Wired caught up with the good folks behind the cult classic Mystery Science Theater 3000 to produce The Definitive Oral History Of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Of course, the show’s creator and original star Joel Hodgson was included in the piece which hints at a possible revival. As many iTricks readers undoubtedly know, Hodgson started out as a magician (he was even featured in a Genii cover story in the ’90s after leaving MST3K).
The high tech retooling of the Maher Ventriloquist Studio’s correspondence course was featured in a Carroll County Times article which was picked up by AP. Magician and ventriloquist Tom Crowl is at the center of the new version of the course which was originally offered about eight decades ago. You can learn more at the Maher Studios website.
The stage version of Hedwig And The Angry Inch, starring Neil Patrick Harris, is a hit. The New York Post took a look at what, besides seven fab wigs, it takes to transform NPH into “one sexy lady.” The story features stylist Arianne Phillips, the artist behind the transformation, who has plenty of praise for Harris saying “But Neil has amazing circus skills, and he’s a bona fide magician. He’s super strong, and he’s really brave.”
Finally, Paul Romhany was concerned that iTricks gave the impression that his Vanish Magazine was only available as a PDF in last week’s piece on MAGIC Magazine’s new digital offerings. He would like everyone to know that Vanish, which gets about 120,000 downloads an issue, is available as a downloadable PDF, via their Revizzit iPad app and online in a unique virtual format (featuring a two page layout that can be “flipped through” like a paper magazine) which can be accessed here.
Entertainment, Headlines, Neil Patrick Harris, News | No Comments »
Posted by Michael on April 15th, 2014
What starts the day better than donuts? Since we yet have to figure a way to deliver donuts to iTricks readers you’ll have to settle for this documentary from Magnalux Pictures about Michael Stevens, known to many in New York as Magic Mike. Now that he has retired from the New York City Fire Department, Stevens is spending his time performing on the street and at The Donut Pub. If you are in the New York area and want to catch Magic Mike live, check out his website.
documentary, Entertainment | 1 Comment »
Posted by Michael on April 4th, 2014
After twenty one years on CBS, David Letterman has announced that he will be retiring in 2015. Although Letterman has not necessarily been a friend to magic. like his mentor Johnny Carson, he did have any amazing effect on late night talk shows. As we move towards his farewell, the looming question is, of course, who will take over his timeslot? Is Craig Ferguson, a confirmed magic fan, suitable for the earlier slot?
Magicians have known that Theory 11 and JJ Abrams (you know, the guy behind Lost, Cloverfield and a couple science fiction movies) have teamed up to offer The Mystery Box. What is it? A $150 locked box with something inside but no combination included inspired by a gift Abrams received from his grandfather. Now the mainstream is catching wind of it, thanks to coverage by sites such as Gizmodo.
Finally, magician Olly Day has hit a very cool milestone. The Norwich area (UK) kid show performer has just presented his 1,000th road safety show to elementary school students. Congratulations Olly! You can read more here.
Entertainment, Headlines, News, TV | No Comments »
Posted by Michael on March 28th, 2014
As you may know, one of the earliest uses of the Internet was as a showcase for pictures of cats. Keeping up this tradition is Lil BUB, the flat faced cat that has taken the Internet by storm. On the most recent episode of BUB’s webseries, magician Dennis Watkins drops by to perform with the kitty.
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Derek DelGaudio is attached (as a producer) to a new Disney film that will cover the last century or so of the history of magic through the eyes of a magician. Keith Bunin is scripting the film and Justin Springer is the main producer. DelGuadio is currently an artist in residence at Disney Imagineering.
Finally, Dirk Arthur has begun a three month run at Harrah’s in Reno and has not found any new fans with PETA. According to KOLO News, they have targeted his act with a protest that features a caged young woman painted as a tiger… The KOLO coverage includes video of the tigress and comments from Arthur.
Entertainment, Headlines, Movies, Youtube | No Comments »
Posted by Michael on March 7th, 2014
The New Haven Independent is reporting that New Haven Theater Company has found a new rome for the next year. What may be of interest to iTricks readers is that their first new play in the venue is about a burnt out magician and his manager. Appropriately titled The Magician, the article describes it as two drunks “locked in a battle of wits, self-esteem destruction, and who-can-say-it-faster-and-dirtier, and occasionally in a more poetic argot.”
Theatermania has weighed in with their review of Nothing On Earth (Can Hold Houdini). It is, to be honest, not the best review. The NY Times, however, seemed to see the play in a more positive light. Get tickets at Axis Theater’s website.
Jonathan Creek is back on BBC1; you can learn more at the Beeb’s official site (that is BBC, not Justin Beiber).
Finally, speaking of the BBC, BBC Radio Scotland’s The Culture Studio with Janice Forsyth discussed Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay with Ricky Jay. We would have embedded the show, but it is only a segment of a nearly two hour broadcast. However, you can listen on the BBC Radio Scotland website.
Entertainment, Movies, News, Ricky Jay, TV | No Comments »
