I’m sure the majority of you heard the sad news of Ricky Jay’s passing over the weekend. Jay’s contribution to the art of close up magic is immeasurable, and his loss to the art form will be felt for some time. While Doug and Ricky weren’t alike on the surface, both shared an innate appreciation…
Tag: magic
Happy Thanksgiving from “The Doug Henning Project!”
Just a quick note to let you know that I will be traveling in Ireland over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and will be taking a break from the site until Monday, November 26th. Until then, Happy Holidays and try not to eat too much turkey! With Magic and Wonder, Neil McNally
Doug Live in Omaha (1981) Footage
For all those who weren’t around to see Doug perform live (like yours truly,) this footage is a nice, nearly fourteen minute slice of Doug in his 1981 prime in Omaha. As always, sorry about the picture and sound quality. But hey, it’s Doug, and his stage presence and energy brilliantly shine through thirty-eight year…
The Chip Romero Collection: “Hendoo” Business Card
We all have to come from somewhere don’t we? Featured above, is an exceptional find in the history of Doug Henning. You see, way, way before Doug Henning was Doug Henning, he was “The Astounding Hendoo!” For more on this early phase in Doug’s career, here’s an except from John Harrison’s 2009 biography on Doug’s…
Doug on “The Tonight Show”…Again
The reaction to last week’s Tonight Show clip was so positive that, well, let’s do it again shall we? In this clip, Doug again shows off a myriad of illusions all before the coveted interview with Johnny. Eagle-eyed viewers will notice Steve Martin on the couch as well. The world of 1970s talk shows truly was…
Merv Griffin Appearance
I apologize for the poor quality of this clip, but the close-up illusions are well worth the price of admission. So, please stick with it! Now, I know we’ve most likely seen these illusions before. However, I like seeing how Doug would adapt and present his illusions in different settings and contexts. Needless, to say…
Doug Award Show Appearance and Speech
This clip is really fun to watch because it really serves as a half performance/half award acceptance speech for Doug. First up, is the classic “Sands of Egypt” illusion with actress Lee Meriwether (Time Tunnel, Batman) serving as Doug’s assistant. This classic illusion is a firm fan favorite, and Doug’s natural onstage delivery with it…
Doug on the Tonight Show (1984)
What better way to ease into the work week than with this 1984 appearance of Doug on Johnny Carson’s legendary Tonight Show? As Johnny explains, Doug was in LA for two weeks of shows at the Ahmanson Theater in preparation for a later run on Broadway. As having never seen this clip before, I was…
Doug and Dinah Shore Interview
While this clip includes yesterday’s performance at the start, it’s the sit down interview that begins at 5:53 that’s worth your price of admission for today. What I find fascinating about this chat is that it deviates from the usual talk show banter, and allows Doug to be, well, Doug. His views on science versus…
Doug on the “Dinah Shore Show:” Part One
This fantastic performance clip comes from when Doug was a guest on Dinah Shore’s appropriately named talk show “Dinah.” It’s a great sampling of some of Doug’s greatest hits, and well worth the four minutes and fifty seconds of your time. I’ll feature the interview segment itself tomorrow. Enjoy!
The Chip Romero Collection: Zig-Zag Woman
A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of speaking on the phone with esteemed Doug Henning collector Chip Romero. During our extensive phone call, Chip covered many topics and elements of his fascinating collection of Doug’s life and work. However, what really stopped the presses for me was what came next. You see, Chip…
“World of Magic VII” Newspaper Ad
Hey Guys! Sorry for the delay in posts. I’ve been up to my neck in our current Indiegogo campaign. Hey, so what better way to take a break with this vintage newspaper advertisement from “World of Magic VII?” The special, as you may remember, starred Doug and his guests Ann Jillian, Kaitlyn Jenner, Billy Crystal,…
Doug Henning “Magic Team” Baseball Caps
Finding clothing from Doug’s touring productions can be rare indeed. Aside from t-shirts that infrequently show up on Ebay, there isn’t really much readily to be found for purchase. These hats from the collection of Michael Whitecar, were I suspect worn by the people that worked for Doug in his touring productions. If anyone out…
World of Magic IV Animal Illusion
What better way to liven up your Sunday afternoon than with this vintage clip where Doug conjures up some adorable baby animals and, well, enough said? Original Air Date: February 15, 1981 ————————————————————————————– While you’re here, be sure to donate to my Indiegogo campaign for my feature length documentary “Doug Henning’s Magical World.” To view…
“Merlin” Cast and Crew Opening Night Statue
This item is something I have never seen before and is probably one of the more rare items in conjunction with “Merlin.” It was apparently given to cast and crew opening night as a gift for their hard work and dedication. Past that I don’t know much about it. Neither does its owner. Without a…
Macleans Magazine Interview-Dec. 1974
Enjoy this gem of an interview I recently found taken at the time of “The Magic Show.” You couldn’t ask for a better cover story picture of Doug with Houdini book in hand. Be sure to donate to my Indiegogo campaign for my feature length documentary “Doug Henning’s Magical World.” To view the trailer…
Doug, Chita Rivera, and Mary Martin!
Special Thanks to Ken McCreedy for this rare “meeting of the minds”picture that not many people have probably seen from the time of “Merlin!” Be sure to donate to my Indiegogo campaign for my feature length documentary “Doug Henning’s Magical World.” To view the trailer and contribute please visit: https://bit.ly/2zqM9eY
Brian Lumley: Final Musings on The Magic Show
Metamorphosis by Brian Lumley Part Five These are the kind of things that would serendipitously happen. They are part of the magic that made The Magic Show and kept it going. Needless to say, Doug never trusted the bag set again. He and his assistant double checked it every time. What those particular stagehands thought…
Brian Lumley: Metamorphosis Comeuppance
Metamorphosis by Brian Lumley Part Four Fingers were pointed at everybody like a Three Stooges routine. But it came down to who touched it last. I was blamed by the stagehands. But it was pointed out by the stage managers that the stagehands had demanded they take over that props pre-set. This had been done…
Brian Lumley: Metamorphosis Mixup
Metamorphosis by Brian Lumley Part Three Doug lifted the banner to his waist on one. Then raised it over his head. He then lowered it to his waist again and looked down at the trunk. He was supposed to say two when he raised it over his head, but instead he was talking to Dale…
Brian Lumley: Metamorphosis Mishap
Metamorphosis by Brian Lumley Part Two Charlie was the man that convinced the producers that The Magic Show could not make it without Doug’s personal Special Assistants. He had seen how closely we worked with Doug…He also advised IATSE and the production that we should be the only people to touch the magic props. This…
Pantages Newspaper Ad
This newspaper ad comes from Hollywood’s famed Pantages theater and highlights Doug’s public performing debut on the West Coast. Doug performed several times at the Pantages over his career, and this ad is unique in the sense in that it highlights the more mysterious aspects of his stage persona. I’m sure we’ve all seen the…
Peter DePaula NYC Speaking Event
The following was sent to me by Joe Fox as featured in the “Genii Forum.” Peter DePaula, Doug’s touring replacement on “The Magic Show,” will be hosting a S.A.M evening of memories from his time with the show, and even teach some close-up magic that was used to promote the original touring production. As noted,…
Circus Magazine Interview
Original Release: December, 1976 Special Thanks to Ken McCreedy
“Doug Henning’s Magical World” IndieGoGo Campaign
Hello Everyone! As we ease into the week, I wanted to let you know that on Monday, September 24th we will officially be launching our online fundraising campaign for the feature length documentary “Doug Henning’s Magical World.” The campaign itself will be one month long, and will be on Indiegogo. The film itself has been…
Crystal Gayle Christmas Special Poster
Christmas comes early to “The Doug Henning Project” with this advertisement for singer Crystal Gayle’s 1979 Christmas Special. While Doug doesn’t feature prominently on the poster, it goes without saying that he was very much in demand at this time in his career. Hey, he even gets a subtle reference with the line “Fall under…
Unseen Photo
In my never ending search for anything Doug related, I came across this photo of Doug with actress Jane Marla Robbins. At first glance, I wasn’t sure where this picture was taken. However, when you look at the shirts both of them are wearing it’s very clear that this was taken during Doug’s mis-adventure to Muhammad…
Lion Tamer from “The Magic Show”
One of my favorite songs from The Magic Show is “Lion Tamer.” The song itself was composed by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), and originally performed by actress Dale Soules. However, this version is recreated by Didi Cohen (Grease) for the filmed version of the musical from the early 1980s. It’s a simple, but heart warming…
Doug and Nancy Henning Photo (Clear Quality)
The above picture is famous in Doug Henning lore for being one of his earliest publicity photos. It also is one that also features his sister and friend of the website, Nancy Henning. Now, while we’ve all probably seen this at one time or another, it is usually pretty grainy and not as clear as this…
I.B.M. 1986 Plaque Dedication
Well, here we are again. Thanks for your patience while the website was on a two week hiatus. Every now and then, less magical and less interesting “real life” duties sometimes take precedence. Without further ado, let us travel back to June 6, 1986 when Doug unveiled a bronze plaque marking the original location of…
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 