MASTER OF MAGIC

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 51, 2 March 1939, Page 5

MASTER OF MAGIC

THE GREAT NICOLA TO APPEAR ON WANGANUI STAGE

Th great Nicola, world-famous magician, with his new Iroupe, will open a short season at the Majestic Theatre for a three-day season on March 10. Nicola will be accompanied by a score of assistants and technicians, and more than 150 tons of illusions and scenic offsets. Although Nicola retains some of his old favourite tricks, in I he main his programme consists of almost all new mysteries and novelties, and his scenic effects are claimed to be the most lavish ever seen with a show of this description. After many years of research, Nicola has evolved some of the most weird effects lever conceived n the annals of conjuring, some of them bordering on the supernatural. These ancient feats Nicola has modernised, and [trerents in his revue of univers tl magic, in which he impersonates the old magicians of the dark ages, eacn appropriately costumed and staged tn Oriental splendour. The scenery and costumes have been procured ft m the native- artisans of India. China, Egypt, and other countries that Nicole has visit ea. To enumerate some of Nicola's new features, he mentions as the supremo achievement of his entire life a magical playlette, entitled “The Wizard's Dream.” No fewer than a dozen baffling illusions are crowded into this one scene with such swiftness that evqn close students of magic art have been unable to fathom it. “Jigsaw. Masterpieces,” “The Prison Escape," "A-B-C Mystery Blocks." “Iron Maiden,” and. "Magical Surgery" are some of the highlights of Nicola's new programme. Nicola is supported by a brilliant cast of capable entertainers, all of them making their first public appearance in this country. Among the outstanding. Nicola mentions Miss Lucilla Roberts, a pyschic marvel, known as “The Girl With the X-ray Eyes." In “The Oklahoma Kiri," James Cagney is supposed to speak Indian. Instead he speaks English and the sound-track is reversed. Columbia is taking Peter Godfrey, English director, to Hollywood, to handle its version of his New York production of "Shadow and Substance.” Best known in England as a stage producer, he has already worked in Hollywood as actor and dialogue director in “Blockade." The stage star of “Shadow and Substance" was the former Hollywood actress. Julie Haydon.