063: A Chat with the Director of the American Museum of Magic in Marshall, Michigan

Following Abbott's 75th Get-Together, it would have been a shame not to have driven a few miles north of Colon to visit the American Museum of Magic in Marshall, Michigan. I first visited this museum following my first Get-Together in 1984. I was fortunate to have been given a private tour by owner and curator, Bob Lund. The Museum is now run by a board of directors but the building and it's contents look pretty much unchanged with what appeared to me as the same posters that adorned the wall way back then.

I chatted briefly with Hannah Lewis who is an intern at the museum who gives regular tours and is quite knowledgeable about the building, its contents and its history. She then introduced me to Jeff Taylor who is the Director. He gave me a little more insight and a private tour of the library which is usually only accessible by appointment.

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Photos of the American Museum of Magic - Marshall, Michigan

Robert "Bob" Lund (May 4, 1925 - October 20, 1995) was a noted magic historian and author, was also one of the world's foremost magic collectors. As a result of his passion (and needing a place to house his massive collection), he created the American Museum of Magic. The Museum was only open by appointment during his lifetime. Since Elaine Lund's passing in 2006, the museum has been governed by a board of directors and has become a non-profit corporation. It wasn't until about three years ago that it was finally opened to the public with regular operating hours.

The Bureau of History (Michigan Department of State) designated the building housing the American Museum of Magic as a Registered Historic Site in 1985.

The first thing visitors see as they enter the museum is the breathtaking statue of the Le Grand David show featuring one of their signature illusions, the Broomstick Suspension. This is one of three of these particular works of art in existence.

The Traveling Magician statue is another rare piece of art that is one of 61 known to exist in private collections.

A block away from the main museum building is the former Marshall Library. This building now houses the promotional materials of known and lesser known magicians. Additional ephemera fill the building plus other treasures like an ultra rare copy of "The Discoverie of Witchcraft".

"The Discoverie of Witchcraft" was a partially sceptical book published by the English gentleman Reginald Scot in 1584, and intended as an exposé of medieval witchcraft. It is considered rare becuase all obtainable copies were burned on the assccion of James I in 1603.

While I was visiting the museum, I video recorded a ten minute tour on my iPad then mixed some magic music in the background. If you would like to see more that just the photos above, then enjoy this short video below.

A short tour of the AMM in Marshall, MI.

For more information on The American Museum of Magic, visit their website at http://americanmuseumofmagic.org/

045: Magic Theater in Chicago

During the week of Tuesday February 28th through March 5th I visited Chicago theaters where magic is featured with my friend and host, Don Wiberg. On tap for the week included seeing: “The Magic Cabaret”, “Supernatural Chicago”, “Death and Harry Houdini”, and “Short Guys with Glasses.”

We begin with a half hour chat with David Parr and PT Murphy after The Magic Cabaret show at the Greenhouse Theatre Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue. This was an interesting insight into how they found the venue and gave us some suggestions on how one could create their own theatrical show in their community. They also discussed the importance of scripting and routining a full evening show and the importance of establishing both their characters and a relationship with their audience. You can find them at www.Magic-Cabaret.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook/magiccabaret

Neil Tobin just completed his eighth year with his one man evening show, Supernatural Chicago at the Excalibur Nightclub, 632 N. Dearborn. Neil talked with Scott about the creation of the show and how it has developed over time. This is not a séance but really more of a historical perspective of the strange and bizarre side of Chicago including lots of interesting stories. He weaves in a lot of interactive effects that complement the stories and help make them…well, come alive, if you will. You can find more information on this show at www.SupernaturalChicago.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook/supernaturalchicago

Dennis Watkins, star of “Death and Harry Houdini” is wowing audiences and critics alike at the Chopin Theater, 1543 W. Division. You can catch this play now through April 15, 2012. It will travel to Florida for a a five week run soon thereafter. Hear more from Dennis as he discusses the development of this highly acclaimed musical. To read the review from the Chicago Tribune, visit: http://bit.ly/yivGWM For more information on the theater, visit:  www.TheHouseTheatre.com or for info on Dennis’ exciting new venue for his one man parlor magic show, visit: www.themagicparlourchicago.com

After that matinee we visited the Jasper Theatre in the back of Magic, Inc., 5082 N. Lincoln Avenue, for the evening production of “Two Guys with Glasses” featuring John Sturk and Tomas Medina. Before the show began I ran into a long time friend who was also visiting Chicago, Bizzaro. We taped a short interview before we were ushered into the theatre. During intermission I spoke with the owner of Magic, Inc. and co-producer of the evening’s show, Sandy Marshall. Sandy and I spoke about an upcoming, off-Broadway show in New York City he will be producing this coming June: "Max Maven Thinking in Person". After the show I spoke with the stars, John and Tomas about the development of this production.

I think you will enjoy this one hour podcast that focuses on magic that is now playing (or “then” playing) in Chicago.

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