The Passing of Marco The Magi 13 Years Ago

 

Marco the Magi was the stage name of Cesareo Pelaez. He was a charismatic figure who began what would become the LeGrand David Magic Show in Beverly Mass. Under his guidance, his merry band of followers would purchase, not one, but two theaters and revitalized the town of Beverly. 

He chose to take a secondary role in the show. Le Grand David, who was played by David Bull, was the lead. But Cesareo had a unique spot in the show. There were only 2 speaking parts, on belonged to David's brother Webster, who would weave wonderful stories during two parts of the show. But then Cesearo, as Marco, spoke during his magic routines: The Card Sequence and the Floating Table. His spots were always highly comical and somewhat absurd, in the funniest of ways.

His death brought about the end of the longest running continuous magic show in history. Cesareo died March 24th, 2012, thirteen years ago today.

The Death of Chung Ling Son 107 Years Ago Today

 

He was a performer who struggled to gain fame. He was known by everyone in the magic world. The best of the best sought him out like Herrmann and Kellar. But it wasn't until he moved to London and created a character called Chung Ling Soo that any sort of notoriety came his way. His real name was William Ellsworth Robinson, he was an American, born April 2, 1861. 

I'm not going to give you his life story here, as that will be saved for a future episode of the podcast. But suffice to say he was a controversial figure back then and still today. He pretended to be Chinese when in reality he was not. NOT unusual for the time at all. Today that sort of thing is frowned upon by some. 

It was claimed that no one knew his identity and that when he died it was revealed he was really a white male American. But many many people knew who he was. Perhaps the British public did not, and he played it up for all it was worth.

On March 23rd, 1918, Soo was at Woodgreen Empire Theater in London. He was performing his famed Bullet Catch Routine, where a row of marksmen with rifles would shoot at Soo and he would catch the bullets. Except, on this night, as the shots rang out, Soo stumbled back and said, "Oh my God, something's happened, lower the curtain." That something was, he was truly shot. A malfunction happened and it allowed a real projectile to shoot out of one of the rifles, hitting the performer. He died the following morning on March 24th.

Today marks the 107th Anniversary of the Death of William Ellsworth Robinson/Chung Ling Soo.

Another Look at GENII

 

Ok, the second issue of Genii Magazine has come out with the new crew in charge. I had already written about this last month, but I feel like I need to do this again. There is a big difference from the first issue and the second issue. The cover. To be exact, the cover stock is thicker than the rest of the magazine, substantially thicker. It actually feels better holding the magazine, it's not all floppy as when all the pages are on the same thickness of paper. In addition, last month I mentioned 'a lot of white space'. I guess that was just the first issue, because this issue appears to be laid out slightly differently and fills all the pages. 

I really like the way the photographs are laid out as well. It has the look and feel of a totally different magazine. Yet it's still Genii. I always enjoyed Richard Kaufman's videos of what was in each issue. And here, we have Jim Steinmeyer talking about what is in the issue. This particular issue he mentions the column by John Gaughan called the Chamber of Secrets. This month it focuses on the Light and Heavy Chest. And gives a really in depth look into the prop. In fact, they even open it to show the inside. Many close up images. And on the video of Jim talking he interviews John and they show the Light and Heavy Chest during their chat. It's so good.

There is also a great feature for the professional performer, it's about getting booked. Specifically at some of the better known magic establishments like the Magic Castle, The House of Cards, and others. The bookers from those venues are interviewed and give great information on what they look for when hiring performers. Most of the information seems to be common sense to me, but sadly, no every person has common sense these days. A few examples of professionalism: Show up on time, don't short your set, treat the staff well. These should be standard practices. And then they talk about tips on originality and appropriateness. It's a very good article. I hope there is something for pros in every issue. Frankly, this info is good for pros, semi-pros, even folks starting out. Knowing how to approach a booker, knowing what they are looking for is very helpful.

One more thing, Richard Kaufman is back, this time with his own column, great trick, great line drawings. It's all good. Can't wait for the next issue!

I am really liking these changes. If you don't subscribe go to GeniiMagazine.com to get Genii!