This discussion is the last in a series sponsored by Ashland Chautauqua based on the theme “History’s Real Action Figures.” Bounds will portray Houdini at the Ashland Chautauqua festival in July.
The Life and Afterlife of Harry Houdini is a book I highly recommend. You can purchase it on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.
Related:
March 24th was Houdini's birthday, so this weekend is the perfect time to pay tribute to his life and magical impact.Step back in time one hundred years for Houdini Lives Again - a theatrical recreation of the legendary magic and escape act performed by Harry Houdini and his wife Bess from 1894-1926.A full hour of mind blowing magic, unique stage illusions, and impossible escapes! Take a walk through history with the Houdinis as they go from side show entertainers, to Vaudeville stars, to having their own show on Broadway! Turn of the century songs, costumes, and language frame this exciting show that also features live music, circus skills, puppetry, and audience participation! Perfect for all ages
Houdini!His Life His Magic!
In this fascinating one-man show The Great Houdini shares his secrets of success, his obsession with magic, the occult and the amazing stunts that drove him to an early grave.
Will the show include elements of Houdini’s life? Of course it will. Will the show include escapes and magic? Of course it will. Will the show captivate the young, the old, and everyone in between? Of course it will.
Will the show reveal all of Houdini’s secrets? Well, you will have to watch won’t you?
This “historical interpretation” brings Houdini back to center stage for a new generation of audience to be surprised by his magic, amazed by his escapes, and educated and amused by how easily the public can be fooled when they choose to put their trust in conniving knaves. It also gives the audience an opportunity to hear Houdini's amazing life story in his own words and to be able to personally ask him the questions they wish about his life and art.Larry Bounds has presented Houdini for Chautauqua audiences since 2007 in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. He has also presented other Chautauqua programs since 2002 including Churchill, Disney, Cronkite, and Einstein for audiences across the country from Florida to Colorado.
HARRY HOUDINI Age 20s-50s. Must be willing and able to fit in a small space (email for details if needed). Role includes minor stage management/game mastering. Auditions on Monday, July 25 or by appointment. Click for details.
MADAME DAPHNE Age 20s-40s, any ethnicity. RP (British) accent. Role includes some stage management/game mastering. Daphne will learn to read tarot cards, according to the company’s style. Auditions on Tuesday, July 26 or by appointment. Click for details.
This presentation will include a discussion of the incredible life and times of Houdini, the greatest magician, escape artist and showman of his time. Bill Martin will appear as be believes Houdini would return today; as the "GREAT and MAGNIFICENT SWAMI SALAMI." A magic show and discussion will follow. Throughout the show, you will learn how the Jewish kid from Budapest became known as the "the great self-liberator" to the new American immigrants, and how his dangerous escapes became metaphors for their personal freedom and newfound belief in themselves. Escapes will be demonstrated.
Bill Martin is a magician, escapeologist, and retired Naval Aviator. He has been a Golden Gloves boxer, carnival wrestler, hardrock miner, tractor mechanic, and nightclub entertainer. He has performed Houdini’s famous Milk Can escape on national television.
HOUDINI'S TRUNK
In this living history performance, magician and storyteller David London will himself transform into Houdini as he tells the first-person account of the incredible but true story of one of the greatest magicians who has ever lived.
Discover the technologies, marketing prowess, and entertainment trends that allowed a Jewish immigrant to become a superstar magician.
Following the performance, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions to Harry Houdini.
Saturday, July 6, 2pm
Saturday, July 13, 2pm
CLICK TO BUY TICKETS
Downtown Dollar Day
Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 2:00pm
Performance by David London
Admission: $1
Get Tickets Now! (JMM Members, Reserve Your Seats)
Harry Houdini wasn’t born – he was invented.
The world’s most famous magician began life as Erik Weisz, the son of a Hungarian rabbi. In 1878 immigration to the U.S. transformed Erik Weisz into Ehrich Weiss. It was the first of many transformations for the man who would become the first international superstar.
This engaging and entertaining living history performance tells the story of how Ehrich Weiss became Harry Houdini and investigates the technologies, marketing prowess and entertainment trends that transformed him into a superstar.
 |
| Houdini's spirit message to his 2015 roasters. |
The crowd attending the final night of the Big River Chautauqua in Bonne Terre on Saturday received thrill after thrill in the performance of Larry Bounds, who assumed the role of Harry Houdini.
Houdini (portrayed by Bounds) explained that his magic troupe and equipment were currently on a train to Montreal, Canada for the beginning of a series of performances, but that his Saturday appearance was a special performance for the attendees of the Big River Chautauqua.
“Where should I begin?” Houdini said, after introducing himself. “Perhaps with a little bit of sleight of hand. Since I was a very small boy I have loved sleight of hand.”
Houdini then rolled up his sleeves and removed his watch before retrieving several small silk handkerchiefs of various colors. The magician then proceeded to make the handkerchiefs disappear, reappear and transform from one color to another.
Summer of Magic: Meet Harry Houdini!
FEATURING: Duffy Hudson
Saturday, July 7, 2018 | 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday, July 8, 2018 | 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Free with Museum Admission
Shake hands with Harry Houdini any time this weekend—that is, if his arms aren’t stuck in a straitjacket or handcuffs! Portrayed by Duffy Hudson, Houdini shares his incredible life story, performs illusions with playing cards, and manages to swallow—gulp—sharp needles! Click for more info.
Last night I had the great pleasure of seeing Duffy Hudson's acclaimed Houdini one man show at the Generation DCD Studio in Burbank, CA. This is a three-night engagement with the final show tonight (June 3).
Join Force of Nature for a night of magic and wonderment with one of the most iconic legends of all time: Harry Houdini!
Dare to escape reality and hear from the man who mesmerized and inspired millions, even long after his death! You will believe!
Featuring Duffy Hudson as Harry Houdini.
