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Irene Larsen, Co-Founder of the Magic Castle, Has Passed Away

Irene Larsen, Co-Founder of the Magic Castle, Has Passed Away

Magic Castle co-founder Irene Larsen passed away this morning at her home near Hancock Park. Irene was treasured by generations of magicians and entertainers who came to know her through the Magic Castle and the Academy of Magical Arts. She was the very first member of the club built by her, her late husband Bill, and brother-in-law Milt in 1963. The trio transformed a dilapidated old mansion in Hollywood into an elegant restaurant, theater, and international center for the performance of magic that is more popular today than ever before. Irene and Bill (and later their daughter Erika) edited Genii: The Conjurers Magazine for many years, spreading interest in the art form around the globe.

I was so privileged to call Irene a friend. She was so affectionate, kind, and curious that every guest in her home became a member of the vast family she accumulated over the years. A constant stream of well wishers and entertainers visited her magnificent estate Brookledge turning it into a private clubhouse for the variety arts. Musicians, actors, and all manner of creative types (check out Puddles Pity Party, pictured) found a community there that spawned collaborations and friendships that could not have existed without her larger than life personality. For the past several years, her daughter Erika made these visits into glorious productions with her Brookledge Follies shows and Irene always sat in the front row.

Irene spent years creating a lush garden dreamscape (complete with a gnome forest!) around the historic-cultural monument, which sits on both sides of a natural brook. The animals that Irene loved and protected made themselves at home there and the ones she didn’t personally adopt she advocated for through non-profits like Last Chance for Animals, which the family asks friends to support in lieu of flowers. Irene’s daughter Erika is currently serving as president of the Magic Castle, and Irene’s granddaughter Liberty is the 4th generation of the family to perform at the club. Princess Irene leaves an extraordinary gap in the creative world of Los Angeles and I will miss her very much.

http://www.lamag.com/askchris/irene-larsen-co-founder-of-the-magic-castle-has-passed-away/

Magician Paul Daniels diagnosed with terminal cancer

Magician Paul Daniels diagnosed with terminal cancer

Editor’s Note: it was very difficult to hear of Paul’s prognosis. He has been a reader of the Magic Roadshow for some time, and we frequently shared notes. Although I’ve never had the opportunity to meet Paul in person, he is certainly in our thoughts and prayers…   

MAGICIAN and much-loved entertainer Paul Daniels has terminal cancer, it has been announced.

Daniels is well known in Dorset having performed in a host of shows and pantomimes over the past four decades, including at the Pavilion summer show in Weymouth.

A statement from his publicist released earlier today said: “We can confirm that one of our greatest magicians and entertainers of all times, Paul Daniels, has sadly been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.”

The TV star has brought many of his shows to theatres across Dorset including in recent years his ‘First Farewell Tour’, ‘An Audience with Paul Daniels’ and ‘Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow’.

During his visits to the area he has often taken part in community events and fundraisers as a celebrity guest.

Daniels, whose real name is Newton Edward Daniels, was born in Middlesbrough in 1938.

The variety veteran’s interest in magic began at the age of 11 when he read a book called How To Entertain At Parties, and he developed his magic skills in working men’s clubs. Read more

http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/14291187.display/

DAN SPERRY’S MAGIC IS MARILYN MANSON MEETS DAVID COPPERFIELD…

DAN SPERRY’S MAGIC IS MARILYN MANSON MEETS DAVID COPPERFIELD…

(The Illusionists – Live From Broadway™ )

THE ILLUSIONISTS, which is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, and MagicSpace Entertainment, offers audiences of all ages a show that is filled with comedy, death-defying stunts, live music, and performances by seven illusionists — each with their own specialty. Among the seven is Dan Sperry (aka The Anti-Conjuror). Sperry, whom has been described as Marilyn Manson meets David Copperfield, has a very colorful resume, which includes: headlining at the Magic Castle when he was only 17, multiple appearances on the TV series “Masters of Illusion,” an appearance on “America’s Got Talent,” and creating illusions for Jane’s Addiction’s “Great Escape Artist” tour. Recently, the Weekly spoke with Sperry about working with Jane’s and about THE ILLUSIONISTS. ..Read more

http://www.ocweekly.com/music/dan-sperrys-magic-is-marilyn-manson-meets-david-copperfield-6939557

The science of magic tricks: From misdirection to ‘pausing’ time, experts reveal how their illusions mess with our minds..

The science of magic tricks: From misdirection to ‘pausing’ time, experts reveal how their illusions mess with our minds..

– Neuroscientists explain how the art of misdirection works on our brains
– Also explain how by multitasking, the audience is unable to focus on detail
– Using comedy or gory images also dominates the viewers’ attention
– Techniques are used by magicians to divert attention from ‘the tell’

A magician must make a trick look effortless, but it’s very unlikely that anything is casual or spontaneous in a magic show.

Just as you might go to a ballet and imagine the sweat and tears needed to achieve amazing dance moves, magic is choreographed but mustn’t look like it is.

Artists of all kinds, including magicians, are connoisseurs of human behaviour and perception and now neuroscientists have revealed just how their tricks mess with our brains. Read more… (Very interesting article)

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3412382/The-science-magic-tricks-misdirection-pausing-time-experts-reveal-illusions-mess-minds.html