JULY 2019 - Edition 60
VANI SH
FROM THE
EDITOR
Internatonal Magic Magazine
PUBLISHER
Paul Romhany & Joomag
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & DESIGN LAYOUT
Paul Romhany
COVER PHOTO
José María Alcazar
THANK YOU TO
Chipper Lowell
ASSOCIATE EDITOR / LAYOUT FEATURE
Hal Meyers
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Nick Lewin
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Ben Robinson
STAFF WRITERS
Jeff Christensen, Louie Fox, Nick Lewin,
Paul Romhany, Gregory Wilson, David
Gripenwaldt, Hal Meyers, David J. Atwood,
Colin Underwood, Thomas Swieciak, , Joe
Ledoux,
EDITORIAL SUPPORT EXECUTIVE
Hal Meyers, Ben Robinson
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Paul Romhany & Sydnie Anderson
CREATIVE DESIGNER & LAYOUT
Paul Romhany
VANISH CONVENTION DIRECTOR
Steve Hocevar
CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTION
Harry Morgan
ADDRESS
1183 Blind Bogey Drive
Qualicum Beach, BC.
V9K1E6
CANADA
VAUDEVILLE LIVES ON
This edition of VANISH marks issue number 60, wow, time seems to have
flown by. When I started VANISH I had no idea it would take off the way it
has and get the downloads it gets. I can't begin to tell you how many hours
a month are put in to the magazine, nor how many hours friends who
write and help edit put in as well. After you reach the 100 hour mark, per
month, it all becomes a blur. Nobody gets paid to produce this magazine,
and any money that comes in via advertising pays for hosting it online and
paying for many of the other expenses such as buying graphics and social
media promotions, etc., allowing the viewers to download it for free. It is
truly a labor of love. If you have a favorite contributor I'd truly be grateful
if you took a moment to e-mail them and let them know how much you
appreciate their work. VANISH is about giving back to this crazy art form
and I am very proud of everyone who has contributed over the sixty issues.
This month we are featuring two very special artists and events. The cover
shows The Great Ballantine, who in my humble opinion is one of the most
outstanding comedy magic acts we have ever seen. He was certainly one
of, if not the first cod* style magic acts (* a bombastic style of presentation
dating back to the late 16th century). Thanks to Randy Wakeman and to
Ballantine's daughter Saratoga for the wonderful article and photos. I like
the fact Ballantine's act is ageless, we can learn so much from watching his
timing, character and originality.
The same can be said for our second feature, Vaudeville 3000 by Rudy
Coby and Kevin James. I remember seeing their cover story 30 years ago in
Genii magazine about their incredible show Vaudeville 2000. To have them
approach VANISH 30 years later for their Vaudeville 3000 show definitely
makes this a special edition. And funny enough, while talking to Rudy
about the cover he thought Ballantine was on the Vaudeville 2000 bill.
It was 30 years ago and he'd have to go check his notes, but it certainly
makes sense Ballentine could have been on the show.
A very special thank you to Ben Robinson who attended a New York
Yankees event on behalf of VANISH Magic Magazine. It is a magnificent
story about an incredible performer and we thank The New York Yankees
for reaching out to us.
Paul Romhany
Editor VANISH MAGIC MAGAZINE
editor@vanishmagazine.com
COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved. None of this magazine can be
reprinted electronically OR in hard form without the
permission of the editor.
VANISH MAGAZINE
www.VanishMagazine.com
7
Photo courtesy of Nick Lewin