Hey everyone! I wanted to follow up my last post with a link to another one of Jim Steinmeyer’s fascinating blog entries. This entry deals with Doug’s floating kiddie car illusion, Chrysler, and Broadway. All things that don’t seem to go together, but surprisingly do. As usual, there’s an incredibly rare video clip from Doug’s…
Tag: Broadway
Forgotten Henning: The Tunnel Illusion by Jim Steinmeyer
A few years ago, I had profiled some really fascinating articles that designer/author Jim Steinmeyer had written on his blog pertaining to his time working for Doug. Well, wouldn’t you know it, Jim has done some new ones which you should most definitely read. The first is an illusion that Doug created for his 1984…
David Byrd (1941-2025)
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…
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…
“Magic on Broadway” Publicity Photo-Million Dollar Illusion
Special Thanks to Gary Brown
Michael Whitecar Collection
Michael Whitecar recently sent me photos of his impressive collection of Doug ephemera. To say it’s impressive is an understatement, and it is my pleasure to share it with you. There’s so much to see in these photos that each one deserves multiple viewings to soak everything in. Which one is your favorite? Special Thanks…
Kaboe The “Merlin” Panther Article/Photo
The wire/press service photo and article below give us a glimpse into the animals, and their fearless trainers, used in “Merlin.” It’s a quick piece, but a good one. On a side note, the panther trainer featured here, Rick Glassey, worked with Doug once again on Broadway in 1984’s “Doug Henning and his World of…
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…
Chita Rivera (1933-2024)
Right up against the 24th anniversary of Doug’s passing this week, I wanted to acknowledge the recent death of theater titan, Chita Rivera. While, “Merlin” may have been a footnote in Rivera’s illustrious career. It is a production she still spoke about fondly, and, of course, her time with Doug. As the evil Queen, Rivera…
Jim Steinmeyer Blog: Forgotten Henning (Pts. 1 & 2)
Hey everyone! I just wanted to point you in the direction of Designer/Writer Extraordinaire Jim Steinmeyer’s recent blog entries. As many of you know Jim knew and worked for Doug for many years, and occasionally touches upon his time with him in his blog. The two entries focus on the forgotten Tunnel Illusion and Floating…
Nathan Lane: Fergus’ Dilemma (Audience Footage)
Hello Everyone, and welcome to 2024! I just wanted to apologize for the long gap since my last post. Life, the holidays, and a 1 1/2 year old make things a bit hectic sometimes. But, moving forward I’ll be more regular in my posts. First up, this clip appeared very recently on You Tube, and…
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…
“Merlin” Closing Anniversary
And I’m back… I just wanted to briefly note that today, August 7th, marks the 40th anniversary of “Merlin” closing. While, commemorating closing anniversaries isn’t as popular as openings, “Merlin” is in a class all its own, and any date is worth a mention. The trials and tribulations of the show are well documented, and the…
“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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
“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…
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 3
“Anita Morris” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division “Annie McGreevey ” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division “David Ogden Stiers and Co.”…
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…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 