In my recent internet travels, I came across a recent podcast featuring Doug. The aptly named “Battle of the Network Show” focuses on TV of the 70s and 80s, and does a great job of breaking down the history of Doug and “World of Magic ’76.” You may know the majority of it, but if…
Tag: magic
Magic Live 2025 Chip Romero Henning Exhibition
Is thing on? Is anyone there? Hey everyone, it’s your old buddy Neil. Yes, it has been some time for sure. A little thing called life, and other professional pursuits have been taking precedent. But, Doug is never very far from my mind, and I thought I’d start to return at least a couple times…
Happy Birthday to Doug, and “The Doug Henning Project.”
I’d be remiss in not mentioning two very important events happening this week. Today, of course, is the 78th birthday of Douglas James Henning. Born on May 3, 1947, Doug’s influence is one that continues on, and on, and, well, on… Without him, many of you wouldn’t have made that first step into the world…
1982 Lucio Fulci’s “New York Ripper” Doug Cameo?
Do you see something here? I sure do. A friend pointed out to me recently what is probably the weirdest “cameo” of Doug ever. Squint your eyes! Featured in Lucio Fulci’s 1982 cult classic “The New York Ripper,” clearly a set decorator thought Doug’s “Illusion and Reality”poster fit this apartment scene to a tee. Naturally,…
Forgotten Henning: The Floating Kiddie Car by Jim Steinmeyer
Hey everyone! I wanted to follow up my last post with a link to another one of Jim Steinmeyer’s fascinating blog entries. This entry deals with Doug’s floating kiddie car illusion, Chrysler, and Broadway. All things that don’t seem to go together, but surprisingly do. As usual, there’s an incredibly rare video clip from Doug’s…
Forgotten Henning: The Tunnel Illusion by Jim Steinmeyer
A few years ago, I had profiled some really fascinating articles that designer/author Jim Steinmeyer had written on his blog pertaining to his time working for Doug. Well, wouldn’t you know it, Jim has done some new ones which you should most definitely read. The first is an illusion that Doug created for his 1984…
David Byrd (1941-2025)
I’d be remiss in not mentioning that the poster artist David Edward Byrd passed away on February 3rd. In his career, Byrd was responsible for such legendary theater and concert posters as “Godspell,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Follies,” “Jefferson Airplane,” and “The Jimi Hendrix Experience,” to name a very small few. However, it is his…
25 Years on….
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that today is the 25th anniversary of Doug’s passing. Doug doesn’t need me to sing his praises. But, it goes without saying that this thing called “magic” may have been very different today if Doug Henning never walked this Earth. However, Doug did walk this Earth, and in…
Doug as Chou Chou Article-3/24/71 Star-Phoenix
I came across the above article and had to post it. Some of you may know that in the early days of his career, Doug would perform as the mime Chou Chou. Sponsored by the Canadian Shoe and Leather industries, Doug would tour malls in the aptly named “Shoe String Revue.” The article itself goes…
Doug Shirt Illusion- 1985 KIRO-TV Appearance
Sorry for the delay in posts folks. Little did I know that when I last signed off on Christmas Eve that in quick succession I would be sick for two weeks, and then have the the Los Angeles fires to contend with. Aside from a close call, my family and I are okay, and I’m…
Merry Christmas from “The Doug Henning Project,” Plus a New Photo!
Folks, it’s that time of the year for me to post obligatory Doug Christmas photos. But, in all seriousness, I hope you have a very happy holiday season filled with many things, but mainly magic and wonder. However, before I go, I recently came across this rarely seen gem of a photo from 1986. In…
Lance Rich “Neon Dreams” Interview: Part 3
Can you talk about Doug’s moral issues with performing in Vegas? Sure! By 1982 – Doug was frustrated with Vegas. He didn’t like the smoking, drinking, and gambling of the town. He felt like he had to work extra hard to overcome the energy of the city to stay spiritually pure. And he basically said,…
Lanch Rich “Neon Dreams” Interview: Part One
For all those looking for the perfect holiday gift, look no further than Lance Rich’s recent book “Neon Dreams: The Story of Las Vegas Magic.” I was delighted that Lance was more than happy to answer some questions regarding it, as well as Doug’s time in Las Vegas. Enjoy…I know I did. What inspired you…
Doug Henning Tribute at “The Magic Castle
I’d be extremely remiss in not mentioning something, well, magical happening this week in Los Angeles. Brandy LaPlante and friends are currently performing a one week tribute to “The Magic Show” at the “Magic Castle.” In honor of the show’s 50th anniversary, a 45 minute version featuring magic and musical highlights is being presented at…
“Magic on Broadway” Publicity Photo-Million Dollar Illusion
Special Thanks to Gary Brown
“Muppeturgy” Podcast-Henning Episode
In my travels across the world wide web, I recently came across this fun podcast that breaks down every episode of Jim Henson’s magnum opus, “The Muppet Show.” So, it was only a matter of time before they got to Doug’s episode. It’s a firmly tongue and cheek show that is sure to bring a…
Very Early “For Your Enjoyment” Pamphlet
If anyone out there is aware of the date for this item I’d love to know. Obviously, based on the photo, it’s very early in Doug’s career. Special Thanks to Mike Segal
Michael Whitecar Collection
Michael Whitecar recently sent me photos of his impressive collection of Doug ephemera. To say it’s impressive is an understatement, and it is my pleasure to share it with you. There’s so much to see in these photos that each one deserves multiple viewings to soak everything in. Which one is your favorite? Special Thanks…
“World of Magic ’82”-Aquarium Bowl Illusion
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Kaboe The “Merlin” Panther Article/Photo
The wire/press service photo and article below give us a glimpse into the animals, and their fearless trainers, used in “Merlin.” It’s a quick piece, but a good one. On a side note, the panther trainer featured here, Rick Glassey, worked with Doug once again on Broadway in 1984’s “Doug Henning and his World of…
50 Years of “The Magic Show”
I’d be very remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that today, May 28th, is the fiftieth anniversary of the premiere of “The Magic Show.” This little Broadway show that could, has a long and storied history. It’s a story of Doug Henning’s dream to bring modern magic to the masses, and in the process changing the…
Happy 77th Birthday to Doug!
I just wanted to take a quick moment to remember Doug, today May 3rd, on what would have been his 77th birthday. It’s hard to picture Doug with white hair and wrinkles. However, that twinkle in his eye, and enthusiasm for life would have been still front and center I’m sure! So, wherever you are…
Seven Years of “The Doug Henning Project”
Well, friends here we are again. Another year has past, and another anniversary of the website is staring me right in the face. Where does the time go? Things have been busy for me personally and professionally as of late, and I’m not always able to do as many posts as I’d like. But, fear…
Original 1973/74 “Spellbound” Newspaper Listing
It goes without saying that without the show “Spellbound,” there would be no Doug Henning. Directed by Ivan Reitman over the 1973 holiday season, the show’s story has since been lost to time. However, it featured a youthful and exuberant Doug who caught the eyes of Broadway producers, Edgar Landsbury and Joe Beruh. Broadway soon came…
“Dr. Doug Henning” Natural Law Party Business Card
Mike Segal was kind enough to recently send me items from his collection that I’m sure will be of interest to all of you. First up, is Doug’s Natural Law Party business during his “wilderness” years. After his retirement from magic travelled the globe under the auspices of the Maharishi and the TM organization. This…
“Young Harry Houdini” on You Tube
Hey Everyone! I just wanted to alert everyone to a recent post by John Cox of the excellent Houdini website Wild About Harry In 1987, the Disney Sunday Movie aired the very rarely seen TV film “Young Harry Houdini” on ABC. The film itself was a fictional retelling of Houdini’s life as a teen, played…
Hamilton Spectator (4/10/72)-Doug and Dicky Dean Duke it Out on Revealing Magic Secrets
I came across this very off the beaten path and little seen article from 1972. It details a young and pre-fame Doug publicly disagreeing with another young magician, Dicky Dean, over revealing magic secrets. Naturally, Doug is for keeping the secret. The subject is still a controversial one today, and is certainly still forbidden within…
Michael Mitnick on Doug and Magic
Today, I have a treat in that Michael Mitnick, playwright, screenwriter, and magic enthusiast, has graciously agreed to participate in today’s post. On the stage, Michael has written such productions as “Fly By Night,” “Spacebar,” and “Sex Lives of Our Parents. ” For the movies, Michael has written “The Giver,” “The Current War,” as well…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 