From the November 9th Instagram post by Sean Watson:
We are performing walk around magic @rivercreeresort
Nov, 15,16,17
Come see some magic and say hi to @chanelle_munroe and I.
Showing posts with label -AB. Show all posts
Showing posts with label -AB. Show all posts
14 November 2023
Edmonton: Sean Watson and Chanelle Munroe [Nov 15 - 17]
10 November 2023
A peek behind the curtain with Michelle Mazzarella
This is the fourth in a series of interviews leading up to the Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour Canadian dates in:
- Toronto, Ticketmaster [Dec 27 - 31] ** extended to Dec 31 **
- Lethbridge, Enmax Centre [Mar 16]
- Regina, Conexus Arts Centre [Mar 17]
-
Winnipeg, Centennial Concert Hall [Mar 18]
- Saskatoon, TCU Place [Mar 19]
- Lloydminster, Vic Juba Theatre [Mar 20] ** recently added **
- Edmonton, Festival Place [Mar 22 - Apr 6]
- Prince George, CN Centre [Apr 7]
- Vancouver, Great Canadian Casino [Apr 8] ** recently added **
Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS! Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.
We're delighted to interview aerialist, and serial big box illusion victim, Michelle Mazzarella ahead of her Canadian Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour dates!
What is your first memory of magic?
Growing up, my father was a Magician Member at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, so we would occasionally head there for Sunday brunch and a show. While I was really young at the time, I still remember details like the secret bookcase entrance, the portraits whose eyes would follow you, the iconic owls, the red velvet showroom curtain, and of course, all the stairs.
What surprised you most about touring with magicians?
This one’s hard for me! Alex, Young, and Strange did a really great job of managing my expectations before I joined the tour. I knew that every day was going to be so wildly different from the next, and I really appreciated their transparency. It helped me figure out that I really wanted the job, and it has been quite an adventure!
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Michelle on the Silks |
What is the most annoying thing about touring with magicians?
I would call it more fascinating than annoying, but everyone talks about magic… a lot. Coming from a non-magic background, I often have no clue what they’re talking about, but I’ve been enjoying piecing things together over the months, and I’m learning a ton.
Have you learned how to do any magic since you joined Champions of Magic?
Ha, yes, but only the basics… I actually have a silly secret goal of learning at least one trick per tour leg, and all my friends at home are enjoying the results.
How do you keep your skills fresh and performance ready?
In every new city, if time allows, I make an effort to connect with the local circus community. Sometimes they have open gyms, or I’ll even teach workshops. When we’re in hotels, I try to take advantage of their Fitness Rooms, or I’ll do a little workout on a yoga mat in my dressing room. Unfortunately, it’s hard to train Silks without actually being on a Silk, so the skills do ebb and flow a little bit, but they always come back.
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Michelle preparing to descend |
Do you have any guilty pleasures while on tour?
I actually went to boarding school in British Columbia, and I really miss some of the old snacks I had, like poutine, Aero Bars, Sour Jubes, and Beaver Tails. I try to grab some whenever I can, but really any delicious food will do it for me.
I actually went to boarding school in British Columbia, and I really miss some of the old snacks I had, like poutine, Aero Bars, Sour Jubes, and Beaver Tails. I try to grab some whenever I can, but really any delicious food will do it for me.
One imagines that it’s sometimes hard to leave the comforts of your home
for a lengthy tour. Do you bring a special something from home with
you?
I actually had a friend attend one of my first shows with Champions of Magic. She asked me the night before what my favorite colors were, and she crocheted me a little jellyfish! I named him Squort and he has stayed in my crate ever since, often hanging on my dressing room lights or sitting nearby.
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Michelle and Squort |
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s
Magic?
Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at a show!
Thank you Michelle, for making the time to answer our questions!
Learn more about Michelle at MichelleMazzarella.com and follow her
on
Facebook, and
Instagram.
05 November 2023
Rounding the Western rings in November 2023
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
| City | Club | Event(s) |
| Calgary, AB | Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring) | - N/A. |
| Edmonton, AB | Edmonton Magic Club | - N/A. |
| Winnipeg, MB | The Magic Club of Winnipeg | - SYM. |
| Fraser Valley, BC | IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring) | - N/A. |
| Vancouver, BC | Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle) | - Christmas dinner. |
| Vancouver, BC | SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly) | - N/A. |
| Victoria, BC | Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle) | - N/A. |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
27 October 2023
A peek behind the curtain with Alex McAleer [2023]
This is the fourth in a series of interviews leading up to the Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour Canadian dates in:
- Toronto, Ticketmaster [Dec 27 - 31] ** extended to Dec 31 **
- Lethbridge, Enmax Centre [Mar 16]
- Regina, Conexus Arts Centre [Mar 17]
-
Winnipeg, Centennial Concert Hall [Mar 18]
- Saskatoon, TCU Place [Mar 19]
- Lloydminster, Vic Juba Theatre [Mar 20] ** recently added **
- Edmonton, Festival Place [Mar 22 - Apr 6]
- Prince George, CN Centre [Apr 7]
- Vancouver, Great Canadian Casino [Apr 8] ** recently added **
Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS! Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.
In addition to his stage shows, you may know Alex McAleer through:
- his book This Book Will Read Your Mind,
- 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
- his weekly podcast Through the Magic of Television (also available on Apple Podcasts) which is part of Richard Young's Magicians' Podcast Network (Apple Podcasts link). In his podcast Alex, along with the help of a special guest, reminisces about iconic magic TV shows from the past.
We're delighted to interview Alex ahead of his Canadian Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour dates!
We were fortunate to see Champions of Magic in three times in the
past five years. Your part in the show changed significantly from year
to year. In fact the 2022 experience was almost completely different
from the first time we saw you in Toronto in 2018.
When you have an audience tested, well-received show, what drives you to modify and advance your act?
When you have an audience tested, well-received show, what drives you to modify and advance your act?
It’s very tempting to just do the tricks and lines you’ve been doing for
years, and the temptation is even greater when you’re waiting in the wings
about to go on stage and do a new routine. It’s very rewarding however to keep
things fresh, in my own act there are sections that are brand new every night
so I have to think on my feet.
I think what drives me to make changes is not wanting things to become stale, and it’s always fun to tinker and improve each performance of a new routine.
Have you studied any magic-adjacent disciplines?
I’ve studied various other skills that have all informed my performances.
Theatre work when I was younger and performing in plays, readings, even
panto! I’ve also studied a bit of comedy writing and physical comedy. I also
went to Art School so that's given me an interest in aesthetics.
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Alex on stage with an audience member keeping Alex's eyes shut |
Do you remember the specific moment when you knew you could or wanted
to perform magic full time?
I think it was probably after my first “show” - I did a twenty minute show
on stage in between some one-act plays in my hometown. The show I did was
dreadful in hindsight but the audience really responded to it; this shy
young man they all knew could now apparently read minds and hold a room’s
attention.
What is your most memorable performance misadventure?
Probably when a prop we were using in Champions malfunctioned and the
‘big prediction moment’ I had been teasing throughout the show just didn’t
happen. Foolishly, there was no out. I just had to move onto the next, much
smaller and less significant, part of the prediction.
What sets Champions of Magic apart from other touring ensemble magic
shows?
I think it’s probably that you’re seeing a full show, not just a series of
different acts doing their own thing. There are multiple moments when we are
all working together on stage, or involved in another performer's act.
|
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Alex on stage |
Do you have any guilty pleasures while on tour?
Vegan junk food. Vegan Poutine is always a highlight for a trip to the true north.
Vegan junk food. Vegan Poutine is always a highlight for a trip to the true north.
One imagines that it’s sometimes hard to leave the comforts of your home
for a lengthy tour. Do you bring a special something from home with
you?
As silly as it may sound but having a VPN on my iPad means I can enjoy the
comforts of UK television.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s
Magic?
Subscribe to the Magicians' Podcast Network
(Apple Podcasts link)
to hear my nostalgic-rewatch-podcast Through the Magic of Television (Apple Podcasts link)
. Oh and I guess you can listen to
[Richard] Young’s podcasts
on there too.
[Editor's note: These podcasts require a paid subscription.]
[Editor's note: These podcasts require a paid subscription.]
Thank you Alex, for making the time to answer our questions!
Learn more about Alex at
AlexMcAleer.com and follow him
on
Facebook, and
Instagram.
19 October 2023
AB and BC: Reveen [Oct 19 - 28]
From Reveen's website:
- Oct 19th - Melissas Missteak, Banff, AB
- Oct 21st - Century Casino, Edmonton, AB
- Oct 22nd - The King's Head, Calgary, AB
- Oct 25th - Co-op Mercer Hall, Dawson Creek, BC
- Oct 26th - Vanier Hall, Prince George, BC
- Oct 28 - River Rock Casino, Richmond, BC
04 October 2023
BC and AB: Wes Barker in Alex Mackenzie's Hungry for Laughs Comedy Tour [Oct 6 - Nov 18]
From the September 11th Instagram post by Alex Mackenzie:
Its time!!! Less than a month until the Hungry for Laughs Comedy Tour kicks off starting in Kamloops! When I say this is a stacked show its an understatement. This is the best variety act on the planet!! We have world class comedians @thisissimonking @ivanwdecker who have been on Conan, Just for Laughs, Netflix and even won a Juno award for Best Comedy Album. We have a stunt magician @stuntmagician who has been on Ellen, Americas Got Talent and even Fooled Penn and Teller in Las Vegas on the hit shoe Penn and Teller Fool us! And to top it all of we have one of the most impressive circus acts in the world with international foot archer @orissakelly! You may have seen her Win @robdyrdek Amazigness, on Britains got Talent and she had even performed for the late Queen of England!
Not only is this the best show on the planet but it also gives back to local charities in every city. We are donating to Food Banks, Womans Shelters, Mental Health Associations, Animal Shelters, Animal Food Banks and Hospice Societies. If you or anyone you know is in these cities please let them know we are coming!
02 October 2023
Rounding the Western rings in October 2023
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
| City | Club | Event(s) |
| Calgary, AB | Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring) | - N/A. |
| Edmonton, AB | Edmonton Magic Club | - N/A. |
| Winnipeg, MB | The Magic Club of Winnipeg | - N/A. |
| Fraser Valley, BC | IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring) | - N/A. |
| Vancouver, BC | Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle) | - N/A. |
| Vancouver, BC | SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly) | - N/A. |
| Victoria, BC | Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle) | - N/A. |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
23 September 2023
Edmonton: Champions of Magic [Mar 22 - Apr 6, 2024]
Read our thoughts about their 2022 show:
TLDR: So. Much. Fun!
Random thoughts about "Champions of Magic"
Read our 2022 interviews with the cast:
- Hollie England
- Alex McAleer
- Sam Strange
- Fernando Velasco
- Richard Young
TLDR: So. Much. Fun!
Random thoughts about "Champions of Magic"
Read our 2022 interviews with the cast:
- Hollie England
- Alex McAleer
- Sam Strange
- Fernando Velasco
- Richard Young
Tickets at Festival Place.
Can't make it to see them in Toronto [Dec 27 - 31] or Edmonton [Mar 22 - Apr 6]? Keep your eyes on ChampionsOfMagic.co.uk/tour.html for updates to the tour schedule. A little bird told me they'll have dates in Regina as part of their 2023 - 2024 tour. Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC, SK, and NS!
From Festival Place:
Break away from the screen and experience live entertainment like never before with Champions Of Magic - an evening of impossible illusions and spectacular special effects. Described by the press as ‘The Avengers of magic’ catch the only team of magicians in the world as they present their original, phenomenal ensemble illusions.
The Champions Of Magic cast present incredible interactive magic, a daring escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage and a finale beyond explanation. The show happens all around the theatre and features spectacular illusions that can’t be seen anywhere else.
05 September 2023
Rounding the Western rings in September 2023
Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.
| City | Club | Event(s) |
| Calgary, AB | Ring 66 (Calgary Magic Circle, Les Brocklesby Ring) | - N/A. |
| Edmonton, AB | Edmonton Magic Club | - N/A. |
| Winnipeg, MB | The Magic Club of Winnipeg | - N/A. |
| Fraser Valley, BC | IBM Ring 387 (Fraser Valley Magic Circle, Celeste Evans Ring) | - N/A. |
| Vancouver, BC | Ring 92 (Vancouver Magic Circle) | - N/A. |
| Vancouver, BC | SAM 95 (Carl Hemeon Assembly) | - N/A. |
| Victoria, BC | Ring 183 (Victoria Magic Circle) | - N/A. |
Please leave a comment or e-mail me about corrections or omissions.
11 August 2023
Magic at the 2023 Edmonton Fringe [Aug 17 - 27]
With thanks to Keith Brown for compiling the list at FringeMagic.ca
- Absolute Magic with Keith Brown
(Also part of the Sorcerers Safari Legacy!) - All Tease All Shade with Jay Flair
- Cooking with Igor with Chris Visser
- Magic with a Little Flair with Jay Flair
- Mind Hack Sideshow by Rob Dante
From the August 6th Facebook post by Keith Brown:
The 42nd annual Edmonton Fringe Theatre is happening August 17 - 27.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, August 9th at NOON!
Absolute Magic plays La Cité Auditorium over in the French Quarter.
08 August 2023
Calgary: Magic and Martinis with Michael Berends [Aug 11 and 12]
From the July 21st Facebook post by ACE Casino Airport:
🎩🍸 Step into the enchanting world of "Magic and Martinis" at the Ace Casino Airport Social Room! 🌟✨ Join us for TWO extraordinary evenings on August 11th and 12th with the mesmerizing Michael Berends as he dazzles you with mind-bending illusions 🎭🔮, while you sip on handcrafted drinks 🍹 and immerse yourself in a night or two of wonder and sophistication! 🎉🕺 Don't miss out on this magical experience! 🎉✨ #MagicAndMartinis #AceCasino #EnchantmentAtItsFinest 🎩🍸
Book Your Tickets Today!
https://acecasinos.ca/event-details/magic-and-martinis-aug-11th-2023-600pm/
https://acecasinos.ca/event-details/magic-and-martinis-aug-12th-2023-600pm/
26 July 2023
Edmonton: Steve Valentine lecture [Jul 30]
From the July 25th Facebook post by Ron Pearson:
ATTENTION! Don't miss the amazing Steve Valentine lecturing here in Edmonton on Sunday, July 30
22 July 2023
Edmonton: Magic at K-Days [Jul 21 - 30]
From K-Days:
Aytahn Ross
The Great Balanzo turns the everyday into an adventure with circus & comedy for all ages. A modern show with a classic feel that’s full of circus tricks, vaudeville classics, a touch of magic, all wrapped up in a silly elegance! Balanzo is played by physical actor and circus artist, Aytahn Ross, who’s been seen live by over a million people in 13 countries around the world. He’s had repeat invitations to Just for Laughs, performed solo for the Governor General of Canada, and performed with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.The Cristal Palace Spiegeltent
Come one, come all. Join Firefly Theatre & Circus in the timeless, evocative, eclectic world inside the Cristal Palace—YEG's first Spiegeltent. Have a pre-show tipple in the Spiegel Garden, and stay a while. The Spiegeltroupe will entertain, thrill, and make you smile.
This homegrown cast of veteran cabaret and circus all-stars have joined forces to astound and amaze. Aerial artists swirl overhead, jokesters joke, burlesque dancers shimmy, contortionists twist, a magician enchants, and drag queens slay.
From the July 21st Facebook post by Billy Kidd:
It's not often Canada gets Variety/Cabaret or Culture especially in the form of a Spiegeltent. For 10 shows only come see the Great Great Spiegel Spectacular at K-Days Edmonton. I've flown in just for this because Firefly Theatre and Circus rocks and I love working with them!
Use code 20OFF-USPM7M to get a 20% discount on All K-days tickets and Spiegel shows.
11 July 2023
Calgary: Steve Valentine lecture [Jul 29]
Confirm details with Sean.
From the July 6th Facebook post by Sean Dougherty at the Calgary Magic Circle private group:
A lecture you won't want to miss, international multi award winning Steve Valentine's only Calgary lecture, Saturday 29th July 9.30am, at The Lake House Heritage Point De-Winton, come and learn, be totally Amazed by Steve's Sleight of hand and ability to deliver magic like no one else, you will learn from the best. Only $25
Calgary: Mr. Valentine Blows Your Mind [Jul 28]
Read our thoughts about Steve's show:
Random thoughts about "Mr. Valentine Blows Your Mind!"
TLDR:
MIND BLOWN!
Hope to see again!
Random thoughts about "Mr. Valentine Blows Your Mind!"
TLDR:
MIND BLOWN!
Hope to see again!
From the July 6th
Facebook post by Brent Smith:
CALGARY!!!!! He's Coming.......Steve Valentine for a show and a lecture. JULY 28th..... .....$25
PM me on where to get tickets
05 July 2023
Calgary and Richmond Hill: The Grand Illusionist Magic Show [Jul 7 - 16] and Dogs Do Magic [Jul 28]
From the June 17th
Facebook post by Aaron Farberman:
Honored & blessed to be a featured act at the “Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth” The Calgary Stampede 🤠 2000 seat venue that’ll be packed each show (we’re beyond excited)!!
Please come check out our show if you’ll be in town!
From the June 27th Facebook post by Aaron Farberman:
I’d love for you all the check out our DOGS DO MAGIC show at Jokers Theatre & Comedy Club!
It’s a mix of everything I love to perform from all my different productions! We’re only putting on this show TWICE the entire Summer, don’t miss out!!
We got two great opening acts Chris Mayhew & Khang Pham ✨
https://www.jokers.ca/showclicks-data/dogs-do-magic
***All the dogs in our show are trained using positive methods. They are rewarded with treats, praise, and love. They are the family pets of the trainers they are performing with on stage. The bond between the trainers and their pets is evident and that is the real magic of the show! Some of the dogs performing in the show are rescue dogs having come from dire situations.
22 June 2023
Red Deer, Lethbridge, and Calgary: Wes Barker [Jun 22, 24, 25]
From the June 20th Facebook post by Wes Barker:
Alberta, Canada shows this week!! Two of these I’m doing with @thisissimonking 🍻
16 June 2023
St. John's and Edmonton: Reveen [Sep 28 and Oct 21]
From the June 9th
Facebook post by Reveen The Legend Continues:
From the June 9th
Facebook post by Reveen The Legend Continues:
15 June 2023
MB, SK, AB, BC and USA: Sean Watson and Chanelle Munroe [various]
05 June 2023
Edmonton: Jay Flair in June
From the June 1st Facebook post by Jay Flair:
Here are all the public events will be working in June, so far
I know so many of you miss seeing me up close and personal, so here's your chance! 💖
Each event is family friendly unless otherwise mentioned, so I'm hoping I get to see all of you!
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