CAM Virtual Meeting April 9, 2024

From the April 5th Facebook post by the Canadian Association of Magicians:

The day after the eclipse, CAM is hosting our next Virtual Chapter on Tuesday, April 9, at 8:30 p.m. EST.
☀️🕶️🌕🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔
We'll share CAM's big (it’s HUGE!) news, PLUS Paul Romhany will reveal the hot magic tricks from this year's Blackpool convention! ... two suitcases full 🙂 

🎩🪄🧳🧳
RSVP for free here https://www.cammagic.org/events

 

 

 

 

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:

• 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.

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!

 

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. 

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! 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Starvox Entertainment (@starvoxent)

 

 

Top 5, er 6 posts in March 2024

There were 25 posts at Canada's Magic last month.  Here are the six most viewed posts in the past 30 days, Canada's Got Talent edition:   

6. Canada's Got Talent: Getting to know Bao Hoang - Thanks for a great interview Bao!

5. ICYMI: Mark Clearview's Canada's Got Talent audition - Howie said Mark was, “the best magician I’ve seen in 10 years.”

4. Canada's Got Talent: Getting to know Jeff Newman - Thanks for a great interview Jeff!

3. Magicians on Canada's Got Talent [Mar 19 premiere] - Magic is being very well represented this year!

2. Canada's Got Talent: Getting to know Mark Clearview - Congratulations on your fantastic audition Mark and thanks for a great interview! 

 

and the most viewed post this month  ...

1.  Canada's Got Talent: Getting to know Mark Lewis - Congratulations on your fantastic audition Mark and thanks for a great interview!

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: Mitchell Hrycan's Canada's Got Talent audition

Read our interview, Canada's Got Talent: Getting to know Mitchell Hrycan.

 

From the April 2nd upload "Mitchell Hrycan's Magic Act is Double the Fun!" at the Canada's Got Talent YouTube channel:

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan’s Mitchell Hrycan's act has the judges seeing double!

 

 

ICYMI: Mark Lewis' Canada's Got Talent audition

Read our interview, Canada's Got Talent: Getting to know Mark Lewis.

 

From the April 2nd upload "GOLDEN BUZZER | Mark Lewis Receives Surprise Golden Buzzer!" at the Canada's Got Talent YouTube channel:

Quirky 79-year-old, Mark Lewis, performs a card trick that captivates audience and judges, earning him the group Golden Buzzer!

 

From the April 2nd Instagram post by Canada's Got Talent:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canada's Got Talent (@cangottalent)

 

Canada's Got Talent: Getting to know Mitchell Hrycan

Next in our series of short interviews with some of the magic acts listed in the March 5th Canada's Got Talent media release is Mitchell Hrycan!
 

You may already know that Mitchell:

• appeared on Canada's Got Talent last night!
  

We're delighted that Mitchell made time to answer our questions! 

 

Who inspires you that is not a magician?
 
Arnold Schwarzenegger and the album by the singer, RAYE, Live at the Royal Albert Hall (At the moment.)

 

What is your first memory of magic? 

My mom made a coin disappear by rubbing it against her elbow. I was around ten years old.  

 

Who from the magic community inspires you?

Derren Brown and the people he works with. Also, David Copperfield.
 

Was there anyone or anything instrumental to you becoming a magician?

Mr. Willard at Willard's House of Magic in Edmonton. It was a six hour drive from Saskatoon but he was an amazing guy to watch work. I only saw him a few times but he made a big impact. I bought Williamson's Wonders in his shop, on his recommendation. I also drove seven hours to see my first lecture. Jay Sankey ... it was an eye opener. A person who wrote a magic book, that came to life.

📸 : CGT

Did you ever get discouraged and think about quitting magic?  
 
Yes, the constant hustle wears you down. After trying a few different things,  I realized that magic was where my talent was. It helps me work harder. This is it.

Do you have any tour or pre-show rituals you’d be willing to share with our readers?
 

Before I step on stage I say out loud to myself, "Focus, pause, inflection." And sometimes, "I love the audience, the audience loves me."

 

Why is now the right time for you to be a part of Canada's Got Talent?
 

I'm older, maybe wiser, but in the end, how many more opportunities like this will I get? Take a chance and hope that myself and my magic are received in a positive way.

 

 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
 

Search out the real working pros. When you do magic for a living, it changes how you think. If a professional can't mentor you, just absorb what they say in stories or experiences. Hang out with them once in awhile. My generation grew up on books. There was no way to copy a performance on video because videos weren't out yet. We didn't have the internet. You had to quickly develop your own personality and style. Focus on just a few things to perfect at a time, then improve them every time you perform. Keep a notebook. You'll thank me later.

 

 

 

Thank you Mitchell, for making the time to answer our questions!  Break a leg on CGT!

Learn more about Mitchell (and Michael) at their website DoubleVisionMagic.com and follow them on Facebook.

 

 

 

Watch Canada's Got Talent Tuesdays on CityTV.