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…
Tag: Broadway
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 Co-Stars of “The Magic Show”
Over the last five and a half years, I have posted a lot of photos of Doug in “The Magic Show.” Probably in the hundreds, and that’s understandable. It was Doug’s show after all! However, I wanted to give the co-stars of the production a just due. A few years back, I posted some of…
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…
Sept. 12th Cort Theatre Renaming
As mentioned back in March, the Cort Theatre is about to enter a new era. As of Monday, September 12th, the theater will be renamed after venerable actor and Sith Lord himself, James Earl Jones. The theater itself has been undergoing extensive renovations during COVID, and when I saw it last November you could barely…
MDA Telethon Appearance-August 31, 1975
Today’s video was recently posted on the MDA Telethon You Tube channel. It’s part of a playlist of magicians that appeared on Jerry Lewis’ eponymous telethon over the years. Of course, Doug had to make the cut! Originally broadcast on August 31, 1975, Doug appears with his “Magic Show” co-star Dale Soules. In it, the…
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….
Updated 2021 MTA Broadway Subway Ad
Recently, I was going through photos of my trip to New York City last November, and came across this photo I had long forgotten about. At the time, the city was trying to reignite Broadway audiences long dormant during COVID and fearful of subways. To do this, the MTA looked to the past to influence…
“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,…
“Doug Henning and his World of Magic” New York Times Ad
A lot of people tend to focus on the closing of “Merlin” as Doug’s big failure on Broadway’s fabled “Great White Way.” However, what people frequently don’t realize is that a year after “Merlin” closed, Doug returned for what was a very successful follow-up called “Doug Henning and His World of Magic.” The show itself…
“Magic on Broadway” NBC Commercial
It’s a blink and you’ll miss it moment from TV’s yesteryear. In this brief clip, Doug’s final special “Magic on Broadway” is promoted on NBC. Anybody else out there miss commercials like these? Original Commercial Air Date: November 12, 1982
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.
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 