CHANG, THE MAGICIAN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 145, 22 May 1939, Page 2

CHANG, THE MAGICIAN.

A MYSTERY MAN. Having spent less than a month in the Dominion, Chang, the Chinese magician, with his company of 30 American and Eastern artists, and Cuban Marimba Orchestra, arrived in Palmerston North today in readiness for his show, which commences at the Opera House to-night. Chang will make a very rapid tour of New Zealand, having come recently from Australia, South America and Europe. Asked why his performance was called “The Trip to Hades” ? Chang said that this name had been selected as most appropriate for the novel style ol the show, which was also something entirely different from anything scon before not only in Australia and New Zealand, but in the whole world. That had caused him to select this unusual title, which was for an unusual show, which could not he compared with other magicians’ shows. Tit his many years of experience, added Chang, he had gained a knowledge of music, drama, dancing, singing and mystery, and he could combine, these three attributes to make an entertainment without it being called a vaudeville. In response to a query as to whether there was anything terrifying about. his spooks or ghosts, Chang said that the presentation was not. exactly terrifying, hut it would seare most people. However, people liked being scared in this way. It was unusual tio see fclio whale theatre in darkness and two dozen ghosts and skeletons appear from all parts of the stage and walk among tho .audience and over their heads. The effect, ho said, was extraordinary, due to the brilliancy of tho ghosts. A big feature was (he enchanted princess, the theme of whieh was taken from a very old Chinese fairy talc, wherein file princess discovers that she is in love with Ihe prince. Tt all ends on the stage in a most extraordinary manner. There is a. special ballet accomnanyinir the show, together with Bridges Trio, and Joanna Claire.