THE MAGIC SPOTLIGHT

 Doug Thornton

 
Doug Thornton is finding that as he gets older, magic gets more and more interesting, inspiring and rewarding. He became hooked with the hobby at the age of about six, when he was fascinated by Mark Wilson's Magic Land of Allakazam, the Saturday TV show which he watched regularly. He soon saw a magic show at the World's Fair in New York where Mark Wilson was the offstage -  but recorded - announcer. At first, Doug thought his magic hero was there in person!

For Christmas, he got a My Favorite Martian magic kit, and has barely taken a break from magic since.

Doug later discovered books on the hobby in the library. "I took out every book I could, often renewing them so I wouldn't have to pay the late fine. The Bill Severn books stand out in my memory, and I remember making some props and tricks. One that stands out - which I still have - is a wallet which I now know is similar to a Himber wallet, except mine's not leather; it's cardboard and ribbon.

"I still am an avid reader. I think everyone who's involved in magic, whether amateur or seasoned professional, should read books to learn more about this great art - and not just tricks, but performance skills and also the history of magic."

In junior high school, Doug did some magic shows and performed in his high school's talent shows, often as the MC.  In college he also got onstage at dorm parties and pub events.  "I've never made claim to having any great skills; I just like having fun with the magic and try to get my audience to join in the fun."

Over the years, Doug discovered magic shops and always was thrilled to have the chance to visit Mecca Magic and Kenzini's Magic Palace in New Jersey; and Tannen's and Flosso-Hornman's in New York.

One of the first Broadway shows he saw was The Magic Show starring Doug Henning. It was a fun experience and he never missed any of  Doug Henning's TV specials. Later, of course, he always watched the David Copperfield specials. He got to meet David after some of his shows, including once in Tokyo. Doug taught English at a junior high school in Japan and performed magic in his classes to keep the students entertained and lively. "And, I joined the magic club in Tokyo and visited Ton Onosaka's magic shop as well as Tenyo's."  He also performed at some festivals and once at a nightclub in Ginza, which is part of Tokyo.

Doug has been to many magic get-togethers, including last year's IBM/SAM convention in Louisville, Mindvention and Magic Live in Las Vegas and FISM 2003 in Stockholm, Sweden.

"Magicians make up such a diverse and exciting family. I've had the absolute joy and privilege of meeting and learning from many of the greats."  The list is very long, but here are a few of the people who stand out: Lennart Green, Barrie Richardson, Lance Burton, Mac King, Johnny Thompson, Dean Dill, Michael Finney, Lisa Menna, Paul Gertner,  Franz Harary, Dr. Lawrence Hass, Rene Lavand, Del Ray, and Steve Marshall.

Near the top of the list are Penn & Teller. "I've seen their show many times and one time in New York they brought me onstage for a ten-minute piece where I had to choose a Bible verse which they had predicted. They nicknamed me Reverend Doug. It was my Broadway debut!!"

He also worked at Radio City Music Hall where he got to see Siegfried and Roy's three-week run and Princess Tenko.

Doug is now president of the Society of American Magicians #161 - the David Copperfield Assembly. "It's a treat to share in the fellowship of our club. We have a spirited group, and I enjoy booking the lecturers and leading the meetings."
     
In Cranford High School and Rutgers University Doug took acting classes and has performed onstage and worked backstage on numerous productions both in school and in community theatre, most notably the Cranford Dramatic Club. He even acted in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest  with the Tokyo International Players. "I think anyone who performs magic should take at least one theatre class to get in-depth training in the art of using the stage."

Doug's other hobbies are playing piano and watching movies. You can often find him
tuned in to the Turner Classic Movies channel.
     
By the way, Doug has also met Mark Wilson and his wife Nani Darnell and also Bev Bergeron, the three people he loved to watch on TV so many years ago.

"Magic is truly interesting, inspiring and rewarding."