Articles Index
The Ten Best Close-Up Magicians
Anytime there's a list of the "best magicians," it's always the stage and television performers who are recognized. But what about close-up? With this in mind and after lots of thought, here's my list of the top ten close-up magicians.
Interview with Joaquin Ayala
Joaquin Ayala, Mexico's famous illusionist and master of theatrical magic, has made multiple TV appearances, headlined in Vegas and is now touring with his production of "Magic Passion." He recently launched AYALA EFX, his new production company that specializes in the construction, design and consulting of magical effects. Ayala took time out from his busy schedule to talk with Magic & Illusion about his new production company, latest shows and about magic and presentation.
Recalling Doug Henning
I recall Doug Henning after reading John Harrison's excellent "Spellbound: The Wonder-filled Life of Doug Henning."
Biography of Harry Potter
Harry Potter, the fictional star of the immensely popular J.K. Rowling books and resulting Warner Brothers movies, is perhaps the most famous magician in the world.
The Top Ten Magicians of Our Time
Who are the top ten magicians in history? Learn more about the top ten magicians.
Magician Gerry McCambridge
Gerry McCambridge makes the simple promise to "screw with your mind" and in his Las Vegas show, The Mentalist, which plays at the Hooter’s Casino Hotel, he successfully does so.
Magician Franz Harary
Best known for his large-scale illusions, which include: the vanish of the Space Shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center for an NBC special in 1994 and moving Hawaii's Diamond Head, Franz Harary is in constant demand worldwide and works with numerous celebrities and musical stars.
Magician Harry Blackstone Sr.
In the 1930's, Blackstone was the most popular magician in North America - a rival to Houdini late in the escape artist's career, as well as to Thurston. His professional career spanned some 65 years.
Magician Doug Henning
In the 1970s and 80s, Doug Henning was not only the best known magician in the world, he is often credited as reviving magic as a popular theatrical art form. Sadly, he left magic at the height of his career and died in 2000 at the age of 52.
Magician Mark Wilson
The first magician to take make a mark on the new medium of television, Mark Wilson is an accomplished magician and a trail-blazing pioneer. He and his wife Nani Darnell are best known for his "The Magic Land of Allakazam" series and "Magic Circus" specials that aired in the 1970s.
Magicians Siegfried & Roy
Siegfried & Roy, famous for their stunning large scale illusions and big cats, once ruled Las Vegas as its most successful act. In their more than three decades in Las Vegas, the pair performed for an estimated 25 million people.
Magician Jeff McBride
Jeff McBride is a unique performer who blends elements of myth, drama and illusion into his magic and performances that reflect his lifelong study of the arts.
Magicians Siegfried & Roy
Siegfried & Roy, famous for their stunning large scale illusions and big cats, once ruled Las Vegas as its most successful act. In their more than three decades in Las Vegas, the pair performed for an estimated 25 million people.
Interview: Gay Blackstone - "Masters of Illusion"
Gay Blackstone is the producer of "Masters of Illusion," a weekly series that debuts in 2009 on MyNetworkTV. Blackstone is a former President of the Academy of Magical Arts and currently on its Board of Directors and a respected television and stage producer, director, consultant, lecturer and author. She recently took time out to talk with Magic.About.com.
Interview with Diamond Jim Tyler
Award-winning magician Diamond Jim Tyler is a true worker and author of the best-selling book and video “Pockets Full of Miracles.” He recently released his new DVD, Mirrors, which we will review in the near future. He recently took time out from his busy schedule to talk with Magic & Illusion.
Interview with Diamond Jim Tyler and Mirrors
Award-winning magician Diamond Jim Tyler recently took time out from his busy schedule to talk with Magic & Illusion about “Mirrors,” his newest DVD. He is a true worker and author of the best-selling book and video “Pockets Full of Miracles.”
Interview With Arthur Trace: The Creative Process
With his creativity and innovation, and superb manipulation skills, Arthur Trace is advancing the art of magic. He performed at the 2004 World Magic Seminar and the 2004 Society of American Magicians National Convention, and his one man show, “Parallel Realities,” is scheduled to debut in Chicago in late 2006. Arthur Trace recently took time out to talk with Magic & Illusion’s Wayne Kawamoto to discuss the creative process.
Interview With Brian Ochab
Award-winning magician Brian Ochab is known for his innovative and entertaining close-up routines. What you may not know is that he is an up and coming film and television director who was recently nominated for an Emmy. In this Magic & Illusion exclusive, we talk with Brian about creating and presenting great magic, directing and his upcoming projects.
Interview with Jay Sankey
Jay Sankey is among the most prolific creators of powerful close-up magic. His many instructional DVDs and videos have provided solid effects for numerous magicians. We had a chance to talk with Sankey about his latest project, “The Sankey/Skutt Sessions,” and about creativity, business and new products.
Interview with Kevin Spencer
Kevin and Cindy Spencer, “The Spencers,” are a highly successful illusion team that has performed in many of the nation's top theaters and performing arts centers. Recently, the Spencers released a DVD that presented their 2004 tour through Hong Kong and Taipei. Kevin Spencer recently took time out from his busy schedule to talk with Magic.About.com about the new DVD, illusions and creativity, touring, Healing of Magic and more.
Interview with John Lovick on the Bill Switch
John Lovick, AKA "Handsome Jack," regularly performs at Hollywood's Magic Castle and has been nominated each of the past five years as "Parlour Magician of the Year." We had the opportunity to talk with Lovick about his newest book, "Switch-Unfolding the $100 Bill Change," a comprehensive guide to the $100 Bill Switch, which includes history, variations, subtleties, performance theory, presentation ideas and 60 stand-up and close-up routines.
Interview with Criss Angel
We speak with Criss Angel, star of the Mindfreak television series and who was recently awarded "Magician of the Year." In his interview, Angel talks about the challenges of shooting a magic series, his inspirations, the current state of magic and where he plans to take the art.
Interview with Rich Ferguson
Rich Ferguson is a busy magic pro who has performed corporate shows for major companies and casinos and is the host and talent for Official Poker, Inc’s Instructional DVD series. He recently took time out to talk with Magic & Illusion about his “Official Poker Chip Tricks DVD" and other projects.
Interview with Eric Mead
Eric Mead takes time out to talk about his career and “Tangled Web,” his new book. “I did not sit down and write “Tangled Web” in a traditional way,” says Mead. “It is a collection of tricks and essays I had written over a long period of time and covering various stages of my career as a magician. It's interesting, I think, to be able to look at the evolution and maturation from a cocky "young turk" of a magician into a more serious and thoughtful performer.
Interview with Doc Eason
The legendary Doc Eason is known as [i]the[/i] bar magician. After performing for over 27 years at John Denver’s World Famous Comedy Magic Bar and Restaurant in Snowmass, Colorado, he is an authority on the topic, and was recently honored by the Academy of Magical Arts as the first recipient of its “Bar Magician of the Year” award. Eason took time out to talk with us about his latest projects, new website and DVD.
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