The above clip comes from the filmed and retooled version of “The Magic Show.” Shot in 1981, this version for television changed songs and even took some out. But, it is the only filmed version of the musical, and the only way to experience it today. The illusion in question needs no introduction! Doug’s version…
Tag: The Magic Show
Al Hirschfeld Meet Doug Henning
This New York Times article was conducted for the opening of “Merlin.” It’s a great read as you would expect, however the highlight is surely the Al Hirschfeld drawing that opens it. Doug was no stranger to Hirschfeld’s famed pen and pencil after having been previously featured in Hirschfeld’s art for “The Magic Show.” In fact,…
Nancy Henning Interview: Part Four
Hasn’t this been great? Before we start the last part of our interview I just wanted to once again thank Nancy Henning for taking the time to talk to me. I think we can all agree that her insights and observations only serve to make us appreciate Doug’s artistry even more. How do you think…
A Little “Magic Show” Music!
This 2010 clip is from a concert series called “If It Only Even Runs a Minute.” The series itself explores obscure and often overlooked Broadway shows such as, you guessed it, 1974’s “The Magic Show.” The play, if you already didn’t know, was Doug’s big break into the public spotlight and reignited the public’s fascination…
Fan Mail Mystery!
Magician Pat Darienzo of Long Island shared with me this article he wrote soon after Doug passed away. What you are about to read is truly a Doug Henning mystery…and living proof that our mail system may be a little slow. The Greatest Trick Doug Henning Never Did By Pat Darienzo Doug Henning, to whom…
Please Stand By…
Due to a rather severe bout of food poisoning, “The Doug Henning Project” will be on a short hiatus. I’ll be back up again next week. See you soon!
More Never Before Seen Pictures!
Boy do I have a treat for you! Over the next couple days I will be presenting extremely rare and candid shots of Doug and his crew preparing for “The Magic Show” television movie along with various NBC specials. These photos not only show us the meticulous planning that went into every project, but also…
Alternate “Magic Show” Poster
This phenomenal and eye catching poster for the “Magic Show” television adaptation is truly, pardon the pun, a “wonder.” Rarely seen, it shows a totally different concept than the traditional poster that was used for the Broadway and television versions. If anyone has more information on this, where it was used, and the artist please…
“Magic Show” Movie Props!
Today’s images again come from Steve Zigmont’s impressive collection. What you see below are the bottles that the evil magician Van Zyskin uses in his act for “The Magic Show” movie. Filmed for Canadian television, this version of “The Magic Show” differs from the famed Broadway production. However, it is the only version of the play…
Vanish Magic Magazine
I just wanted to let everyone know that the new July 2017 issue of “Vanish Magic Magazine” features a long form article written by yours truly about, you guessed it, Doug Henning. The article has tons of great pictures and delves into the history of Doug along with my reasons for starting “The Doug Henning…
A Wonder-Filled Fourth of July!
Have a very happy, safe, and magical Fourth of July from your friends at “The Doug Henning Project!”
People Magazine Interview: Part One
In doing some online research I came across this fascinating article from the December 20, 1982 issue of “People” magazine. The interview is notable for two reasons. For one it was written as “Merlin” was just about to open on Broadway, and the other being that it delves into Doug’s new marriage to Debby Douillard (Henning) and the…
Houdini’s Magic Magazine: Pictures
What a treat these pictures are! Flipping through the magazine, I was taken aback at how rare some of these shots are, especially of “The Magic Show” itself. For those with an eagle-eye, yes that is not Doug in the title role. By that point Doug had left the show for greener television and touring…
Houdini’s Magic Magazine
To round out another great week I’m going to be featuring Doug’s appearance in the August, 1977 issue of “Houdini’s Magic Magazine.” The magazine itself ran from August 1977 to March 1978, and in that time it featured many of the top magic stories and artists of the day. Doug was no exception, and the history…
Tell Your Stories!
Since starting this website I’ve had many people write me with their personal recollections of meeting Doug. I’ve even been sent many rare and unpublished photos. So, all this has made me think that “The Doug Henning Project” should devote a future week to people’s Doug stories. So, do you have a personal story to…
Doug and Dai
This particular clip, taken from the CBC Archives, seems to be one of the few filmed examples of Dai Vernon teaching Doug. The two had become close friends when Doug traveled from Canada to train with Vernon after being awarded his legendary $5000 performing arts government grant. Their lessons, which took place at “The Magic Castle,”…
John Gaughan: Part One
This week we have another treat in store for you with one of the art form’s most prominent and respected designers: John Gaughan. For over fifty years, John has been delighting audiences with his work for such artists as Siegfried and Roy, David Copperfield, David Blaine, Criss Angel, Mark Wilson, and Ricky Jay. However, most…
Friday with Doug
What better way to spend your Friday than with some totally random, but spectacular pictures of Doug doing what he did best? Join us next week for our extended round table interview with legendary magic designer John Gaughan and friends. See you then!
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