BROKEN WAND :: AMAZING JOHNATHAN

From numerous sources, we have sadly learned of the passing of Amazing Johnathan. According to Rolling Stone, "An exact cause of death was not immediately given, though Johnathan — born Johnathan Edward Szeles — had previously revealed he had been diagnosed with a heart condition. Szeles’ wife, the performer Anastasia Synn, confirmed her husband’s death, telling the Review-Journal he died in his sleep Tuesday night."

In remembrance, I am reposting my conversation with him from just before his annual Halloween Party in 2008. Johnathan, it will be hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.

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BANACHEK REDUX - MNW151

This is a fully remastered edition of the MagicNewswire "Spirit of Magic" interview with the legendary Banachek. This episode was originally published in September 2009. 

From the original post: Banachek was  a part of the now famous Project Alpha hoax in which he convinced scientists from Washington University that he was actually demonstrating paranormal abilities. Banachek is now a sought after consultant and performer who has worked with such performers as Criss Angel and Penn & Teller to develop material for their acts. Join us in this episode as we talk about his notorious history in the art and the 75th Anniversary of the Jinx released by Genii Magazine in October.

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BROKEN WAND :: JAMES RANDI

The James Randi Foundation has today announced that "The Amazing Randi" had died at the age of 92, saying simply that its founder succumbed to “age-related causes” on Tuesday.  Randi joined us on this episode of the "Spirit of Magic" podcast before appearing as a featured performer at the 100th Anniversary Salute to Magic show in New York City. Randi began his career as a mentalist and magician before becoming known as a scientific sceptic challenging those who claim to have paranormal abilities. He gained fame in this field after an ongoing feud between himself and Uri Gellar in the mid to late 1970's. Randi himself rejected the title of "debunker" preferring instead to be seen as an investigator in the field of pseudo-science. He was also the author of many books on the subjects of the paranormal, skepticism and the history of conjuring. Randi talked with me about his career in these varied fields and about his motivation as a paranormal skeptic.

LISTEN TO MY CONVERSATION WITH JAMES RANDI:

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DAVID BLAINE: ASCENSION - AUGUST 31, 2020

BROKEN WAND :: MARVYN ROY

Today we lost yet another true luminary in the world of magic, Marvyn Roy, better known to many as Mr. Electric."  Marvyn and Carol Roy performed the "Mr. Electric" Act for over fifty years. Mr. Electric toured the world during the fifties, sixties, seventies and eighties. Marvyn & Carol were featured at  Radio City Music Hall, the London Palladium, the Latin Quarter, Gorky Park in Moscow, the Ed Sullivan Show and the Hollywood Palace. Whether working hotels, ice shows, floor shows, night clubs, theaters, arenas or amusement parks, Mr. & Mrs. Electric led a life that most magicians only dream of experiencing. Marvyn was amongst the second wave to land in Normandy on DDay and was awarded the Purple Heart after being injured. He was 95. I interviewed Marvyn in 2009 and hope that you will enjoy remembering him along with me by revisiting this interview.   

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dai Vernon Foundation. 

LISTEN TO MY CONVERSATION WITH MR. ELECTRIC ::

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ADDITIONAL REPORTING:
• Scott Wells has compiled several short chats with Marvyn on his"The Magic Word Podcast"
• HOLLYWOOD REPORTER: "'Mr. Electric,' Dies at 95"

MNW: THE LOST INTERVIEWS - DIETRICH & BROOKS

In 2009 I had the great privilege to interview one of the world's foremost female magicians and  escapologists, the great Dorothy Dietrich. She was the first woman to catch a bullet and the first woman to perform a straitjacket escape while suspended hundreds of feet in the air from a burning rope. She has been referred to as one of the "eight most noted magicians of the late twentieth century." Dick Brooks is a world class entertainer of both comedy and magic and to found FAME which later became the Society of Young Magicians within SAM. Together, they created New York's famous Magic Townhouse and gave many magicians their first job during the fifteen years that it was in operation. Brooks and Dietrich now operate the famous Houdini Museum in Scranton, PA. In addition to discussing their own careers, they share their memories of Presto shortly after his passing that year.

LISTEN TO THIS CHAT WITH DOROTHY & DICK:

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VARIETY: CAN MAGIC DEFEAT COVID 19?

Variety.com offeres up a review of the Geffen Stayhouse Zoom series "The Present."   Of the Zoom Video coference based presentation, Peter Bebruge says, "But magic only works live — or so I thought, until Guimarães found this interactive way to do it virtually. We’re obliged to be involved. Put another way, you must be present for “The Present.” 

BROKEN WAND :: ROY HORN

ALEX RAMON WINS "SLEIGHT OF PLANS"

Previous MagicNewswire guest Alex Ramon was awareded the "Sleight of Plans" award by another previous guest, David Pogue for his 35 in 35 podcast. The planned "35 in 35" tour Alex Ramon tour was obviously cancelled in the midst of the current craziness. Well, he has decided to do it all online and was recognized today (May 3, 2020) on CBS Sunday morning. Here is Alex explaining the concept for the new show which you should definately check out by going HERE!   

MNW 181 REDUX: PAUL VIGIL

Here's another chat recovered from the Magic Newswire podcast archive: Paul Vigil has often been referred to as "the best close-up magician in Las Vegas". He's a free thinker and an explorer of the mind of both the performer and the spectator.  Above all else he's a man who loves the art of magic. With an intensity that engages the most cynical of audiences, Paul has become a "Must see!" in a city known for it's ruthlessness towards performers. "I'm here to be the best--not only at what I do, but at what can be done--period. I want my audience to experience something they've never experienced ever before. I want them to feel something they've never felt before. I want my audiences to believe something they've never believed before; until they walk away from my show."  I our interview we explore why magic is so important to him and what secret project he's working on in Las Vegas.

LISTEN TO THIS CHAT WITH PAUL VIGIL:

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