James Gray’s The Immigrant, which co-stars Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye in The Avengers) as a turn of the century stage illusionist, finally has a date for its limited US release. Look for it in your favorite art house May 16, 2014.
The New Straits Times chatted with Iranian born magician Mahdi Moudini after his third Merlin win in a row. This year the International Magic Society presented him with The Best Illusionist in Malaysia 2014 award in Kuala Lumpur.
Congratulations to Tommy Wind, who (as reported by Robin Leach in The Las Vegas Sun) has just performed his 300th show in his TW Theater.
Finally, the Columbia Daily Herald (covering Columbia, Tennessee) ran a short video and a few pictures of 12 year old Josh Jones performing magic as part of an Autism Awareness Month event. iTricks is all for coverage of any young magician, particularly when they are participating in charity events, and we applaud Mr. Jones for his act. I (Michael, usurping the bully pulpit of iTricks here for a moment) have a bone to pick with the writer responsible for the picture copy, though, which stated Josh was pulling “a long scarf out of a supposedly empty bag.” Couldn’t you just have said “out of an empty bag?” Do you have to prove that you are smart enough to deduce that there is some kind of trick, particularly when it is a young person performing?
Headlines, Las Vegas, Movies, News, Tony Hassini | No Comments »
Posted by Michael on March 26th, 2014
On Monday night, which as iTricks told you was Houdini’s 140th birthday, Craig Ferguson took a little time to explain the difference between magicians and illusionists. It is not exactly the most adult (or mature) humor on the ol’ Interweb, the guy is on in the middle of the night for a reason, so be warned.
Sad news from Vegas, white tiger Mantecore has passed away. Most famous as the animal that injured Roy Horn on stage, it was Roy himself who broke the news on the Siegfried and Roy Facebook page with a touching tribute to the cat. Mantecore was 17.
More from Vegas, the Las Vegas Sun’s John Katsilometes has comments from Murray Sawchuck about being chucked from Nathan Burton’s show; he thinks his friendship with Burton’s ex-producer may be to blame. Nathan Burton still is not talking.
And from Suburban Chicago comes a nice feature on Jeanette Andrews in the Daily Herald. Among the topics discussed are her artist in residency experiences and collaborations with scientists. The 24 year old may not be a familiar name (yet), but you will be able to see her when Masters of Illusion runs later this year on CW.
Headlines, Las Vegas, Nathan Burton, Siegfried and Roy | No Comments »
Posted by Michael on March 24th, 2014
The latest viral magic video making the rounds features Finnish magician and mentalist Jose Ahonen making treats disappear right in front of expectant and confused dogs. Ahonen has millions of hits for this… I did it once and ended up with a mastiff standing on my chest demanding a treat!
Teller has won his copyright infringement suit against Belgian magician Gerard Dogge. The Hollywood Reporter has an easy to read summary of the case and ruling.
The Daily Mail’s MailOnline.co.uk featured the story of Paul Daniels (then Ted Daniels) discovering magic as a young man.
Norm Clarke reported in his Las Vegas Review-Journal late last week that Murray Sawchuck and his wife were removed by security from Nathan Burton’s show at the Saxe Theater before the performance even began. Sawchuck was quoted by Clarke as saying that the theater manager said that Burton had requested that the couple, who had texted him to let him know that they were viewing the show, be removed.
Finally, do not forget that ABC’s Modern Family is visiting Las Vegas this week. Although this episode is not getting the attention of the show’s visit to Australia (which did see Sofia Vergara in a bathing suit), it will feature magic in the storyline and Ed Alonzo.
Las Vegas, Legal, Nathan Burton, Paul Daniels, Teller, TV, Youtube | No Comments »
Posted by Michael on March 7th, 2014
Professional poker player Antonio Esfandiari is known as The Magician because that was his old job. He is returning to his pre-poker roots in the new web series Strip Magic from UltimatePoker.com. This first episode focuses on his discovery of magic, but it includes Esfandiari performing a classic street magic bit too.
Las Vegas, Youtube | No Comments »
