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.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here then right click to save the file.

2011 Winter Carnival of Magic in Pigeon Forge, TN

During late winter of 2011 (March 3-5) in the vacation resort community of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, organizers presented the 37th annual edition of The Winter Carnival of Magic to a burgeoning group of nearly 250 magicians. This is not your typical convention. WCM schedules many different programs, shows, parties, and well...just about everything including a final night pizza party. For one thing, this is held in the Country Tonight theatre complete with a full stage and professional sound and light with people who know how to use them. The dealers set up in the lobby so everything is pretty much self-contained. The hosting hotel is just a 100 yard walk down the hill from the theatre. It is kind of like Brigadoon that appears overnight but in a twinkle of the eye, is gone and remains as just a fond memory.

This year seemed to be the Year of the Lectures that included Troy Hooser, Carroll Baker, Aldo & Rachel Colombini, Ricky Boone, TJ Shimeld, Tom Craven, Banachek, Scott Wells, David Acer and Sandy Marshall plus close-up performances by Carroll Baker, David Acer, Rick Merrill and Doc Eason plus a workshop by Kozmo.

Elsewhere here on The Magic Word I posted the last of the "Lost Episodes" that I recorded for (but never aired on) another podcast. Since it is winter, now would be the perfect time to get a nice cup of hot cocoa and listen to the sounds of the Winter Carnival of Magic. I hope it will get you excited about registering for next year's event so you don't miss the fun.

For more information and pictures from the convention plus registration for the 2012 convention, please visit: http://wintercarnivalofmagic.com/ 

010: The Lost Episodes, Nov. 19-22, 2010: Magic Show, Museum & Magic Shops around Chicago

Come along with me as I watch a magic show then visit with the performers in Elmhurst, IL. Steve Chezaday and Paul Lee star in this intimate event. Then right next door was the Elmhurst Historical Museum that featured a look at magic and magicians in and around Chicago over the past 50+ years. Then we take a visit to Uncle Fun's (a gag and prank shop) then travel to a real brick and mortar magic shop, Midwest Magic where we chat with owner, Tim Felix. From there we drive over to Magic, Inc. and talk with Sandy Marshall where he discusses the biographical book he wrote about his father, Jay Marshall, "Beating a Dead Horse". And of course we stop for some food along the way. After all, November 21st was my birthday!

Time stamps for this podcast: 

00:00:09 - Heading to Elmhurst to see a magic show

00:01:00 - chat with Steve Chezaday as he is setting up for his stage show, sans illusions

00:05:00 - Paul Lee talks about his life and magic

00:10:04 - a visit with Rosemary and Richard, docents at the Elmhurst Historical Museum as we discuss the magic exhibit in their museum.

00:19:08 - Tim Felix, proprietor of Midwest Magic in Franklin Park, a brick-and-mortar shop, talks about his shop and how long it has been in business

00:24:45 - Flat Top Grill for my birthday breakfast with my wife, Kathy, and Don & Joyce Wiberg. Join me for my birthday today!

00:25:55 - Uncle Fun's Magic & Prank Shop. Wow, a fun place with tons of weird and unusual crap, uh, I mean, cool stuff. 

00:27:21 - Sandy Marshall discusses his "new" book about his father, "Beating a Dead Horse - The Life and Times of Jay Marshall"
 Sandy and Don Wiberg gives us some great stories from the book. Great interview and lovely chat.

00:48:32 - quick wrap-up of my Magical Midwestern Mystery Tour and all the sights and sounds I experienced. Oh, and I also gave a "shout out" to a fantastic chocolate factory called Albanese in Hobart, Indiana. 

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here.