The original Broadway production starring Henning and Morris ran nearly 2,000p., so this filming of a later (distinctly lesser) production is well worth a look, and OUGHT to be available on VHS. The broadcast version appeared to cut one major song ("Lion Tamer") that I trust was filmed, but over all between the magic and the music and a very funny book, this is one of the rare "cult" films that bears repeated viewings. Especially now that the original Broadway cast album is out on CD, here's hoping people get another chance to see the movie.
9 Reviews
The magic is good, the rest isn't
dbborroughs5 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
TV version of the Broadway show that ran for 4 years and changed the face of magic (think about magic before Doug Henning and after). It was filmed a couple of years after the show closed on Broadway in Doug Henning's native Canada before a live audience. The show is set in a night club where the old magician is doing a poor job. The manager has hired a new act (Henning and Didi Conn) to fill the spot on the bill because a big time producer is coming in to look for acts. There is a battle between magicians of sorts, too many not very good songs (by Stephen Schwartz who did Godspell and Wicked) and in the final 40 minutes a great deal of magic.
This was one of the Broadway shows I always wanted to see. Being a huge fan I just wanted to see the wonders that I was sure was on the Broadway stage. I loved Doug Henning in his numerous appearances on TV and wanted to see what he did live. The show came and went, Henning tried to follow up with the show Merlin which had a painfully short life and he disappeared into the background. My desire to see the show was always there as was my jealousy at my brother who actually saw the show as school trip. Over the years the people I've talked with about the show all basically said the same thing, the magic was great the rest of it was terrible, it did nothing to change my regret.
Coming upon the show on DVD I was excited since I could at last see a version of the show I wanted to see as a child.
My reaction to seeing the show is that the music is fair, the script is awful, Henning can't act, the rest of the cast isn't much better and the only reason to see this is the magic. Unfortunately even the magic presents a problem.
The first problem with the magic is that many of the illusions are things that Henning did on his numerous TV appearances on the 70's and 80's. The result is that the show plays as a rapid fire greatest hits. The other problem is that the illusions are not quite that well done. Part of the problem is that time hasn't been kind to the presentation, Henning's version of the metamorphosis plays as almost quaintly slow when compared to versions like Criss Angel's almost instantaneous version, many other tricks have been built upon and made more exciting. The other problem with this is some of the tricks, the elephant disappearance, don't go off as they should and you can see how its done (More than once the assistants can be seen actually setting the trick up -disappearance under the blanket, the water levitation). Yes I'm aware of how many tricks are done, but at the same time I'm willing to go with the illusion if it's done well, unfortunately here its not always done well (However the girl kept cut in two for a large chunk of the show is a blast).
Still the presentation is a must see for anyone who is interested in magic, especially the history of magic. Henning is the one who changed the rules. He's the one that took away the typical tux clad magician and made it more like anyone could do magic. Yes you had other magicians doing similar things and dressing down, but Henning changed the minds of everyone who saw him. Once Henning really starts to perform in the final 40 minutes the show is worth seeing.(until then keep the remote handy since you'll want to scan from trick to trick).
The show is between 5 and 6 over all. If you scan through the exposition and the songs and just watch the magic I'd rate it closer to 7. Worth a rental, but not a purchase.
This was one of the Broadway shows I always wanted to see. Being a huge fan I just wanted to see the wonders that I was sure was on the Broadway stage. I loved Doug Henning in his numerous appearances on TV and wanted to see what he did live. The show came and went, Henning tried to follow up with the show Merlin which had a painfully short life and he disappeared into the background. My desire to see the show was always there as was my jealousy at my brother who actually saw the show as school trip. Over the years the people I've talked with about the show all basically said the same thing, the magic was great the rest of it was terrible, it did nothing to change my regret.
Coming upon the show on DVD I was excited since I could at last see a version of the show I wanted to see as a child.
My reaction to seeing the show is that the music is fair, the script is awful, Henning can't act, the rest of the cast isn't much better and the only reason to see this is the magic. Unfortunately even the magic presents a problem.
The first problem with the magic is that many of the illusions are things that Henning did on his numerous TV appearances on the 70's and 80's. The result is that the show plays as a rapid fire greatest hits. The other problem is that the illusions are not quite that well done. Part of the problem is that time hasn't been kind to the presentation, Henning's version of the metamorphosis plays as almost quaintly slow when compared to versions like Criss Angel's almost instantaneous version, many other tricks have been built upon and made more exciting. The other problem with this is some of the tricks, the elephant disappearance, don't go off as they should and you can see how its done (More than once the assistants can be seen actually setting the trick up -disappearance under the blanket, the water levitation). Yes I'm aware of how many tricks are done, but at the same time I'm willing to go with the illusion if it's done well, unfortunately here its not always done well (However the girl kept cut in two for a large chunk of the show is a blast).
Still the presentation is a must see for anyone who is interested in magic, especially the history of magic. Henning is the one who changed the rules. He's the one that took away the typical tux clad magician and made it more like anyone could do magic. Yes you had other magicians doing similar things and dressing down, but Henning changed the minds of everyone who saw him. Once Henning really starts to perform in the final 40 minutes the show is worth seeing.(until then keep the remote handy since you'll want to scan from trick to trick).
The show is between 5 and 6 over all. If you scan through the exposition and the songs and just watch the magic I'd rate it closer to 7. Worth a rental, but not a purchase.
His Old Tricks
NJMoon7 August 2001
Let's face facts, fans. The original Broadway production of A MAGIC SHOW was no LES MIS - in fact, it was no PIPPIN or GODSPELL either. But Stephen Schwartz's music and Doug Henning's "denim Dunninger" were new enough in 1974 to be a fun evening at the theatre, especially with orchestra seats priced well under $15. The show even outlasted Henning ("and JOE, our magic man...") and toured extensively.
Filmed in 1981 in Canada, this MAGIC SHOW bears little resemblance to the musical that entranced thousands on Broadway, despite the fact that the essential elements are all basically the same. Cosmetic changes seem to have been made to keep the show fresh - but to no avail. For instance, why change the location from The Passaic Top Hat to Chez Manny (a supposedly seedy club that looks like the set for a cheesy 80's sitcom)? The visiting producer Goldfarb is now named Shumway and the washed up magician Feldman in now called Van Zyskind (or something like that). But these matter very little in light of the more drastic musical and magical alterations. Only half the original score remains, with WEST END AVENUE and GOLDFARB VARIATIONS completely gone and CHARMIN'S LAMENT totally re-written. The new songs are usually lead ins to Doug's new (and bigger) tricks - an elephant, a motorcycle and a huge game of Mouse Trap don't add much spectacle in light David Copperfield's recent accomplishments.
THE MAGIC SHOW is at it's most charming when Doug is doing his staple tricks for the real audience, especially Houdini's metamorphosis. Didi Conn is the right type for Cal, except that she can barely sing the simple songs she's given. Pity, since her "Lion Tamer" is the show's signature. Besides preserving the late Henning's act it is also notable for (the also late) Anita Morris' appearance as the conjured cutie Charmin. Although she spends much of the show bi-sected, Morris is a joy to watch.
All in all, this MAGIC SHOW is better than nothing but strictly fan material. Let the few "magical" moments rekindle memories of the Broadway incarnation and try to ignore the rest.
Filmed in 1981 in Canada, this MAGIC SHOW bears little resemblance to the musical that entranced thousands on Broadway, despite the fact that the essential elements are all basically the same. Cosmetic changes seem to have been made to keep the show fresh - but to no avail. For instance, why change the location from The Passaic Top Hat to Chez Manny (a supposedly seedy club that looks like the set for a cheesy 80's sitcom)? The visiting producer Goldfarb is now named Shumway and the washed up magician Feldman in now called Van Zyskind (or something like that). But these matter very little in light of the more drastic musical and magical alterations. Only half the original score remains, with WEST END AVENUE and GOLDFARB VARIATIONS completely gone and CHARMIN'S LAMENT totally re-written. The new songs are usually lead ins to Doug's new (and bigger) tricks - an elephant, a motorcycle and a huge game of Mouse Trap don't add much spectacle in light David Copperfield's recent accomplishments.
THE MAGIC SHOW is at it's most charming when Doug is doing his staple tricks for the real audience, especially Houdini's metamorphosis. Didi Conn is the right type for Cal, except that she can barely sing the simple songs she's given. Pity, since her "Lion Tamer" is the show's signature. Besides preserving the late Henning's act it is also notable for (the also late) Anita Morris' appearance as the conjured cutie Charmin. Although she spends much of the show bi-sected, Morris is a joy to watch.
All in all, this MAGIC SHOW is better than nothing but strictly fan material. Let the few "magical" moments rekindle memories of the Broadway incarnation and try to ignore the rest.
Valuable Document
leslieadams28 April 2005
Doug Henning (1947-2000) made his mark as a magnificent illusionist, who brought the craft to the general public in an unprecedented entertaining manner. He also transformed the image of the magician from the top hat and tails to denim jacket and jeans.
He changed illusionists' formerly austere, mysterious ambiance to one of playfulness, fun and joy. His smile was infectious; he loved what he did and made the audience feel the same way.
It was my privilege to have attended "The Magic Show" on Broadway in 1974. I returned three more times, bringing along friends, who likewise loved it. Make no mistake, though--even though he bounces and jives to the music, like your average kid on the block, this is one awesome, truly great magician.
The only extant recording of his work is this 1981 revised and modified version of "The Magic Show" done at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto. For some inexplicable reason, the score and production was drastically tampered with, to the extreme chagrin of the original presentation.
Therefore, its value here lies in the fact that this is the only surviving recorded of Mr. Henning's work. It's also to be remembered that work of illusionists that followed Henning used his work as their yardstick to "surpass." In other words, what Henning did was then history making--taking its heritage directly from Classicists Houdini, Dunninger, Blackstone, et al.
Henning combined all achievements of those greats, then added his own unique contributions. What I adore about Henning is his positive vibration; his smile is genuine, and his love of life's the "real-McCoy."
Thus, this recording of "The Magic Show" becomes a valuable document in the history of magic and illusion, thanks to the work of one of the all-time greats: Henning.
He changed illusionists' formerly austere, mysterious ambiance to one of playfulness, fun and joy. His smile was infectious; he loved what he did and made the audience feel the same way.
It was my privilege to have attended "The Magic Show" on Broadway in 1974. I returned three more times, bringing along friends, who likewise loved it. Make no mistake, though--even though he bounces and jives to the music, like your average kid on the block, this is one awesome, truly great magician.
The only extant recording of his work is this 1981 revised and modified version of "The Magic Show" done at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto. For some inexplicable reason, the score and production was drastically tampered with, to the extreme chagrin of the original presentation.
Therefore, its value here lies in the fact that this is the only surviving recorded of Mr. Henning's work. It's also to be remembered that work of illusionists that followed Henning used his work as their yardstick to "surpass." In other words, what Henning did was then history making--taking its heritage directly from Classicists Houdini, Dunninger, Blackstone, et al.
Henning combined all achievements of those greats, then added his own unique contributions. What I adore about Henning is his positive vibration; his smile is genuine, and his love of life's the "real-McCoy."
Thus, this recording of "The Magic Show" becomes a valuable document in the history of magic and illusion, thanks to the work of one of the all-time greats: Henning.
Keep as far away from the DVD as possible
KarinaGW30 October 2001
If you have fond memories of the Broadway show or adored the original score, please do yourself a favor and do not buy the DVD that is available. Do not spoil your memories.
West End Avenue is gone, the Goldfarb Variations are gone, Charmin's Lament has been changed out of all recognition.
The actor who plays Van Zyskind is adequate, I guess. Didi Conn (who I love, btw) is fine, although I don't think her voice really handles Lion Tamer too well. Anita Morris is great, but her performance has been hamstrung by the changes to her character. Doug, well, Doug Henning was a terrific magician...the inspiration of many performance magicians who followed...and it's wonderful to see him perform.
And, if all you want is his magic and not the magic of the original stage production and you don't care that they left in only two songs worth having (Lion Tamer and Up to His Old Tricks (although not arranged as well)), go ahead and buy it...if you can find it cheap.
West End Avenue is gone, the Goldfarb Variations are gone, Charmin's Lament has been changed out of all recognition.
The actor who plays Van Zyskind is adequate, I guess. Didi Conn (who I love, btw) is fine, although I don't think her voice really handles Lion Tamer too well. Anita Morris is great, but her performance has been hamstrung by the changes to her character. Doug, well, Doug Henning was a terrific magician...the inspiration of many performance magicians who followed...and it's wonderful to see him perform.
And, if all you want is his magic and not the magic of the original stage production and you don't care that they left in only two songs worth having (Lion Tamer and Up to His Old Tricks (although not arranged as well)), go ahead and buy it...if you can find it cheap.
I was there
melatkey23 September 2007
I was there when this was filmed before a live audience in the Autumn of 1980. It wasn't really a stage production, it was all staged for the cameras. They had to pause every ten minutes to reload the film. There were three stationary cameras in the house, and one "panglide" camera that followed the actors around on stage. The music was all pre-recorded. At the time, all we heard were the "rythm" tracks -- the strings and horns etc were added in post-production. All of the "illusions" were shot live. However, some of the songs and dialogue were done in additional takes without an audience. Incidentally, the animal wranglers weren't sure what size of elephant the producers wanted, so they delivered three! The film was originally intended for cinemas, but was never released. It was also intended to have a full stereo soundtrack (the audio was recorded on 48 track tape), not the fake stereo that's on the DVD. I believe it may also have been intended to have a wider aspect ratio. As for the changes in the book and score from the Broadway show, composer Stephen Schwartz said he realised that THE MAGIC SHOW was basically a children's musical. I suspect that the cutting of "West End Avenue" reflects that. Incidentally, the music arranger. Eric Robertson, worked on "Spellbound" -- the Toronto show with music by Howard Shore, book by David Cronenberg and produced by Ivan Reitman -- that evolved into "The Magic Show".
Major disappointment
njbpitt13 April 2002
Have seen the original production and loved the score, imagine my delight at finding "The Magic Show" at my local DVD store. What a waste of money! Although the story is essentially the same, the show that is on this DVD is a poor substitute. Stephen Schwartz, what were you thinking? Solid Silver Platform Shoes, West End Avenue, and Sweet, Sweet, Sweet were all eliminated. Charmin's Lament was rewritten to be an interminably wretched number. Anita Morris was barely in the show. Mostly notably missing was David Ogden Stiers, replaced by someone who resembled Snidely Whiplash on drugs. Save your money!
Painful to watch dated piece
melskunk2 August 2005
I caught this on TV a few days ago, and as a long time magic fan, had to watch. Unfortunately, I found it painfully dated and uninteresting. Though apparently this "plot" was applied to a successful stage show Mr. Henning had done as well, it was exceedingly annoying and tiresome. And it was a musical, something that rarely works well, and certainly didn't here. And magic acts just don't work in film format.
What is spectacular and interesting in person (or arguably, live TV) feels like just another movie effect when placed in a film, which is unfortunate, because really the only reason to WATCH this is all the signature tricks performed in it. It takes all the mystery out of it.
It's sad that this is the only example of Mr. Henning's work available, because it sucks a lot of the life out of it. Doug's personality does shine, but I cannot imagine his bare-faced wonder and colourfulness would interest modern audiences. Even wanting to like and enjoy this movie, I just couldn't watch most of it.
What is spectacular and interesting in person (or arguably, live TV) feels like just another movie effect when placed in a film, which is unfortunate, because really the only reason to WATCH this is all the signature tricks performed in it. It takes all the mystery out of it.
It's sad that this is the only example of Mr. Henning's work available, because it sucks a lot of the life out of it. Doug's personality does shine, but I cannot imagine his bare-faced wonder and colourfulness would interest modern audiences. Even wanting to like and enjoy this movie, I just couldn't watch most of it.
Worth The Watch
stemicbor14 August 2001
Just because I couldnt have seen it live, i needed to watch this DVD. Although it is missing my favorite number, "West End Avenue", it is still very cute. The version that I saw DID have "Lion Tamer." It was interesting and something to see, especially if you have the soundtrack and wonder how the songs fit the plot.
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