Movie spotlight
The Magic Show
The Magic Show is a one-act musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Bob Randall. It starred magician Doug Henning. Produced by Edgar Lansbury, it opened on May 28, 1974 at the Cort Theatre in Manhattan, and ran for 1,920 performances, closing on December 31, 1978. Henning was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and director Grover Dale was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. In 2001, a filmed performance staged especially for the cameras in 1980, directed by Norman Campbell at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto, was issued on DVD by Image Entertainment. This production, originally intended for cinema release, differed notably from the original Broadway production, with several of the most memorable songs, such as "West End Avenue" and "Solid Silver Platform Shoes", removed. Doug Henning reprised his original starring role, while Didi Conn co-starred as Cal.
Insights
Plot Summary
This short documentary offers a glimpse into the world of illusionist David Copperfield during his 1983 tour. It showcases behind-the-scenes footage of his preparations and performances, highlighting the meticulous planning and artistry involved in his spectacular magic shows. The film captures the essence of Copperfield's public persona and the awe he inspires in his audiences.
Critical Reception
As a short documentary focused on a popular performer, 'The Magic Show' received limited critical reviews. It was primarily viewed as promotional material for David Copperfield's extensive touring efforts during the 1980s. Audiences familiar with Copperfield's televised specials and live shows likely found it an engaging, albeit brief, look at the magic-making process.
What Reviewers Say
Offers a basic look at David Copperfield's performance.
Appreciated by fans for its behind-the-scenes access.
Limited in scope and depth as a documentary.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific short documentary is not readily available, but it is presumed to have been well-received by fans of David Copperfield during its release.
Fun Fact
This short film was produced in conjunction with David Copperfield's highly successful 'Magic of David Copperfield' television specials, which often featured segments similar to what is seen in this documentary.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources