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…
Tag: Jim Steinmeyer
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…
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…
“What We Hide: Doug’s Bump Bows” by Jim Steinmeyer
In keeping with last week’s post, I wanted to highlight another great Henning article that Jim Steinmeyer wrote for his blog. It’s a fun piece profiling the origins of Doug’s closing tour music called “Bump Bows.” If you were lucky enough to see Doug live, maybe you remember it. If not, Jim even provides a…
“What We Hide: Lessons from Doug Henning” by Jim Steinmeyer
I just wanted to let readers know about a fantastic article that appeared back on April 22nd in Jim Steinmeyer’s blog. It’s a touching tribute in honor of Doug’s then 75th birthday from someone who knew him best. I could talk more about it, but why not see for yourself. To read “What We Hide:…
Jim Steinmeyer Reflects on Ivan Reitman and “Merlin”
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…
Jim Steinmeyer Website: Doug Henning Items for Sale
For those readers who are looking for more Doug Henning merchandise in their lives, look no further! Master illusion designer, author, and Doug protege Jim Steinmeyer’s website is selling select items from Doug’s touring days. They’re all really nice pieces from the 1980s, and while some of you may have seen them before, others may…
“Vanish” Magazine Special Edition: Jimi Steinmeyer
Vanish Magazine is offering a special edition issue for the month featuring magic legend and Doug protege Jim Steinmeyer as the cover story. The best part of it is, is that it’s totally free to download. In the wide ranging interview, Jim discusses many ideas of magic theory, and also a mysterious book he is…
Popular Mechanics Jim Steinmeyer Interview
I just wanted to let everyone know that this month’s current issue of Popular Mechanics features an interview with Designer and Author Jim Steinmeyer. It goes without saying that Jim is responsible for designing some of the most important illusions in magic history. He also was one of the most important designers in Doug’s career,…
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…
Genii Online: Jim Steinmeyer Interview
In the annals of Doug Henning history, the name Jim Steinmeyer looms large. Having been discovered by Doug at the age of 16, Jim went onto help shape the latter part of Doug’s career from the specials, to Merlin, and beyond. In 2017, Genii Online sat down with Jim for a wide ranging six-part interview….
Genii “Goodbye Doug” Tribute Issue (Jim Steinmeyer Article)
When Doug died in February, 2000 there was naturally an upsurge of emotion within the magic community. So much so, that two tribute issues were put out in “Genii” and “Magic” magazines respectively. While it’s always hard to sum up someone’s life work in article form, both did an excellent job in spotlighting his impact…
Jim Steinmeyer Los Angeles Book Signing
Hello All! Where was I? Oh yes… Before I get to more traditional posts this week I wanted to let you know of a very special and rare book signing tomorrow in Los Angeles. Jim Steinmeyer, magic designer and author extraordinaire, will be speaking and signing copies of his new book “The Secret History of…
Jim Steinmeyer Interview: Part Four (Revisited)
The closing part of our interview with Jim covers an interesting, overlooked, and ultimately bittersweet time in the life of Doug. After retreating from the spotlight for many years, Doug had returned to Los Angeles with a seemingly renewed sense of vigor and love of magic. What this may or may not have lead to…
Jim Steinmeyer Interview: Part Three (Revisited)
What was your reaction the news that he was retiring from magic? It was a really difficult situation…We had wind of it. Doug was spending a lot of time with TM stuff…and we had no idea what would happen to the company…Doug would go “No, no, no I’m really working.” He was kind of sending…
Jim Steinmeyer Interview: Part 2 (Revisited)
What were your impressions of Doug’s as a person? The thing about it was that that was 100% him. He didn’t come offstage and put on a three-piece suit, put his feet up, smoke cigars, and say “Hey, what do you think of this hippy look? What do you think I should be doing?” There…
Jim Steinmeyer Interview: Part One (Revisited)
(To commemorate the website’s upcoming first anniversary, I thought it would be appropriate to dip into the vault and reprint some of the initial interviews that launched everything. So, in that spirit enjoy this interview with Jim Steinmeyer from our second week) For many in the world of magic the name Jim Steinmeyer conjures up fantastical…
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…
Doug in Chicago 1984
David Sigafus was kind enough to share these articles with me from the October-November 1984 “Chicago Tribune” when Doug was performing at Chicago’s Arie Crown Theater. The article delves into Doug’s creative process with mentions of John Gaughan and Jim Steinmeyer to boot. It’s a fascinating snapshot of what sounded like a great tour. Now…
Doug and the Origami Illusion!
While it has indeed been a light couple weeks of posts (unfortunately I went from one sickness to another), I haven’t forgotten you dear reader. I’ve been holding onto this fantastic clip for a while now, and what a clip it is! Doug, appearing on the short-lived “Joan Rivers Show,” performs Jim Steinmeyer’s famed “Origami…
Merlin Mania!
What you are about to see are two very rough, but very cool commercials for the original production of “Merlin! As mentioned before, Merlin was Doug’s 1982 follow-up to “The Magic Show.” Directed by his old college mate Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters, Stripes, Twins), the show boasted huge production values and illusions. Starring in the title role, Doug led…
The Tonight Show
Not everyone knows that Johnny Carson was a huge lover of magic. As a teen it was his original gateway into show business, and as the years went on he never hesitated to have a variety of magicians on the now legendary “Tonight Show.” Doug was no exception to this rule. The ” Walking Through the Mirror” illusion was…
Jim Steinmeyer: Part Two
What were your impressions of Doug’s as a person? The thing about it was that that was 100% him. He didn’t come offstage and put on a three-piece suit, put his feet up, smoke cigars, and say “Hey, what do you think of this hippy look? What do you think I should be doing?” There…
Jim Steinmeyer: Part One
For many in the world of magic the name Jim Steinmeyer conjures up fantastical visions of some of the greatest illusions of all time. As one of the industry’s premier designers, he is the man behind David Copperfield’s Statue of Liberty disappearance, Disney Theatrical’s “Mary Poppins” and “Aladdin,” and countless other iconic illusions for top magicians throughout…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 