MNW #89 :: TONY CURTIS

Actor Tony Curtis is our guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire "Spirit of Magic" podcast. Tony studied with George L Boston before starring in the 1953 film Houdini. Tony's enthusiasm for magic continued far beyond his role in the film. He was a frequent  participant  at  the  AMA's annual award banquets. In fact, he presented Cardini with the Masters Fellowship, the Academy of Magical Arts highest honor.  In spite of the fact that the film portrayed  a highly fictionalized account of Houdini's career, many still consider it to be one of the best "Houdini Films" yet to be made. 

LISTEN TO MY CONVERSATION WITH TONY CURTIS:
OTHER WAYS TO LISTEN: GET IT AT ITUNES :: MP3 DOWNLOAD HTML 5 PLAYER ::

AN EXCERPT FROM THE 1953 FILM HOUDINI STARRING TONY CURTIS:

PRESTO! AN ACADEMY AWARD!

Real Art Ways, starting today, is presenting its annual show of Oscar-nominated short films, in two programs. Live Action & Animated Short Films. Among the Animated Short film nominiees is one familiar to all of our readers by now.. "Presto!"

ABC WILL BROADCAST FINAL SIEGFRIED AND ROY PERFORMANCE

According to Robin leach, Magicians of the Century” Siegfried & Roy have begun final rehearsals for their “reunion” -- and farewell performance, Vegas DeLuxe can now exclusively reveal. Later today, it’s expected to be officially announced that the incredible illusionists will appear on The Return of Siegfried & Roy, a one-hour prime-time ABC special to be filmed live at the Keep Memory Alive “Power of Love” gala in the Bellagio on Feb. 28.

“We never got to say a proper goodbye,” Roy told me exclusively on his first tour of the downtown Lou Ruvo Brain Institute. “This will be our final bow, and it will never be repeated.”

MAGICIAN REVEALS THE WAY BACK TO THE ISLAND

From an ABC Media emailed press release we learn that Hawaiian Magician Glen Bailey will play the part of "Magician" on the February 18th Episode of LOST "316". According to the press release, "316" - The way back to the island is revealed to members of the Oceanic 6, but there's trouble ahead when not all of them wish to return, on "Lost," WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network." Glen is also a leading restaurant magician, and has been working at Peal City Tony Roma’s for the past eight years (Tuesday nights). He also works with corporate events and weddings.

MNW #88 :: KALIN & JINGER

 Mark Kalin and Jinger Leigh jon us for a chat on the Magic Newswire's "Spirit of Magic" podcast this week. Mark began as a member of the now legendary Long Beach Mystics and was the first member of both the Magic Castle Juniors and the Magic Castle Seniors. Jinger, a dancer by training, became Mark's partner almost immediately after they began working together and brought a completely new perspective to the act. Kalin & Jinger discuss the evolution of their act, the current state of magic and the future of big illusion shows as a form of entertainment.

 MAGIC NEWSWIRE SPONSORS ::

Vanishing Inc. Magic • Trick Shop Magic • Mak Magic • Paper Crane Magic
Ronjo Magic • Outlaw Effects • Magic Network • Axel Hecklau • Maxello Magic
Blue Microphone • Websites4Magicians.com • Magic Warehouse• AIXIZ LASERS

MY CHAT WITH KALIN & JINGER:

OTHER WAYS TO LISTEN:

RSS :: GET IT AT ITUNES :: ZUNE :: MP3 DOWNLOAD

HTML 5 PLAYER ::

WOMEN IN BOXES GETS MORE AIRTIME

Blaire Baron Larsen's documentary film on magic's better half, "Women in Boxes," has two addition air dates scheduled. A special filming will be held at the Magic Castle on February 7th. On February 9th, it will be shown on the Documentary Channel at 9 PM and again at Midnight (EST.) WATCH THE TRAILER FOR THE FILM:

MAGIC WEEK BEGINS TONIGHT!

As we previously reported, Craig Ferguson begins hosting a late night week of magic when Lance Burton is his guest this evening.  Jason Randal is schedule for Tuesday, Jason Hudy will perform on Wednesday and previous Magic Newswire Podcast guest Ed Alonzo closes the magic series on Thursday. In addition, Tonight begins a four week series of reruns for the new series Masters of Illusion with the first show in the series featuring Kalin & Jinger who spent some time with us for an interview to be posted tomorrow. ENJOY THIS CLIP OF LANCE FROM THE LATE SHOW IN 2007:

NEWS TO ME :: KRISTEN JOHNSON

After her recent Water Torture Escape close call, Kristen Johnson of Living Illusions was interviewed on the CNN Headline News show "News To Me." Kristen discussed what happened with the video running in the background. WATCH NOW:

MNW #87 :: MIKE CAVENEY PART 2

Mike Caveney calls in from the world headquarters of Magic Words to join us for a chat on this episode of the Magic Newswire "Spirit of Magic" podcast. Mike began his career working at Owen's Magic Supreme, as a member of the Long Island Mystics, turning coins for Johnson Products and performing at the Magic Castle. Not too shabby for a guy just turning 21 at the time. Mike talks with us about what made the Mystics different from most magic clubs, the importance of innovation and creativity in an act and shares the evolution of his signature effects. In addition, we learn a bit more about his role in the Left Handed League, the Bubonic Players and Wenii Magazine.

LISTEN TO PART 1 OF MY CHAT WITH MIKE CAVENEY:

OTHER WAYS TO LISTEN: GET IT AT ITUNES :: MP3 DOWNLOAD
HTML 5 PLAYER ::

LISTEN TO PART 2 OF MY CHAT WITH MIKE CAVENEY:

OTHER WAYS TO LISTEN: GET IT AT ITUNES :: MP3 DOWNLOAD
HTML 5 PLAYER ::

MAGIC CASTLE AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

Mark Nelson has just released the following:: The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc. is pleased to announce the nominees for the Magician of the Year Awards in the showrooms of the Magic Castle, as voted on by its Magician Members.

Close-Up Magician of the Year:
Alfonso, Jon Armstrong, Doc Eason, Andrew Goldenhersh, Latimer, David Regal

Parlour Magician of the Year:
Andrew Goldenhersh, Paul Green, Handsome Jack (John Lovick), Shoot Ogawa, David Williamson, Rob Zabrecky

Stage Magician of the Year:
Rich Bloch, Mike Caveney, Dana Daniels, Whit Haydn, Kevin James, Tina Lenert, Mystina

Lecturer of the Year:
Tony Clark, Jeff McBride, Shoot Ogawa, David Regal, Sylvester the Jester

These Awards, together with the 2008 Fellowship Awards and the 2008 Magician of the Year Award, will be presented at the 41st Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards on Sunday, March 8 at the Avalon Hollywood. Tickets prices range from $50 to $250 and are available through the Magic Castle at (232) 851-3313 Ext. 336. For more information, check the Magic Castle website at http://www.magiccastle.com.