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.
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.