Book Description

Harry Blackstone presented a full-evening production called the Show of 1001 Wonders. It lived up to that billing, as a stage-filling spectacle combining spectacular illusions, magnificent costumes, gorgeous girls, a corps of assistants, humor, dancing, and intimate conjuring, into a seamless two-hour production. Beginning at the turn of the 20th century, Blackstone toured North America ceaselessly. His matchless personality transcended theater footlights, and his magic set minds agog. By 1947, after over four decades entertaining the public, Harry Blackstone was unquestionably one of America¿s greatest and best-known magicians. It was in that year, at the age of 17, that Adele Friel was swept into Blackstone¿s world of magic. She joined the ranks of his show unexpectedly, making the transition from solo song-and-dance act to one of ¿Mr. B¿s¿ ¿gorgeous girls¿ in the blink of an eye. It was a decision that would change her life. For the next three seasons, she trouped with Blackstone, playing an integral role in his show, both onstage and backstage. Memoirs of an Elusive Moth gives readers a rare and intimate first-person account of one of America¿s greatest touring magic shows. Laid bare in its pages are many of the secrets behind Blackstone¿s magic, as well as details of life in the theater, behind the scenes, on the road, and more ¿ all told here for the first time.