04 November 2024

Random thoughts about Outerbridge Magic -- Mysteries of the Keyhole House

  Catch "Mysteries of the Keyhole House in Ontario:  

 

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 added a 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 fabulous the 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!



  Catch "Mysteries of the Keyhole House in Ontario:  



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!

 

 

 

 

29 October 2024

Matt Johnson on the Celebrity Ascent and Beyond [2025]

From the October 22nd Instagram post by Matt Johnson:

As we get ever closer to the end of 2024 you may want to know where you can catch me in 2025. How’s this for starters👍🛳️ 

 

 

 

 

 

28 October 2024

Judy Dawson awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by 52 Plus Joker

From the October 25th Instagram post by 52 Plus Joker:

🥰Judy Dawson shares heartfelt reflections as she accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award for her and Tom, presented by Craig Townsend, President of the United States Playing Card Company. Join us in celebrating Judy’s incredible journey at her final convention, Niagara Falls 2024. Don’t miss this memorable tribute to a lifetime of collecting!

🗣️ Join 52 Plus Joker! We’re the world’s largest playing card collectors club, fostering a community for antique, vintage, and modern collectible playing cards & ephemera. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a curious beginner, 52 Plus Joker welcomes you. 

 

 

 

From the October 25th Instagram post by 52 Plus Joker:

Watch till the end 😭😭😭! Our 2024 Niagara Falls convention truly showcased the best of our community.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to the best club members in the world! 🙏 It’s a big deal to make the time and space in your life to participate in our convention, and we appreciate you. You all are the reason our volunteers feel inspired to help create beautiful moments and memories.

🗣️To our convention volunteers: none of this would be possible without your hours of work behind and in front of the scenes! 🙏Thank you Chris Mayhew, Alain Benoit, Steve Bowling, Larry Herold Judy Dawson, Jennifer Dawson, Harry Wastrack, Doug Rickenback, Paul Miller, Tony Mach, Dave Hoffmeister, Rosemary Reid, Keith Brown, Christina Asher, and the Diamond Awards Committee.
@thesurrealmayhew @cartomancercards @magicwithrosemary @sisterhoodplayingcards @keithhbrown @christinagalonska @judith.dawson22

And if you haven’t yet, take reading this entire post as a sign to DM/Email/Owlpost a message of appreciation 💌 to the person responsible for our biggest and BEST 52 Plus Joker convention ever: ⭐️Lee Asher, @leeashermagic.⭐️ Internationally recognized for his work in playing cards and playing card history, we get to call him our faithful Club President. Aren’t we lucky? 🤩

🔔THANK YOU FOR A FANTASTIC 2024 NIAGARA FALLS CONVENTION! 🔔

 

 

 

25 October 2024

Toronto: Tricks and Treats by the Toronto Magic Company [Oct 30]

Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

From the October 22nd Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:

Looking for something fun to do with the family this Halloween?

We’ve got the perfect thing:

Balloon animals and delicious treats for the kids!
A costume contest (with prizes for everyone)!
And of course a mind-blowing family-friendly magic show!

Best of all it’s happening the night BEFORE Halloween - so you can still go trick or treating the next day!

HERE’S THE CATCH: the last two times we hosted a family Halloween show we had to turn people away because we ran out of seats! Don’t let that happen to you!

Get your tickets TODAY before they sell out!