photo asking for help identifying the mystery woman with Doug backstage at the Las Vegas Hilton. Well, the mystery has been solved. While it may not be as exciting as some of the suggestions sent to me, it definitely cleared up things. Drum roll please…It’s…
The Desert Sun (Palm Springs)-12/14/78
Today’s post profiles Doug gearing up for “World of Magic ’78” starring Brooke Shields and Tom Bosley. It’s a fine article hailing out of Palm Springs. Not least of which are the vintage advertisements for the “House of Bamboo” and the “Lord and Lady Inn.” Did any of you ever attend these swinging 70s places?
Doug and the Mystery Woman
The above photo came to me via magician Ken McCreedy, and is a bit of a mystery. As Ken himself explained to me: “I am also attaching a photo of a lady that came to my girlfriend’s house in Oakville. Her and her husband came by to fix a washer for us. She noticed a…
World of Magic ’82: Appearing/ Disappearing Duck Illusion
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
“Merlin-Magic To Don’t” New Article
I just wanted to bring to your attention a relatively new online article that came out in February regarding “Merlin.” Or the history of it to be more precise. Some of it you may already know. But, it’s always good to read an article written by someone with fresh eyes, and Ron Fassler does not…
World of Magic ’82: Chung Ling Soo/Houdini Rope Illusions
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Nathan Merlin Costume Close-Up
I came across these close-up photos of Nathan Lane’s costume from Merlin. They seem to be the costume today, however where it resides is a mystery to me. However, it is good to see that the costume apparently still exists, and is in great condition. Barbara Matera went on to design hundreds of costumes for…
Ivan Reitman Directing Doug Photo
The above photo is unique in the sense that it’s not very common to find photos of Doug being directed, let alone by Ivan Reitman. Standing on the far left is designer and author extraordinaire Jim Steinmeyer. A unique and rare photo of three creative giants of their fields to be sure! Special Thanks to…
1977 Vintage Doug WOM T-Shirt on ebay
I like to scour ebay occasionally to see if there’s anything Doug related that stands out. For the most part, it’s old ticket stubs, programs, and magazines. Oh yes, and an occasional Wonder Whim for good measure. But, this t-shirt stood out for me in terms of design and pure Dougness. Hailing from 1977, I’m…
1985 O’Keefe Center Backstage Meet and Greet: Part Three
Special Thanks to Ken McCreedy For more information on Ken please visit: www.kenmccreedy.com
1985 O’Keefe Center Backstage Meet and Greet: Part Two
Special Thanks to Ken McCreedy For more information on Ken please visit: http://www.kenmccreedy.com
1985 O’Keefe Center Backstage Meet and Greet: Part One
I’m really thrilled to be sharing more incredibly rare photos of Doug at a backstage meet and greet after a 1985 performance. I had posted one some weeks ago, and Ken McCreedy was kind enough to share more from his personal collection As you can see, the audience at Toronto’s O’Keefe Center (known now as…
Milt Larsen (1931-2023)
Hey everyone, I’m glad to be back. A rather persistent cold had me unexpectedly down for the count last week, which led to no new posts. But, here I am and ready to go. However, I wish I was reporting happier news. As you all know, Milt Larsen, co-founder of “The Magic Castle,” passed away…
“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…
Slash Film: Howard Shore Article
Before “The Magic Show,” there was Doug’s first stage show, “Spellbound.” While, it is not very remembered today, it laid the groundwork for Doug’s future career, as well as many others. With a creative team of Doug, Ivan Reitman, David Cronenberg, and Howard Shore, “Spellbound” was a confluence of Canadian creativity. For those not aware…
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…
Toronto O’Keefe Center: Backstage Photos
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…
Pantages Theater 1981 Billboards
The above photo features the west wall advertising of the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. The year was 1981, and Doug Henning was about to play his still talked about, and legendary shows at this venerable theatrical institution. At the top right, you can see Doug’s small, but effective poster detailing the opening date of October…
Happy 76th Birthday Doug!
It goes without saying that today is Doug Henning’s 76th birthday! Feel free to add your own fanfare, trumpets, and rainbows here. Doug was born on May 3, 1947, and the world has never been quite the same since. His is a rich life worth celebrating, and while we all wish he was still here,…
Six Years of “The Doug Henning Project”
Well, here we are again. Six years ago today, I began “The Doug Henning Project” with a hope and a wish to bring a greater appreciation to Doug Henning’s life and work. As the site is rapidly approaching its 1000th post, I feel it has accomplished this task and then some. It’s now a resource…
“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…
MuppetTrek Podcast: Doug Henning Episode
In my mind, The “MuppetTrek” podcast qualifies as one of the more unique mashup podcasts in terms of subject matters. If you find yourself ever saying “Hey, where can I find a podcast devoted to “The Muppet Show” and the animated “Star Trek” series?” Well, then you’ve come to the right place today. Episode 94…
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…
Doug and TM Group in Switzerland Photo
The above picture comes from sometime in the 1970s, and shows Doug entertaining a contingent of TM followers from Latin America. According to Rafael De la Puente Araven’s Instagram account, this group had just met with the Maharishi at his academy in Switzerland. Afterwards, Doug entertained them with some magic to show the group “how …
Doug at Hollywood Magic Photo-Late 90s
Doug’s later years are the stuff of legend, even today. Having been told by the Maharishi to return to LA to fundraise for the theme park, Veda Land, Doug found himself in a curious situation. At fundraisers, prospective donors responded most when he would do close up magic. So, what began as a fundraising means…
Yoko One and Julian Lennon at “The Magic Show”
The above photo, and very rare photo, was taken on January 12, 1978, and, obviously, shows Yoko Ono and Julian Lennon leaving a performance of “The Magic Show.” How do we know it’s “The Magic Show? Well, it doesn’t take much investigating to see that Julian is carrying the deluxe souvenir program that was for…
Vintage 1968 Doug and Mars Performance Photo
The above photo comes from John Harrison’s in-depth biography on Doug, “Spellbound: The Wonder-Filled Life of Doug Henning.” It’s a great image, and one that’s been on my “To-Do” list of photos for some time now. Aside from Mars Barrick as his assistant, and the photo itself probably being from the late-60s, I don’t know…
“Magic on Broadway” Opening Credits
Don’t you wish every television show could begin with Doug Henning riding a motorcycle down Broadway? If you did, then you’re in the right place for today’s post! This unique and flashy opening could only have come from a Doug special, and ‘Magic on Broadway is no exception. In fact, it was actually Doug’s final…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 