Today’s video was recently posted on the MDA Telethon You Tube channel. It’s part of a playlist of magicians that appeared on Jerry Lewis’ eponymous telethon over the years. Of course, Doug had to make the cut! Originally broadcast on August 31, 1975, Doug appears with his “Magic Show” co-star Dale Soules. In it, the…
Tag: Magic Show
Jason Bishop Show: Doug’s “Things That Go Bump in the Night”
Today’s post comes from a You Tube series from illusionist Jason Bishop. In this edition, he analyzes Doug’s famed version of “Things That Go Bump in the Night.” As mentioned, there are many versions of this illusion spread out over various TV specials of Doug’s. However, this one was from the 1981 filmed version of…
Original “Magic Show” Souvenir Book: Final Part
Special Thanks to Brigitte Marlt Splash Page: Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library. “The Magic Show, 1974 May” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1974.
Original “Magic Show” Souvenir Book: Part One
A full scan of the “Magic Show’s” souvenir book recently came my way, and what a time capsule it is! From director Grover Dale’s introduction, to Kenn Duncan’s photos, to even the coloring book in the back, it all makes you feel like you were there seeing the show for the very first time. But,…
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…
Cort Theater Expansion-Nov, 2021
Whenever I’m in New York City, I make it a point to walk by the Cort Theater off of 49th and Broadway. As you all know, it was the original home of “The Magic Show.” As these photos from a couple weeks ago can attest, it’s been going through a lot of changes as of…
Scholastic Newstime-October, 1974
The above cover comes from the October 17th, 1974 issue of “Scholastic Newstime.” The graphic design work of this cover is really on point, and one of the most distinctive images of Doug that I’ve seen. If you get out a magnifying glass and squint, you can even make out the fine print stretching around…
Potter and Potter: September 11th Magic Auction
For all those looking for Doug items in a future Potter & Potter auction then look no further than this coming September 11th. Both items are nothing new or groundbreaking in terms of Doug collecting. However, what they do represent are two of the most iconic and influential posters in Doug’s career. First up, seen…
Magic Week: World of Magic 1980
The fine online folks at the Magic Week Archive have chosen to feature Doug’s “World of Magic 1980” for its weekly feature. Presented on NBC in 1980, this special was taped at the Osmond Entertainment Center in Utah. Along for the ride are, of course, Marie Osmond, Shields & Yarnell, and Ricky Schroeder. As noted,…
Original “Magic Show” Movie Tickets
The above ticket stubs come from two of the four filming dates of the “Magic Show” movie. As you can see the production took place in Toronto’s Queen Elizabeth Theater, and director Norman Campbell had five to six cameras rolling to cover the action on stage. In addition, two weeks of filming occurred without an…
Magic Magazine Magic Show 40th Anniversary Issue: Part 3
Today’s is the final part of Magic Magazine’s 40th Anniversary “Magic Show” Retrospective. Yes I know, it’s been a blast! But, they could only spare so many pages to this memorable show. This last part by Alan Howard, focuses on the various iterations of the show that performed to masses after its initial Broadway success. …
Magic Magazine Magic Show 40th Anniversary Issue: Part 2
After a brief hiccup, we are back with Magic Magazine’s “Magic Show 40th Anniversary” issue. In this edition, you’ll get to read more excerpts from John Harrison’s brilliant biography of Doug “Spellbound.” If that weren’t enough, David Charvet sits down with composer Stephen Schwartz about the genesis of the show’s music. All this,”Right Before Your…
Magic Magazine Magic Show 40th Anniversary Issue: Part 1
Over the coming days, I will be reprinting Magic Magazine’s 40th Anniversary “Magic Show” issue. The issue itself is from May 2014, and is one of the largest retrospectives ever done before or since on the show. It features a lot of write-ups by friends of the website John Harrison and David Charvet, and covers…
Louie Foxx Collection: Signed Playbill and Photo w/Doug
The following items come from magician Louie Fox who was kind enough to share them with me. They represent kind of a grab bag of items: one is an autograph not meant for him, but the other is a photograph a lot of us wish we could have been in. The “Playbill” featured above was…
Complete “Magic Show” Libretto: Part: Final Part
Special Thanks to Michael Mitnick
Complete “Magic Show” Libretto: Part:2
Hello, everyone! Sorry for the delay in more pages from the libretto of “The Magic Show.” Between the four year anniversary of the site and Doug’s birthday some posts took precedent. So, enough of me! Without further ado is Part 2… Special Thanks to Michael Mitnick
Complete “Magic Show” Libretto: Part:1
A big thank you to Michael Mitnick who was more than kind enough to send me an original copy of the libretto from “The Magic Show.” It goes without saying that it’s a fascinating read, and one that I’ll be breaking up over several days. As there are no videos of the original Broadway production,…
Doug Henning Face Mask
You can chalk the above item to one of the most timely bits of Doug merchandise out there today. Yes for $15 you can be a proud owner of a Doug Henning “Magic Show” face mask. The poster art itself is from the 1981 filmed version of the musical, and it certainly makes for a…
Unseen Magic Show Publicity Photo: Part 3
Photo by Martha Swope Cort Theater Marquee Photo by Brian Lumley
Original “Magic Show” Program
Magician Mumdo Marzouki was kind enough to share with me recently some items from his collection. What struck me with this item from “The Magic Show” was that there even was a larger program. I had seen the original Playbill from the Cort Theater before. However, I was even unaware of this tantalizing three page…
Cort Theater Renovation and Expansion
Some good news out of New York City is that Broadway’s Cort Theater is scheduled for a full renovation and expansion. Known for being one of the theater district’s smaller venues, the theater already has the hearts and minds of magic fans as being the original home of “The Magic Show” from 1974-1978. To read…
Original “Magic Show” Marquee Photo
Well, hello again everyone, and welcome to 2021! I apologize for the long delay in posts, but I had been recovering from a very painful pinched nerve in my shoulder and arm. However, I was able to recover 100% over the holidays, and am looking forward to more Henning magic and wonder over the coming…
“Lincoln Nebraska Sunday Journal” Interview-August 11, 1974
Today’s post is a very early interview with Doug from when “The Magic Show” had just opened, and was taking Broadway by storm. While Doug recounts some of the background information you may already know, what I liked about it in particular is reading Doug’s secrecy agreement with his cast and staff. Also, the interviewer…
Korvettes Ad: “Magic Show” Record Signing with Doug
Special Thanks to Michael Healy
“The Rock N’Fun Magic Show” Advertisement-1975
Get rid of those Monday blues with this vintage 1975 newspaper advertisement for the “Rock N’ Fun Magic Show” on NBC 4 in New York. The show itself was hosted by actor Jeff Mylett, featured sitting next to Doug, who at that time was the understudy for Doug in “The Magic Show.” The special was…
“Bed of Horrors” Article by Brian Lumley-Conclusion
The Bed of Horrors: Part Four ©2020 Brian H. Lumley Another “Bed of Horrors” came from Owens for The Magic Show national tour. It had the same set of problems as the original unit. All the changes that were made for the Broadway illusion were incorporated into the design of this piece, but it still…
“Bed of Horrors” Article by Brian Lumley-Part Three
The Bed of Horrors: Part Three©2020 Brian H. Lumley On Broadway they wanted the “Bed of Horrors” bigger with longer teeth. This meant extending the four posts 4’ at the top and replacing the spikes with new ones 12” long. Now the top had to drop further, slide over a new seam, land smoothly and…
“Bed of Horrors” Article by Brian Lumley-Part Two
The Bed of Horrors: Part Two©2020 Brian H. Lumley The “Bed of Horrors” was a bad dream come true — it just would not work with any guarantee. The canopy slid down the four posts guided by four sleeves of square tubing about a foot long welded to the corners of the canopy frame. This…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 