(ED. Note: Due to legal reasons this video was apparently removed by You Tube. Sorry about that) This 1984 “Today Show” appearance comes from when Doug returned to Broadway with his “World of Magic” show. After the perceived failure of “Merlin,” Doug was able to cleanse the palettes of many critics with this, by all…
Tag: Broadway
“Magic Show” Mystery Footage Solved
Well, so much for wishful thinking guys. After speculating (and hoping) last Friday, that the grainy image below may have been a video image from the original Broadway production of “The Magic Show”… As seen below once again, we are left with the undeniable proof that it isn’t. What sealed the deal was that some…
“Magic Show” Original Cast Footage Video Still?
I came across this intriguing still while searching the internet recently. While there are many photos of the original production of “The Magic Show” to be found online. What stands out is that this grainy image features Doug and actress Anita Morris in what appears to be video footage from the original show itself. However,…
Two’s Company from “The Magic Show:” Cast Album and Live Version
What better time than self-quarantine to cross compare the two versions of “Two’s Company” from “The Magic Show?” While there isn’t a proper filmed version of the original production that is widely available, we do have the out of print cast album. Which is basically the closest we’re going to get to seeing the show……
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
Genii: “Merlin Crusade” Article by Jim Steinmeyer-Part One
As we all have a little more downtime these days, I decided it was high time to tackle this superb article from 2013. Written by Jim Steinmeyer, it details the triumph and tragedy that was “Merlin.” Many people know Jim Steinmeyer from his work as an acclaimed author and illusion designer, however this first-person article…
Rare “Magic Show” Australia Cast Film Footage
I stumbled across this gem of a clip recently and had to put it up. While it has no sound, it is footage from the 1975 Australian production of “The Magic Show.” As you can see, Doug was not a part of this production and had handed the reigns over to actor/magician Larry Anderson. It’s…
“Magic Show” Hexaflexagon
What’s a Hexaflexagon you ask? Well, good question. A Hexaflexagon is a paper polygon with many folded faces. It’s a novel and fascinating concept that was so novel and fascinating that Doug had them put one in the soundtrack album to “The Magic Show.” I must admit I haven’t had the time to fold this…
Original “Magic Show” Vinyl Cast Album
In 1974, Bell Records released “The Magic Show” cast album on vinyl. The album is rare in the sense that it is just as special, unique, and fun as the musical itself. The back cover really give you a sense of what audiences at the time must have felt seeing Doug perform his illusions upfront,…
Style from “The Magic Show” Movie
For all of you stuck at home for the foreseeable future (myself included), why not sit back, relax, and enjoy the lively number “Style” from “The Magic Show.” Originally performed by David Ogden Stiers on Broadway, this version features Jon Finlayson in the role of evil magician Van Zyskin. As mentioned before, the TV movie…
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?…
Solid Silver Platform Shoes-The Magic Show
Hey it’s a Saturday, and why not a little musical selection from “The Magic Show” to brighten that weekend glow? By the way, I apologize for the lack of posts this week. My freelance design job has been busy, and it’s not always easy to balance the two. But fear not, posts will keep coming…
Happy Holidays…and a NY Times Article!
Well folks, it’s that time of the year where I close up shop and reflect on the year that just passed and the one that is just upon us. As always, I wish you the happiest of holidays and sincerely thank you for all your support over the past two, almost three years. It’s everyone’s…
Derren Brown “Doug” Name Check!
Mentalist Derren Brown, whose current Broadway show “Secret” is smashing records, was recently interviewed by “Long Island Weekly.” In it, Derren discusses the show’s history, and a certain other magician is mentioned regarding their time on Broadway. “Recently, breaking the record as the longest-running magician on Broadway, Brown made his U.S. debut with Secret, which…
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…
Original “Magic Show” Set Design Sketch
The above piece comes from Henning admirer Glen Henry and is a real rare piece of Broadway history. It’s not often that you find a production sketch from the original version of “The Magic Show” at a small store in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. But that, my friends, is exactly what happened. How it ended…
NY Times: World of Magic Broadway Review
Doug Henning only seems to dema terialize – and re-materialize – and levitation is a mechanical rather than a natural wonder. But it is beyond the ken of nonmagicians to understand how he performs his illusionary feats. As we know from his first two Broadway shows and his frequent television appearances, he is a genial…
NYPL Photo Archive: Zig Zag Woman, Sawing in Half, and Bed of Spikes
All Photos by Ken Duncan These photos are copyrighted by the New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division. Any unauthorized usage of those for profit or personal promotion is in violation of copyright laws.
NYPL Photo Archive: The Magic Show Part Three
All Photos by Ken Duncan These photos are copyrighted by the New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division. Any unauthorized usage of those for profit or personal promotion is in violation of copyright laws.
NYPL Photo Archive: The Magic Show Part Two
Let’s do it again shall we folks? I have to say I’m really loving this collection of photos. What strikes me the most about them is that their electricity and energy truly make you feel as if you’re in the Cort Theater’s front row circa 1974. As these pictures prove, the production itself was sparse and…
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…
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…
“Right Before Your Very Eyes!” from “The Magic Show”
Let’s rub those Monday doldrums from your very eyes with this lively and well known number from “The Magic Show.” Aside from the original show’s cast album, this filmed for television version is really the only way this rollicking number can be experienced today. While it may not be a perfect representation of what audiences…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 