Esteemed Author/Illusion Designer Jim Steinmeyer graciously agreed to share his thoughts on working on “Merlin” with Ivan Reitman and Doug in today’s post. “Merlin” turned out to be the last collaboration between Doug and Ivan. While the production’s troubles are well known, Jim reminds us of how Reitman brought joy to the rehearsal process, and…
Tag: Ivan Reitman
Brian Lumley Reflects on Ivan Reitman
To reflect on the sudden death of Ivan Reitman, I asked two key people in Doug’s design team that worked with Ivan Reitman to say a few words. Today is Brian Lumley who was with Doug at the start of his career for “Spellbound,” “The Magic Show,” and the early TV specials. Brian is currently…
Ivan Reitman (1946-2022)
Today’s post was supposed to be the 39th anniversary of “Merlin” which occurred yesterday. While I’d still like to make note of that, late last night came word that film director Ivan Reitman passed away in his sleep Saturday at age 75. Which, as you can imagine, is much more important. You can’t talk about…
“World of Magic IV” Unseen Photos: Final Part
They say all good things must come to an end, and today’s post is no exception. Yes, dear readers, we’ve come to the end (for now) of Dave Collier’s impressive collection of never before seen photos from the first four “World of Magic” specials. It’s been a real honor and treat for me to be able…
“Toronto Sun” 1973- Doug and Maya Zig-Zag Photo Spread
The above newspaper article comes from December of 1973. For anyone else that date may not mean much, but for all the Doug fans out there this is the month and year that “Spellbound” premiered. Doug, assisted by Maya, displays the well known “Zig-Zag” to bemused reporter George Anthony. Now I’ve gone into “Spellbound” in greater…
Dave Collier 1978 Photos: After Party with Dai Vernon
Well, all good things must come to an end folks. As much as I’d love to keep posting these fantastic and memorable photos, I’ve run out of my supply. Not to worry though because next week I’ll be posting an exclusive interview with photographer Dave Collier to give you more backstory on his life and…
Ivan Reitman Spellbound Variety Ad
The above photo comes courtesy of Brian Lumley, but was given to him by Montreal based magician Blair Marshall. A big thank you to both. Some of you may know the fabled story of how Doug and director Ivan Reitman developed what would become “Spellbound” over a long rehearsal and fundraising period. However, when the…
Richard Sherry Remembers: Part Two
Growing Up with a Legend: Part Two By Richard Sherry Doug Henning was friends with a young director named Ivan Reitman who would go on to produce such blockbusters such as “Animal House,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Kindergarten Cop.” It was said that Ivan fronted him the money to purchase the props to create his stage show…
Richard Sherry Remembers: Part One
In this two part article, magician Richard Sherry has graciously agreed to recount for “The Doug Henning Project” the times he spent with Doug as a teen growing up in Canada. It’s a fascinating window into the life of a young Doug Henning and the positive effect he had on the people around him… Growing…
“The Magic Show” and “Merlin” Songbooks
Out of the blue this week I received these wonderful pictures from Doug fan Frank Simpson. As you probably gathered, they are the songbooks for the original productions of “The Magic Show” and “Merlin.” While “The Magic Show” did have an official soundtrack, “Merlin” did not. So items like these are even more important as…
Merlin Commemorative Program: Part 3
A fun fact that some people may or may not know, is that nestled in the production bios are the writers of “Merlin” Richard Levinson and William Link. Now these names might not mean much to you, but their creations certainly will. Link and Levinson were the creators of the popular mystery shows “Columbo” and…
Merlin Commemorative Program: Part 2
Yes, you guessed it, another “To Be Continued”
Merlin Commemorative Program
So, it’s not often that you’re able to present something as great as this! As it turns out, during the original production of “Merlin” a special and commemorative program was offered for sale. This was in addition to the standard Playbill that everyone received as they entered the theater. So, as the program itself is…
NY Times “Merlin” Interview: Part 3
FOR HIM, MAGIC IS MORE THAN TRICKS By GLENN COLLINS Published: February 13, 1983 Television newsmen have tried to bribe Mr. Henning’s stagehands – unsuccessfully – to learn his secrets. ”I could patent the illusions,” he said, ”but then anyone could find out how it’s done.” Instead, through the years, the hundreds of people who…
NY Times 1983 “Merlin” Interview: Part 2
FOR HIM, MAGIC IS MORE THAN TRICKS By GLENN COLLINS Published: February 13, 1983 Some of the ”Merlin” magic, like the horse and rider that vanish in midair, or the monster robot that mysteriously comes to life on stage, is new. Other illusions are updated variants of necromantic classics, like the elegant disappearing-duck stunt, based…
“Merlin” at the Tonys!
It’s a Merlin kind of Monday here at “The Doug Henning Project!” In my You Tube travels, I came across this excellent musical clip from the 1983 Tony Awards featuring the “It’s About Magic” number from Merlin. As with all things “Merlin,” whenever you find any scenes from the show it’s a rarity. So, please…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 