Showing posts with label Alex McAleer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alex McAleer. Show all posts

28 September 2024

Random thoughts about "This Book Will Read Your Mind"

You may know Alex McAleer from his performances in Champions of Magic, or from listening to his podcast his weekly podcast Through the Magic of Television (also available on Apple Podcasts).

Earlier this year, we were gifted a copy of his book, This Book Will Read Your Mind.  In this book, there are 10 interactive experiments to try.  Each one is a clever self-working mind-reading journey.  The exercises will appreciated by those who enjoy puzzles or magic!


 

While not a treatise on "how to be a mentalist," the collection is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

As an added bonus, there are a few Easter eggs in the book for those who have seen Alex in Champions of Magic, and for listeners of Through the Magic of Television.

Designed and written by Alex McAleer, This Book Will Read Your Mind is 60 pages long and measures just shy of 15cm square.


Purchase This Book Will Read Your Mind directly from Alex at
https://alexmcaleer.bigcartel.com/product/this-book-will-read-your-mind-by-alex-mcaleer
or ask your local brick and mortar magic shop to order it in from Murphy's Magic.



Disclosure: We received a complimentary copy of this book.  The opinions expressed above are entirely our own. We did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this post.

 

 

 

 

 

 

09 May 2024

Random thoughts about "Alex McAleer - Mind Reader"

There's still time to see Alex McAleer - Mind Reader in Toronto!  The show closes May 12th. 

 

Last Sunday, Kidlet and I made the trek to Toronto's Lighthouse Immersive ArtSpace

  • This was our first experience at this venue.
  • 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! 

 

 

We didn't want it to end.

 

 

 

Alex McAleer - Mind Reader closes May 12th.   

 

 

 


 

Alex McAleer

Alex McAleer (right)

 

 

03 May 2024

Winner of tickets to see "Alex McAleer -- Mind Reader"

The contest to win a pair of tickets to see Alex McAleer - Mind Reader in Toronto May 3 - 12th.  Thank you to everyone who played!     


Alex McAleer

Alex McAleer (right)




where we learn:
  • about the differences between the solo show and his appearances in Champions of Magic,
  • the structure of his one-man show,
  • soundtrack inspirations,
  • the advantage to performing in intimate theatres,
  • routines that play better small, and
  • changes to his act in the past 10+ years.

 

Favourite mentalism effects included:

  1. Phil Smith's Humint or Equifinique
  2. 21 card trick




Random draw results from Rafflecopter:

 

 


 

 

 

 

The winner has been notified and the prize distributed.  Rafflecopter only contains information from the winning entry.

Congratulations to our winner!  We hope you enjoy the show!

With thanks to Starvox Entertainment for generously making these tickets available!

 


01 May 2024

Rounding the Central rings in May 2024

Confirm details about dates and locations by visiting each club's website.  

 

ICYMI,


Montreal, QC Montreal Magic Jam - Anson Chen lecture.
Montreal, QC Ring 62 (20th Century Ring) - N/A.
Hamilton, ON Ring 49 (The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club) - N/A.
Hamilton / Burlington, ON Hamilton Burlington Magic Society
- N/A.
London, ON Ring 265 (London Magician's Guild) - N/A.
Kitchener, ON Ring 235 (KW Magic Society) - N/A.
Ottawa, ON Ring 151 (Ottawa Society of Magicians) - N/A.
Ottawa, ON Ottawa / Gatineau magicians - N/A
Toronto, ON Ring 17 (Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club) - Social meet-up.
- Alexander Marsh (UK) Mentalism lecture.
- Club event TBD


Please leave a comment or email me about corrections or omissions.

 

 

 

 

29 April 2024

Toronto: Win tickets to see "Alex McAleer -- Mind Reader" [contest closes May 1st]

Great news folks! We have been offered tickets to give away to our readers, for the Canadian premiere of the show Alex McAleer - Mind Reader in Toronto May 3 - 12th.

 

 
Alex McAleer

Alex McAleer (right)

 

If you don't want to leave your tickets to chance, you can purchase them directly at the Starvox Entertainment.



There will be a random draw for four (4) tickets to the show.  

  • There will be one (1) winner.
  • The prize consists of four (4) tickets. (Approximate retail value of $160.)  
  • The draw results will be posted by end of day on Sunday May 5th, 2024.



To enter:

  1. Log into the RaffleCopter widget at the bottom of this post, using a valid email address.
     
  2. Mandatory: Leave a comment in the widget, telling us your favourite mentalism effect / routine to perform or to watch.
     
  3. If you win, you must be willing to provide your name, email address, and phone number, so that a representative from Starvox Entertainment can coordinate the prize with the box office.

  4. The winner will be notified by email.  You will have 24 hours to claim your prize.  If we have not heard back from you within 24 hours, your entry will be disqualified and we will draw an additional name.



The fine print:
  • To participate in the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older.

  • One entry per person.

  • This giveaway is open to Canadian residents, excluding residents of Quebec. (Je m'excuse!)

  • This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.

  • This giveaway may be terminated or withdrawn at any time.

  • Entries may be disqualified at any time (reasons for disqualification include but are not limited to the provision of information that is untruthful, inaccurate, incomplete, or suspected fraudulent behaviour).

  • You must be able to use the tickets as offered.  (No cash value will be offered if you cannot use the tickets.)

  • Transportation to/from Toronto will not be provided.

  • Accommodations will not be provided.

  • Photo ID will be required to claim the tickets at the box office prior to the show on your way into the theatre.

  • The odds of winning depend on how many people enter the contest.

  • Contest closes on Wednesday May 1, 2024 at 11:59pm ET.  Entries received after this time will be disqualified. 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

 

 

 

With thanks to Starvox Entertainment for generously making these tickets available to you!

 


where we learn:
  • about the differences between the solo show and his appearances in Champions of Magic,
  • the structure of his one-man show,
  • soundtrack inspirations,
  • the advantage to performing in intimate theatres,
  • routines that play better small, and
  • changes to his act in the past 10+ years.

 

 

 

 

26 April 2024

Toronto: Alexander Marsh lecture [May 6]

We have it on good authority that there potentially will be things for sale.  Possible things for sale include:

Budget accordingly!

 

 

From the April 25th Instagram post by the IBM Ring 17 Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit club:

Special Lecture! - Alexander Marsh

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.

♣️♥️♠️♦️🃏 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

05 April 2024

A peek behind the curtain with Alex McAleer [2024]

We recently posted that Alex McAleer, the resident mentalist from Champions of Magic, is bringing his one-man show Alex McAleer - Mind Reader to Toronto May 3 - 12th.

 

(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:

On episode 4 of Through the Magic of Television (Apple Podcasts link), Alex and guest Erik Tait    CanCon   discuss The Worlds Greatest Magic 4 (1997), which includes performances by Juliana Chen and Carl Cloutier.
[Editor's note:  This podcast requires a paid subscription.]


 

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!



Read our thoughts about seeing Alex in Kitchener:

Random thoughts about Champions of Magic 2022 

 

 

We're delighted to interview Alex ahead of the Canadian debut of Alex McAleer - Mind Reader in May!


A peek behind the curtain with Alex McAleer


 
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

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. 



Read our 2023 interview with Alex where we learn about:
  • the specific moment he knew he could or wanted to perform magic full time,
  • his most memorable performance misadventure,
  • his guilty pleasures while on tour, and
  • what he brings from home when on tour.




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!

 

Learn more about Alex at AlexMcAleer.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.  


Purchase tickets for Alex McAleer - Mind Reader at Starvox Entertainment

 

 


Toronto: Alex McAleer - Mind Reader [May 3 - 12]

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!


Tickets at Starvox Entertainment

 

From the March 22nd Instagram post by Starvox Entertainment:

🎟️ Tickets ON SALE now! 🎟️
See Champions Of Magic’s mind-reading master Alex McAleer live in Toronto! 

 

 

23 December 2023

Toronto: American Sign Language interpreted magic show [Dec 28]

They first offered this for their show in 2018.  Nice to see it available again!

 

From the December 18th Facebook post by Starvox Entertainment:

Champions Of Magic in Toronto will have an ASL interpreted performance on Thursday, December 28 at 8:00pm!

TO Live and Starvox Entertainment are happy to offer the following access measures:
ASL interpreted performance: Thursday, December 28 at 8:00pm.

The performance will be ASL interpreted by Amanda Hyde and David Bell-Patterson.

Please contact the TO Live box office by phone at 416-366-7723 or 1-800-708-6754, or by email at boxoffice@tolive.com to book tickets with an optimal view of the ASL interpreters.
🎟️ bit.ly/3teaOSZ
👉 Champions Of Magic Access Guide
👉 Champions Of Magic Pre-Show Audio Notes
👉 Email boxoffice@tolive.com to book tickets with an optimal view of the ASL interpreters

 

 

 

  Champions of Magic  

Catch Champions of Magic touring across Canada in 2023 - 2024:

Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.

 

Read our 2023 interviews with:


 

Learn more about Champions of Magic at ChampionsOfMagic.co.uk and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter



Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonders Tour


 

 

13 December 2023

Toronto: Win tickets to see "Champions of Magic" on December 30th, 2023

Great news folks! We have been offered tickets to give away to our readers, for Champions of Magic in Toronto, Canada.


Champions of Magic in Toronto


Prepare to be enchanted this holiday season with Champions of Magic. Brace yourself, for a heart-pounding escape from Houdini's legendary water torture cell, predictions that will leave you questioning reality itself, and gravity-defying levitation acts that will have you floating high above the stage in pure amazement. And when you think you've seen it all, the grand finale will defy explanation leaving you in sheer disbelief!

Toronto don't miss this chance to witness the extraordinary and become part of the magic phenomenon as of December 27!



Read our 2023 interviews with:

 

Their run starts on December 27th and has just been extended to the 31st.  If you don't want to leave your tickets to chance, you can purchase them directly at TicketMaster.


There will be a random draw for one (1) family pack of tickets for the show on December 30th at noon, 2023.  

  • There will be one (1) winner.
  • The prize consists of a family pack of four (4) tickets. (Approximate retail value of $250.)  
  • The draw results will be posted by Saturday, December 23rd.



To enter:

  1. Log into the RaffleCopter widget at the bottom of this post, using a valid email address.
     
  2. Mandatory: Leave a comment in the widget, telling us:
    a) what trick or illusion you enjoy doing so much you'd be happy to perform it every day for a year, and
    b) for how many years you've been performing it.
     
  3. If you win, you must be willing to provide your name, email address, and phone number, so that a representative from Champions of Magic can coordinate the prize with Lighthouse Immersive box office.

  4. Winners will be notified by email.  You will have 24 hours to claim your prize.  If we have not heard back from you within 24 hours, your entry will be disqualified and we will draw an additional name.



The fine print:
  • To participate in the contest, you must be 18 years of age or older.

  • One entry per person.

  • This giveaway is open to Canadian residents, excluding residents of Quebec. (Je m'excuse!)

  • This giveaway is void where prohibited by law.

  • This giveaway may be terminated or withdrawn at any time.

  • Entries may be disqualified at any time (reasons for disqualification include but are not limited to the provision of information that is untruthful, inaccurate, incomplete, or suspected fraudulent behaviour).

  • You must be able to use the tickets as offered.  (No cash value will be offered if you cannot use the tickets.)

  • Transportation to/from Toronto will not be provided.

  • Accommodations will not be provided.

  • Photo ID will be required to claim the tickets at the the Meridian Hall box office prior to the show on your way into the theatre.

  • The odds of winning depend on how many people enter the contest.

  • Contest closes on Wednesday December the 20th, 2023 at 11:59pm ET.  Entries received after this time will be disqualified.


 

With thanks to Starvox Entertainment for generously making these tickets available to you!

 






 




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:

Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS!  Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.


Read our thoughts about their 2022 show:

TLDR: So. Much. Fun!

Random thoughts about "Champions of Magic" 

 

In addition to his stage shows, you may know Alex McAleer through:

On episode 4 of Through the Magic of Television (Apple Podcasts link), Alex and guest Erik Tait    CanCon   discuss The Worlds Greatest Magic 4 (1997), which includes performances by Juliana Chen and Carl Cloutier.
[Editor's note:  This podcast requires a paid subscription.]



We're delighted to interview Alex ahead of his Canadian Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour dates!


A peek behind the curtain with Alex McAleer


 
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?


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. 
 
 


Alex McAleer on stage

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. 



Alex McAleer on stage

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.
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.]



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

 

  Champions of Magic  

Catch Alex in Champions of Magic touring across Canada in 2023 - 2024:

Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC and NS!  Check the Champions of Magic website for updates.


Read our 2022 interviews with the cast:

 
Learn more about Champions of Magic at ChampionsOfMagic.co.uk and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter



Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonders Tour


 

 

 


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 
 

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.

Read more and buy tickets.