Hosted by The Hat & Rabbit Club: Movie Night! LOST IN THE SHUFFLE
When: Thursday November 21, 7:30pm (Doors open 7:00pm) Where: Agricola Lutheran Church, 25 Old York Mills Rd, North York Admission: FREE for members and $20 for non-members
Trailer: https://youtu.be/HrOOw8B5yMI
Popcorn and Magic! This month our Event is a screening of the documentary Lost in the Shuffle featuring a post screening Q&A with Director Jon Ornery.
Seen through the eyes of some of the world’s best sleight-of-hand artists, including Shawn Farquhar, Juan Tamariz, Alexandra Duvivier, Richard Turner and Michale Vincent, Lost in the Shuffle is a multi-faceted look at this remarkable 400-year relationship that’s seen these simple playthings provide an endless source of miraculous inspiration for magicians throughout time. After a trip to France Shawn Farquhar wondered why the court cards look the way they do. Of particular interest was the King of Hearts, also known as the “Suicide King” because he appears to be stabbing himself in the head.
Shawn believes there is a much more sinister story, that an actual medieval French king was assassinated at the hand of his own wife. Now Shawn is out to see if his theory’s true - will the greatest illusion of all prove to be that an ancient cold-case murder has been hiding under our noses all this time?
When: Thursday September 19th Where: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road Admission: FREE for members and $20 for non-members
Michel Huot is a Canadian magician known for his exceptional skills in corporate magic and mentalism. Based in Montreal, Huot has made a name for himself through his innovative and entertaining performances that blend humour, psychological insight, and sleight of hand.
He has been a prominent figure in the magic community for over two decades, performing at high-profile events and creating original effects that are widely respected by fellow magicians. Michel’s original effects like Socks, Priceless, Nostalgia, Cardvertisement are enjoyed by audiences and used by magicians all over the world. His unique style and professional approach have earned him recognition in Canada and abroad.
Michel Huot will deliver a lecture to the Hat and Rabbit Club, offering an intimate opportunity to dive into his creative process and technique. The lecture will feature a blend of classic effects from his repertoire, refined over decades, alongside new material that showcases his evolving approach to magic.
Attendees can expect a hands-on experience, with Huot providing detailed explanations and step-by-step instruction on each effect, ensuring that magicians of all levels can grasp the subtleties of his work. Beyond the tricks themselves, Michel will share valuable insights into the psychology of performance, audience engagement, and the art of creating memorable magical moments.
Come and hang out with one of Canada's most respected magicians.
For Alex's show, you enter through the Queen's Quay entrance. (Ignore
the sign that suggests you use the Yonge Street entrance.)
The performance space is half a flight of stairs up from street level, and
one flight of stairs up from the entrance. Contact the venue if you
require accommodations.
The show is about an hour and fifteen minutes, with no intermission.
While there is nothing inappropriate for young children in the show, because
it is a mentalism performance, it is recommended for audience members who
are at least 12 years of age.
His book
This Book Will Read Your Mind
is available for purchase at the venue. (You may have to ask the staff
about it... the display was not obvious to us when we were there.)
On with the show...
The performance space is intimate, capable of seating approximately 100
people.
It is general admission seating. If sitting at the front is
important to you, arrive early.
Unless you are short and there's a tall person sitting in front of you,
there are no bad seats in the house. (The seating is NOT raked. All
the chairs are on the same level. The stage is raised.)
The show is highly interactive. We counted about 10 volunteers in
addition to multiple whole audience activities.
The audience was completely baffled time and again. It genuinely
appeared that minds were being read!
Exclamations such as "How'd he do that?", "That's not possible!", and
"How could that even be done?" were frequently heard in the
audience.
Alex has a commanding stage presence, well honed audience management
skills, and extraordinary technical abilities! (The impressiveness
of his technical abilities was reinforced to us after we attended his
lecture earlier this week and learned more about the processes
involved!)
Add to the above that Alex clearly put a lot of thought into his
underlying motivation for the different aspects of his performance.
We especially enjoyed his delightful storytelling! (The imaginary
friend segment he teased in his interview
was very creatively satisfying.)
Kidlet and I recognized one segment from the Champions of Magic show we saw in 2022, but the rest of the show was new to us. He expertly scaled his
large stage performance to this cozy venue, where it was even more
impressive.
Alex's warm, witty, and inviting personality, coupled with getting to know
copious audience volunteers, made it feel like we were having a fantastic
time with friends!
When: Monday May 6th
Where: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road Admission:
FREE for members and $20 for non-members
Special Lecture!
Who
is Alexander Marsh? Well he is the pen-name and alter-ego of Alex McAleer and
he'd prefer it if you referred to him as Alexander Marsh online, or just Alex
is fine too. He thanks you for your understanding.
Under his
pen-name, Alexander Marsh has lectured at the prestigious Magic Circle;
contributed to publications by Jerome Finley, Elliott J. Bresler, and
Banachek; filmed two Penguin Live Lectures; released best-selling effects such
as Forgotten Princess and Thy Will Be Done; and with The 1914 Magic released a
masterclass on The Art of Stagecraft and the a 5 hour Masterclass on Billet
work.
We are excited to have snagged Alex to do a lecture for us
while he is in town performing at Lighthouse Artspace.
The lecture
covers Mentalism for stage, parlour, close-up, and casual. Topics covered will
include Billet work (peeks, predictions, more), ESP cards, an impromptu book
test, Mentalism with coins and cash, and much more.
(For those in the know, rumour has it that Alexander Marsh will be giving a lecture hosted by Toronto's Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club -- IBM Ring 17. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.)
In addition to his participation in Champions of Magic, you may know Alex through:
his mentalism offerings (under the name Alexander Marsh and available at
The 1914
as well as other magic shops including
The Browser's Den of Magic), or
Our regular readers may recall that we were crushed when Alex
McAleer, due to circumstances beyond his control, was not available perform in Champions of Magic in Toronto last
December. Imagine our excitement when we learned that Alex is bringing his one-man show Alex McAleer - Mind Reader to Toronto in May!
We assume that you perform some pieces of your solo show as part of the Champions of Magic ensemble. How much of your solo show have we seen as part of the 2018 Champions of Magic experience in Toronto or the 2022 experience in Kitchener?
Yes, there’s a couple of things in the solo show that have been part of my work in Champions over the years - although the vast majority will be fresh stuff!
When you're part of an ensemble show, your performance drops into the overarching dynamic set by the show order and your co-performers' acts. Has that experience influenced how you structure the rhythm of your one-man show?
I’ve always liked to keep the structure of my solo stuff as dynamic as possible, like an ensemble show would be; so it’s not all too ‘samey’. I think one of the great things about Champions is that it wasn’t just the same sorts-of tricks over and over again. That can be trickier with a one-man mind reading show, but I keep the audience on their toes.
Alex McAleer (right)
The soundtrack for your show can definitely enhance the impact of your stage performance. (We particularly enjoy your use of Sing! Sing! Sing! in Champions.) From where (or from whom) do you get your inspiration for your music?
The only music in my show is as the audience walk-in and when they leave, but I pick vintage, up-beat music. Some are mid-20th century rock and blues, others are vintage covers of more contemporary songs. I find it sets the tone, the vibe as the kids say, for my style. Fun, playful, up-beat, retro but familiar.
We've seen you perform in large theatres and arenas. What modifications does a performer need to make in order to transition from performing in large arenas to playing small intimate spaces, such as Lighthouse ArtSpace?
Playing large arenas / spaces means a lot of subtlety is lost. I express with my face a lot, so in a big space that gets lost and I have to use my whole body to tell the audience what I’m thinking (ironically), but in a smaller space large gestures and reactions look a bit forced and unusual. A smaller space allows for a better connection with an audience, and for me that’s what it’s all about.
Will you be showcasing favourite effects or routines that don't play well large?
Yes I have a few favourites in the show that just wouldn’t really work in the fast paced, ensemble nature of a show like Champions. There’s a routine about my imaginary friend I had as a child, and and effect where the audience help take over control of a spectator.
Toronto won't be in the middle of winter when you visit this time! Is there anything in particular you're looking forward to exploring in the city in the (hopefully) warm weather?
I’ve never been to Toronto when it’s not been either very cold, or about to be very cold, so I’m looking forward to seeing it in a warmer light. I assume I’ll still have to bring a ‘toque’!?
What is the biggest change to your act, or change in your approach to your mentalism, since you joined Champions of Magic in 2013?
I’d say one of the biggest changes has been not needing to rely so heavily on the trick. Ten years of performing hundreds of shows, for all sorts of people in all sorts of venues, has taught me a lot about myself as an entertainer and performer.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s
Magic?
I'm looking forward to being back in Canada and I hope your readers can make it to my show!
Thank you Alex, for making the time to answer our questions!
- Social meet-up with coin work session before at Browser's Den. -
Toronto Premiere of "The Quiet Masters - The History and Relevance of
the Black Magical Artist" with host, Kenrick ICE McDonald (film
director)
Please leave a comment or email me about corrections or omissions.
Toronto's Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club (IBM Ring 17) hosted a virtual
fundraiser in support of mental health initiatives in Toronto and in support
of North York General Hospital.
With performances by the Toronto Magic Company, Phil Pivnick, Patrick Nemeth, David Peck, Katarina Gligorijević, Rob Fishbaum, and Anthony Lindan. (Line-up subject to change.)
Join us for an enchanting evening of wonder and compassion as Willowdale
Rotary and the Hat and Rabbit Club come together to host a magical charity
fundraiser on November 23 at 7:30 pm.
This fun and interactive
magic show is not just about illusion but also making a real difference. As
we gather at this memorable event, with some of Toronto's finest magicians,
we'll be raising critical funds to support mental health initiatives in
Toronto and in support of the North York General Hospital. With every ticket
sold and every donation made you're contributing to the well-being of those
in need, helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues
and providing essential resources for our community.
Our goal is
to raise at least $2,500.
Prepare to be amazed as we unite for a
cause that's truly magical - the well-being of our fellow Torontonians.
Updated November 15th with the following from Ralph's family (via Gary Wiseman, thank you Gary):
Ralph Douglas Wright 1935-2023
Ralph passed away peacefully with his wife Margaret at his side on October 20th, 2023 at the age of 88 years old in Peterborough, Ont.
Survived by his wife, Margaret, two sons Steven and David, daughter Cindy, and granddaughter Sarah. Ralph had many interests, he loved Magic and was delighted in entertaining family and friends. He was past president of The Hat and Rabbit club Toronto, A member since 1976.
He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
He will be missed and remembered very much by his family and friends.
We were just informed of the recent passing of Ring 17 member Ralph Wright.
We will always remember Ralph for his friendly greetings and encouraging words about whatever project we brought to share with the club.
We will update this post as more information becomes available.
Our sincere condolences to Ralph's family and friends at this difficult
time.
Our Next Club Event is around the corner! FISM Winner Erik Tait!
When: Thursday October 5th/ Doors open 7PM - Lecture starts at 7:30PM Where: Agricola Lutheran Church - 25 Old York Mills Road Admission: FREE for members and $20 for non-members
Erik Tait is an international champion of comedy and magic who has appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us!, NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and been featured in The New York Times. His blend of dry surreal comedy and cutting-edge sleight of hand has earned him awards from The International Brotherhood of Magicians and FISM, the World Championships of Magic.
When he is not performing at the premier magic venues in North America or appearing as On-Camera talent for the world's largest magic retailer, Penguin Magic, he saddles up a glass chariot pulled by a pair of hot sauce-powered chihuahuas to defend this realm from that of the undead. Experts agree he is the only thing standing between this world and the forces of chaos.
In his lecture, Tait shares with you some of the secrets that he used to become the first American in 20 years to win a prize in Card Magic at FISM. You'll become privy to his philosophies and methods of false shuffles that will level up your magic. He will also be teaching a variety of tricks that range from almost self-working to disastrously difficult. Whether you are brand new to magic or a seasoned veteran, there is something for everyone in this action-packed lecture.
A reminder about the club's podcast Under the Hat and a tip for club members about a video with a new effect by Anthony Lindan involving predictions, and old dollar bills!
Join us on June 15 to celebrate the end of our season with an unforgettable evening of dining and entertainment at the Hat and Rabbit Club's Gala Dinner and Show! Indulge in a delicious roast beef dinner (vegetarian option available) and experience magical performances by @keithhbrown and @pickpocketjames. Featuring music by that amazing jazz pianist (and all-around great guy) @mikeclosemagic! Plus a few other surprises!
Tickets for dinner and the show are $40 each for both members and their guests, be they spouses, partners, friends and/or family!
