Even a magic special needs a breather. In what was presumably a moment to change set pieces, Doug called upon his friend singer Lori Lieberman to sing the now legendary song “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” It’s an all around nice moment, and one that is different from the specials that followed, as this…
Tag: The Doug Henning Project
“The Greatest Adventure” by Geoffrey Williams: Part Two
Magician Geoffrey Williams was kind enough to send me an excerpt of his autobiography, with a section devoted to Doug. It’s a fascinating story of how, as a young teen, he snuck onto the set of the first “World of Magic” special, and witnessed magic history. Today is the second and final part. I really enjoyed…
“The Greatest Adventure” by Geoffrey Williams: Part One
Magician Geoffrey Williams was kind enough to send me an excerpt of his autobiography, with a section devoted to Doug. It’s a fascinating story of how, as a young teen, he snuck onto the set of the first “World of Magic” special, and witnessed magic history. I’ll be breaking it up into two parts, today…
“World of Magic ’82:” Vanishing Box Illusion feat. LA Rams Cheerleaders
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Doug, Brad Toulouse, and a Playing Card
The above photo and signed playing card is from magician Brad Toulouse, and comes from a time when he met Doug after a show. The following is Brad’s description of the night itself: “It was taken backstage at the Ford Theatre in Detroit, Michigan. I went with Johnny Ould to see Doug Henning’s World of…
“World Congress of Magic” 1969 Program
The following item is the program for the 1969 “World Congress of Magic,” which was held on September 26th of that year in Toronto. This was Doug’s first appearance at the convention, and from the looks of things a pretty fun time was had by all. In addition to Doug, the event had such entertainers…
Remembering Doug, 23 Years On…
Just wanted to pause for a moment, and remember Doug’s passing 23 years ago today. His death at the time took lot of people by surprise. Mainly, because he had been out of the the public’s collective consciousness for too long. However, the flood of obituaries and magazine articles from that time, proved that he…
“Broadway World”-What Are the Longest Running Musicals That Haven’t Been Revived (Yet)?
“Broadway World” had a brief “Magic Show” mention today in their “Broadway Deep Dive” section by Jennifer Tepper. The article itself profiles many long running musicals that never have gotten a revival and, you guessed it, “The Magic Show” makes an appearance. To read the whole article please click: HERE
Close-Up Magic: World of Magic ’82
Original Air Date: February 14, 1982
Doug and Dai Vernon-1978 SAM Convention
I came across this picture on Instagram recently, and was immediately drawn to it. The event in question was when Doug and Dai Vernon appeared together at the SAM 1978 Convention in New York City. A few photos of this momentous event can usually be found online. However, this negative only outtake is not one…
O’Keefe Center Toronto Poster-Sept. 1985
Special Thanks to Ken McCreedy
Top Hat (Sept. 1965)-Doug Cover Story
Th following cover and article hail from the magazine “Top Hat (1963-1993).” The magazine itself once served the purpose (at different times) as the Voice of “Magical Youths International,” as well as the official program of the “International Brotherhood of Magicians.” Quite a mouthful to be sure. This cover story, featuring an 18 year old…
“The New Tops” Magazine: March, 1981
Doug was the featured cover story on this 1981 issue of “The New Tops.” The monthly magazine itself was published by the famed Abbott’s Magic Company of Colon, MI. Abbott’s, of course, is the host of the yearly “Abbott’s Magic Get Together,” which brings together magic fans from around the world. The magazine itself ceased…
The Baffler Magazine: “Real Magic” Doug Article
Happy New Year everyone, and welcome to 2023! It’s great to be back into the swing of things, and starting the site’s 6th year. This was a longer than expected break, due to myself and family catching COVID over the holiday season. We’re all okay now, but it was definitely not what we were…
Happy Holidays!
Hey everyone! I just wanted to let you know that “The Doug Henning Project” will be taking a brief hiatus over the holiday season. But, don’t worry, I’ll be returning with all new magic and wonder in January, 2023 (which is the site’s sixth year by the way). I sincerely wish everyone a joyous and…
Doug Henning and His World of Lookalikes! Part Three
And today concludes the “Doug Henning Lookalike Hall of Fame.” Granted it was a somewhat goofy deep dive into fandom. However, how many magicians do you know of that had such a distinctive look it leant itself to a costume? Not many, if at all really. That’s our Doug for you!
Doug Henning and His World of Lookalikes! Part One
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If that’s the case, then before I take a couple weeks off for the upcoming holiday season, I wanted leave you with the very best that the internet has to offer of fan’s homemade Doug costumes! Some are great, some are inspired, and some are an…
“Earth, Wind, and Fire” Opening and Closing Concert Footage
I’ve covered it a little in past posts (not many) that Doug did some consulting and design work for prominent musicians of the 1970s and 1980s. Not least of which was “Earth, Wind, and Fire.” In a previous post, I came across some pictures of some of the work he had done for the group. However,…
Instagram Doug Henning Art
Occasionally, I like to feature the “best” of what the internet and Instagram has to offer in terms of Doug Henning art. I had to put this one up. Other than Doug making an alien’s life uncomfortable, I’m not really sure what is going on here. But, that doesn’t stop me from 100% loving it!…
The Co-Stars of “The Magic Show:” Part 3
“Anita Morris” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division “Annie McGreevey ” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division “David Ogden Stiers and Co.”…
The Co-Stars of “The Magic Show:” Part 2
“Anita Morris” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division “David Ogden Stiers” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division “David Ogden Stiers” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division “Dale Soules” Copyright: New York Public Library’s Billy Rose Theater Division These photos are copyrighted by the New York Public…
The Co-Stars of “The Magic Show”
Over the last five and a half years, I have posted a lot of photos of Doug in “The Magic Show.” Probably in the hundreds, and that’s understandable. It was Doug’s show after all! However, I wanted to give the co-stars of the production a just due. A few years back, I posted some of…
1980 Osmond Family Christmas Appearance
The above clip comes from Doug’s appearance one the 1980 Osmond Family Christmas special. I had posted the full special in 2019. However, as we enter the first weekend in December, I wanted to just show the full seven minute clip of Doug performing with the kids. As expected, it’s fun, joyous, Christmasy, and pure…
Telescope 1972-Doug on Himself/Sponge Ball Illusion
Originally Broadcast: November 23, 1972 Special Thanks to Stuart MacLeod at: stuartmac.com
Doug as Playing Card Joker
I just wanted to wish a quick Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. May it be filled magic, wonder, friends, and family. In light of today’s celebratory mood, I thought it was more than appropriate to post this bit of art I found online. Somehow, seeing Doug as the Joker on a playing card seems more than…
John Kippen Blog: Doug Henning Entry
Magician and motivational speaker, John Kippen, has a unique story about a month he spent with Doug on his blog. It’s a nice window into how Doug would mentor young magicians, and his overall generosity with his knowledge. It’s a quick read, but very worth your time. For more, please click HERE.
THE DOUG HENNING PROJECT 