Posts
Our October Ring meeting was at our new meeting location, The Elks Club at the corner of Primrose and Central, just east of downtown Orlando. The hall is ideal. We have a great stage, comfortable chairs, access to a reasonable buffet dinner before the meeting and a bar. President Craig Fennessy opened the shortened business meeting. There is a lot of magic activity in the next few months. Check our ring website to keep you informed. Craig informed the membership that next month is the nominating meeting for the election of club officers for next year. He encouraged members to consider serving the club in an elective office. Our club leadership welcomes new board members.
The rest of the meeting was devoted to a unique and powerful lecture by Fred Moore. Fred came to Orlando several decades ago from Ohio and developed into a top-notch professional act. A recent addition to his act and to his life is his wife, Adina. The couple is leaving soon for an extended European tour with their magic act. She is originally from Eastern Europe. Fred brought a wealth of knowledge gathered from years of working in all types of venues.
His lecture included not only a half-dozen of his original effects but detailed explanations of his advertising techniques, his business secrets for working with agents as well as his thoughts on music in his act. Fred makes excellent use of the popular remote controlled “Wireless Wizardry” device that many magicians use. With a remote control button he can provide drum-rolls, musical fanfares and engaging music for his act.
Fred opened with a coin routine that resembled a classic billiard ball routine. It was done to a lively musical score. His handling was skillful and exciting. After he concluded, he explained how the music matched his moves and enhanced the effects rather than just being a background sound. The drive toward excellence was a theme that Fred used for the rest of his lecture. He continued with an audience participation effect where a card was selected and returned to the middle of the deck. He then burned a hole in the card, while inside the deck, using a laser pointer. He revealed the selected scorched card with a large hole in it.
He followed with a short discussion on how important it is for any magician to be able to create an alternate act from any Wal-Mart in event their props are lost by the airlines. As an example he did a clever book test using 3 unprepared books. The method was ingenious and different and in many ways superior to the classic David Hoy method. Returning to performing excellence, Fred let us in or the secrets on how to smoothly bring up an audience member and handle a volunteer on stage.
Next was another clever card effect. Fred had a card selected and returned to the deck. It was the two of diamonds. After some by-play he attempts to find the card and the he flipped out of the deck the four of diamonds. The audience laughed at his apparent mistake but he had the last laugh. He twirled the card and the four diamond pips were in a circular arrangement! He then peeled off two of them and the card became the selected two of diamonds! Fred gave all the details on how he accomplished the trick and explained how to make it.
He did his version of the classic dollar bill switch with no thumb tip. He changed a real dollar bill into a fake play money bill and then turned the fake bill folded bill upside down and dumped out 4 real quarters. This was effect that is ideal for restaurant walk around magic.
Fred gave several examples of how his promotional materials have evolved from his early days. Early in his career he first used printed materials but he has now evolved to the point where today he uses only web sites and You Tube videos to distribute demonstration videos of his act. He even has alternate “agent friendly” websites where an agent can refer clients to see his act without the client being able to contact him directly. These insights into Fred’s business methods are priceless.
He did a hilarious kid’s routine that involved vanishing a small yellow silk (using a thumb tip) and making it appear in a bag, then in his sock, another finally the guy’s sleeve…This children’s routine, developed during Fred’s cruise ship years, is a simple way to keep the kids screaming and having fun.
He concluded his lecture with a card routine called “Voices in the Head” and to the delight of many he had the recorded CD track for sale. His audio player had a pre-recorded wizard’s voice. Fred responded to the comedic recorded dialog. The “Wizard” on the audio player reveals a card after lots of funny by play. If you get an opportunity see the Fred Moore lecture, take it. His professional insights are remarkable.
Good things are always happening in Ring 170.
Dennis Phillips
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
2008-11 From the Editor
Welcome to this month's newsletter, I just wish for all of us that the economic news was better. It is obvious that hard times will fall upon the entertainment industry, so there may be slim pickings this holiday season for our professional members. I heard that Disney has cancelled all their staff Christmas parties. While they do not usually use external entertainers, their decision is perhaps a sample of what other companies are doing too.
We can but hope that the promises of our new president turn out to be more than just political rhetoric. Even then, it will take time until things improve. Maybe magic will help us escape the day to day issues.
Thanks to all our contributers. I was disappointed that none of the ring's attendees have sent a review, perhaps one will appear in time for the December newsletter [hint, hint].
Have a magical month
Your editor
Stefan
We can but hope that the promises of our new president turn out to be more than just political rhetoric. Even then, it will take time until things improve. Maybe magic will help us escape the day to day issues.
Thanks to all our contributers. I was disappointed that none of the ring's attendees have sent a review, perhaps one will appear in time for the December newsletter [hint, hint].
Have a magical month
Your editor
Stefan
2008-11 FMA Officers
Greetings,
the Florida Magicians Association held its meeting this Sunday, November 9, 2008.
The following were elected to serve as FMA officers for 2008-2009:
President: Dan Stapleton
Vice President: Jeff Silver
Secretary/Treasurer: Robert Schvey
Web-maintenance: Simone Marron
Congratulations to the new officers. We look forward to continued growth by the FMA.
Keep a dream in the making, for you create your tomorrows by what you dream today.
Maria Ibâñez
the Florida Magicians Association held its meeting this Sunday, November 9, 2008.
The following were elected to serve as FMA officers for 2008-2009:
President: Dan Stapleton
Vice President: Jeff Silver
Secretary/Treasurer: Robert Schvey
Web-maintenance: Simone Marron
Congratulations to the new officers. We look forward to continued growth by the FMA.
Keep a dream in the making, for you create your tomorrows by what you dream today.
Maria Ibâñez
2008-11 Christmas Exchange
Jackie Manna is organizing the Christmas Gift Exchange at our December meeting again. Full details will follow in a seperate newsletter mailing, but start wrapping and keep the date free.
Stefan
Stefan
2008-11 Upcoming events
For those of that are interested here is a list of up coming events on non meeting nights that may interest you...
1. Billy DamonBalloon get together, November 13th, at 2493 McMichael Rd, St Cloud Fl34771.
Seating islimited.....E-mail: Bdamon@Embarqmail.com
2. Dan Stapleton –Teach-in at Chris Dunn’s house, November 17th., 7pm at 1112 Druid Rd.Maitland, Fl 32751.... Seating is limited,
E-mail reservation to: Youngdunns@yahoo.com $10.00 per person
3. Aldo Colombini –Teach-in at Chris Dunn’s house December 11th, 7pm,at 112 Druid Rd. Maitland,Fl 32751.... Seating is limited,
E-mail reservation to: Youngdunns@yahoo.com $30.00 per person
Just want to let you all know what was happening in the next couple of months. Hope to see you at some of these functions.
Craig Fennessy
1. Billy DamonBalloon get together, November 13th, at 2493 McMichael Rd, St Cloud Fl34771.
Seating islimited.....E-mail: Bdamon@Embarqmail.com
2. Dan Stapleton –Teach-in at Chris Dunn’s house, November 17th., 7pm at 1112 Druid Rd.Maitland, Fl 32751.... Seating is limited,
E-mail reservation to: Youngdunns@yahoo.com $10.00 per person
3. Aldo Colombini –Teach-in at Chris Dunn’s house December 11th, 7pm,at 112 Druid Rd. Maitland,Fl 32751.... Seating is limited,
E-mail reservation to: Youngdunns@yahoo.com $30.00 per person
Just want to let you all know what was happening in the next couple of months. Hope to see you at some of these functions.
Craig Fennessy
2008-11 Request for recording
Did anyone tape the Masked Magician show from November 3rd?
Dan Stapleton
[editor's note: Did you try YouTube?]
Dan Stapleton
[editor's note: Did you try YouTube?]
2008-11 Houdini Movies
from Dan Stapleton:
For those "Hollywood" Houdini fans, two new wonderful movies involving Houdini.
If you enjoyed The Illusionist then you will enjoy these.
For those "Hollywood" Houdini fans, two new wonderful movies involving Houdini.
- Fairy Tale: A True Story (1997) Harvey Keitel plays Houdini.
- Death Defying Acts (2007)starring Catherine Zetta Jones as famous Boston psychic "Margery" and Guy Pierce as Houdini.
If you enjoyed The Illusionist then you will enjoy these.
2008-11 Info about our nearby ring 258
Nominations and elections took place in Leesburg Ring 258. Our new officers are: President – “Magic Ian” Sutz, Vice President - Greg Solomon, Secretary – Roger “Foo” Reid and Treasurer – George Smallwood. Last year we had 4 lectures, and monthly members nights where members performed. We intend to keep up that activity, plus our April show at the Villages. We will also continue to support ring 170 lectures by subsidizing the lecture cost to our members. We had a 7 act show at Hawthorne and sold out. We were asked to make this a regular event. Our club probably earned half the admission and will donate portions to Boggy Creek, and Lake/Sumter hospice. You can check out our monthly minutes at www.ring258.blogspot.com
Our ring will have our Holiday Party & Gift Exchange and take place on Saturday evening, December 27th, at Royal Highlands, beginning at 6:00 PM. $20 admission includes dinner and is open to Ring 170 members.
Tom Craven (in February) is one of several lecturers scheduled next year, we will honor ring 170 member prices for our lectures.
Member Tom Golabek just placed his DVD clip on Youtube on Poker Chip and card Flourishes, check out his DVD at www.pokerchipDVD.com
Magic Ian will be releasing a series of magic DVD's in January and February and they will be in shops shortly after. Also, a re-release of his double match pull. http://matchpull.blogspot.com/
-Ian
Our ring will have our Holiday Party & Gift Exchange and take place on Saturday evening, December 27th, at Royal Highlands, beginning at 6:00 PM. $20 admission includes dinner and is open to Ring 170 members.
Tom Craven (in February) is one of several lecturers scheduled next year, we will honor ring 170 member prices for our lectures.
Member Tom Golabek just placed his DVD clip on Youtube on Poker Chip and card Flourishes, check out his DVD at www.pokerchipDVD.com
Magic Ian will be releasing a series of magic DVD's in January and February and they will be in shops shortly after. Also, a re-release of his double match pull. http://matchpull.blogspot.com/
-Ian
2008-11 Jeff Hobson Info (belated)
For those of you that missed the recent lecture...some info about what you missed:
His television appearances include HBO, Showtime's Comedy Club Network, Fox Family's Masters of Illusion, NBC's World's Greatest Magic as well as the star of Thames Television's Magic Comedy Strip a 16 week television series in England. Hobson introduction to Las Vegas started with an audition at the famed comedy club, Catch a Rising Star at Bally's Casino. This audition turned into numerous return, headline engagements. In 1993, Hobson joined the cast of Spellbound at Harrah's Casino. This run lasted over four years.
After a three-year hiatus that took Hobson to Reno to produce and star in the critically-acclaimed magic production show called, Carnival of Wonders, he came back home to become the "Host of Las Vegas". Since then, he has starred in his own, one-man show, Money and Madness and been the Master of Ceremonies for countless special events and production shows including the World's Greatest Magic Show ,V-The Ultimate Variety Show and, currently, The Little Legends Show.
An interview from “Everything Las Vegas”
JEFF HOBSON `THE HILARIOUS HOST OF LAS VEGAS’ PLAYS `V’ NIGHTLY.
Comedy/magician Jeff Hobson who likes to be known as “The Hilarious Host of Las Vegas” is no ordinary performer but has the ability to take a series of world-class acts and make them into an A+ show in “V – The Ultimate Variety Show” in the V Theatre at the Aladdin’s Desert Passage.
The unpretentious Detroit native began learning magic at age seven when a magician who was a police officer used magic to teach safety with red, yellow and green balls representing a traffic light. He was impressed. That’s when he knew what career path he wanted to take in life. Even though he’s one of the best watch thieves you will ever witness his most entertaining talent is hosting “V” with his comical barbs and lightning tongue. Jeff’s honed his act like a star with a little bit of the late Paul Lynde and the fancy clothes a la Liberace.
On Sept. 21, Jeff is heading to the United Kingdom for five days to perform at The International Brotherhood of Magicians. The society has 20,000-25,000 members worldwide. We’re expecting 1,000-1,200 to attend. The show is called “WOW!’ in London’s West End on Sept. 24th. It’s a benefit performance for the London subway bombing victims.
Jeff said, “I was born on March 23, 1962. I graduated from Lutheran High East in Harper Woods, Michigan. I was the class clown and did all those impressions of Richard Nixon and so forth. At age 17, I was making more money than my father was working full-time. I was doing shows so I didn’t have to go to college. He was a tool-and-die maker and made a decent wage. I had a teacher offer to pay my way through college but turned it down.”
Jeff Hobson has opened for some big headliners as follows: Lee Greenwood, Barbara Mandrel, Louise Mandrel, Phyllis Diller, David Sanborn, Steve Allen and Roy Clark and many more.
Jeff says, “Comedy is a heck of a lot harder then law school. I get people to participate on-stage. It’s one of the biggest fears in the world to audience members but they end up having fun and always remember it and will talk about it for life. I love the challenge and especially like the people who don’t speak English. I’m visual so they understand what I do and say.”
His television appearances include HBO, Showtime's Comedy Club Network, Fox Family's Masters of Illusion, NBC's World's Greatest Magic as well as the star of Thames Television's Magic Comedy Strip a 16 week television series in England. Hobson introduction to Las Vegas started with an audition at the famed comedy club, Catch a Rising Star at Bally's Casino. This audition turned into numerous return, headline engagements. In 1993, Hobson joined the cast of Spellbound at Harrah's Casino. This run lasted over four years.
After a three-year hiatus that took Hobson to Reno to produce and star in the critically-acclaimed magic production show called, Carnival of Wonders, he came back home to become the "Host of Las Vegas". Since then, he has starred in his own, one-man show, Money and Madness and been the Master of Ceremonies for countless special events and production shows including the World's Greatest Magic Show ,V-The Ultimate Variety Show and, currently, The Little Legends Show.
An interview from “Everything Las Vegas”
JEFF HOBSON `THE HILARIOUS HOST OF LAS VEGAS’ PLAYS `V’ NIGHTLY.
Comedy/magician Jeff Hobson who likes to be known as “The Hilarious Host of Las Vegas” is no ordinary performer but has the ability to take a series of world-class acts and make them into an A+ show in “V – The Ultimate Variety Show” in the V Theatre at the Aladdin’s Desert Passage.
The unpretentious Detroit native began learning magic at age seven when a magician who was a police officer used magic to teach safety with red, yellow and green balls representing a traffic light. He was impressed. That’s when he knew what career path he wanted to take in life. Even though he’s one of the best watch thieves you will ever witness his most entertaining talent is hosting “V” with his comical barbs and lightning tongue. Jeff’s honed his act like a star with a little bit of the late Paul Lynde and the fancy clothes a la Liberace.
On Sept. 21, Jeff is heading to the United Kingdom for five days to perform at The International Brotherhood of Magicians. The society has 20,000-25,000 members worldwide. We’re expecting 1,000-1,200 to attend. The show is called “WOW!’ in London’s West End on Sept. 24th. It’s a benefit performance for the London subway bombing victims.
Jeff said, “I was born on March 23, 1962. I graduated from Lutheran High East in Harper Woods, Michigan. I was the class clown and did all those impressions of Richard Nixon and so forth. At age 17, I was making more money than my father was working full-time. I was doing shows so I didn’t have to go to college. He was a tool-and-die maker and made a decent wage. I had a teacher offer to pay my way through college but turned it down.”
Jeff Hobson has opened for some big headliners as follows: Lee Greenwood, Barbara Mandrel, Louise Mandrel, Phyllis Diller, David Sanborn, Steve Allen and Roy Clark and many more.
Jeff says, “Comedy is a heck of a lot harder then law school. I get people to participate on-stage. It’s one of the biggest fears in the world to audience members but they end up having fun and always remember it and will talk about it for life. I love the challenge and especially like the people who don’t speak English. I’m visual so they understand what I do and say.”
2008-11 Dennis' Deliberations
“and so it goes.”
- from Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut -
I have known a number of strange failed magicians in my five decades of being around this art. Each story is very sad. Periodically I will try to chronicle some of these people and their lost dreams of making it to the “big time” in magic. This month I will feature two from the 70s and early 80s. Perhaps these examples will explain why my wife, Cindy, is not too warm to all of the people I know who are into magic. We have had sad and tragic encounters with magicians during our 36 years of marriage.
His stage name was his last name, Booker, spelled backwards (“Rekoob”). He called himself “Rekoob the Magnificent”.
Booker was a locksmith in the Southern town where I was employed on local TV in the early 70s. He was one of the best locksmiths in the business with 15 employees, a fleet of step-vans and contracts with all the major businesses, but he had a passion for magic and illusions. His locksmith business provided him with a fabulous income. But the drive to be a touring magician drove him crazy. He sold his profitable business to go into magic “fulltime”. He spent many thousands of dollars trying to get into magic fulltime.
Sadly he was a real Redneck…Horrible Southern twang in his language, high raspy voice, zero originality. He was as they said about the Hapsburg Dynasty in Europe in the late 1800s, “He never learned anything and he never forgot anything!”
His major talent was that he could sling the bull to a client and buyer when he was selling a show (“people pass out when I do my Cremation!”) He bugged the snot out of me, when I lived in his town, wanting to be on my local TV show and have me promote him over the air.
He divorced his first wife. Although she got a sizable portion of the proceeds from his locksmith business, it was probably a good move if he wanted a stage assistant. She looked like Rosanne Barr on a bad hair-day.
He married some really young bone-thin woman. Mack was late 40s; she was in her late 20s. They had 2 kids in a row. She had no figure and an overbite that would have been an orthodontist’s challenge and joy to fix. She looked like something someone had just dragged out of the Carolina backwoods.
Booker did a few fairs (much like Harry Albacker) and finally ended up losing everything he had in life except his ancient Concord Motor home and a small utility trailer with magic props.
He traveled with his wife and 2 young kids doing Polaroid photos and a little magic (“Your picture with the bunny!). They mostly appeared in the old JM Fields discount stores and K-Marts. The stores just gave him a small space near the entrance and whatever he could clear from the photos was his income. Sometimes 4 photos sold was a good day.
Anyway… he traced me down to Orlando after I moved here in the fall of 1975 (drat you Phil Morris for telling him!)
In December of 1975 he parked his motor home in front of the house I rented on Harmon Avenue in Winter Park. It backed right up to Interstate-4. Car noise was horrible! Vaarrrooom! It was solid 24 hours a day, but it only cost us $250 a month to rent back then.
He and his wife and kids sort of moved onto our lot. Most of the days they would drive over to the old JM Fields at the corner of Lee Road and 17-92 to do magic and photos. The pickings were slim because Orlando was in a housing collapse and local depression in 1975 following the initial Disney build-out and the gas shortages. In the evening they were back in front of my house, with their motor home, for the night.
To this day, Cindy detests “Dinty Moore” stew because at night they would eat with us and every other night we all had stew and rice. I think a few times we had Hamburger Helper with precious little hamburger and lots of off-brand cheese macaroni. (Cindy bought all of this, of course) After a week of running an extension cord and water hose to the motor home, his dump tank filled and he could never figure out a way to tap into my home sewer clean-out plug so he moved on. He tried dumping a couple of times leaving a pool of human feces in my front yard.
Evening conversations were filled with a half pack of Camels and grandiose dreams of big illusion shows and going to Broadway. Promptly at 9PM the Corby’s Whiskey came out. All the frustration would then be liberated and the pent up anger and rage would spill over into an hour tirade about how the world had screwed him and what a great illusionist he was. I vividly recall him sucking on a cigarette that he had stuck in a front missing tooth. He could smoke almost an entire cigarette with no hands. His props were mostly Abbott’s illusions that he had he picked up from other dreamers whose dreams had faded away into disillusionment.
Mack died a few years later…Phil said it was heart trouble. It may have been. My guess would be that years of drinking had corroded away his liver and his lungs were worn out from chain smoking. He ended up leaving his Abbott’s Cremation in my driveway because the utility trailer he was towing had sprung a leak and it was ruining his props. The Cremation was the only prop left where the plywood had not warped. It was the same Cremation Illusion that I used in the 1976 Lake Eola Halloween Show that Dan Stapleton produced!
A few months later in early 1976 a young, thin, clean-cut preacher’s-kid, JD, whose father was a rabid snot-slinging Fundamentalist preacher in Kissimmee stopped into the shop. At first, he vaguely reminded me of a short-haired preppy version of Doug Henning.
JD was into Gospel magic. He worshipped Andre Kole. He dreamed of being a Gospel magician-illusionist. He left shortly after that to go to a Bible College in Kentucky to major in ministry. He got through college but fell into booze even though drinking was absolutely forbidden by any of the students. He told me that he had never tasted alcohol in any form until he was away at the Bible School. He was off campus and sneaked a drink. He said he was addicted after one drink. He had finally found something that made him feel good. I often wonder if he had just transferred his fundamentalist religious addiction to another cult based on alcohol and sex.
After he graduated, with a degree in Christian Ministry and an internship as a Youth pastor, he could not make enough money to live so he soon ended up working as an Emcee in topless bars in Northern Kentucky. Once in a drunken stupor he told me that he had a “ministry:” to the people that worked in bars. His rationalization was
“Jesus made wine and they said he was a drunkard. Jesus was also friends with prostitutes!” He followed up each statement by rattling off a list of Bible verses to prove his point. His pious family disowned him but he returned to Orlando and worked in my costume shop for a few months at Halloween before going to work as a DJ at one of the South Orange Blossom Trail Topless Dancer Clubs.
Since every Fundamentalist church insisted he “get rid of his sins” before they would help him, he had no close connection to any religious group, so I tried to get him into AA and for a month or two he attended their meetings. I was the only church-going friend that he had. Being from a Fundamentalist background he could never accept my mainstream Christian approach as being valid. I remember him being stinking drunk-as-a-skunk and still trying to convert me over to his Fundamentalism. He booked a few Gospel magic shows in distant churches, with preachers who did not know him well, and kept his dream alive that he would be a big-named Fundamentalist Gospel illusionist one day. I hired him and his girlfriend (a biker chick turned topless dancer) a few times on some of my magic road-tours. She frequently confided her own demons to my wife Cindy.
The Flying Carpet Illusion that I own today was a gift from him for picking him up from jail after a DUI arrest.
He permanently lost his driver’s license after a couple more DUIs. He was forced to use the bus system. He married his biker chick girlfriend when she told him that she was pregnant. Her ex-husband came by and beat the tar out of him when he found out that his ex-wife was expecting. She divorced JD shortly after the baby was born. He emotionally went downhill and died of acute alcohol poisoning at far too young an age… One day, a short time later, I pulled up into my driveway at my house in Audubon Park and pieces of old illusions were littering my carport. I knew whose they were but I had no idea how they got there.
His widow had gone back to her ex-husband and they both wanted to get rid of all the memories of JD so for some reason they did not just trash his props but loaded them in the back of his mud truck and dumped them in my carport! Maybe it was her final statement to me; maybe it was a gesture of thanks to Cindy and me for helping them, or maybe she just wanted Cindy’s attention. She did call up Cindy a short time later to explain that her baby was not JD’s but her ex-husband’s. She provided explicit details as why that was the fact. She told Cindy that she wanted to set the record straight with the only friends that JD had that were left on earth. I walked into the kitchen just as that phone call was ending. Cindy turned, clutched me and buried her face in my chest and sobbed like a baby.
Dennis Phillips
- from Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut -
I have known a number of strange failed magicians in my five decades of being around this art. Each story is very sad. Periodically I will try to chronicle some of these people and their lost dreams of making it to the “big time” in magic. This month I will feature two from the 70s and early 80s. Perhaps these examples will explain why my wife, Cindy, is not too warm to all of the people I know who are into magic. We have had sad and tragic encounters with magicians during our 36 years of marriage.
His stage name was his last name, Booker, spelled backwards (“Rekoob”). He called himself “Rekoob the Magnificent”.
Booker was a locksmith in the Southern town where I was employed on local TV in the early 70s. He was one of the best locksmiths in the business with 15 employees, a fleet of step-vans and contracts with all the major businesses, but he had a passion for magic and illusions. His locksmith business provided him with a fabulous income. But the drive to be a touring magician drove him crazy. He sold his profitable business to go into magic “fulltime”. He spent many thousands of dollars trying to get into magic fulltime.
Sadly he was a real Redneck…Horrible Southern twang in his language, high raspy voice, zero originality. He was as they said about the Hapsburg Dynasty in Europe in the late 1800s, “He never learned anything and he never forgot anything!”
His major talent was that he could sling the bull to a client and buyer when he was selling a show (“people pass out when I do my Cremation!”) He bugged the snot out of me, when I lived in his town, wanting to be on my local TV show and have me promote him over the air.
He divorced his first wife. Although she got a sizable portion of the proceeds from his locksmith business, it was probably a good move if he wanted a stage assistant. She looked like Rosanne Barr on a bad hair-day.
He married some really young bone-thin woman. Mack was late 40s; she was in her late 20s. They had 2 kids in a row. She had no figure and an overbite that would have been an orthodontist’s challenge and joy to fix. She looked like something someone had just dragged out of the Carolina backwoods.
Booker did a few fairs (much like Harry Albacker) and finally ended up losing everything he had in life except his ancient Concord Motor home and a small utility trailer with magic props.
He traveled with his wife and 2 young kids doing Polaroid photos and a little magic (“Your picture with the bunny!). They mostly appeared in the old JM Fields discount stores and K-Marts. The stores just gave him a small space near the entrance and whatever he could clear from the photos was his income. Sometimes 4 photos sold was a good day.
Anyway… he traced me down to Orlando after I moved here in the fall of 1975 (drat you Phil Morris for telling him!)
In December of 1975 he parked his motor home in front of the house I rented on Harmon Avenue in Winter Park. It backed right up to Interstate-4. Car noise was horrible! Vaarrrooom! It was solid 24 hours a day, but it only cost us $250 a month to rent back then.
He and his wife and kids sort of moved onto our lot. Most of the days they would drive over to the old JM Fields at the corner of Lee Road and 17-92 to do magic and photos. The pickings were slim because Orlando was in a housing collapse and local depression in 1975 following the initial Disney build-out and the gas shortages. In the evening they were back in front of my house, with their motor home, for the night.
To this day, Cindy detests “Dinty Moore” stew because at night they would eat with us and every other night we all had stew and rice. I think a few times we had Hamburger Helper with precious little hamburger and lots of off-brand cheese macaroni. (Cindy bought all of this, of course) After a week of running an extension cord and water hose to the motor home, his dump tank filled and he could never figure out a way to tap into my home sewer clean-out plug so he moved on. He tried dumping a couple of times leaving a pool of human feces in my front yard.
Evening conversations were filled with a half pack of Camels and grandiose dreams of big illusion shows and going to Broadway. Promptly at 9PM the Corby’s Whiskey came out. All the frustration would then be liberated and the pent up anger and rage would spill over into an hour tirade about how the world had screwed him and what a great illusionist he was. I vividly recall him sucking on a cigarette that he had stuck in a front missing tooth. He could smoke almost an entire cigarette with no hands. His props were mostly Abbott’s illusions that he had he picked up from other dreamers whose dreams had faded away into disillusionment.
Mack died a few years later…Phil said it was heart trouble. It may have been. My guess would be that years of drinking had corroded away his liver and his lungs were worn out from chain smoking. He ended up leaving his Abbott’s Cremation in my driveway because the utility trailer he was towing had sprung a leak and it was ruining his props. The Cremation was the only prop left where the plywood had not warped. It was the same Cremation Illusion that I used in the 1976 Lake Eola Halloween Show that Dan Stapleton produced!
A few months later in early 1976 a young, thin, clean-cut preacher’s-kid, JD, whose father was a rabid snot-slinging Fundamentalist preacher in Kissimmee stopped into the shop. At first, he vaguely reminded me of a short-haired preppy version of Doug Henning.
JD was into Gospel magic. He worshipped Andre Kole. He dreamed of being a Gospel magician-illusionist. He left shortly after that to go to a Bible College in Kentucky to major in ministry. He got through college but fell into booze even though drinking was absolutely forbidden by any of the students. He told me that he had never tasted alcohol in any form until he was away at the Bible School. He was off campus and sneaked a drink. He said he was addicted after one drink. He had finally found something that made him feel good. I often wonder if he had just transferred his fundamentalist religious addiction to another cult based on alcohol and sex.
After he graduated, with a degree in Christian Ministry and an internship as a Youth pastor, he could not make enough money to live so he soon ended up working as an Emcee in topless bars in Northern Kentucky. Once in a drunken stupor he told me that he had a “ministry:” to the people that worked in bars. His rationalization was
“Jesus made wine and they said he was a drunkard. Jesus was also friends with prostitutes!” He followed up each statement by rattling off a list of Bible verses to prove his point. His pious family disowned him but he returned to Orlando and worked in my costume shop for a few months at Halloween before going to work as a DJ at one of the South Orange Blossom Trail Topless Dancer Clubs.
Since every Fundamentalist church insisted he “get rid of his sins” before they would help him, he had no close connection to any religious group, so I tried to get him into AA and for a month or two he attended their meetings. I was the only church-going friend that he had. Being from a Fundamentalist background he could never accept my mainstream Christian approach as being valid. I remember him being stinking drunk-as-a-skunk and still trying to convert me over to his Fundamentalism. He booked a few Gospel magic shows in distant churches, with preachers who did not know him well, and kept his dream alive that he would be a big-named Fundamentalist Gospel illusionist one day. I hired him and his girlfriend (a biker chick turned topless dancer) a few times on some of my magic road-tours. She frequently confided her own demons to my wife Cindy.
The Flying Carpet Illusion that I own today was a gift from him for picking him up from jail after a DUI arrest.
He permanently lost his driver’s license after a couple more DUIs. He was forced to use the bus system. He married his biker chick girlfriend when she told him that she was pregnant. Her ex-husband came by and beat the tar out of him when he found out that his ex-wife was expecting. She divorced JD shortly after the baby was born. He emotionally went downhill and died of acute alcohol poisoning at far too young an age… One day, a short time later, I pulled up into my driveway at my house in Audubon Park and pieces of old illusions were littering my carport. I knew whose they were but I had no idea how they got there.
His widow had gone back to her ex-husband and they both wanted to get rid of all the memories of JD so for some reason they did not just trash his props but loaded them in the back of his mud truck and dumped them in my carport! Maybe it was her final statement to me; maybe it was a gesture of thanks to Cindy and me for helping them, or maybe she just wanted Cindy’s attention. She did call up Cindy a short time later to explain that her baby was not JD’s but her ex-husband’s. She provided explicit details as why that was the fact. She told Cindy that she wanted to set the record straight with the only friends that JD had that were left on earth. I walked into the kitchen just as that phone call was ending. Cindy turned, clutched me and buried her face in my chest and sobbed like a baby.
Dennis Phillips
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
2008-10 Famulus Newsletter - Ring 170
Newsletter of IBM Ring #170
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 10/15/2008 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Board meeting at 6:30 pm
Meeting theme: Halloween magic
The Elks Club Lodge #1079,
12 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando, Florida 32803
“The corner of Primrose Drive and Central Boulevard” (click for map)
Lunch meetings every Tuesday at noon at Goodings (next to the food court)
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – Art.Thomas@Disney.com
Dennis Philips- Secretary – Dennis@alliedcostumes.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 10/15/2008 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Board meeting at 6:30 pm
Meeting theme: Halloween magic
The Elks Club Lodge #1079,
12 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando, Florida 32803
“The corner of Primrose Drive and Central Boulevard” (click for map)
Lunch meetings every Tuesday at noon at Goodings (next to the food court)
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – Art.Thomas@Disney.com
Dennis Philips- Secretary – Dennis@alliedcostumes.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
2008-10 From the Editor
The nights are getting shorter and the magicians' busy season is fast approaching. Halloween, and then the holidays with all their parties will keep professional members busy; hopefully, as the issues in the economic area will have an impact on people's and companies' spending.
Do not forget that this month's meeting is the first at our new location. If you are not sure how to get there, click on the red link in the Ring report for a map and the option for directions.
Thanks to Dennis & Dan for their contributions.
Greetings from your Editor
Do not forget that this month's meeting is the first at our new location. If you are not sure how to get there, click on the red link in the Ring report for a map and the option for directions.
Thanks to Dennis & Dan for their contributions.
Greetings from your Editor
2008-10 Ring Report
Ring Report Ring #170 The Bev Bergeron Ring
It was a great September meeting. President Craig Fennessey gaveled the meeting to order. This month we say good-bye to the Marks Street Senior Center, our meeting home for most of the last decade. Next month we meet at the Elks Lodge at Primrose and Central in Downtown Orlando near the Orlando Executive Airport.
A few of our magicians are still working regularly as the tourist season fades into fall. Kostya Kimlat is appearing at local restaurants. Joe Zimmer reports the “Titanic” exhibit is moving back to International Drive and he has a place on the entertainment roster. Joe was next called up by President Fennessey for a mini teach-in. Zimmer showed us an excellent presentation of the classic effect where two lengths of string become one. He also showed a unique use for Elmer’s Repositional Adhesive. The effect was “Vlad the Impaler” and a card kept changing positions in a packet. The packet was rigged with the adhesive and the effect was amazing. Richard Hewitt then followed with a show-and-tell about how he transformed a small effect into a big one at Kinkos. He took a forcing card with colors and had it enlarged at the print shop and it because ideal for stage. He followed by showing how he rebuilt the gimmick for a magnetic version of The Torn and Restored Newspaper.
Phil Schwartz was introduced for another of his renowned “Magic Moment” in magic history. This was his 8th edition. Phil explained how magic collectors enjoy collecting rare printed pieces such as magicians’ business cards, programs, and posters, throw cards and even canceled checks! As always, Phil brought excellent examples from his valuable collection. He had many of the printed show programs from the first IBM Conventions.
With the formal meeting concluded, it was time for the monthly ring show and Joe Zimmer agreed to Emcee. First up was Kostya Kimlat . Rather than dazzle us with his fabulous card wizardry, he did a three part mind-reading effect. It was a mini-Mental Epic type of effect using three different colored Sticky Pads. Kostya is a versatile performer and his routine was very clever and well received. Charlie Pfrogner followed with a spooky effect known as “The Bell, the Book and the Candle”. A pad with a drawn hand was passed to a spectator to make a mark on a finger. When Charlie held the paper over a candle it did not burn and the mark disappeared. Charlie then had a big blister on his own finger. It was the same one that had been marked on the paper. Oddly the bell that had been rung at the beginning of the demonstration suddenly had no clapper. Charlie said this routine was from an old magic magazine. Master Magi Pfrogner is a genius at finding old but good effects that have been buried in print.
Dan Knapp was welcomed on stage so that he could repeat a mentalism effect he claimed he could do even better this month. Six colored cards were handed to a spectator and the spectator was told to select a short phrase from any one of the cards. There were over thirty phrases. Dan then did a reading on how the color of the card meant something to the person and then he correctly announced the phrase. He topped his last presentation. Mystana (Rebecca) had a mysterious little wooden box that made three small fuzzy balls instantly disappear as she threw them in the it. She then made a red handkerchief vanish. Dan Stapleton, drew again from his award-winning Linking Ring Parade published several years ago and presented “Deck Tracy”, the card that finds other cards that have been lost in the deck. Wrapping up the show was Syd McWethy. He used a story about a con man and a crooked bet and made a coin vanish. With that, the show concluded and another fun ring meeting came to an end.
Join us for our monthly ring meeting whenever you are in Orlando. Good things are always happening in Ring 170.
Dennis Phillips
2008-10 Florida Magicians Association
Dear Fellow FMA member,
The next FMA convention is right around the corner (Nov. 7-9) in Daytona Beach. You must register now, so you are not disappointed, as the Daytona convention has been sold out for the last few years. With two stage shows, eleven lectures and contest awards valued at nearly $2000.00 this year will not disappoint. Heck, you even get a Friday night dinner included!
I encourage all members to represent your club at the FMA meeting held during the convention. At the Miami meeting in June we had a very good turn out. We want your input on how we can build and improve the FMA. The FMA is a "sounding board" for all Florida magicians. As a representative, you will be taking back to your club, inside news and information, first hand, as to what is happening around the state. And we want all the Florida magicians to know what events your club is doing in the future.Traditionally we meet the last morning of the convention but it could be at any time. When you receive your schedule of events, it will state where and when we will be meeting but I will personally invite you during the start of the Friday night show.
The new FMA web site ( http://www.flmagic.org/ ) is up and running, please be sure to check it out.
Thanks, and if I don't recognize you in passing at the convention, stop and say hello as I would love to meet you.
Please email this message on to all your local or Florida magic friends.
Dan Stapleton
President
Florida Magicians Association
The next FMA convention is right around the corner (Nov. 7-9) in Daytona Beach. You must register now, so you are not disappointed, as the Daytona convention has been sold out for the last few years. With two stage shows, eleven lectures and contest awards valued at nearly $2000.00 this year will not disappoint. Heck, you even get a Friday night dinner included!
I encourage all members to represent your club at the FMA meeting held during the convention. At the Miami meeting in June we had a very good turn out. We want your input on how we can build and improve the FMA. The FMA is a "sounding board" for all Florida magicians. As a representative, you will be taking back to your club, inside news and information, first hand, as to what is happening around the state. And we want all the Florida magicians to know what events your club is doing in the future.Traditionally we meet the last morning of the convention but it could be at any time. When you receive your schedule of events, it will state where and when we will be meeting but I will personally invite you during the start of the Friday night show.
The new FMA web site ( http://www.flmagic.org/ ) is up and running, please be sure to check it out.
Thanks, and if I don't recognize you in passing at the convention, stop and say hello as I would love to meet you.
Please email this message on to all your local or Florida magic friends.
Dan Stapleton
President
Florida Magicians Association
2008-10 End of America's Got Talent
OK...so some opera singer wins the Million Bucks! I was routing for the magician who ripped the doves head off!
Dan
2008-10 Dennis' Deliberations
The story behind “Magic in Mandolins” ,Orlando’s fine-dining dinner show
The first and only fine-dining Orlando area magic-dinner show is now in its second year. Many magicians have dreamed of having their own showroom where crowds nightly thrill to their unique style of magic. Dan Stapleton has created his own popular dinner attraction, Magic in Mandolins, at The Radisson Resort-Orlando and he has allowed me to pull back the curtain to see how he did it.
The Orlando area in Central Florida is a major tourist destination for the world. Orlando gained the reputation as being a magical place. This was due to the fantasy feeling of the theme parks as well as the rapid population and business development. Aside from a few sporadic magic shows within the theme parks, other attractions that exclusively featuring magic and illusions have been less than successful.
Fewer personality types are more suited to creating an independent magic attraction than an experienced cruise director. The skills set needed to succeed in both areas are: A compelling and fun personality, flexibility, creativity, people skills, theatrics, business savvy and a love for a challenge. These factors all had a major role, along with a bit of luck, for Orlando magician-illusionist, Dan Stapleton. Dan was originally from Milwaukee and came to Orlando in 1973 to work at Walt Disney World. He performed in the magic shop on Main Street in Disney World. During those years Dan was a frequent act at magic conventions and even did a strait jacket escape over Interstate 4 while being suspended 200 feet beneath an airborne helicopter. After a stint as an owner at another magic shop outside of Disney at the former Mystery Fun House. Dan worked for 4 years at the old Circus World doing the Illusion Show and at a Wild West dinner attraction. He decided to go to sea with his award winning magic act where the work was steady.
After 23 years he decided to leave the sea-going life behind, to spend more time with his wife and teenage children. His thoughts turned to a shore gig that could benefit from his years of experience as a cruise entertainer and director. He was drawn to a job that is nearly identical but without the ship: A resort entertainment director.
His employer, The Radisson Resort-Orlando, wanted to try a Murder Mystery dinner show in the "Oak Room", a part of the Mandolins dining area but it only seated 50. The cost of a Murder show staff and production would not have been cost effective. This led to the suggestion, by Dan, that they present an intimate and smaller magic experience. They went for the idea in early 2007. The Oak Room was transformed into a Victorian style seance room with poster portraits of Thurston and Carter looking down to the step-up stage. Lit candles on both sides of portraits, with black glitter curtain swooping down, add to the impression. An ornate table and two chairs on stage have a goblet, card deck and "spirit bell". Guests know they are in for a magical evening. To get audiences in the mood, twelve vintage magic poster reproductions on lighted easels line the entrance way to the performing area.
The night, my wife Cindy and I attended the show; Mark Fitzgerald provided delightful walk-around table magic during the dinner with cards, coins and rubber bands. The name of the dining complex is called Mandolins and a live guitar and mandolin serenade was performed by musician German Collazos of Columbia.
The meal was gourmet food on fine china in buffet style. The dining area is elegantly decorated with fine marble and a rich Mediterranean Villa feel. In fact, this feeling carries through the whole Radisson Resort theme. As we turned off of busy Highway 192 just off I-4 in Kissimmee, Florida, the actual municipality where the resort is located in suburban Orlando, our eyes were filled with spectacular greenery. The palm trees and enchanting architecture were bathed by the August evening sun.
The performance room in Mandolins is adjacent to the dining area but a separate room. Dan has a light tree for colored stage lights and the finale effect in the rear of the room.
In the audience were 35 magicians and spouses along with 15 lay persons for the maximum seating of 50. The show plays regularly on Thursdays during "tourist seasonal times" when families are in the resort. During the slowest times of the year the show is available only for groups and conferences. The dinner show is $29.95 adults and $15.95 children. The show runs 45-60 min. Dinner is at 7pm and the show at 8pm.
Mark Fitzgerald, already known to the audience from his walk-around magic, introduced Dan. Dan walked up through the audience to applause and wears a velvet deep purple coat with an open burgundy colored shirt. He greeted the audience and explained the show would be in three parts. He said first he would do a bit of close up magic right in front of your eyes. The second part will be a penetration into everyone’s mind with ESP magic and finally, in the third part, would his favorite classic parlor magic.
Dan immediately challenged the audience to a test. It involved holding out both hands straight, crossing then over and clasping them together. The Twilight Zone music theme played as Dan was able to untwist his hands and the audience is unable to do it with theirs. This effect is now a classic bit, that most magicians know, but it still gets the lay audience involved and ready to see more.
The close-up magic proceeded rapidly. A packet of sugar from a dining table vanished in his fist and reappeared inside a female spectator’s purse. There was a Professor’s Nightmare with three audience assistants followed by two live goldfish materializing out of thin air into a water-filled wine goblet. There is a sponge ball routine with an audience member and their ring replaced the vanished sponge ball.
The highpoint of the close-up segment was a story about Dan’s Irish ancestry and a Card Stab routine with a knife he said was an antique family heirloom. A playing card, freely selected by an audience member, was the card that was found impaled by the knife as the rest of the cards fall to the floor in a flash of fire. The lit candle on the table then was made to vanish and the first segment concluded.
Dan deliberately puts the close-up segment at the top of the show to transform passive spectators into active participants.
Now the audience was ready for the part of the show that explored the mind.
A sealed white envelope with a predicted word inside was displayed and handed to an audience member. Another audience member was asked to tell Dan at what exact point to use his scissors to clip off the end of a long newspaper clipping. The clipping fluttered to the floor and was retrieved by the spectator. The sentence at the clipped point matched the prediction that was in the envelope from the beginning.
The concluding effect in this segment was a signature effect with Dan. Six spectators that never met Dan wrote their first names on strips of paper. All the papers were attached to a long strip of masking tape held between the arms of a spectator. One was freely chosen and burned and the ashes were rubbed on Dan’s arm and the name of the person on the burned paper materialized on his arm.
The final segment of the show was a few of Dan’s larger performance pieces that have been perfected from years on the cruise ships. He begins with two microphone stands spaced ten feet apart with a white rope stretched between them. Magicians will recognize this effect as a Pavel creation, but Dan adds music and a touch of theatrics. The rope is cut and knotted at the middle and then the knot is slid to one side and untied to show the actual cut has migrated. It is then slid to the other side. Finally the rope is fully restored.
Another signature effect, fine-tuned by many years of performances, is “Stapleton’s Sympathetic Silks”. In Dan’s hands this becomes a major production. Two women were invited up on stage to sit in two wooden chairs places on each side of the stage. One set of large silk scarves were tied together and given to one woman. The other set of scarves were left untied and in the procession of the second woman. Dan then did a bit of dancing and charade from side to side to the song “Hey Big Spender”. He quips, “I used to be a Chip n’ Dip dancer!” It ended with the knots changing places. The startling finale was that two bottles of real Champagne appearing in each bundle of large scarves and handed to the ladies as they returned to their seats with big applause.
The tried and true Lester Lake Head Chopper followed using the help of a gentleman from the audience. Here again, Dan uses his own unique presentation. The chopper is introduced as, “something I picked up at Lorena Bobbitt’s garage sale!” Many comic lines are used and even a detached head puppet in a bucket is held up singing, “I Ain’t got No body”. Dan’s light-hearted presentation equals the best of the old pros.
What had to be the most ethereal and awe-inspiring effect was a Dan’s version of Karson’s Zombie Ball. He themed it around “The Birth of a Pearl” and the orb was an iridescent pearl. An automated clam shell on the table top slowly opened as appropriate music played. The pearl emerged from the shell. It floated with Dan’s excellent manipulation which was made even more effective by using a ragged covering cloth with ragged holes through it and covered with sea netting. Any magician who knows this familiar effect would be amazed at the deceptiveness.
Stapleton’s final effect of the evening was the story about his childhood in the snowy winters of Wisconsin. He remarked that even though he has spent many years in Florida and on tropical cruise ships he still dreams about his old northern winter wonderlands and the giant snowflakes. He began with the classic Chinese snowstorm and concluded with the entire performance room filled with snow falling as music softly played in the background. It was a captivating emotional conclusion to nearly an hour of non-stop intimate magic.
Dennis Phillips
The first and only fine-dining Orlando area magic-dinner show is now in its second year. Many magicians have dreamed of having their own showroom where crowds nightly thrill to their unique style of magic. Dan Stapleton has created his own popular dinner attraction, Magic in Mandolins, at The Radisson Resort-Orlando and he has allowed me to pull back the curtain to see how he did it.
The Orlando area in Central Florida is a major tourist destination for the world. Orlando gained the reputation as being a magical place. This was due to the fantasy feeling of the theme parks as well as the rapid population and business development. Aside from a few sporadic magic shows within the theme parks, other attractions that exclusively featuring magic and illusions have been less than successful.
Fewer personality types are more suited to creating an independent magic attraction than an experienced cruise director. The skills set needed to succeed in both areas are: A compelling and fun personality, flexibility, creativity, people skills, theatrics, business savvy and a love for a challenge. These factors all had a major role, along with a bit of luck, for Orlando magician-illusionist, Dan Stapleton. Dan was originally from Milwaukee and came to Orlando in 1973 to work at Walt Disney World. He performed in the magic shop on Main Street in Disney World. During those years Dan was a frequent act at magic conventions and even did a strait jacket escape over Interstate 4 while being suspended 200 feet beneath an airborne helicopter. After a stint as an owner at another magic shop outside of Disney at the former Mystery Fun House. Dan worked for 4 years at the old Circus World doing the Illusion Show and at a Wild West dinner attraction. He decided to go to sea with his award winning magic act where the work was steady.
After 23 years he decided to leave the sea-going life behind, to spend more time with his wife and teenage children. His thoughts turned to a shore gig that could benefit from his years of experience as a cruise entertainer and director. He was drawn to a job that is nearly identical but without the ship: A resort entertainment director.
His employer, The Radisson Resort-Orlando, wanted to try a Murder Mystery dinner show in the "Oak Room", a part of the Mandolins dining area but it only seated 50. The cost of a Murder show staff and production would not have been cost effective. This led to the suggestion, by Dan, that they present an intimate and smaller magic experience. They went for the idea in early 2007. The Oak Room was transformed into a Victorian style seance room with poster portraits of Thurston and Carter looking down to the step-up stage. Lit candles on both sides of portraits, with black glitter curtain swooping down, add to the impression. An ornate table and two chairs on stage have a goblet, card deck and "spirit bell". Guests know they are in for a magical evening. To get audiences in the mood, twelve vintage magic poster reproductions on lighted easels line the entrance way to the performing area.
The night, my wife Cindy and I attended the show; Mark Fitzgerald provided delightful walk-around table magic during the dinner with cards, coins and rubber bands. The name of the dining complex is called Mandolins and a live guitar and mandolin serenade was performed by musician German Collazos of Columbia.
The meal was gourmet food on fine china in buffet style. The dining area is elegantly decorated with fine marble and a rich Mediterranean Villa feel. In fact, this feeling carries through the whole Radisson Resort theme. As we turned off of busy Highway 192 just off I-4 in Kissimmee, Florida, the actual municipality where the resort is located in suburban Orlando, our eyes were filled with spectacular greenery. The palm trees and enchanting architecture were bathed by the August evening sun.
The performance room in Mandolins is adjacent to the dining area but a separate room. Dan has a light tree for colored stage lights and the finale effect in the rear of the room.
In the audience were 35 magicians and spouses along with 15 lay persons for the maximum seating of 50. The show plays regularly on Thursdays during "tourist seasonal times" when families are in the resort. During the slowest times of the year the show is available only for groups and conferences. The dinner show is $29.95 adults and $15.95 children. The show runs 45-60 min. Dinner is at 7pm and the show at 8pm.
Mark Fitzgerald, already known to the audience from his walk-around magic, introduced Dan. Dan walked up through the audience to applause and wears a velvet deep purple coat with an open burgundy colored shirt. He greeted the audience and explained the show would be in three parts. He said first he would do a bit of close up magic right in front of your eyes. The second part will be a penetration into everyone’s mind with ESP magic and finally, in the third part, would his favorite classic parlor magic.
Dan immediately challenged the audience to a test. It involved holding out both hands straight, crossing then over and clasping them together. The Twilight Zone music theme played as Dan was able to untwist his hands and the audience is unable to do it with theirs. This effect is now a classic bit, that most magicians know, but it still gets the lay audience involved and ready to see more.
The close-up magic proceeded rapidly. A packet of sugar from a dining table vanished in his fist and reappeared inside a female spectator’s purse. There was a Professor’s Nightmare with three audience assistants followed by two live goldfish materializing out of thin air into a water-filled wine goblet. There is a sponge ball routine with an audience member and their ring replaced the vanished sponge ball.
The highpoint of the close-up segment was a story about Dan’s Irish ancestry and a Card Stab routine with a knife he said was an antique family heirloom. A playing card, freely selected by an audience member, was the card that was found impaled by the knife as the rest of the cards fall to the floor in a flash of fire. The lit candle on the table then was made to vanish and the first segment concluded.
Dan deliberately puts the close-up segment at the top of the show to transform passive spectators into active participants.
Now the audience was ready for the part of the show that explored the mind.
A sealed white envelope with a predicted word inside was displayed and handed to an audience member. Another audience member was asked to tell Dan at what exact point to use his scissors to clip off the end of a long newspaper clipping. The clipping fluttered to the floor and was retrieved by the spectator. The sentence at the clipped point matched the prediction that was in the envelope from the beginning.
The concluding effect in this segment was a signature effect with Dan. Six spectators that never met Dan wrote their first names on strips of paper. All the papers were attached to a long strip of masking tape held between the arms of a spectator. One was freely chosen and burned and the ashes were rubbed on Dan’s arm and the name of the person on the burned paper materialized on his arm.
The final segment of the show was a few of Dan’s larger performance pieces that have been perfected from years on the cruise ships. He begins with two microphone stands spaced ten feet apart with a white rope stretched between them. Magicians will recognize this effect as a Pavel creation, but Dan adds music and a touch of theatrics. The rope is cut and knotted at the middle and then the knot is slid to one side and untied to show the actual cut has migrated. It is then slid to the other side. Finally the rope is fully restored.
Another signature effect, fine-tuned by many years of performances, is “Stapleton’s Sympathetic Silks”. In Dan’s hands this becomes a major production. Two women were invited up on stage to sit in two wooden chairs places on each side of the stage. One set of large silk scarves were tied together and given to one woman. The other set of scarves were left untied and in the procession of the second woman. Dan then did a bit of dancing and charade from side to side to the song “Hey Big Spender”. He quips, “I used to be a Chip n’ Dip dancer!” It ended with the knots changing places. The startling finale was that two bottles of real Champagne appearing in each bundle of large scarves and handed to the ladies as they returned to their seats with big applause.
The tried and true Lester Lake Head Chopper followed using the help of a gentleman from the audience. Here again, Dan uses his own unique presentation. The chopper is introduced as, “something I picked up at Lorena Bobbitt’s garage sale!” Many comic lines are used and even a detached head puppet in a bucket is held up singing, “I Ain’t got No body”. Dan’s light-hearted presentation equals the best of the old pros.
What had to be the most ethereal and awe-inspiring effect was a Dan’s version of Karson’s Zombie Ball. He themed it around “The Birth of a Pearl” and the orb was an iridescent pearl. An automated clam shell on the table top slowly opened as appropriate music played. The pearl emerged from the shell. It floated with Dan’s excellent manipulation which was made even more effective by using a ragged covering cloth with ragged holes through it and covered with sea netting. Any magician who knows this familiar effect would be amazed at the deceptiveness.
Stapleton’s final effect of the evening was the story about his childhood in the snowy winters of Wisconsin. He remarked that even though he has spent many years in Florida and on tropical cruise ships he still dreams about his old northern winter wonderlands and the giant snowflakes. He began with the classic Chinese snowstorm and concluded with the entire performance room filled with snow falling as music softly played in the background. It was a captivating emotional conclusion to nearly an hour of non-stop intimate magic.
Dennis Phillips
Saturday, September 13, 2008
2008-09 Famulus newsletter
Newsletter of IBM Ring #170
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 09/17/2008 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Board meeting at 6:30 pm
Meeting theme: Hurricane magic
Marks Street Center, 99 Mark Street, downtown Orlando
If you visit with us and do not know the room we meet in , please be aware that some of the people in the office at the Senior Center may not be aware we are meeting there! At the last meeting one visitor asked where the "IBM" was meeting and the management apparently thought they were asking for the International Business Machines group! They said that there was no "IBM" on the schedule. So, if you have never been to our ring meeting , please say "magicians" or "FAME" and if that doesn't get the room location , just walk around looking for us. The Senior Center is a public building.
Please note that the Ring meetings will be held at a new venue, starting in October. The new address is:
The Elks Club Lodge #1079,
12 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando, Florida 32803
“The corner of Primrose Drive and Central Boulevard”
Lunch meetings every Tuesday at noon at Goodings (next to the food court)
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – Art.Thomas@Disney.com
Dennis Philips- Secretary – Dennis@alliedcostumes.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 09/17/2008 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Board meeting at 6:30 pm
Meeting theme: Hurricane magic
Marks Street Center, 99 Mark Street, downtown Orlando
If you visit with us and do not know the room we meet in , please be aware that some of the people in the office at the Senior Center may not be aware we are meeting there! At the last meeting one visitor asked where the "IBM" was meeting and the management apparently thought they were asking for the International Business Machines group! They said that there was no "IBM" on the schedule. So, if you have never been to our ring meeting , please say "magicians" or "FAME" and if that doesn't get the room location , just walk around looking for us. The Senior Center is a public building.
Please note that the Ring meetings will be held at a new venue, starting in October. The new address is:
The Elks Club Lodge #1079,
12 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando, Florida 32803
“The corner of Primrose Drive and Central Boulevard”
Lunch meetings every Tuesday at noon at Goodings (next to the food court)
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – Art.Thomas@Disney.com
Dennis Philips- Secretary – Dennis@alliedcostumes.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
2008-09 From the editor
As summer draws to a close, at least for the rest of the country, the hurricanes are flying left and right of us, but luckily not right here (yet?). I was glad to read that Fay was not able to disrupt our monthly meeting and as I write, there are no storms on the horizon that could impact our next meeting. My thanks to this month's contributors, some of whom have mutiple entries: Dan Stapleton, Joe V., Dan Knapp and, as ever, Dennis.
I am Stefan Bartelski and I approve this message
I am Stefan Bartelski and I approve this message
2008-09 Ring Report Ring #170 The Bev Bergeron Ring
Tropical Storm Fay could not keep away almost 30 magic lovers from our August meeting. The winds were gusting up to 30 miles an hour outside and at times the rain was blowing sideways. All the storm shutters had been applied to the Orlando city building where we hold our meetings. President Craig Fennessey gaveled the meeting to order just 5 minutes late. A special guest was Paula Large, known to the magic world as the illustrator of Don Arthur’s book, “Illusions in the Round”. It was also great to see the recovering J.C. Hiatt bouncing back from surgery and looking good. Mark Fitzgerald mentioned that members of the ring are doing street magic 7 days a week at Downtown Disney. They can be found outside the Magic Masters store across from Bongo's restaurant. The magic crew covering the full week consists of Mark Fitzgerald, Craig Fennessy and Mike Bondi. The magic is starting at 6pm and ending 10:30 pm on weekdays and ending at 11:30 on Fridays and weekends.
Bev Bergeron and Dan Stapleton gave a positive report on the Louisville Combines IBM/SAM Convention. Ring members were invited to a picnic tribute for the ailing Wayne Scott. “Scotty” was one of the nation’s leading clown shoe and circus prop makers and long time Ring members. Ring member Fred Moore and wife Adina are embarking on a world tour with their magic.
Ring treasurer, Art Thomas presented a mini-lecture on tables you can use for your magic act. He took what is normally a forgotten part of a magic act and presented a highly entertaining and complete treatise. He put forth some real effort and lugged in ten examples from his collection of tables. This included side tables, center tables, novelty tables and “Office Max” specials. He even gave us a look at his own clever design for a folding Night Club table. The highlight was a one-of-a-kind folding table he bought from Abbotts.
Phil Schwartz, our resident magic historian, presented his “Magic Moment #7”. This month it was a talk and artifact exhibit of The Herrmans. He began with Carl Hermann and his younger brother Alexander Hermann. Alexander became famous in America and was a big name in magic on this continent from the time of the American Civil war until he died in 1896. He had a magical rivalry going with Harry Kellar. Hermann’s wife Adelaide continued his large lavish show until the late 1920s. Hermann performed for presidents Lincoln and Grant. Hermann had a mansion and estate in Beechurst Long Island. According to Walter Gibson, Howard Thurston was only able to buy the stable and part of the land but he transformed it into his own mansion and estate.
With Phil’s great talk concluded, Chris Dunn agreed to Emcee this month’s show. First up was Dan Stapleton with an effect he created and published in his recent Linking Ring Parade from September 2005. Four spectators selected four cards after shuffling the deck on top of a card table. Dan had them all toss their parts of the deck into the air and he whipped away the table drape and in the cascade he impaled the cards on each of the four table legs!
Richard Hewitt presented a mentalism effect he adapted from a classic Blackstone Sr. trick. A large chart with a grid was filled by high numbers. A spectator selected a square in the grid and Richard was immediately was able to name the number. Charlie Pfrogner had a creative version of the “Room Service” mentalism trick. He first brought the audience to laughter by showing a card with a cartoon word-bubble with the word “Think”. He flipped it over and it had a large light-bulb cartoon drawing. Charlie had number cards handed to him by three assistants while another added the numbers. It ended up that the room number of the hotel key in Charlie’s vest pocket matched the sum of the numbers they called out and one of the digits matched the hotel selected on a list of hotels. Charlie said he got the idea for the trick from an old Linking Ring article.
Finally, Jim McNiff, did an impressive torn and restored newspaper. His unique twist was that he had it signed before he began and when he did the restoration the signature was still on the newspaper! He selected Bev Bergeron to sign the newspaper. It was a clever way to get Bev’s autograph. With the show concluded we headed back out into the wind and rain.
Good things are always happening in Ring 170.
Dennis Phillips
Bev Bergeron and Dan Stapleton gave a positive report on the Louisville Combines IBM/SAM Convention. Ring members were invited to a picnic tribute for the ailing Wayne Scott. “Scotty” was one of the nation’s leading clown shoe and circus prop makers and long time Ring members. Ring member Fred Moore and wife Adina are embarking on a world tour with their magic.
Ring treasurer, Art Thomas presented a mini-lecture on tables you can use for your magic act. He took what is normally a forgotten part of a magic act and presented a highly entertaining and complete treatise. He put forth some real effort and lugged in ten examples from his collection of tables. This included side tables, center tables, novelty tables and “Office Max” specials. He even gave us a look at his own clever design for a folding Night Club table. The highlight was a one-of-a-kind folding table he bought from Abbotts.
Phil Schwartz, our resident magic historian, presented his “Magic Moment #7”. This month it was a talk and artifact exhibit of The Herrmans. He began with Carl Hermann and his younger brother Alexander Hermann. Alexander became famous in America and was a big name in magic on this continent from the time of the American Civil war until he died in 1896. He had a magical rivalry going with Harry Kellar. Hermann’s wife Adelaide continued his large lavish show until the late 1920s. Hermann performed for presidents Lincoln and Grant. Hermann had a mansion and estate in Beechurst Long Island. According to Walter Gibson, Howard Thurston was only able to buy the stable and part of the land but he transformed it into his own mansion and estate.
With Phil’s great talk concluded, Chris Dunn agreed to Emcee this month’s show. First up was Dan Stapleton with an effect he created and published in his recent Linking Ring Parade from September 2005. Four spectators selected four cards after shuffling the deck on top of a card table. Dan had them all toss their parts of the deck into the air and he whipped away the table drape and in the cascade he impaled the cards on each of the four table legs!
Richard Hewitt presented a mentalism effect he adapted from a classic Blackstone Sr. trick. A large chart with a grid was filled by high numbers. A spectator selected a square in the grid and Richard was immediately was able to name the number. Charlie Pfrogner had a creative version of the “Room Service” mentalism trick. He first brought the audience to laughter by showing a card with a cartoon word-bubble with the word “Think”. He flipped it over and it had a large light-bulb cartoon drawing. Charlie had number cards handed to him by three assistants while another added the numbers. It ended up that the room number of the hotel key in Charlie’s vest pocket matched the sum of the numbers they called out and one of the digits matched the hotel selected on a list of hotels. Charlie said he got the idea for the trick from an old Linking Ring article.
Finally, Jim McNiff, did an impressive torn and restored newspaper. His unique twist was that he had it signed before he began and when he did the restoration the signature was still on the newspaper! He selected Bev Bergeron to sign the newspaper. It was a clever way to get Bev’s autograph. With the show concluded we headed back out into the wind and rain.
Good things are always happening in Ring 170.
Dennis Phillips
2008-09 Need 450 Acres Near Disney?
KISSIMMEE (Orlando Sentinel) – One of Osceola County's grandest tourism visions remains an illusion. A 450-acre tract planned for a theme park mixing magic and Transcendental Meditation remains vacant in the tourism corridor. Almost two decades later, the two men behind the project are dead, and the land has a $150 million price tag. The former plant farm has remained a swatch of green foliage and wetlands that runs for nearly three-quarters of a mile among U.S. 192's glitz and kitsch, flanked by Old Town and a Cracker Barrel. Vedaland, which means land of knowledge, was announced with much fanfare in 1989 by magician Doug Henning and the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, a guru to The Beatles who introduced the West to Transcendental Meditation. Henning died of cancer in 2000, and the Maharishi died at his home in the Dutch town of Vlodrop this year. A Maharishi subsidiary closed on the property in 1990 for $20 million in cash. In 1996, it was on the market for $60 million after the group shifted efforts to a site in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The park plan originally included a building seemingly suspended above water without supports, a "magic flying chariot" that took riders inside the molecular structure of a rose, and robots that would fly through the air, performing magic tricks. The development was projected to cost $1 billion. The backers spent hundreds of thousands of dollars planning the project and getting government approvals, which expired years ago. While the property is listed on tax rolls as agricultural land because of a tree-farming operation, an Internet sales listing cites a study that "suggests potential development scenarios up to 800,000 square feet of commercial space and as many as 4,300 multifamily residential units." While the tract is zoned for a planned development, the original approvals expired in 2005. A new owner would have to start the process from the beginning, county officials said.
2008-09 Lesson Learned (UNCLASSIFIED)
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
One wouldn't think it necessary to learn such a basic lesson.
During the July meeting I performed a mind-reading effect using colored cards and emotional events. In truth, I knew there was a flaw in the cards I had purchased. I found the flaw when I proofed out the effect - one of the cards was missing a line of text - and I knew it. Still, I have used this effect many times for quite a while and never been tripped up. So, overconfidently, I bring the effect to FAME. Surely the best thing that could have happened happened. The flaw was exposed much to my embarrassment.
The lesson is that if there is a problem, it will show at the worst possible time in a way to embarrass you the most.
Need I say more?
Wait until you see my new color cards at the September meeting!
Dan Knapp
[Editor's note: the 'Classification' and 'Caveats' are required because Dan sent us this article from his military account!]
Caveats: NONE
One wouldn't think it necessary to learn such a basic lesson.
During the July meeting I performed a mind-reading effect using colored cards and emotional events. In truth, I knew there was a flaw in the cards I had purchased. I found the flaw when I proofed out the effect - one of the cards was missing a line of text - and I knew it. Still, I have used this effect many times for quite a while and never been tripped up. So, overconfidently, I bring the effect to FAME. Surely the best thing that could have happened happened. The flaw was exposed much to my embarrassment.
The lesson is that if there is a problem, it will show at the worst possible time in a way to embarrass you the most.
Need I say more?
Wait until you see my new color cards at the September meeting!
Dan Knapp
[Editor's note: the 'Classification' and 'Caveats' are required because Dan sent us this article from his military account!]
2008-09 Magic Convention Contests more than just a trophy
We are less than three months away from the "fall" Florida Magicians Association convention in Daytona Beach. We encourage all clubs to sponsor a local member in representing the club in one of the contests. We also hope that you attend the contests so that you can cheer on your club member.
Yes, the prizes are very good. Magic on the Beach, in June, (the "spring" FMA convention) gave away some very nice cash prizes. In Daytona, they give away nearly $2000.00 in Daytona Magic merchandise. If you don't receive a plaque or trophy, ask the convention chairman and I'll bet that they might help arrange for you to also receive one if you wish.
I recently attended the IBM/SAM convention in Louisville. What impressed me was during the final night of the contests. "Invitations" to many future conventions were handed out and (nearly) every contestant walked away with a few contracts worth thousands of dollars.
Not only were the contestants admired by their peers, but even many of those who did not win the contests, were invited to perform at one of many international magic conventions. The more conventions you perform at, either in a contest or during an actual show, many magicians will step out and offer suggestions as to how you improve your act. One comedy act, Dave Kaplin, although not winning, walked away with thousands of dollars in contracts. Yes, he has a hilarious act but, again, he did not win! Many years ago I came in second during a contest but the chairman enjoyed the act enough that he invited me to perform on the "big show" two years later.
Sometimes it just takes a push from the club or a few club members to give any person the opportunity in advancing their interest.
At most conventions are other convention chairmen looking for talent for their own conventions. If you do compete in a contest, do yourself a favor and invite criticism. Ask friends and even some people who you don't know to give you ideas of how to improve your act. It will only help in making your act stronger. See if someone can tape your act, although most of the time taping is not allowed during the actual competition.
Again, I ask the clubs to get involved and encourage a club member to compete at a future convention contest. Then, and above all, help them and give that person your support. It will only make your club proud and make your club stronger.
See www.flmagic.org to see the rules for the upcoming Florida Magicians Association convention contest. Good luck.
Dan Stapleton
Prez-FMA
Yes, the prizes are very good. Magic on the Beach, in June, (the "spring" FMA convention) gave away some very nice cash prizes. In Daytona, they give away nearly $2000.00 in Daytona Magic merchandise. If you don't receive a plaque or trophy, ask the convention chairman and I'll bet that they might help arrange for you to also receive one if you wish.
I recently attended the IBM/SAM convention in Louisville. What impressed me was during the final night of the contests. "Invitations" to many future conventions were handed out and (nearly) every contestant walked away with a few contracts worth thousands of dollars.
Not only were the contestants admired by their peers, but even many of those who did not win the contests, were invited to perform at one of many international magic conventions. The more conventions you perform at, either in a contest or during an actual show, many magicians will step out and offer suggestions as to how you improve your act. One comedy act, Dave Kaplin, although not winning, walked away with thousands of dollars in contracts. Yes, he has a hilarious act but, again, he did not win! Many years ago I came in second during a contest but the chairman enjoyed the act enough that he invited me to perform on the "big show" two years later.
Sometimes it just takes a push from the club or a few club members to give any person the opportunity in advancing their interest.
At most conventions are other convention chairmen looking for talent for their own conventions. If you do compete in a contest, do yourself a favor and invite criticism. Ask friends and even some people who you don't know to give you ideas of how to improve your act. It will only help in making your act stronger. See if someone can tape your act, although most of the time taping is not allowed during the actual competition.
Again, I ask the clubs to get involved and encourage a club member to compete at a future convention contest. Then, and above all, help them and give that person your support. It will only make your club proud and make your club stronger.
See www.flmagic.org to see the rules for the upcoming Florida Magicians Association convention contest. Good luck.
Dan Stapleton
Prez-FMA
2008-09 Dan Stapleton Magic Workshop
Dan Stapleton Magic Workshop
Nov. 17 (Monday) 7:00pm - 9:00pm
(Combo Lecture and “on hands” workshop for beginner and intermediate)
At the home of Chris Dunn
1112 Druid Rd.
Maitland, Fl 32751 (Map Quest it or call)
(407) 808-5146
Only 20 seats available, sign-up and "first-pay-first-serve" Chris to reserve.
Cost: Only $10.00 (Cheap!)
Some things you “might” learn:
String Thru Finger I
String Thru Finger II
Rope Thru Finger
Silk Thru Rope
Silk Appear on Rope
Ball & Silk Manipulation
Ball to Silk
Thumb Tip magic
Linking Tooth Picks
Silent Mora Drop Vanish
Sponge Ball magic
Prof. Nightmare false count
Riffle “slip” Card Force
art of “Lapping”
Impromptu Vanishing Cell Phone
David Berglas’ Equivoque
A few card tricks
Easy “impromptu” Magic
If you have the following items, please bring them. If not, then they will be provided for you:
Three sponge balls, Prof. Nightmare, 15”-18” silk, thumb tip, approx. 3 ft. rope.
Remember, this will be an on-hands workshop/lecture where EVERYONE gets involved. Great fun...not to be missed. Free coffee too!
Nov. 17 (Monday) 7:00pm - 9:00pm
(Combo Lecture and “on hands” workshop for beginner and intermediate)
At the home of Chris Dunn
1112 Druid Rd.
Maitland, Fl 32751 (Map Quest it or call)
(407) 808-5146
Only 20 seats available, sign-up and "first-pay-first-serve" Chris to reserve.
Cost: Only $10.00 (Cheap!)
Some things you “might” learn:
String Thru Finger I
String Thru Finger II
Rope Thru Finger
Silk Thru Rope
Silk Appear on Rope
Ball & Silk Manipulation
Ball to Silk
Thumb Tip magic
Linking Tooth Picks
Silent Mora Drop Vanish
Sponge Ball magic
Prof. Nightmare false count
Riffle “slip” Card Force
art of “Lapping”
Impromptu Vanishing Cell Phone
David Berglas’ Equivoque
A few card tricks
Easy “impromptu” Magic
If you have the following items, please bring them. If not, then they will be provided for you:
Three sponge balls, Prof. Nightmare, 15”-18” silk, thumb tip, approx. 3 ft. rope.
Remember, this will be an on-hands workshop/lecture where EVERYONE gets involved. Great fun...not to be missed. Free coffee too!
2008-09 Interesting link for magical historians
Joe found a link with an interesting magical history link. Scroll down the home page and click on "First" to start reading the story at the beginning.
http://www.clockwork-comics.com/
http://www.clockwork-comics.
2008-09 New TV show with (TV) magic?
Joe found this link to a show that may be coming to TV in the new season
http://www.nbc.com/Primetime/Merlin/
http://www.nbc.com/Primetime/
2008-09 Dennis' Deliberations
“Technical skill is mastery of complexity, while creativity is mastery of simplicity”
-Sir Erik Christopher Zeeman-
It was 1960 and I was 12 years old and deeply entranced with magic. My family lived in Norfolk, Virginia and my Dad was a Navy man. It was the height of the Cold war and the Russians might nuke us at any minute. Chubby Checker was singing "The Twist" and The Ventures had just released "Walk Don't Run".
I spent my evenings pouring over magic catalogs and there was an intriguing effect called "The Spirit Bell". It would ring and appear to read people's mind. It sold for an enormous amount of money! There was no way that I could afford it. I would have to mow lawns and deliver The Virginian Pilot newspaper all summer to get anywhere near the price.
The thrill of every month was visiting the magic club meeting at Earl Edward's Magic Shop in downtown Norfolk. Bob McAllister, the local WTAR-TV kid's show host was always there. He took a liking to the way I thought about magic. Twelve years later I would have my own syndicated TV show based in Charlotte, North Carolina and Bob and I would continue to be good friends as he ascended to Wonderama at WNEW-TV in New York.
I had to figure out a way to make a functional Spirit Bell. The trick was too amazing. I had no money but I had to make it work! I reasoned that it used a mechanical ringer. I played with having an assistant pull a fishing line to make a weighted ringer hit the bell. Nothing seemed clean and examinable. I wanted everything to be examinable.
It was a warm August night and my dutiful Navy father happened to be in port and drove me downtown to the meeting in the back of Earl's Shop. Edwards had a small stage and with seats in his inner sanctum. Bob introduced me. Earl had a small stage in back of his shop and I asked that all the lights be dimmed.
The Crystal Bell I was using was used without permission. It was from my parents wedding in 1947. I placed it on a plain undraped table that was sitting on a small rug. I passed the bell and the table for examination and returned the bell upright to the table.
"Bell, processor of the spirits, answer "yes" with one ring and "no" with two. Are you ready to read minds? One loud “ding”! The audience snapped to attention.
For the next few minutes the bell told the ages of young magicians, and answered everyone's questions with absolute accuracy. Following the routine I again brought the bell and the table down into the audience for complete examination. There were no gimmicks! No ringers. They were totally unprepared!
I thought that Earl and Bob and the assembled at the club would die from puzzlement. You know, it was one of those times when you know they were fooled out of their minds but they could not bring themselves to admit it.
After the meeting Bob grabbed me over to the side and said, "Kid, you fooled 'em! Got me too until I almost broke my neck!"
What Bob discovered and the others didn't was how I did the trick.
My kid-brother Kenny was backstage in the wings with a soda straw and a mouthful of BBs! He was pee shooting the "dings" on the bell through the straw! I needed the rug so you could not hear them fall.
Bob almost tripped over the BBs on the floor. That is what tipped him off as to what I was doing!
So, friends, if you ever want an unprepared "Spirit Bell", try the simplistic BB method! It works and fools magicians.
Later in the year my Dad was transferred to Mayport Naval Station near Jacksonville. He was assigned to an aircraft carrier, the USS Essex, CVA 8.
When we arrived in Jacksonville, I was convinced we had arrived in heaven. The sky was bright; the weather was balmy with beautiful palm trees and a beach. The only hint of hell was the stench of the paper mills. At first my Mom thought that someone was cooking cabbage all the time. We lived across the street from the Pittsburg Pirates spring training camp at Jacksonville Beach. Summer mornings were spent watching Ranger Hal on TV and afternoons meant a time with Skipper Al and Popeye cartoons in Channel 12. Jim Green and Fielding West would have their own shows on these TV stations a decade later.
I wasted no time in trying to find a magic shop and magician’s group. The pickings were slimmer than in Norfolk, Virginia. The big name in Jacksonville at that time was , “Mars the Magician”. His name was Alston Cockerill. He was a sort of Bill Neff character. He did ghost shows and phone room fund-raising and had a collection of illusions. The other main local guy was Bob Hutchings who had a small magic shop called, The Magic Shack. It was actually a small building in back of his house.
I was excited to find out that they had sporadic meetings and I forced my mother to drive me over on the next Friday night. Shortly after arriving in Florida I made an exciting discovery of a brand new magic principle! For a few years I had been pulling single strands of nearly invisible thread from my mother’s old nylon stockings. I used them to move cards and work my own version of The Wonder Mouse. We had not been in Jacksonville for a week when I discovered a brand new animation principle that was not available in Norfolk, Virginia and places up North.
I arrived at Hutchings Magic Shack and there was only another boy about my age and mostly older guys smoking cigars. It was a familiar smell that I remembered from Leroy Mingus’ shop in Reading, Pennsylvania. Mingus was known for making his feather flower props.
It was my turn to perform! Bob Hutchings quieted down the roundtable, “Guys, here is a young newcomer from Norfolk who wants to show us a trick. His name is Dennis, give him a hand”. I opened up a shoe box and removed a one dollar bill and explained that it was all I could earn from picking up pop bottles the week before. I laid the dollar bill flat on the table and made some incantations and moved my hands around it and it began to move toward my hand. The old guys were not impressed.
Then it began to move sideways and reverse the direction. I put my hands into my lap! The bill kept moving. One old guy took his Swisher Sweet cigar out of his mouth and moved in for a closer look. They all moved in. I invited them to feel around the dollar bill for threads and look under the table for magnets. I got up and walked away and the bill was still weaving and bobbing all over the table. One old guy laughed and said, “Well, I’ll be da….sorry for the language, kid. That’s good!”
I picked up the bill and returned it to the shoe box. That night I never did explain how I did it. You see it only took a few days in Jacksonville to discover a brand new method of magical animation: A giant roach! Florida was filled with huge Palmetto bugs. I merely stuck one to the back of the dollar bill with a dab of magician’s wax! Once you stuck the bug on the back of a bill they were highly motivated to move.
Sometimes the best tricks are ones with a simple method!
Dennis Phillips
-Sir Erik Christopher Zeeman-
It was 1960 and I was 12 years old and deeply entranced with magic. My family lived in Norfolk, Virginia and my Dad was a Navy man. It was the height of the Cold war and the Russians might nuke us at any minute. Chubby Checker was singing "The Twist" and The Ventures had just released "Walk Don't Run".
I spent my evenings pouring over magic catalogs and there was an intriguing effect called "The Spirit Bell". It would ring and appear to read people's mind. It sold for an enormous amount of money! There was no way that I could afford it. I would have to mow lawns and deliver The Virginian Pilot newspaper all summer to get anywhere near the price.
The thrill of every month was visiting the magic club meeting at Earl Edward's Magic Shop in downtown Norfolk. Bob McAllister, the local WTAR-TV kid's show host was always there. He took a liking to the way I thought about magic. Twelve years later I would have my own syndicated TV show based in Charlotte, North Carolina and Bob and I would continue to be good friends as he ascended to Wonderama at WNEW-TV in New York.
I had to figure out a way to make a functional Spirit Bell. The trick was too amazing. I had no money but I had to make it work! I reasoned that it used a mechanical ringer. I played with having an assistant pull a fishing line to make a weighted ringer hit the bell. Nothing seemed clean and examinable. I wanted everything to be examinable.
It was a warm August night and my dutiful Navy father happened to be in port and drove me downtown to the meeting in the back of Earl's Shop. Edwards had a small stage and with seats in his inner sanctum. Bob introduced me. Earl had a small stage in back of his shop and I asked that all the lights be dimmed.
The Crystal Bell I was using was used without permission. It was from my parents wedding in 1947. I placed it on a plain undraped table that was sitting on a small rug. I passed the bell and the table for examination and returned the bell upright to the table.
"Bell, processor of the spirits, answer "yes" with one ring and "no" with two. Are you ready to read minds? One loud “ding”! The audience snapped to attention.
For the next few minutes the bell told the ages of young magicians, and answered everyone's questions with absolute accuracy. Following the routine I again brought the bell and the table down into the audience for complete examination. There were no gimmicks! No ringers. They were totally unprepared!
I thought that Earl and Bob and the assembled at the club would die from puzzlement. You know, it was one of those times when you know they were fooled out of their minds but they could not bring themselves to admit it.
After the meeting Bob grabbed me over to the side and said, "Kid, you fooled 'em! Got me too until I almost broke my neck!"
What Bob discovered and the others didn't was how I did the trick.
My kid-brother Kenny was backstage in the wings with a soda straw and a mouthful of BBs! He was pee shooting the "dings" on the bell through the straw! I needed the rug so you could not hear them fall.
Bob almost tripped over the BBs on the floor. That is what tipped him off as to what I was doing!
So, friends, if you ever want an unprepared "Spirit Bell", try the simplistic BB method! It works and fools magicians.
Later in the year my Dad was transferred to Mayport Naval Station near Jacksonville. He was assigned to an aircraft carrier, the USS Essex, CVA 8.
When we arrived in Jacksonville, I was convinced we had arrived in heaven. The sky was bright; the weather was balmy with beautiful palm trees and a beach. The only hint of hell was the stench of the paper mills. At first my Mom thought that someone was cooking cabbage all the time. We lived across the street from the Pittsburg Pirates spring training camp at Jacksonville Beach. Summer mornings were spent watching Ranger Hal on TV and afternoons meant a time with Skipper Al and Popeye cartoons in Channel 12. Jim Green and Fielding West would have their own shows on these TV stations a decade later.
I wasted no time in trying to find a magic shop and magician’s group. The pickings were slimmer than in Norfolk, Virginia. The big name in Jacksonville at that time was , “Mars the Magician”. His name was Alston Cockerill. He was a sort of Bill Neff character. He did ghost shows and phone room fund-raising and had a collection of illusions. The other main local guy was Bob Hutchings who had a small magic shop called, The Magic Shack. It was actually a small building in back of his house.
I was excited to find out that they had sporadic meetings and I forced my mother to drive me over on the next Friday night. Shortly after arriving in Florida I made an exciting discovery of a brand new magic principle! For a few years I had been pulling single strands of nearly invisible thread from my mother’s old nylon stockings. I used them to move cards and work my own version of The Wonder Mouse. We had not been in Jacksonville for a week when I discovered a brand new animation principle that was not available in Norfolk, Virginia and places up North.
I arrived at Hutchings Magic Shack and there was only another boy about my age and mostly older guys smoking cigars. It was a familiar smell that I remembered from Leroy Mingus’ shop in Reading, Pennsylvania. Mingus was known for making his feather flower props.
It was my turn to perform! Bob Hutchings quieted down the roundtable, “Guys, here is a young newcomer from Norfolk who wants to show us a trick. His name is Dennis, give him a hand”. I opened up a shoe box and removed a one dollar bill and explained that it was all I could earn from picking up pop bottles the week before. I laid the dollar bill flat on the table and made some incantations and moved my hands around it and it began to move toward my hand. The old guys were not impressed.
Then it began to move sideways and reverse the direction. I put my hands into my lap! The bill kept moving. One old guy took his Swisher Sweet cigar out of his mouth and moved in for a closer look. They all moved in. I invited them to feel around the dollar bill for threads and look under the table for magnets. I got up and walked away and the bill was still weaving and bobbing all over the table. One old guy laughed and said, “Well, I’ll be da….sorry for the language, kid. That’s good!”
I picked up the bill and returned it to the shoe box. That night I never did explain how I did it. You see it only took a few days in Jacksonville to discover a brand new method of magical animation: A giant roach! Florida was filled with huge Palmetto bugs. I merely stuck one to the back of the dollar bill with a dab of magician’s wax! Once you stuck the bug on the back of a bill they were highly motivated to move.
Sometimes the best tricks are ones with a simple method!
Dennis Phillips
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
2008-08 Famulus Newsletter - Ring 170
Newsletter of IBM Ring #170
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 08/20/2008 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Board meeting at 6:30 pm
Meeting theme: Foreign magic
Marks Street Center, 99 Mark Street, downtown Orlando
If you visit with us and do not know the room we meet in , please be aware that some of the people in the office at the Senior Center may not be aware we are meeting there! At the last meeting one visitor asked where the "IBM" was meeting and the management apparently thought they were asking for the International Business Machines group! They said that there was no "IBM" on the schedule. So, if you have never been to our ring meeting , please say "magicians" or "FAME" and if that doesn't get the room location , just walk around looking for us. The Senior Center is a public building.
Please note that the Ring meetings will be held at a new venue, starting in October. The new address is:
The Elks Club Lodge #1079,
12 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando, Florida 32803
“The corner of Primrose Drive and Central Boulevard”
Lunch meetings every Tuesday at noon at Goodings (next to the food court)
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – Art.Thomas@Disney.com
Dennis Philips- Secretary – Dennis@alliedcostumes.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
The Bev Bergeron Ring
Next general meeting Wednesday, 08/20/2008 at 7:30 PM SHARP
Board meeting at 6:30 pm
Meeting theme: Foreign magic
Marks Street Center, 99 Mark Street, downtown Orlando
If you visit with us and do not know the room we meet in , please be aware that some of the people in the office at the Senior Center may not be aware we are meeting there! At the last meeting one visitor asked where the "IBM" was meeting and the management apparently thought they were asking for the International Business Machines group! They said that there was no "IBM" on the schedule. So, if you have never been to our ring meeting , please say "magicians" or "FAME" and if that doesn't get the room location , just walk around looking for us. The Senior Center is a public building.
Please note that the Ring meetings will be held at a new venue, starting in October. The new address is:
The Elks Club Lodge #1079,
12 N. Primrose Dr., Orlando, Florida 32803
“The corner of Primrose Drive and Central Boulevard”
Lunch meetings every Tuesday at noon at Goodings (next to the food court)
Website: http://www.ring170.com/
F. A. M. E. is the Florida Association of Magical Entertainers
*************************************************************
Directory
Craig J. Fennessy – President – CraigFennessy@gmail.com
Chris Dunn- Vice President – Youngdunns@yahoo.com
Art Thomas – Treasurer – Art.Thomas@Disney.com
Dennis Philips- Secretary – Dennis@alliedcostumes.com
James Songster- Director at Large, - JjTjMagic@aol.com
Joe Vecciarelli- Sgt at Arms - talkingmute@tampabay.rr.com
Stefan Bartelski – Editor of “Famulus”- Famulus@illusioneer.com
*************************************************************
GET PUBLISHED!
Got an idea for an article to add to the next FAMULUS? Put it in the body of an email or in a Word document attached to an email. Send it to Famulus@illusioneer.com, and we will get you in print.
Please, please, please, use the above e-mail address, your messages are in danger of getting lost if you do not do so.
2008-08 From the Editor
Thanks to everyone that has submitted to this month's edition. In addition, thanks to Mystana for posting a comment in the blog. I hope that more of you will follow her example and start an online discourse.
Please note that the Ring meetings will be moving to a new venue, see above and in the Ring Report.
Looking forward to, hopefully, meeting some of you at the new venue, sometime.
Your Editor
Stefan
Please note that the Ring meetings will be moving to a new venue, see above and in the Ring Report.
Looking forward to, hopefully, meeting some of you at the new venue, sometime.
Your Editor
Stefan
2008-08 Ring Report
Our July ring meeting was attended by 33 people and a number of guests and returning former members. These were Joshua Stencamp, Bill Vontoble, Colin Parks and Jeff Stewart. President Craig Fennessey gaveled the meeting to order. He announced that the board members had approved moving the meeting place to the Elks Club Lodge #1079 at the corner of Primrose and Central Avenue in Orlando starting with the October meeting. The reason is that the City of Orlando has been forced to make budget cuts and can no longer keep the center open in the evenings where we meet. The new meeting place also offers an opportunity to get a reasonable supper before the meeting. There is also a good possibility of us holding other functions there. It has a stage.
Dan Stapleton next gave us a few insights into his recent appearance on “America’s Got Talent”. The full adventure is being published in Magic magazine. He said his appearance succeeded in getting him great publicity and bookings. Joe Vecciarelli provided a short DVD that we watched on the TV called “Presto”. It was a Pixar production with a cartoon story of a magician and his mischievous rabbit assistant.
Two mini-lectures followed. Dennis Phillips and Dan Stapleton did a presentation on the classic “Zombie” effect. Phillips recounted the history from its creation by Joe Karson in Springfield, Massachusetts. Jay Marshall worked for Karson as did Nick Ruggiero. Dan next showed and explained some of his favorite moves with the silver ball. Finally Dennis showed some adaptations of the principle in effects such as “Pranky Hank” and the “Floating Light Bulb”.
Phil Schwartz presented his fascinating and informative “Magic Moment” # 6. This was the story of Carl Williams (b. 1922). Williams is still alive and creating magic. Phil showed a number of Williams’ handcrafted props and explained all of Carl’s talents as an engineer, physicist, master metal and wood worker, sculptor and creative thinker.
Kerry Pierce, “KP” was our Emcee for the evening’s show that followed. He opened with an audience volunteer and presented “Psychic Escape” an effect by Toshio Akanuma and patter from “Just Alan”. It was an enchanting story of trumpet valves his father used when playing in the orchestra for Harry Houdini. The one that was secretly selected by a volunteer audience member managed to escape from a cord that had been threaded through a brass cylinder containing all the valves. Bill Vontoble did Bill Malone’s classic 'Sam the Bellhop' card routine with the patter where every card that is dealt tells the story.
Charlie Prfogner always has something unusual. This time it was a wooden Wonderbox that produced coins. Finally all the coins were turned into a giant coin and a metallic streamer cascaded from the bag used in the transformation. Joshua Stencamp did a Guy Bavali card effect where a card is selected and reveled at a spot counted to in the deck.
Dan Mapp did an interesting mental effect that combined a bit of cold reading and “wonder words” to determine which one on many statements on one of the five colored cards was chosen by a volunteer. Dan Stapleton took the stage for a nice routine featuring a deck that returned to normal after a slop shuffle and at the same time revealed which card that had been chosen by a spectator by being reversed in the deck. He followed up with a practical version of Paul Curry’s 'Out of this World'.
J.C. Haitt presented one of his original creations, a ballpoint pen with a tip that mysteriously changes ends. Hiatt has a way of taking a small sized effect and playing it very big. Finally James Songster was drafted to present a fascinating stage-sized version of a small effect that he and Joe Vecciarelli created called “The Riddle of the Runes”. The large version was crafted by Dennis Phillips. Six big round ruin stones were laid out and the spectator freely selected one and James proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the stones knew which ruin would be selected far in advance because the selection was the only one carved on the back side of the stone.
With the conclusion of the show we went out into the warm Orlando night. Good things are always happening in Ring #170.
Dennis Phillips
Dan Stapleton next gave us a few insights into his recent appearance on “America’s Got Talent”. The full adventure is being published in Magic magazine. He said his appearance succeeded in getting him great publicity and bookings. Joe Vecciarelli provided a short DVD that we watched on the TV called “Presto”. It was a Pixar production with a cartoon story of a magician and his mischievous rabbit assistant.
Two mini-lectures followed. Dennis Phillips and Dan Stapleton did a presentation on the classic “Zombie” effect. Phillips recounted the history from its creation by Joe Karson in Springfield, Massachusetts. Jay Marshall worked for Karson as did Nick Ruggiero. Dan next showed and explained some of his favorite moves with the silver ball. Finally Dennis showed some adaptations of the principle in effects such as “Pranky Hank” and the “Floating Light Bulb”.
Phil Schwartz presented his fascinating and informative “Magic Moment” # 6. This was the story of Carl Williams (b. 1922). Williams is still alive and creating magic. Phil showed a number of Williams’ handcrafted props and explained all of Carl’s talents as an engineer, physicist, master metal and wood worker, sculptor and creative thinker.
Kerry Pierce, “KP” was our Emcee for the evening’s show that followed. He opened with an audience volunteer and presented “Psychic Escape” an effect by Toshio Akanuma and patter from “Just Alan”. It was an enchanting story of trumpet valves his father used when playing in the orchestra for Harry Houdini. The one that was secretly selected by a volunteer audience member managed to escape from a cord that had been threaded through a brass cylinder containing all the valves. Bill Vontoble did Bill Malone’s classic 'Sam the Bellhop' card routine with the patter where every card that is dealt tells the story.
Charlie Prfogner always has something unusual. This time it was a wooden Wonderbox that produced coins. Finally all the coins were turned into a giant coin and a metallic streamer cascaded from the bag used in the transformation. Joshua Stencamp did a Guy Bavali card effect where a card is selected and reveled at a spot counted to in the deck.
Dan Mapp did an interesting mental effect that combined a bit of cold reading and “wonder words” to determine which one on many statements on one of the five colored cards was chosen by a volunteer. Dan Stapleton took the stage for a nice routine featuring a deck that returned to normal after a slop shuffle and at the same time revealed which card that had been chosen by a spectator by being reversed in the deck. He followed up with a practical version of Paul Curry’s 'Out of this World'.
J.C. Haitt presented one of his original creations, a ballpoint pen with a tip that mysteriously changes ends. Hiatt has a way of taking a small sized effect and playing it very big. Finally James Songster was drafted to present a fascinating stage-sized version of a small effect that he and Joe Vecciarelli created called “The Riddle of the Runes”. The large version was crafted by Dennis Phillips. Six big round ruin stones were laid out and the spectator freely selected one and James proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the stones knew which ruin would be selected far in advance because the selection was the only one carved on the back side of the stone.
With the conclusion of the show we went out into the warm Orlando night. Good things are always happening in Ring #170.
Dennis Phillips
2008-08 J.C. Hiatt
7/24 Fellow magicians,
I just want to keep you all posted on the medical condition of J.C.Hiatt. He under went heart surgery on Tuesday July 24, 2008. I have spoken to Pauletta his wife yesterday evening and although the operation took much longer than expected….he came through it all just fine!
Craig
7/25 J.C's recovery from heart surgery on Monday is going very well and is expected to go home from the hospital this Saturday!
You may send notes and cards to his home at:
J.C. Hiatt
3516 E. Crystal Lake Ave
Orlando, Florida 32806
JC had changed his internet carrier........ The new correct e-mail address to send him e-mails is Email: jcgreengenes@gmail.com
Craig
7/29 HEY EVERYBODY, I'M BAAACK!!!
Got HOME @ 4pm, Tuesday 7/29 feeling pretty good ...surprisingly good as a matter of fact. Early Saturday morning I went into A-Fib and they had a hell of a time getting that regulated...thus delaying my expected Saturday release.
This was then complicated by an unexplainable, dramatic rise in my heart rate...it's
somewhat humbling to be sent back to your room by your cute little twenty-something nurse while on one of the 4 daily "walks" (actually a circuit of the 3rd floor Cardiac progressive care wing) recommended on the "GOALS FOR TODAY" board.
But all that aside it's great to be back in my own digs and out of the worst of it on the recovery road probably a few more bumps along the way..I'll take it easy & go a "Day at a time"!!
Thanks to ALL for the show of warmth & concern
JC
I just want to keep you all posted on the medical condition of J.C.Hiatt. He under went heart surgery on Tuesday July 24, 2008. I have spoken to Pauletta his wife yesterday evening and although the operation took much longer than expected….he came through it all just fine!
Craig
7/25 J.C's recovery from heart surgery on Monday is going very well and is expected to go home from the hospital this Saturday!
You may send notes and cards to his home at:
J.C. Hiatt
3516 E. Crystal Lake Ave
Orlando, Florida 32806
JC had changed his internet carrier........ The new correct e-mail address to send him e-mails is Email: jcgreengenes@gmail.com
Craig
7/29 HEY EVERYBODY, I'M BAAACK!!!
Got HOME @ 4pm, Tuesday 7/29 feeling pretty good ...surprisingly good as a matter of fact. Early Saturday morning I went into A-Fib and they had a hell of a time getting that regulated...thus delaying my expected Saturday release.
This was then complicated by an unexplainable, dramatic rise in my heart rate...it's
somewhat humbling to be sent back to your room by your cute little twenty-something nurse while on one of the 4 daily "walks" (actually a circuit of the 3rd floor Cardiac progressive care wing) recommended on the "GOALS FOR TODAY" board.
But all that aside it's great to be back in my own digs and out of the worst of it on the recovery road probably a few more bumps along the way..I'll take it easy & go a "Day at a time"!!
Thanks to ALL for the show of warmth & concern
JC
2008-08 Judge dismisses suit on disappearing magic sales
Pick a card, any card -- just not the card trick "Any Card at Any Number."
That, essentially, was Magic Magazine writer Brad Henderson's advice, and it led Livonia magician Bill Nagler to sue in U.S. District Court in Detroit or "defamation and product disparagement" of his card trick, sold online for $99. Nagler said Henderson's article decreased sales, prompting Nagler to seek $100,000 in damages.
But Nagler's suit did a disappearing act Wednesday when Judge Bernard Friedman dismissed the case. He ruled that the review was Henderson's opinion, not defamation, and was thus protected by the Constitution.
Submitted by Joe V
That, essentially, was Magic Magazine writer Brad Henderson's advice, and it led Livonia magician Bill Nagler to sue in U.S. District Court in Detroit or "defamation and product disparagement" of his card trick, sold online for $99. Nagler said Henderson's article decreased sales, prompting Nagler to seek $100,000 in damages.
But Nagler's suit did a disappearing act Wednesday when Judge Bernard Friedman dismissed the case. He ruled that the review was Henderson's opinion, not defamation, and was thus protected by the Constitution.
Submitted by Joe V
2008-08 THE MAGIC SOLE
THE MAGIC SOLE
BY PAULA LARGE
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MARTY SCOTT. WE OF THE MAGIC COMMUNITY CALL THEM FRIEND FOR A LONG TIME. A TRUE LOVE STORY IF EVER THER WAS ONE. OF HEART, SOUL AND LOVE....THE TWO SHOE MAKERS HAND IN HAND , CLOWNS, PROP MAKERS, LOVERS OF MAGIC. AS THE STORY DRAWS TO AN EGRESS...WAYNE IS NOW LODGING AT A HOSPICE..AND MARTY ASK THAT FRIENDS PLEASE VISIT HER OR WRITE LETTERS OR SEND POSTCARDS. THEIR SIX YEAR OLD READS THEM TO GRANDPA WAYNE SO PRINT. PLEASE DO NOT SEND GET WELL OR HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER CARDS OR NOTES...FOR HE KNOWS THAT IS NOT THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE STORY AND IS DEPRESSING. INSTEAD SHARE PICTURES, STORIES, COLORFUL LIFE MOMENT OR JUST HELLO. FOR THE WOMEN WHO SEW A QUILT WITH MAGIC OR CLOWNS. HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO PUT ON A LITTLE MAGIC SHOW THAT WILL BRIGHTEN HIS DAY. TO CONTACT: MARTY AND WAYNE SCOTT, 23313 S. DEWEY ROBBINS ROAD, HOWEY IN THE HILLS, FL 34737-4002.
THEY WERE RECENTLY AT THE BEV AND DON TRIBUTE. THERE IS NOTHING SO MAGICAL AS THE SMILE YOU CAN PUT ON SOMEONES FACE OR LIGHTEN THEIR LOAD.
PAULA LARGE' AND JERRY DARKEY
BY PAULA LARGE
I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MARTY SCOTT. WE OF THE MAGIC COMMUNITY CALL THEM FRIEND FOR A LONG TIME. A TRUE LOVE STORY IF EVER THER WAS ONE. OF HEART, SOUL AND LOVE....THE TWO SHOE MAKERS HAND IN HAND , CLOWNS, PROP MAKERS, LOVERS OF MAGIC. AS THE STORY DRAWS TO AN EGRESS...WAYNE IS NOW LODGING AT A HOSPICE..AND MARTY ASK THAT FRIENDS PLEASE VISIT HER OR WRITE LETTERS OR SEND POSTCARDS. THEIR SIX YEAR OLD READS THEM TO GRANDPA WAYNE SO PRINT. PLEASE DO NOT SEND GET WELL OR HOPE YOU FEEL BETTER CARDS OR NOTES...FOR HE KNOWS THAT IS NOT THE NEXT CHAPTER IN THE STORY AND IS DEPRESSING. INSTEAD SHARE PICTURES, STORIES, COLORFUL LIFE MOMENT OR JUST HELLO. FOR THE WOMEN WHO SEW A QUILT WITH MAGIC OR CLOWNS. HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO PUT ON A LITTLE MAGIC SHOW THAT WILL BRIGHTEN HIS DAY. TO CONTACT: MARTY AND WAYNE SCOTT, 23313 S. DEWEY ROBBINS ROAD, HOWEY IN THE HILLS, FL 34737-4002.
THEY WERE RECENTLY AT THE BEV AND DON TRIBUTE. THERE IS NOTHING SO MAGICAL AS THE SMILE YOU CAN PUT ON SOMEONES FACE OR LIGHTEN THEIR LOAD.
PAULA LARGE' AND JERRY DARKEY
2008-08 Another Teach In 12/11
Well believe it or not we have another chance for a teach in. This one would be in December, around the 11th of December that is. Yes you have probably seen these people before and you most likely had a great time and bought quite a few tricks from them. Now we are going to give you the chance not only to see them again but to actually sit down and get some one on one, well one on fifteen, teaching with the Colombini's. I realize they were just here, but we are not talking about "here is a trick here is how it is done now on to the next", you will be supplied with the trick and learn to perform it right there. For more information about the Colombini's go to http://www.wildcolombini.com/
I need to know how many are interested because they need a 15 min and it will cost $30 per person. This will be an RSVP (youngdunns@yahoo.com) with limited seating and again snacks and drinks will be supplied.
Because the items are going to be supplied for you and we have to purchase the items for each person I will need to have an RSVP plus a non-refundable payment. Please let me know which teach in it is for. Checks or cash is fine.
Chris Dunn
I need to know how many are interested because they need a 15 min and it will cost $30 per person. This will be an RSVP (youngdunns@yahoo.com) with limited seating and again snacks and drinks will be supplied.
Because the items are going to be supplied for you and we have to purchase the items for each person I will need to have an RSVP plus a non-refundable payment. Please let me know which teach in it is for. Checks or cash is fine.
Chris Dunn
2008-08 Teach In 11/17
I am going to have a magic teach in at my house November 17th at 7pm to... Dan Stapleton will be doing the hands on teaching, materials will be supplied also. Most if not all of you know Dan and if you don't you can check out his website at http://www.stapletonmagic.com/.
Dan is doing a special deal, I guess he just like you all. He has dropped his price from $100 to $10, just kidding, it was set at $10. This will be an RSVP (youngdunns@yahoo.com) with limited seating and snacks and drinks will be supplied.
Because the items are going to be supplied for you and we have to purchase the items for each person I will need to have an RSVP plus a non-refundable payment. Please let me know which teach in it is for. Checks or cash is fine.
Please forward this on to people you think would be interested.
Thanks
Chris Dunn
Dan is doing a special deal, I guess he just like you all. He has dropped his price from $100 to $10, just kidding, it was set at $10. This will be an RSVP (youngdunns@yahoo.com) with limited seating and snacks and drinks will be supplied.
Because the items are going to be supplied for you and we have to purchase the items for each person I will need to have an RSVP plus a non-refundable payment. Please let me know which teach in it is for. Checks or cash is fine.
Please forward this on to people you think would be interested.
Thanks
Chris Dunn
2008-08 FMA Web Site
Attention all Florida Magic Club officers and members-
Check out our new FMA (Florida Magic Association) web site at www.flmagic.org to see a new era in connecting all Florida magicians to events happening around the state. We need your help.
Soon I will talk about the upcoming Florida Magic convention in Daytona Beach November 7-9. Please pass the info on to your members. There are links for the convention on the web site.
Check out the FMA history and read the minutes from the last meeting (June...Magic on the Beach).
Any corrections, questions or additions please email either myself or Irv.
If you see me at the IBM/SAM convention in Louisville, please stop by and say hello.
Dan Stapleton
President-FMA
2008-08 Dennis' Deliberations
“I always drank, from when it was legal for me to drink. And there was never a time for me when the goal wasn't to get as hammered as I could possibly afford to. I never understood social drinking, that's always seemed to me like kissing your sister”.
Horror-story author, STEPHEN KING, in an interview, Sept. 14, 2000
I just finished reading my copy of Reverend William Rauscher’s new book, “Pleasant Nightmares”, about the horror-show Illusionist and alcoholic Bill Neff. (The book is available from all major magic dealers) It is a valuable look at Neff’s tormented and twisted life and the personal psychological carnage to his family and others he left behind.
It contains much of Neff’s unique magic, rare photos, lists of props and routines. There is also a heartbreaking interview with his abandoned son. Rauscher is an Episcopal Canon and Priest and his writing reflects a pastoral style of literary expression. The book itself is a kind of Midrash on the tragedy of Neff’s alcoholism. Neff was a haunting and gaunt stage personality who created and performed the finest themed illusion show of the “Ghost Show” era. His show was almost always a late night stage show built around ghosts and horror. The plot was simple and yet complex: He would introduce you to ghosts, ghouls and goblins and, at first, protect you from them. Over the course of the show he slowly became one of them until at the end, the stage went dark and “all hell broke loose” in his final classic “blackout” sequence.
The Midnight Ghost or Spook show was one way to profitably play a magic stage show from the late 1920s until the early 1960s. Mark Walker did a comprehensive review of many of these touring shows in his book, “Ghostmasters”. These shows mostly played aging urban theaters and small town theaters that still had stages from the vaudeville era. Radio and then later television severely hurt box office receipts. This was especially true in the 40s and 50s. As suburban migration began in the early 50s in the post war baby-boom, inner city theaters saw fewer patrons.
The business was relatively easy to understand. The magician-illusionist heavily advertised with over-the-top exaggerated claims about how ghosts and ghouls and fresh blood would fill the theater. The stage show was booked with an inexpensive “B” horror movie and began at 11pm or midnight after the final regular feature. The show consisted of a magician with a few comedy effects and illusions and ended with a “black out” where all the lights were turned off and the magician and his crew played loud music and waved luminous cloth which provided “a visit with the spooks”. After the black out was over, the “B” movie would begin. The business angle was that the event, if a sell out-and they frequently were-, was a significant profit boost for the theater. Here is a note for some of you who are not old enough to remember the Hollywood studio system: They were motion picture factories and continuously cranked out feature films to fill their company-owned theaters (The Warner, The Fox, The Paramount, The RKO, and others).
The big studios made expensive and top billing movies (The “A” films) with name stars along with cheaper films with lesser stars (The “B” films). The whole idea was to keep film product coming out of the studios to fill their screens. When the Federal government forced film companies (known as The Paramount Case of the 1940s) to sell their company theaters, the “B” film pretty much came to an end. Every film was sold by bidding and the industry was opened up to Independent producers. The last vestiges of the old “Studio System” came to an end about 1960.
I am mentioned in Rauscher’s book. Rauscher used me as a source on Chuck Windley’s background. Chuck, my old 1950s boyhood friend from Norfolk, Virginia, had moved to New York City in the early ‘60s and was one of Neff’s last assistants. In the late 60s, when I lived near Washington, D.C., I built and repaired many of Chuck’s illusions. He worked full time doing school shows and amusement parks with his wife Shirley and daughters. Chuck is now semi-retired and lives again in his boyhood hometown in Norfolk, Virginia.
Roy Huston is extensively mentioned. Huston had been the named successor by Neff. This was not to be since Neff had no route or business to assume and in his alcoholic stupor did not really want to quit the business. Roy did, however, create his own Spook Show that played after Neff died in 1967. Roy now lives in Sarasota and has been a fixture with his magic on circuses, carnivals and what is left of ghost shows. He recently appeared at several Florida magic conventions. I saw his show again at “Magic by the Bay” In Tampa this last winter. Roy is, of course, much older and a lot slower but the old spark of fun made his act a pleasure to watch. I first saw Roy with his big illusion show at the MAES in 1964. In his younger years he looked a lot like a young John Moehring. Roy details his fascinating story to Rauscher about how he retrieved Neff’s illusions from Neff’s old dilapidated truck in New York City.
I saw Neff perform in New York the early 60s and again briefly met him in the mid 60s while I was in New York with my family.
The saddest part of the book is how Neff was furious with his first wife when she became pregnant with his only child. Neff arranged for her to get an abortion, which she refused, and then he horribly abused his son during his years as he was in a continuous alcoholic fog and psychotic madness. His first wife stayed married to Neff until the beginning of the 50s even though he had been living with Evelyn, his younger assistant, for most of the 1940s and had totally abandoned his wife and his only son.
Neff was living in a residential hotel in New York and somehow was known to an uncle of mine. This is what originally led to me knowing more about Neff other than just his famous Necktie and Rope trick or as the creator of “The Frame of Life and Death” illusion, which was justifiably promoted in old Abbott’s catalog.
Neff could not have performed enough magic to have made a decent living after the mid 50s so he had to have been doing something else or a part of some scheme to have been able to live in New York. Chuck said he did a few private parties and “had family money”. Phil Morris believes he was busking on occasion. Neff’s father, I am sure, helped support him. According to Rauscher, Evelyn worked as a concierge for the Hotel Taft and that explains some of the connection to my uncle who handled limos and entertainment transportation through The Teamsters in New York. I seem to remember that Evelyn was mostly a PBX (the old telephone switchboard) operator at their hotel to help pay the rent. When I saw Neff in about 1960, he was doing a run at The Paramount Theater in New York. When I visited New York the year of The World’s Fair in 1964 Neff was in pretty bad shape. He was very brief but formally friendly.
It took me many years to realize that Neff’s show was his own metaphor on getting intoxicated… At first your mind sends you warnings that you really don’t want to ‘tie one on’, the fear and painful recollections resurface in fleeting glimpses. Neff peppered the beginning of his show with illusions and effects that seemed to foreshadow the last part of the show. But you ignore the warnings and engage in the playful nonsense and fun of getting high. At the beginning of a drunken escapade, everything is a laugh. Neff’s silly jokes and playfulness with the near naked women were very much the actions of the early stages of an uninhibited drunk. Finally you get seriously intoxicated. The pace slows and everything becomes a deliberate calculated struggle. In Neff’s show, fear and loss of control took over with the presentation of the Noma. You are transformed into a monster. The dark pall of unconsciousness finally descends. In the end, you pass out (The Black Out!) Bill Neff then wishes you “Pleasant Nightmares!”
Bill Neff’s influence can be seen in the collection of illusions I perform. I supplied the details and photos of the Noma Illusion that Paul Osborne published in Genii Magazine in the August 2005 issue. I have performed that illusion which is now on loan to the Vince Carmen Show at Houdini’s Showplace in Sarasota, Florida. I still own and perform The Frame of Life and Death. Mine was made by Abbotts and came to me by way of the Harry Wise Ghost Show collection. I have reworked and improved the Bill Neff Rope Trick and it is a regular feature of my stage show. Neff used a very simple “Hold out” and I was never happy with his set up. I created a hold- out that is weighted so the effect can be performed anywhere within the show by simply dropping my right hand and letting it fall into my palm.
Canon Rauscher has contributed a valuable text for the history of magic and for understanding the tragedy of alcoholism and drug abuse (chemical addictions). He hints at some possible psychological heartache that Neff had. Bill Neff has been the boyhood friend of film actor Jimmy Stewart. They lived in the same town and grew up together and Stewart was Neff’s early partner in magic. Was Neff disappointed at Stewart’s fame and his own obscurity? Neff’s father was as financially successful as possible as Bill Neff came of age in The Great Depression. Bill Neff psychologically struggled to be happy selling Insurance. Did his marriage to a wonderfully domestic wife who wanted a home life and was not interested in show business, tip him over the edge? Did Neff turn to the Occult as a means of finding psychological certainty? Was his second wife Evelyn an “enabler” and contribution to his problem?
Modern psychology can offer a lot of insight into human motivations. The last 50 years have seen developments in understanding the role of brain chemicals that also offer clues at what motivates people. Sadly, the help we have today was not available to Neff in his prime years. Before the modern era of neuroleptics, starting with chlorpromazine in the 1950s, positive long-term results for psychotic patients were limited.
French chemist, Paul Charpentier, synthesized a phenothiazine antipsychotic, Chlorpromazine (Later sold in the U.S. as Thorazine) in December of 1950. Clinical trials in Paris France in 1953 (Jean Delay and Pierre Deniker) almost seemed miraculous in showing improvements in thinking and emotional behavior among psychotics. Chlorpromazine became favored over the previous therapies of electro convulsive and insulin shocks and psychosurgical treatment (lobotomy) which caused permanent brain damage. Ironically this was about the time that Neff was irreversibly sliding into the final stages of his alcoholism.
Quickly from the late 1950s until today, the psychiatrist’s tool chest filled with better potentially helpful drugs. (tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, benzodiazepines ,selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, atypicals, glutaminergic blockers, Naltrexone, Topiramate). Not much in Neff’s time was known about the psychology and brain chemistry behind addiction. More importantly, the social and family aspects of mental illnesses were not understood well and the stigma of those illnesses prevented many people from getting help. Today we can read about them and understand much from the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
The personal moral lesson you can take from all of this is to learn from the Bill Neff tragedy. If you are in show business, keep your thinking clear and keep your emotional health. If you have other friends in show business (or any other business) with problems realize that a lot of help is available today. Our local Orlando Episcopal Diocese (and other religious denominations) has mental health counseling available without prohibitive costs. There are other low cost secular mental health professionals available.
Betty Ford, First Lady of President Gerald Ford, and others have helped to remove the stigma from the term “rehab”. Kitty Dukakis, wife of 1988 presidential candidate Michael Dukakis tells about her treatments in her autobiography. In the mid 1990s Presidential Candidate John McCain’s wife Cindy told the late Phoenix Gazette political columnist John Kolbe that she finally entered The Meadows, a drug-treatment center in Wickenburg, Arizona and went to anti-dependency meetings twice a week. His Aug. 25, 1994, column was headlined and led with a quote from her: "I'm Cindy, and I'm an addict." Kolbe also drew a straight line between Cindy's drug predicament and the stressful life of being a politician’s wife.
There should be no stigma and only praise in anyone recognizing mental health problems and getting treatment for themselves or others. Politics, show business and just the stress of modern life can create emotional havoc. Sadly, the very talented and creative Bill Neff was overcome by his problems. Rauscher has given us the tragic story and the lesson to be learned.
Dennis Phillips
Horror-story author, STEPHEN KING, in an interview, Sept. 14, 2000
I just finished reading my copy of Reverend William Rauscher’s new book, “Pleasant Nightmares”, about the horror-show Illusionist and alcoholic Bill Neff. (The book is available from all major magic dealers) It is a valuable look at Neff’s tormented and twisted life and the personal psychological carnage to his family and others he left behind.
It contains much of Neff’s unique magic, rare photos, lists of props and routines. There is also a heartbreaking interview with his abandoned son. Rauscher is an Episcopal Canon and Priest and his writing reflects a pastoral style of literary expression. The book itself is a kind of Midrash on the tragedy of Neff’s alcoholism. Neff was a haunting and gaunt stage personality who created and performed the finest themed illusion show of the “Ghost Show” era. His show was almost always a late night stage show built around ghosts and horror. The plot was simple and yet complex: He would introduce you to ghosts, ghouls and goblins and, at first, protect you from them. Over the course of the show he slowly became one of them until at the end, the stage went dark and “all hell broke loose” in his final classic “blackout” sequence.
The Midnight Ghost or Spook show was one way to profitably play a magic stage show from the late 1920s until the early 1960s. Mark Walker did a comprehensive review of many of these touring shows in his book, “Ghostmasters”. These shows mostly played aging urban theaters and small town theaters that still had stages from the vaudeville era. Radio and then later television severely hurt box office receipts. This was especially true in the 40s and 50s. As suburban migration began in the early 50s in the post war baby-boom, inner city theaters saw fewer patrons.
The business was relatively easy to understand. The magician-illusionist heavily advertised with over-the-top exaggerated claims about how ghosts and ghouls and fresh blood would fill the theater. The stage show was booked with an inexpensive “B” horror movie and began at 11pm or midnight after the final regular feature. The show consisted of a magician with a few comedy effects and illusions and ended with a “black out” where all the lights were turned off and the magician and his crew played loud music and waved luminous cloth which provided “a visit with the spooks”. After the black out was over, the “B” movie would begin. The business angle was that the event, if a sell out-and they frequently were-, was a significant profit boost for the theater. Here is a note for some of you who are not old enough to remember the Hollywood studio system: They were motion picture factories and continuously cranked out feature films to fill their company-owned theaters (The Warner, The Fox, The Paramount, The RKO, and others).
The big studios made expensive and top billing movies (The “A” films) with name stars along with cheaper films with lesser stars (The “B” films). The whole idea was to keep film product coming out of the studios to fill their screens. When the Federal government forced film companies (known as The Paramount Case of the 1940s) to sell their company theaters, the “B” film pretty much came to an end. Every film was sold by bidding and the industry was opened up to Independent producers. The last vestiges of the old “Studio System” came to an end about 1960.
I am mentioned in Rauscher’s book. Rauscher used me as a source on Chuck Windley’s background. Chuck, my old 1950s boyhood friend from Norfolk, Virginia, had moved to New York City in the early ‘60s and was one of Neff’s last assistants. In the late 60s, when I lived near Washington, D.C., I built and repaired many of Chuck’s illusions. He worked full time doing school shows and amusement parks with his wife Shirley and daughters. Chuck is now semi-retired and lives again in his boyhood hometown in Norfolk, Virginia.
Roy Huston is extensively mentioned. Huston had been the named successor by Neff. This was not to be since Neff had no route or business to assume and in his alcoholic stupor did not really want to quit the business. Roy did, however, create his own Spook Show that played after Neff died in 1967. Roy now lives in Sarasota and has been a fixture with his magic on circuses, carnivals and what is left of ghost shows. He recently appeared at several Florida magic conventions. I saw his show again at “Magic by the Bay” In Tampa this last winter. Roy is, of course, much older and a lot slower but the old spark of fun made his act a pleasure to watch. I first saw Roy with his big illusion show at the MAES in 1964. In his younger years he looked a lot like a young John Moehring. Roy details his fascinating story to Rauscher about how he retrieved Neff’s illusions from Neff’s old dilapidated truck in New York City.
I saw Neff perform in New York the early 60s and again briefly met him in the mid 60s while I was in New York with my family.
The saddest part of the book is how Neff was furious with his first wife when she became pregnant with his only child. Neff arranged for her to get an abortion, which she refused, and then he horribly abused his son during his years as he was in a continuous alcoholic fog and psychotic madness. His first wife stayed married to Neff until the beginning of the 50s even though he had been living with Evelyn, his younger assistant, for most of the 1940s and had totally abandoned his wife and his only son.
Neff was living in a residential hotel in New York and somehow was known to an uncle of mine. This is what originally led to me knowing more about Neff other than just his famous Necktie and Rope trick or as the creator of “The Frame of Life and Death” illusion, which was justifiably promoted in old Abbott’s catalog.
Neff could not have performed enough magic to have made a decent living after the mid 50s so he had to have been doing something else or a part of some scheme to have been able to live in New York. Chuck said he did a few private parties and “had family money”. Phil Morris believes he was busking on occasion. Neff’s father, I am sure, helped support him. According to Rauscher, Evelyn worked as a concierge for the Hotel Taft and that explains some of the connection to my uncle who handled limos and entertainment transportation through The Teamsters in New York. I seem to remember that Evelyn was mostly a PBX (the old telephone switchboard) operator at their hotel to help pay the rent. When I saw Neff in about 1960, he was doing a run at The Paramount Theater in New York. When I visited New York the year of The World’s Fair in 1964 Neff was in pretty bad shape. He was very brief but formally friendly.
It took me many years to realize that Neff’s show was his own metaphor on getting intoxicated… At first your mind sends you warnings that you really don’t want to ‘tie one on’, the fear and painful recollections resurface in fleeting glimpses. Neff peppered the beginning of his show with illusions and effects that seemed to foreshadow the last part of the show. But you ignore the warnings and engage in the playful nonsense and fun of getting high. At the beginning of a drunken escapade, everything is a laugh. Neff’s silly jokes and playfulness with the near naked women were very much the actions of the early stages of an uninhibited drunk. Finally you get seriously intoxicated. The pace slows and everything becomes a deliberate calculated struggle. In Neff’s show, fear and loss of control took over with the presentation of the Noma. You are transformed into a monster. The dark pall of unconsciousness finally descends. In the end, you pass out (The Black Out!) Bill Neff then wishes you “Pleasant Nightmares!”
Bill Neff’s influence can be seen in the collection of illusions I perform. I supplied the details and photos of the Noma Illusion that Paul Osborne published in Genii Magazine in the August 2005 issue. I have performed that illusion which is now on loan to the Vince Carmen Show at Houdini’s Showplace in Sarasota, Florida. I still own and perform The Frame of Life and Death. Mine was made by Abbotts and came to me by way of the Harry Wise Ghost Show collection. I have reworked and improved the Bill Neff Rope Trick and it is a regular feature of my stage show. Neff used a very simple “Hold out” and I was never happy with his set up. I created a hold- out that is weighted so the effect can be performed anywhere within the show by simply dropping my right hand and letting it fall into my palm.
Canon Rauscher has contributed a valuable text for the history of magic and for understanding the tragedy of alcoholism and drug abuse (chemical addictions). He hints at some possible psychological heartache that Neff had. Bill Neff has been the boyhood friend of film actor Jimmy Stewart. They lived in the same town and grew up together and Stewart was Neff’s early partner in magic. Was Neff disappointed at Stewart’s fame and his own obscurity? Neff’s father was as financially successful as possible as Bill Neff came of age in The Great Depression. Bill Neff psychologically struggled to be happy selling Insurance. Did his marriage to a wonderfully domestic wife who wanted a home life and was not interested in show business, tip him over the edge? Did Neff turn to the Occult as a means of finding psychological certainty? Was his second wife Evelyn an “enabler” and contribution to his problem?
Modern psychology can offer a lot of insight into human motivations. The last 50 years have seen developments in understanding the role of brain chemicals that also offer clues at what motivates people. Sadly, the help we have today was not available to Neff in his prime years. Before the modern era of neuroleptics, starting with chlorpromazine in the 1950s, positive long-term results for psychotic patients were limited.
French chemist, Paul Charpentier, synthesized a phenothiazine antipsychotic, Chlorpromazine (Later sold in the U.S. as Thorazine) in December of 1950. Clinical trials in Paris France in 1953 (Jean Delay and Pierre Deniker) almost seemed miraculous in showing improvements in thinking and emotional behavior among psychotics. Chlorpromazine became favored over the previous therapies of electro convulsive and insulin shocks and psychosurgical treatment (lobotomy) which caused permanent brain damage. Ironically this was about the time that Neff was irreversibly sliding into the final stages of his alcoholism.
Quickly from the late 1950s until today, the psychiatrist’s tool chest filled with better potentially helpful drugs. (tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, benzodiazepines ,selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, atypicals, glutaminergic blockers, Naltrexone, Topiramate). Not much in Neff’s time was known about the psychology and brain chemistry behind addiction. More importantly, the social and family aspects of mental illnesses were not understood well and the stigma of those illnesses prevented many people from getting help. Today we can read about them and understand much from the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
The personal moral lesson you can take from all of this is to learn from the Bill Neff tragedy. If you are in show business, keep your thinking clear and keep your emotional health. If you have other friends in show business (or any other business) with problems realize that a lot of help is available today. Our local Orlando Episcopal Diocese (and other religious denominations) has mental health counseling available without prohibitive costs. There are other low cost secular mental health professionals available.
Betty Ford, First Lady of President Gerald Ford, and others have helped to remove the stigma from the term “rehab”. Kitty Dukakis, wife of 1988 presidential candidate Michael Dukakis tells about her treatments in her autobiography. In the mid 1990s Presidential Candidate John McCain’s wife Cindy told the late Phoenix Gazette political columnist John Kolbe that she finally entered The Meadows, a drug-treatment center in Wickenburg, Arizona and went to anti-dependency meetings twice a week. His Aug. 25, 1994, column was headlined and led with a quote from her: "I'm Cindy, and I'm an addict." Kolbe also drew a straight line between Cindy's drug predicament and the stressful life of being a politician’s wife.
There should be no stigma and only praise in anyone recognizing mental health problems and getting treatment for themselves or others. Politics, show business and just the stress of modern life can create emotional havoc. Sadly, the very talented and creative Bill Neff was overcome by his problems. Rauscher has given us the tragic story and the lesson to be learned.
Dennis Phillips
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