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I saw this posted on Facebook and took a look. It's from 2002, and is a wonderful article about Houdini and his time with the Welsh Brothers Circus. This comes from BANDWAGON The Journal of the Circus Historical Society. The article is very well researched. Many wonderful Welsh Brothers Images. Nothing new in regards to Houdini photos. I imagine, somewhere out there are a few Houdini images while working the circus, yet to be discovered.
Today marks the 78th birthday of illusionist Doug Henning. Born May 3rd, 1947 in Winnipeg Canada. He was an icon in magic. Credited with really giving magic a rebirth in the 1970s, he had a remarkably short career. But during the time he performed, he was simply amazing.
Below is a video of Doug Henning presenting the Origami Box illusion. Historically, Doug was the very first person to present the Origami Box. You'll note a great difference between his presentation as opposed to most others. I don't recall another 'talking' presentation. Most of the presentations are done to music. And probably the greatest rendition following Henning's was the very dramatic David Copperfield version.
But this version, shows you how charming this effect could be. I saw Doug Henning perform this illusion on stage in person at the Warner Theater in Washington DC. I remember sitting only a few rows from the stage and being completely baffled by this illusion when it first came out. It is of course, the creation of Jim Steinmeyer who would go on to contribute a number of illusions to Doug. Another of my favorites was Walking Through A Mirror.
We've been hearing about this project for a very long time. I think originally it was supposed to star Hugh Jackman or perhaps that was different Houdini musical. Anyway, time kept ticking by, covid came and went, and only just now do we see this project emerge. It will debut in Italy, it appears to be an Italian production. I just don't know the logistics of what it takes to bring a show to Broadway, so perhaps, these are test runs or trial runs before they take the musical to Broadway or to London's West End. And to be honest, I don't know if they even intend to bring it to Broadway, just speculating.
From a magic historical view point, I don't like the inclusion of modern day illusions. From what I've seen it had Clearly Impossible which was Jonathan Pendragon's version of the Thin Model Sawing, and there was Interlude, which was a Jim Steinmeyer creation. Just not accurate. Great illusions. But Houdini didn't do them.
Houdini's effects stand on their own. Water Torture Cell, Milk Can, Metamorphosis, all of which are in the musical. But also Walking Thru a Brick Wall, Vanishing Elephant (which might be in the musical because it's on the poster!) The NEEDLES one his standards, Card Manipulations Houdini Style, Hello Winter, that John Gaughan has recreated, The Radio Illusion...shall I go on? Come on, if you're going to do Houdini do the REAL HOUDINI!!!! Plus he was mainly an escape artist, Challenge escapes, rope escapes, handcuffs, straitjackets, so many other devices.
There appears to be one or two, if not more, lines from the 1953 Houdini movie used in this production. I hope they don't kill off Houdini in the USD, as in the Tony Curtis version. And Houdini walking on stage with a top hat and cane, did make me throw up in my throat a little. But hey, realistically it looks real fun and entertaining. I'm just being uber critical from a magic perspective. From a lay person's perspective it could be wonderful. After all, they ARE the buying public.
Ok, in all honesty, I'm thrilled to see this. If it promotes magic and Houdini in a positive light, I'm all for it. Hey, if they want someone who can consult with them on Houdini's actual illusions, I know a guy, lol (info@carnegiemagic.com) But truly, it's wonderful to see this finally about to happen. I hope it's a real success.
Watch the videos below and catch a glimpse of what is to come!
