From Crackle:
From Crackle:
In the conclusion of my interview with magic creator, consultant, historian and author Jim Steinmeyer we cover a wide range of topics. What makes the Masked Magician Specials possible? Can the secrets of magic really be protected from exposure? What challenges are faced by Cirque when developing a new presentation of magic for the public? What's missing from modern magic as it is presented on television today? In addition we discuss the release of his upcoming book on Howard Thurston and his collaboration on an oversized book on the history of magic with Mike Caveney .
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW WITH JIM STEINMEYER:
Neil Patrick Harris, pictured above during an evening at Hollywood's Magic Castle is the host of Saturday Night Live tonight on NBC. Neil is a member of the board of the Magic Castle and recently hosted the World Magic Awards. We were reminded of this evening's appearance by a Tweet from his alter-ego "Dr. Horrible" on the micro blogging service Twitter today which read, "WATCH NPH ON SNL TONIGHT!!! He will be funny and if he isn't, he will pay." In April, the New York Times profiled Harris in which he talked about the private magic club. "Mr. Harris, 34, recently became a board member for the Academy of Magical Arts. The board has governed the academy since it made the castle its headquarters in 1963. (“Neil’s the first celeb on the board since Cary Grant,” Ms. Baeling said.) He wants to keep the club current by bringing in some fresh blood, particularly now that the castle and its adjacent properties are for sale. “I want to make sure they don’t raze it and build a high-rise,” said Mr. Harris, who was wearing a Hugo Boss suit. “The formality is a throwback,” he said of the strict dress code. “It makes the glass of Scotch tastier.”
The value of antique and collectible magic props and ephemera gets some attention from the Daily Mail. Magic Circle president Ali Bongo hosts the reporter as they explore the home of London's exclusive magic club and discusses some of the many magic treasures within. 'Modern props are usually trashed after use, but early ones were more substantial and were regularly repaired and used again. Magicians do not want their secrets exposed, so the most expensive part of the investment might be buying how the illusion works.' Jack Devlin talks a bit about Chung Ling Soo's lithographs as well. 'Ling Soo, who produced a large range of Oriental posters. They were used as wrapping paper for magic tricks in the Second World War during a paper shortage. Now they fetch £12,000 to £20,000.'
In the conclusion of my interview with magic creator, consultant, historian and author Jim Steinmeyer we cover a wide range of topics. What makes the Masked Magician Specials possible? Can the secrets of magic really be protected from exposure? What challenges are faced by Cirque when developing a new presentation of magic for the public? What's missing from modern magic as it is presented on television today? In addition we discuss the release of his upcoming book on Howard Thurston and his collaboration on an oversized book on the history of magic with Mike Caveney .
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO BOTH PARTS OF OUR INTERVIEW WITH JIM STEINMEYER:
LISTEN TO PART ONE OF MY INTERVIEW WITH JIM STEINMEYER :
LISTEN TO PART TWO OF MY INTERVIEW WITH JIM STEINMEYER :
HTML 5 PLAYER :: PART ONE
HTML 5 PLAYER :: PART TWO
OTHER WAYS TO LISTEN: VISIT ITUNES :: DOWNLOAD THE MP3 FOR PART ONE :: DOWNLOAD THE MP3 FOR PART TWO :: VISIT SOUNDCLOUD
Magic creator, consultant, historian and author Jim Steinmeyer is our guest on this episode of the Magic Newswire podcast. In addition to talking about his magical youth, Jim shares his experiences working with some of the biggest names in magic. Doug Henning, David Copperfield, Lance Burton and Siegfried & Roy are just a few of the professional performers who have all turned to Jim for assistance over the years. In addition to writing a new work on Thurston and completing an oversized book on the history of magic with Mike Caveney, Jim is acting as the magic consultant for the new Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus tour "Zing Zang Zoom." This is the first of a two part interview. Both parts are posted below.
LISTEN TO PART ONE OF MY INTERVIEW WITH JIM STEINMEYER :
LISTEN TO PART TWO OF MY INTERVIEW WITH JIM STEINMEYER :
HTML 5 PLAYER :: PART ONE
HTML 5 PLAYER :: PART TWO
OTHER WAYS TO LISTEN: VISIT ITUNES :: DOWNLOAD THE MP3 FOR PART ONE :: DOWNLOAD THE MP3 FOR PART TWO :: VISIT SOUNDCLOUD
Stan Allen of Magic Magazine joins us to talk about the January 2009 issue of Magic which features a cover story on Mark Kornhauser. Other pieces explore the location of Malini's gravesite, magician John Mulholland's involvement with the CIA and the creative magic of Andrew Goldenhersh. He talks a bit about the new magic special Masters of Illusion as well as looks back on magic in 2008 and looks forward to 2009 in which we'll see FISM in China, Magic Live in Las Vegas and much, much more!
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW WITH STAN ALLEN:
In his most recent column focused on the involvement of the Light Group in MGM's City Center project, Norm dropped in the following tidbit under the sub-heading "Sightings:"
Among the reported 4,300 clubgoers at XS nightclub's first industry night on Monday at Encore: UFC stars Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin and magician David Darkstone, whose name has popped up as a potential replacement for Criss Angel in Cirque du Soleil's "Believe" (Luxor).
UPDATE: This still falls solidly in the realm of rumor, but phone calls to us from Vegas & Magic related sources since we first reported on this story say that they are hearing that Cirque is pulling out of Believe and that Criss will try and keep it going on his own. Again, still nothing but rumor and speculation at this point, but there ya go.. for what it's worth. Time will tell.
Valley Man Dave Wreford writing of a recent trip to Las Vegas in the Colorado's Valley Courier offered his thoughts on Criss's show at the Luxor. "Of course, the highlight of our trip was “Believe,” the Cirque de Soleil show in the Luxor’s main theater featuring Criss Angel, the magician. The show was absolutely fantastic, from beginning to end, and was worth every penny (hey, we can start a NEW college fund). We sat in the third row on the aisle, and Criss performed several of his illusions standing right next to us. I would offer my daughter’s comments on the show, but I must wait until she recovers from the state of catatonia she lapsed into when Criss looked at her and smiled. The show featured sleight of hand, incredible illusions, and magic tricks unlike anything I have ever seen in my life. It was, quite literally, the best show that I have ever seen. My daughter now has Criss Angel jewelry, Criss Angel clothing items, and a Criss Angel poster in her room. I’m sure that she will enjoy them if she ever wakes up."
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