We were just informed of the recent passing of Mark Wicken. Mark was a member of Toronto's IBM Ring 17.
Our sincere condolences to Mark's family and friends at this difficult time.
06 November 2024
Broken wand: Mark Wicken
Edmonton: Dale Harney lecture [Nov 19]
From the November 2nd Facebook post by Ron Pearson:
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! On Tuesday, November 19 at the Grindstone Theatre legendary magician Dale Harney will be presenting his exclusive lecture for the Edmonton Magic Club.
His incredible career spans over 40 years and his breadth of knowledge about the art and business of magic is unprecedented.
He was a cabaret magician in the dance clubs of Edmonton, a television star, a touring magician with the Shrine Circus, a trade show and corporate performer, a fixture at Agricultural fairs across Canada and the creator of the iconic Magic Palace television show, Dale has done it all.
He will be discussing his career and how to navigate the professional world of magic, as well as sharing a few magical secrets. This is a very unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.
The lecture will take place at the Grindstone Theatre. Tickets are $20 at the door
05 November 2024
[Guest post] Random thoughts about "Magic Show" with Ken McCreedy
The following is a guest post from John Smithman.
--
On October 28th, Champions in the Workplace sponsored an afternoon magic show by Ken McCreedy for seniors in St. Catharines at the Gibson Road Older Adults Centre. Over 100 people enjoyed a full show of classic magic by a true professional. Ken was perfect - funny, colourful and very entertaining. Several members of our Fonthill Magic Circle also attended to support our service to senior citizens in St. Catharines. The Community Centre promoted the show and provided the venue - a beautiful hall with a well-equipped stage.
— John Smithman
Thank you John for guest posting at Canada's Magic!
04 November 2024
Random thoughts about Outerbridge Magic -- Mysteries of the Keyhole House
KOP and I had the pleasure of seeing
Marion and Ted Outerbridge
perform their show "Mysteries of the Keyhole House" at the
Milton Centre for the Arts.
[As an aside, we encourage you to go and see a show at this fabulous 500 seat theatre. It's approximately 25 minutes west of Toronto's western border. The facilities are modern and spacious. On the lower level, it appears that all seats have amazing sight lines. (We didn't venture up to the balcony.) The seats are a little bit wider than standard theatre seats, which makes them very comfortable! Parking is free and plentiful.]
[Additionally, this is the first magic show we've been to where there's been an ASL interpreter available. The interpreter was easily seen and unobtrusive. They did not distract from the show. There appeared to be quite a few folks in the audience fluent in sign language. I'm sure the service was well appreciated!]
Here are some random thoughts that came to mind while watching Ted and Marion share some fascinating stories about their current home and the individuals who had previously lived there:
- The tone of the show was nicely set with a carefully curated period piece soundtrack which included "All That Jazz," "It Don't Mean a Thing," and Glenn Miller ("In the Mood" we think.)
- The show was a BRAND NEW SHOW with very little overlap with their previous show "Outerbridge Clockwork Mysteries." (Sadly there was no way to work the disco ball jacket that Marion painstakingly created for Ted, into the new show.)
-
We were tremendously lucky to be at a show where illusionist technician
Shenna Dunn came out of retirement! Her grace and talent at the beginning
of the show made for a delightful opener!
- This show is extraordinarily creatively satisfying. It is very clear that a lot of time and thought has been put into tying all of the visuals into the theme of the show. Just about every item on stage looked like it was part of an historical play. The smallest details were considered; from the shape of the centre spot, to the use of golf clubs in lieu of a typically used magic prop, and of course the fabulous costumes created by Marion. Well done Ted and Marion!
This show is a masterclass in organically driven story telling. The premise
of the show is based on historical events. The compelling
narrative is highlighted with creatively re-imagined, and expertly
executed magical effects.
- All illusions, big and small, were masterfully performed.
-
The story telling is equally as important and entertaining as the magic and
illusions.
- There is a nice ratio of grand illusion, intimate magic, and mentalism.
- Marion has upped her game with fantastically executed magic! (On top of sharing her superb dance and quick change talents.)
Kudos to Ted and Marion for going out of their way to right some wrongs for previous owners of the Keyhole house!
- We counted 14 volunteers. Sitting at the back of the theatre provides little to no protection from being selected as a volunteer!
- While this is certainly a family-friendly show, this is NOT a show aimed at children. There are some mature themes involved. And the wee one behind us found the "séance" portion of the show a little bit frightening.
- The evening was a marvelous blend of historical story telling, mixed with masterful performances!
Possibly the only magic show based entirely on a slice of Canadian history.
We think you'll enjoy "Mysteries of the Keyhole House" as much as we did!
To learn more about this fabulous duo, listen to the Scott Wells' podcast 278: The Inner Secrets of the Outerbridges, visit their website at OuterbridgeMagic.com and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. To learn more about The Keyhole House, follow its Instagram and Twitter accounts!
Disclosure: KOP and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this article.
From the October 28th Facebook post by the FirstOntario Peforming Arts Centre - St. Catharines:
Ted and Marion Outerbridge brought an outstanding and engaging magic show to Partridge Hall last week!
Mysteries of the Keyhole House was a show we'll never forget!
All photos by Joel Naphin / Music Life Magazine www.musiclifemagazine.net
01 November 2024
Barrie: Enchanted Wonders holiday magic show [Dec 6 & 7]
From the October 31st Instagram post by Enchanted Wonders:
🎩✨ Experience holiday magic with the Enchanted Wonders Magic Show on December 6 at Barrie’s Georgian Theatre! Join Canada’s top magicians for an unforgettable, family-friendly evening filled with jaw-dropping illusions and holiday cheer. 🎄✨
31 October 2024
Top 5 posts in October 2024
There were 21 posts at Canada's Magic this
month. Here are the five most viewed posts in the past 30
days:
5. Niagara Falls: Ryan Joyce [Oct 11 - 13] & The Niagara: Miracles, Myths & Magic [Oct 14] - Did you go? We'd love to hear from you!
4. Broken wand: Richard "Ted" Harding - Our sincere condolences to Ted's wife Linda, his family, and his friends at this difficult time.
3. Toronto: Carisa Hendrix in Crow's Cabaret [Oct 30 - Nov 2] - Still time to pay a visit to Lucy Darling!
2. Julie Eng awarded the The Magic Circle’s 2024 John Nevil Maskelyne Award - Congratulations Julie! Well deserved!
and the most viewed posts this month ...
1. Browser's Bash 2024 photo recap - Thanks for sharing your fantastic photos with us Chris!
30 October 2024
Calgary: Late Night Magic Show with James Jordan [Nov 1]
From the October 28th Instagram post by James Jordan:
This Friday! Bonnie is back on stage with Calvin Ball, and the late night show is inspired by my magic tricks.
See both shows for the price of one!
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