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!
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!
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
Great news folks! We have been offered tickets to give away to our
readers, for Champions of Magic in Toronto, Canada.
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!
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:
Log into the RaffleCopter widget at the bottom of this post, using a valid email address.
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.
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.
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!
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
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?
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 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 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?
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!
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.
Can't make it to see them in Toronto? 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 Edmonton and Regina as part of their 2023 - 2024 tour. Additional rumoured locations include cities in BC, SK, and NS!
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.
Don’t miss this unbelievable show to entertain the entire family and see why fans return to see one of the world’s biggest touring illusion shows time and time again.
They’ve sold out shows across the globe, been featured on every major US TV network and racked up over 50 million views online…but you haven’t seen magic until you’ve seen it live! Catch Champions Of Magic Dec. 27 to 29. 20% off for a limited time.🌠
They’ve sold out shows across the globe, been featured on every major US TV network and racked up over 50 million views online…but you haven’t seen magic until you’ve seen it live! Catch Champions Of Magic Dec. 27 to 29. 20% off for a limited time.🌠https://t.co/k2FHWLd0UCpic.twitter.com/U4vHXigz1p
We teased a few years back about a Champions of Magic Concert Album. The show has matured to the point where it has a wonderful toe tapping soundtrack! Going back to the 1930s with "Sing, Sing, Sing," to the 1960s with "The Girl from Ipanema," to the 1970s with "Live and Let Die" and of course the 80's hits transporting you back to 1989 Las Vegas!
On with the show...
Note to parents of young children: The music can be very loud at times throughout the show. There's also a smoke machine involved. Forewarned is forearmed.
There's a videographer on hand to capture close-up miracles and project them nice and big on a screen so everyone can see!
Regular readers of the blog have probably guessed that this would be our summary of the show:
So. Much. Fun!
It's possible that between one half to two thirds of this show is new compared with their 2019 presentation.
With every passing year, the cast are more authentic and the show feels more organic. Which translates to a demonstrable increase in entertainment value!
If memory serves, there are no standard card tricks in the show!
As Strange, Velasco, and Young all indicated in their interviews, this show is very different from the one presented in Oshawa in 2019, and significantly different than the one mounted in Toronto in 2018.
There are more whole cast moments, making the show less of a patchwork piece and more of a thoughtfully woven production.
There's LOTS audience participation with both children and adults!
Visually stunning!
Whether you're new to magic or are a professional magician, there's something for everyone!
McAleer's material has undergone a significant change and he's introduced two new very strong pieces. The first, a very visual effect with a young mentalist in training. And the second a beautifully constructed homage to Keller.
England is net new to the show from it's 2019 iteration. She showcases a strong skill set and talent that is intensely theatrical! (I'll never look at a cup of tea the same way again.)
For those who have seen the show already, not to worry! The cornerstone
crowd-pleasers are still in the show, tweaked and refined!
Aerialist Michelle Mazzarella dazzled from above.
Velasco succeeds in breathtaking, heart-stopping escapes and then some.
Even though I've seen him do many of these things before, everything he
does makes me nervous!
Young and Strange have carefully pruned their wonderful grand illusions and introduced some new things in their place. Even after having seen them perform a similar set twice before, Young and
Strange are remarkably entertaining to watch. One can't help but get
caught up in the fun they are having on stage! They've introduced a collaborative piece with Velasco that has a very strong audience reaction.
While excellent magic is at the core of this experience, it's clear that the focus is providing a fabulously entertaining evening. They definitely hit their mark!
This was the third time seeing the show and we were thoroughly entertained! There are so many moments of joyous
laughter, and periods of being completely enthralled in the spectacle.
It is clear that the acts and the scripts are a work in progress and continue to be thoughtfully curated, updated, and revised. It gets better every time!
We highly recommend it! (Even if you've seen it before.)
Disclosure: Kidlet and I were guests at this show. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. I
did not receive compensation for the writing or the publishing of this
article.
This is the fourth of a series of interviews leading up
to the Champions of
MagicWorldwide Wonder Tour shows in Markham [Nov 30 - Dec 1], Kitchener [Dec 2 - 3], and Peterborough[Dec 9].
Canadian tour to start April 2023!
Read our 2021 interview where Alex shares: - how he dealt with The Great Pause - how COVID impacted his set - his comfort binge - about touring in Mexico during a pandemic - his go-to Karaoke song
What is your favourite thing about going on tour with Champions of Magic?
It’s always great to get the band back together and hit the road again - there’s never a dull day. I mean, I sometimes wish there was a dull day.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about performing in Canada?
That time we were in Saskatoon in January and I thought it would be a good idea to walk to the venue. A piece of me died that day. It broke off and I could never find it.
[Editor's note: Rookie mistake. We'll let you know if anyone in the province finds it. Be sure to leave us a forwarding address.]
What is your favourite part of the 2022 Champions of Magic show to perform?
I have a new act in the show that I’ve been working on for a long time; it’s gone though various incarnations but its got some really exciting and different moments of magic in it, and what’s really fun is an audience member is doing it all.
What is your favourite part of the 2022 Champions of Magic show to watch?
In the first half of the show we are all on stage together, and that's a fun moment to watch the rest of the cast do their thing. Like Strange forgetting his lines or almost injuring himself.
What about the 2022 show would "2012 you" find unbelievable to imagine as your current reality?
Probably the amount of grey hairs that are appearing in both my head and facial hair.
Kelly
and Dave help out Alex McAleer.
Photo credit: William Balfour, Spectra Experiences. Oshawa
2019.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Canadians eat more mac 'n' cheese, specifically Kraft macaroni and cheese, than any other nation.
[Editor's note: Tru dat! According to the Daily Hive "Kraft Dinner has deep roots in Canada. A representative for Kraft Canada tells Daily Hive that the patent for a packaged and processed cheese product was invented by Ontario native James Lewis Kraft in 1916." And according to Wikipedia "The brand is popular with Canadians, who consume 55% more boxes per capita than Americans." And now we've got that Barenaked Ladies song stuck in our heads.]
Thank you Alex, for making the time to answer our questions!
