Original “Magic Show” Poster Concept Art

I recently received an email from Lon Cerel shedding some light on whatever happened to “The Magic Show’s” original concept art, as well as a previous post I had done regrading it. Just a subtle hint, it’s with Lon: I recently stumbled upon your posting regarding David Byrd’s original artwork that was used to create The…

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…

One Ahead Article-Why Should Magicians Know About Glenn Priest?

I just wanted to let you all know about a very good article that was published October 4th on the “One Ahead” blog. Profiling Doug’s right hand man Glenn Priest, the article takes an in depth look at Glenn’s life and career. Writer Chris Pilsworth does an excellent job fleshing out this enigmatic figure who…

NY Sunday News-1974 “Magic Show” Sunday Spread

The above page comes from a 1974 “New York Sunday News” newspaper spread. In it, Doug is interviewed, while giving kids a lesson in magic. It’s a fun piece, and a nice representation on how “The Magic Show” was promoting itself during its very first holiday season.  As the article itself is fairly intricate, I’ll…

OTB Newspaper Ad-1974/75?

The above advertisement for OTB (Off Track Betting) is certainly one of the most obscure ads that I’ve seen Doug appear in.  However, the story of how it ended up here is a unique one in itself. Author and psychologist, Richard Wiseman,  recently sent me a group of newspaper clippings he found in an old…

“Magic Show” Airing This Sunday (9/4/22) on RSU-TV

If there are any readers of the website in Claremore, Oklahoma, set your DVR for tomorrow night at 7pm. I just found out that “The Magic Show” TV movie will be played as part of RSU-TV’s “Digital Drive-in” showcase. The station itself is a PBS affiliate, and is on Channel 35.1.  This is certainly a…

Sept. 12th Cort Theatre Renaming

As mentioned back in March, the Cort Theatre is about to enter a new era. As of Monday, September 12th, the theater will be renamed after venerable actor and Sith Lord himself, James Earl Jones. The theater itself has been undergoing extensive renovations during COVID, and when I saw it last November you could barely…

Updated 2021 MTA Broadway Subway Ad

Recently, I was going through photos of my trip to New York City last November, and came across this photo I had long forgotten about. At the time, the city was trying to reignite Broadway audiences long dormant during COVID and fearful of subways. To do this, the MTA looked to the past to influence…

Spanish Language “Magic Show” Poster

The images below are from a Spanish language production of “The Magic Show” that appears to have been from 1975 (month/dates unknown.)  The production also starred popular Mexican actor and comedian Manuel Valdes (1931-2020), listed here as Manuel “Loco” Valdes. However, anything past this is up to your imagination, as photos from the production itself…

Original “Magic Show” Souvenir Book: Part Two

To Be Concluded Tomorrow… 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.

Filmed “Magic Show”Soundtrack in Full

I thought I would mix things up a little today in terms of “The Magic Show” soundtrack. Now many of us have heard, and probably own, the original show’s album. But, how many of you have heard the filmed version’s isolated score soundtrack by itself?  Well, if you’ve always wanted to hear that, then today…

“Magic Show” 47th Anniversary Playbill Article

I’d be remiss in not mentioning that yesterday, May 28th, was the 47th anniversary of “The Magic Show’s” premiere. Yup, in 1974 the world of modern magic changed forever! To commemorate this, “Playbill.com” has a newish article to mark the occasion. I say newish because a version of it was published last year for the…

Joe Abaldo “This is Broadway” Radio Interview

For those looking for a blast to the past, check out this radio interview with Magic Show understudy and star Joe Abaldo for the radio series “This is Broadway.” The program itself was recorded over 30 some years ago, and syndicated to stations across the country as a way to give listeners a taste of…

Doug’s Understudies-Peter DePaula Playbill

Over the next couple days I wanted to focus on the unsung heroes of “The Magic Show”…Doug’s Understudies! At the time, Doug had issues with the idea of the show continuing without him. As the show’s producer Edgar Lansbury said in John Harrison’s book “Spellbound:” “Doug was always convinced that nobody else could do these…

“Abracadabra Magazine” June 19th, 1974

This rarity comes from Vol. 58 #1483 of Abracadabra, and gives us a real insight into the buzz that was “The Magic Show” premiere at that time.  If this article wasn’t enough to make you want to take a return trip to 1974, then photographer Irving Defor’s covertly taken dress rehearsal photo is worth the…

The Magic Magazine-January 1975

The above cover and article hail from “The Magic Magazine” which ran from 1974-1977. Published by Joseph Cardwell, the magazine itself went on to publish a total of 26 issues, and even had mentalist Joseph Dunninger as a contributing editor.  This issue features a sort of meeting of the magic minds as Doug, Dunninger, and…

“Bed of Horrors” Article by Brian Lumley-Part One

Over the next few posts, I’m going to be publishing an exclusive article from Brian Lumley. I’m sure many of you know, but Brian, along with Glenn Priest, was Doug’s right hand man and technician during the early days of Doug’s career.  This article encompasses the treacherous set-up of the “Bed of Horrors” illusion from…

“Mismade Girl” from The Magic Show Movie!

To close off your Friday, why don’t we take a look at the “Mismade Girl” illusion from the “Magic Show” movie?  Designed by magician Chuck Jones in 1968, the illusion has taken on a life of its own over the years, and was a frequent part of Doug’s act and stage shows! Enjoy! Have a…

Lion Tamer-Magic Show Original Soundtrack

I’m going to put it out there that I feel “Lion Tamer” is one of Stephen Schwartz’s best songs. While it may not be his most famous or well known, it has a a subdued and simple arrangement that instantly takes you to the heart and soul of what “The Magic Show” was.  Dale Soules’…

Rare “Magic Show” Australia Cast Film Footage

I stumbled across this gem of a clip recently and had to put it up. While it has no sound, it is footage from the 1975 Australian production of “The Magic Show.” As you can see, Doug was not a part of this production and had handed the reigns over to actor/magician Larry Anderson.  It’s…