The Magic Show
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Magic Show is a musical in one act composed and with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Bob Randall. It starred magician Doug Henning. It opened in May 1974 at the Cort Theatre and ran for 1,920 performances, until December 31, 1978. Henning was nominated for a Tony award for "Best Featured Actor in a Musical" and director Grover Dale was nominated for the Tony for "Best Direction of a Musical."
The most popular song from the show is "Lion Tamer".
[edit] Synopsis
The setting for the show is a seedy nightclub, the Top Hat, where an aging alcoholic magician, "Feldman the Magnificent," chews the scenery in his overly grand performance. Manny, the Top Hat owner wants to replace him and brings in Doug. Doug is very unconventional and has an assistant named Cal. Cal is in love with Doug, but he is focused on advancing his career. Donna and Dina are the rock act in the club. One of them dates the nephew of a big agent named Goldfarb. Goldfarb is coming to the club to check out Donna and Dina's act, and everyone is excited.
Meanwhile, Doug pays little attention to Cal and decides that he needs a "beautiful assistant". Cal is hurt, as Doug conjures up the beautiful Charmin. Donna and Dina get jealous, and along with Feldman, plot to expose the secrets to Doug's tricks during the show. Doug finally realizes he loves Cal, and gets to her before she leaves. Charmin is sent back to wherever she came from, and all ends up well.
[edit] Opening night cast
- Cheryl Barnes, Dina
- Doug Henning, Doug
- Robert LuPone, Manny
- Annie McGreevey, Donna
- Anita Morris (lated replaced by Loni Ackerman), Charmin
- Lloyd Sannes, Steve
- Sam Schacht, Goldfarb
- Dale Soules, Cal
- Ronald Stafford, Mike
- David Ogden Stiers, Feldman
[edit] External links
- Information about the Broadway production from IBDB
- Information about the DVD of the show and recordings of songs from the show by other Broadway stars
| Stephen Schwartz |
|---|
| Music and Lyrics: Butterflies Are Free • Godspell • Pippin • The Magic Show • The Baker's Wife • Working • Personals • The Trip • Children of Eden • Wicked • Thiruvasagam Lyrics: Mass • Rags Recordings: Reluctant Pilgrim • Uncharted Territory Films: Pocahontas (lyrics) • The Hunchback of Notre Dame (lyrics) • The Prince of Egypt • Enchanted (lyrics) Television: Geppetto |
