What is Halloween without tricks to go with your treats? Our city is home to two masters of magic, who can easily contend with the likes of Criss Angel. This month, we pit the illusions that wowed Ray Chance’s MuchMusic audience against the in-your-head act of Annex Live’s mentalist Bobby Motta. Who has the best tricks up his sleeve?
Read more.
22 October 2012
Chance vs Motta
From Post City:
21 October 2012
A day at Niagara Falls
As part of last summer's school break plans, we saved up our pennies to see Greg Frewin's show "Imagine" at the Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls.
Kidlet and I made the trek to Niagara Falls through the pouring rain and arrived mid-afternoon during a light drizzle. We made a quick check in to the theatre box office to make sure our tickets were there (they were!) and to get the parking pass for the car. (Did you know that ticket price includes free parking anytime after 9am on the day of the show?)
From the theatre it's a short walk to Clifton Hill (the "Street of Fun" by the Falls) and a five to ten minute jaunt (depending leg length and ease of distractibility – SkyWheel! Fudge Factory! Ice cream! Wax museum!) to the Maid of the Mist at River Road and Clifton Hill. Two silver linings to it being a rainy day: 1) we were already decked out in our finest rain gear and were suitably dressed for the iconic boat ride next to The Falls and 2) the line ups were super short! (Sadly, we weren't able to see any rainbows in the mist itself, but we were warm and dry!) Exit through the gift shop...
We wandered through the area, grabbed a bite to eat and explored a little more. Then back to the car for a dash to the Butterfly Conservatory.
Back to the theatre. We were seated with a wonderful young couple from New York. We were later joined by wonderful company from Ohio and Vancouver Island. The table next to us had plenty of children aged 4 and up – I had as much fun watching the reactions of all the children as I did watching the show!
The theatre also has some entertainment while you wait: tiger and magic trivia on the big screen! In addition, there was a creative pre-show animated short from the Vancouver film school.
My favourite part was a fabulous video promoting Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp. It put a big smile on my face!
As for the show itself, how could you not be entertained by helicopters, a bowling ball, an invisible deck, Oreos, tigers, talented ladies, fire, milk, tigers, a dog, doves, tigers, Chuck the Duck, and macaws? Did I mention the tigers? What's not to like? (Throughout the show, one of our evening's companions could be heard muttering, "How did he do the thing with the duck?")
After the show there's an opportunity to have your photo taken in the same cage with a tiger! (Well worth it in my opinion.) Technically, you're not really in the same confined space as the tiger, but it sure looks like that in the picture. The tiger trainer is right there, which made this parent feel a whole lot more relaxed about the experience. Part of the profit from the items in the magical gift shop, including the photo sales, are used to support a tiger sanctuary. After the show, you can queue up for an autograph from Greg!
Needless to say, Kidlet and I had an absolutely wonderful time at the show! A picture with a tiger, a souvenir from the gift shop, and the chance to chat with Mr. Frewin himself!
As impressed as I was with the show, I was equally impressed with all of the staff at the theatre. Everyone was friendly, professional and customer focused. Huge thanks to: the very patient box office staff (Caitlin, Roxanne and Nina), the ushers, the fabulous assistants who we met while in line for having our photo taken, Johnny Ferrara the tiger trainer, the gift shop staff and all of the fabulous people who kept things orderly and moving for the post-show autographs.
Thank you Greg et al, for a most magical ending to our wonderful day in Niagara Falls!
Kidlet and I made the trek to Niagara Falls through the pouring rain and arrived mid-afternoon during a light drizzle. We made a quick check in to the theatre box office to make sure our tickets were there (they were!) and to get the parking pass for the car. (Did you know that ticket price includes free parking anytime after 9am on the day of the show?)
From the theatre it's a short walk to Clifton Hill (the "Street of Fun" by the Falls) and a five to ten minute jaunt (depending leg length and ease of distractibility – SkyWheel! Fudge Factory! Ice cream! Wax museum!) to the Maid of the Mist at River Road and Clifton Hill. Two silver linings to it being a rainy day: 1) we were already decked out in our finest rain gear and were suitably dressed for the iconic boat ride next to The Falls and 2) the line ups were super short! (Sadly, we weren't able to see any rainbows in the mist itself, but we were warm and dry!) Exit through the gift shop...
We wandered through the area, grabbed a bite to eat and explored a little more. Then back to the car for a dash to the Butterfly Conservatory.
Note to Ontario families: We used a coupon for a free child's admission (as long as we paid for an adult admission) from our "Ontario 2012 Fun Pass" booklet which was given to us at the end of the school year. The conservatory was FABULOUS! Highly recommended!
Back to the theatre. We were seated with a wonderful young couple from New York. We were later joined by wonderful company from Ohio and Vancouver Island. The table next to us had plenty of children aged 4 and up – I had as much fun watching the reactions of all the children as I did watching the show!
Tip: Arrive as early as you can to ensure good seating (the box office will let you know what time is best).
Note to parents: Bring along some distractions for little ones (such as crayons with paper, playing cards, books, quiet hand-held video games etc.) to help pass the time between arriving for the best seating and show time. We were lucky that the delightful couple from the Rochester area, kindly joined us in a game of Crazy Eight Countdown and the time flew by!
If you think your child would be scared sitting right up close to the tigers at level one, level two offers an equally good view of the stage along with the sense of a physical barrier between you and the big cats.
The theatre also has some entertainment while you wait: tiger and magic trivia on the big screen! In addition, there was a creative pre-show animated short from the Vancouver film school.
Note to parents: Some of the kids 8 and under in our area found the short a little scary at times.
My favourite part was a fabulous video promoting Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp. It put a big smile on my face!
As for the show itself, how could you not be entertained by helicopters, a bowling ball, an invisible deck, Oreos, tigers, talented ladies, fire, milk, tigers, a dog, doves, tigers, Chuck the Duck, and macaws? Did I mention the tigers? What's not to like? (Throughout the show, one of our evening's companions could be heard muttering, "How did he do the thing with the duck?")
Note to parents of young children: The last big illusion, which I'll refer to as the Assistants' Revenge, was a little tense for some of the younger children. But it ended with happy faces!
After the show there's an opportunity to have your photo taken in the same cage with a tiger! (Well worth it in my opinion.) Technically, you're not really in the same confined space as the tiger, but it sure looks like that in the picture. The tiger trainer is right there, which made this parent feel a whole lot more relaxed about the experience. Part of the profit from the items in the magical gift shop, including the photo sales, are used to support a tiger sanctuary. After the show, you can queue up for an autograph from Greg!
Needless to say, Kidlet and I had an absolutely wonderful time at the show! A picture with a tiger, a souvenir from the gift shop, and the chance to chat with Mr. Frewin himself!
As impressed as I was with the show, I was equally impressed with all of the staff at the theatre. Everyone was friendly, professional and customer focused. Huge thanks to: the very patient box office staff (Caitlin, Roxanne and Nina), the ushers, the fabulous assistants who we met while in line for having our photo taken, Johnny Ferrara the tiger trainer, the gift shop staff and all of the fabulous people who kept things orderly and moving for the post-show autographs.
Thank you Greg et al, for a most magical ending to our wonderful day in Niagara Falls!
Spotted in the wild ...
If you receive the CAM publication, Northern Peeks, you'll notice that this edition (Vol 15, Number 3) features Sorcerers Safari! Tucked inside, is the article "The secret to Sorcerers Safari's success"
written by yours truly!
Shawn had the nicest thing published below the article:
Gwyn took a nice photo of it ....
Thanks Gwyn!
And thanks to Shawn for his kind words about this site!
Shawn had the nicest thing published below the article:
"Originally published on August 11 at CanadasMagic.blogspot.ca, which is the finest location for up to date information on magic in Canada."
Gwyn took a nice photo of it ....
@canadasmagic spotted! twitter.com/magicassistant…
— Gwyn Auger (@magicassistant) October 17, 2012
Thanks Gwyn!
And thanks to Shawn for his kind words about this site!
20 October 2012
Murray Hatfield and Teresa: Magic 'n' Miracles tour
The schedule is up for Murray Hatfield's Magic 'n Miracles tour! They're starting in Etobicoke, Ontario in early December.
Not only will you get to see some amazing magic, you'll be supporting some deserving charities.
Also on the Hatfield tour are Christopher Hart, Michael Goudeau, Miles Meechan and Magdalaina Tamasik.
Schedule and ticket information at the Magic 'n Miracles website.
Not only will you get to see some amazing magic, you'll be supporting some deserving charities.
Also on the Hatfield tour are Christopher Hart, Michael Goudeau, Miles Meechan and Magdalaina Tamasik.
Schedule and ticket information at the Magic 'n Miracles website.
19 October 2012
Anthony Lindan: Peace of Mind
Anthony Lindan is holding a two teleseminars, titled Public Speaking Peace of Mind. Click through more more details about the events on Wednesday October the 24th and on Thursday October the 25th.
Shrine Fantasy Show
It's the time of year for the Shrine Fantasy Show! From their website:
Schedule and ticket information at the Shrine Fantasy Show website.
The Shrine Fantasy Show will amaze, surprise, and entertain the entire family when it comes to your town this autumn. This magical extravaganza which includes magic, illusions, juggling acts, comedy, and more, is filled with imagination and showmanship.
For years the Shrine Fantasy has toured the country entertaining thousands with new acts.Participating talent includes: Dick Joiner, Patrice Meunier, Fantasy Circus, Neil Croswell, John Park, Johnny Toronto, Michael Bourada, Sheldon Casavant, Greg Tarlin, and Damien James (performers vary by province).
What’s more, just by coming out to share in the fun and excitement, you will assist in creating true magic in your community through support of worthy causes. A portion of all proceeds from Shrine Fantasy will benefit the many Shrine activities.
Schedule and ticket information at the Shrine Fantasy Show website.
18 October 2012
Windsor: Illusions live!
From the Chrysler Theatre website:
October 27, 2012
Canadian Illusionist Ryan Joyce is truly a man of many “top hats.” Not only has he impressed audiences with his modern, mind-blowing feats of magic-- which include vanishing a firetruck and levitating a two ton SUV live on stage-- he has also devoted himself to humanitarian causes by raising over two million dollars for charities and making 100 politicians disappear (if only for a short time).
Read more and purchase tickets.
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