The Magic Show

Let's face facts, fans. The original Broadway production of A MAGIC SHOW was no LES MIS - in fact, it was no PIPPIN or GODSPELL either. But Stephen Schwartz's music and Doug Henning's "denim Dunninger" were new enough in 1974 to be a fun evening at the theatre, especially with orchestra seats priced well under $15. The show even outlasted Henning ("and JOE, our magic man...") and toured extensively.

Filmed in 1981 in Canada, this MAGIC SHOW bears little resemblance to the musical that entranced thousands on Broadway, despite the fact that the essential elements are all basically the same. Cosmetic changes seem to have been made to keep the show fresh - but to no avail. For instance, why change the location from The Passaic Top Hat to Chez Manny (a supposedly seedy club that looks like the set for a cheesy 80's sitcom)? The visiting producer Goldfarb is now named Shumway and the washed up magician Feldman in now called Van Zyskind (or something like that). But these matter very little in light of the more drastic musical and magical alterations. Only half the original score remains, with WEST END AVENUE and GOLDFARB VARIATIONS completely gone and CHARMIN'S LAMENT totally re-written. The new songs are usually lead ins to Doug's new (and bigger) tricks - an elephant, a motorcycle and a huge game of Mouse Trap don't add much spectacle in light David Copperfield's recent accomplishments.

THE MAGIC SHOW is at it's most charming when Doug is doing his staple tricks for the real audience, especially Houdini's metamorphosis. Didi Conn is the right type for Cal, except that she can barely sing the simple songs she's given. Pity, since her "Lion Tamer" is the show's signature. Besides preserving the late Henning's act it is also notable for (the also late) Anita Morris' appearance as the conjured cutie Charmin. Although she spends much of the show bi-sected, Morris is a joy to watch.

All in all, this MAGIC SHOW is better than nothing but strictly fan material. Let the few "magical" moments rekindle memories of the Broadway incarnation and try to ignore the rest.

I was there when this was filmed before a live audience in the Autumn of 1980. It wasn't really a stage production, it was all staged for the cameras. They had to pause every ten minutes to reload the film. There were three stationary cameras in the house, and one "panglide" camera that followed the actors around on stage. The music was all pre-recorded. At the time, all we heard were the "rythm" tracks -- the strings and horns etc were added in post-production. All of the "illusions" were shot live. However, some of the songs and dialogue were done in additional takes without an audience. Incidentally, the animal wranglers weren't sure what size of elephant the producers wanted, so they delivered three! The film was originally intended for cinemas, but was never released. It was also intended to have a full stereo soundtrack (the audio was recorded on 48 track tape), not the fake stereo that's on the DVD. I believe it may also have been intended to have a wider aspect ratio. As for the changes in the book and score from the Broadway show, composer Stephen Schwartz said he realised that THE MAGIC SHOW was basically a children's musical. I suspect that the cutting of "West End Avenue" reflects that. Incidentally, the music arranger. Eric Robertson, worked on "Spellbound" -- the Toronto show with music by Howard Shore, book by David Cronenberg and produced by Ivan Reitman -- that evolved into "The Magic Show".

The original Broadway production starring Henning and Morris ran nearly 2,000p., so this filming of a later (distinctly lesser) production is well worth a look, and OUGHT to be available on VHS. The broadcast version appeared to cut one major song ("Lion Tamer") that I trust was filmed, but over all between the magic and the music and a very funny book, this is one of the rare "cult" films that bears repeated viewings. Especially now that the original Broadway cast album is out on CD, here's hoping people get another chance to see the movie.

I caught this on TV a few days ago, and as a long time magic fan, had to watch. Unfortunately, I found it painfully dated and uninteresting. Though apparently this "plot" was applied to a successful stage show Mr. Henning had done as well, it was exceedingly annoying and tiresome. And it was a musical, something that rarely works well, and certainly didn't here. And magic acts just don't work in film format.

What is spectacular and interesting in person (or arguably, live TV) feels like just another movie effect when placed in a film, which is unfortunate, because really the only reason to WATCH this is all the signature tricks performed in it. It takes all the mystery out of it.

It's sad that this is the only example of Mr. Henning's work available, because it sucks a lot of the life out of it. Doug's personality does shine, but I cannot imagine his bare-faced wonder and colourfulness would interest modern audiences. Even wanting to like and enjoy this movie, I just couldn't watch most of it.

If you have fond memories of the Broadway show or adored the original score, please do yourself a favor and do not buy the DVD that is available. Do not spoil your memories.

West End Avenue is gone, the Goldfarb Variations are gone, Charmin's Lament has been changed out of all recognition.

The actor who plays Van Zyskind is adequate, I guess. Didi Conn (who I love, btw) is fine, although I don't think her voice really handles Lion Tamer too well. Anita Morris is great, but her performance has been hamstrung by the changes to her character. Doug, well, Doug Henning was a terrific magician...the inspiration of many performance magicians who followed...and it's wonderful to see him perform.

And, if all you want is his magic and not the magic of the original stage production and you don't care that they left in only two songs worth having (Lion Tamer and Up to His Old Tricks (although not arranged as well)), go ahead and buy it...if you can find it cheap.