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.
The contest to win a pair of tickets to attend the world premiere of
Lost in the Shuffle is closed. Thank you to everyone who
played!
Shawn Farquhar and Michael Vincent at The Magic Circle
Pick a card, any card!
If you’re looking for
magic and mystery, then you’ll love the new documentary LOST IN THE SHUFFLE
which will be having its world premiere at the Hot Docs Film Festival
running from April 25 – May 5.
World champion magician
Shawn Farquhar delves into a medieval murder cold case among Jacks, Queens
and Kings as he devises a new trick inspired by the world’s best
sleight-of-hand artists.
The film will be playing at the TIFF Lightbox on April 29 and May 1st. If you love magic, then you’ll love this film!
We’ve got the trick to finding love -- you’ve got to go out and meet people!
And we get it. That’s not easy. Where can you go to meet awesome singles your age without the awkwardness of speed dating or the stress of approaching people you don’t know at bars?
We’ve got the answer - and it’s happening THIS THURSDAY (April 25th) at the incredible Super Wonder Art Gallery near Dufferin and Bloor!
We’re filling the place with interactive magic, music, and some of Toronto’s most eligible singles - people looking for a fun night and to connect with awesome people like you.
💥🇺🇸TOUR ANNOUNCE 🇨🇦💥 Exciting news! We’re hitting the road with our
brand new show across the U.S. and Canada this summer! Join us for an
unforgettable experience with 💜THE CLAIRVOYANTS SHOW💜 See you there!
Step into the captivating world of magic, mind-reading, and daring escapes with Mind Bender’s highly anticipated theatre show, “The Experience”!
Following its monumental success and sold-out debut at the historic Theatre Aurora in June 2023, due to overwhelming demand, we are thrilled to announce the return of a second show on Saturday, May 11th, 2024.
Prepare to be spellbound as Mind Bender takes you on an unforgettable journey. “The Experience” is an interactive spectacle that blurs the lines between reality and illusion, Witness impossible feats of magic and mind-reading that will have you leaving the show questioning what you thought was possible. From predicting your thoughts to mesmerizing illusions, this show will take you on an experience into the unknown. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the unbelievable! • Entertainment for all ages • Alcohol and snacks for sale
The Experience will consist of two 45-minute sets with a 15-minute intermission in between. The first half will feature magic, illusion, and one of Mind Benders’ classic escape acts, while the second half will be dedicated to jaw-dropping mentalism.
Introducing the magical Grand Spectacle lineup for Apr 19 at the Palace Theatre 🪄 The London Magicians' Guild has assembled an array of performers, including: ♣️ The Amazing Corbin is a magician, conjuring artist, and entertainer who uses his love of theatrics to captivate crowds. ♦️ Scott The Magical Guy has been working magic for 35+ years, mesmerizing audiences of all ages. ♠️ Dad Magic will wow and entertain with a range of tricks and jokes to keep you laughing.
Use code OEVMAGIC for magical savings: http://mytickets.palacetheatre.ca/OEVPALACEOFWONDERS ✨
(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!
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 delight when we heard that Alex is bringing his one-man show Alex McAleer - Mind Reader to Toronto in May!
Accomplished magician, lecturer, and author, Quebec illusionist Loran is
thrilled about sharing the secrets he has accumulated over a lifetime with you
and offers a most inspiring lecture.
With over 30 years of
experience, Loran has amazed thousands of spectators around the world. He has
collaborated on stage and films with the Rolling Stones and AC-DC, Allan
Rayman, and Jackie Chan.
Loran has presented his magic on
English-language screen TV networks, CTV, CBC and City TV, as well as the
national French-language networks, TVA, and Radio-Canada. His acting and
consulting skills have been seen in a wide variety of Canadian and American
movies, and television series, notably; Relic Hunter, The Tuxedo and Terror
Train (Remake 2022).
THE LECTURE Covering a vast array of
topics on the art of illusion, Loran guarantees that no matter what your
current skill level is, you will come away with knowledge that can be
immediately implemented in your current presentations.
Loran
presents and explains many of his original effects using various objects such
as cards, spoons, scarves, and T-tip for close-up and stage magic performance.
Most of the effects are commercial routines that include the complete
presentation. Here are some of the effects.
Mirrorize” A mystifying coincidence with mirrors.
Unreal Silk” The scarf that penetrates matter.
The Nostradamus egg” Is it an egg or a prediction?
Card-Trap” A dangerous game with a mousetrap.
A part of the lecture is also devoted to the technical aspects of stage
performance. This includes subjects like how to create a good cue sheet and
technical requirement document, how to manage your music, what type of
microphone and road case you may need. This segment will benefit both the
seasoned professionals, as well as the novice beginner, and is indispensable
if you are performing for school, on small as well as the large stage.
The
knowledge that is shared with you by Loran, has been obtained over decades
spent in real stage situation experience.
We look forward to seeing
you all at what will be an incredible lecture!
You LOVE auctions! We LOVE auctions...So it is our time for our annual
spring auction!
For those who would like to bring in
'magic' (props large or small, books, videos) to be auctioned off you may
start dropping them off now.
We have been doing these
auctions since 1975. Auctions are a lot of FUN!
For those who have never attended one of our auctions, you are missing out
on tremendous bargains as most of the magic sells for at least
half their regular prices. Plus, often there are props, books that are
no longer readily available.
Presented by the Old East Village BIA, Palace Theatre Arts Commons and The London Magicians’ Guild OEV PALACE OF WONDERS! The London Magicians’ Guild 2024 Spring Cabaret Series
Experience three mesmerizing shows of adult-contemporary magic at our OEV PALACE OF WONDERS events! Each salon will feature a different lineup of talented local performers from the London Magicians’ Guild, resulting in a captivating blend of unique styles and mind-bending illusions. No two shows will be alike!
Prepare to be astounded as both professional magicians, and highly-skilled magic enthusiasts, showcase their awe-inspiring tricks and illusions, taking you on a wondrous journey into the realm of sophisticated, adult-contemporary magic.
Three evenings of wonder and enchantment that will leave you spellbound! Our first two performance dates will be close-up and personal, in the intimate surroundings of Procunier Hall, with our larger finale, “Le Grand Spectacle”, taking place on the Palace Main Stage, wrapped in the nostalgic surroundings of our period 1923 movie house.
Don't miss out on the extraordinary, OEV PALACE OF WONDERS!
Presented by the Old East Village BIA, The Palace Theatre Arts Commons, and The London Magicians’ Guild.
Feb 16, 2024 FEATURING: STEVE OZ, ANDREW OLMSTEAD, LEONARDO MARTINS, KEITH O’BRIEN
Mar 22, 2024 FEATURING: ANDREW OLMSTEAD, MARK THE REMARKABLE, CAPTAIN CORBIN, RYAN JOYCE, PETER MENNIE: THAT MAGIC GUY
April 19, 2024 FEATURING: AMAZING CORBIN, SCOTT THE MAGICAL GUY, DAD MAGIC, MARK STRANGE, BYRON BERRY
A different perspective of Niagara Falls from the US side. I'm excited to announce that Mega Magic makes its return to the Falls from March 9-16 with 2 shows nightly at 6:30 & 9:00 pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel!
What do you get when you combine a Comedy Mind-reader, an Award-Winning Magician, and a world-class sleight of hand expert into a single 90-minute show?
Answer: an amazing night of fun for YOU!
Jam packed with laughs and mind-blowing magic, this show is perfect for a night out with friends, a date, or just because you need a break from your annoying kids.
Featuring Ben Train (Penn and Teller’s Fool Us), Jonah Babins (2021 Allan Slaight Award Winner), and sleight of hand artist James Alan, it’s all happening Sunday March 10th at Yuk Yuk’s Toronto.
Get ready to be spellbound! 🎩✨ Enchanted Wonders, featuring four of the nation’s top family magicians, is about to captivate audiences at Roselawn Centre in Port Colborne! Today’s the day tickets become available – don’t miss out on securing your seat for an evening filled with unforgettable magic and excitement!
