Three years ago today I started “The Doug Henning Project!” At the time, I wasn’t sure how well it would be received, or if people would even find it at all. Needless to say, the website has exceeded my initial expectations and 543 posts later we’re still here. The support and kindness of Doug’s fans…
Tag: Doug Henning
A Collector Needs Your Help!
This message came to me recently from collector and reader Michael Ketcham: “I’m the owner of 3 Doug Henning costumes: these include a long robe identified as a “Wizard Robe,” along with a bright red jacket with over sized gold metal buttons along the collar and shoulders. With regards to the “Wizard Robe, I bought…
“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……
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…
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 Two
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 That’s right, you guessed it! We’ve come to the end of another one. Be sure to come back this week for the exciting parts 3 and 4 to Jim Steinmeyer’s…
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…
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…
“World’s Greatest Magic” Book
While cleaning out my storage space recently, I came across this book in a long forgotten box of miscellaneous magicana. Written by Hyla M. Clark and with photos by Paul Levin, “The World’s Greatest Magic” is a who’s who of magic stars from the late 1970s. Houdini, Doug, Copperfield, Randi, Tomsoni, Shimada…everyone gets their just…
“Veda Lost?” 1998 Article from the NY Times
New York Times Publication Date: February 22, 1998
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,…
“Magic of the Natural Law Party” from the CBC
The goal of “The Doug Henning Project” has always been to showcase all the elements of Doug’s life and career. Case in point is this rarely seen news story from the CBC archives. This news story delves into Transcendental Meditation’s Natural Law Party, and Doug’s involvement in it. While Doug himself is only shown speaking,…
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…
New Doug Henning T-Shirt
While perusing that vast oasis called the “internet,” I came across this new and stunning t-shirt for sale. Sometimes words aren’t necessary, and this is not an exception! Enjoy! For more information please visit: HERE
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…
Ebay Item-1978 Performance Photos
I normally don’t post too much of Ebay items, but this one certainly caught my eye. Now keep in mind I have nothing to do with this sale, but really look at it. It’s not often that you see candid stage performance pictures taken of Doug that often. As the description explains, Doug’s shows didn’t…
Original Spellbound Newspaper Ad
Special Thanks to Magicpedia
1979 Minolta Newspaper Ad
I’m sure many of you have seen the Minolta camera television commercial that Doug did in conjunction with this campaign. The commercial itself is a lot of fun, while this newspaper caricature is a little, how do I put this, interesting to say the least. To compare the two, here’s the original once again in…
Montreal Expo Theater Tour Advertisement
The Gazette: Montreal, Canada August 20, 1985
Glenn Campbell Handkerchief Illusion
The above clip comes from “World of Magic II,” and features a somewhat awkward lesson in handkerchief magic from Doug to singer Glenn Campbell. Nobody would ever accuse the “World of Magic” specials to have the best dialogue. But, as we all know it was the magic that really counted…not the cue cards.
Fisher Theater Tour Program
Doug fan Doug Gary Killops recently sent me this vintage program and related this encounter with Doug after the show: “Going through a few old boxes and came across this Doug Henning program. I got it when I saw his show in Detroit at the Fisher Theatre, which must have been in the early 1980s….
Potter & Potter: Silver Lightning Bolt Jumpsuit
The above item (Lot.72) is currently being auctioned by Potter & Potter as part of their Jim Rawlins collection. The costume itself is notable for many reasons. Not least of which, is that it is featured very prominently in the famous publicity photo of Doug walking through a brick wall for “World of Magic II.”…
The “New Houdini” Advertisement
The above ad certainly makes a bold claim in order to sell the soundtrack record to “The Magic Show.” Doug and Houdini were drastically different in terms of presentation. However, if there were similarities between them, it’s that they totally redefined how the public saw magic in their respective time periods. But, I doubt Houdini…
“The Magic Hour” Short Film
For all those looking for some laughs on a Tuesday, check out “The Magic Hour: The Roy Sterling Story.” This recently unearthed internet gem was made back in the far distant year 2006. Granted, that master of illusion Roy Sterling bears a certain resemblance to someone we’re all familiar with here on the site. However,…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 