Magic Collection of Jim Rawlins Part III

[Henning, Doug]. The Magic Show Substitution/Metamorphosis Trunk. Circa 1978. Wooden packing case used in the touring production of Doug Henning’s breakout hit The Magic Show. The signature feat Henning featured throughout his career and based on the Metamorphosis of Houdini; the performer and his assistant – one locked in the wooden trunk, the standing on top of it – instantly changed places on the count of “One…two…three…it’s me!” The effect remained a trademark of Henning’s career throughout his working life. Heavy wooden trunk with two patches affixed to it, one at the front, the other at the rear. 40 x 26 x 28”. Well-worn from professional use. Includes the inner bag with ring, and original chain for binding the trunk. Lid lacks one hasp. Working condition. The trunk is accompanied by a LOA signed by magician and collector Abb Dickson, stating, “This is to certify that Doug Henning’s metamorphosis was acquired by me after the closing of the Broadway musical “The Magic Show”. The prop was performed by Doug Henning on stage at the Cort Theater in New York during the shows [sic] run. The metamorphosis illusion was acquired by Jim Rawlins in November 1996.” A second letter from Dickson, six single-spaced typewritten pages in length, is half-devoted to Dickson’s acquisition of the Henning props from the producers of The Magic Show and includes great detail about the circumstances under which the illusions and costumes were acquired, including the Metamorphosis trunk. In all likelihood, this trunk was in fact used by the touring company of The Magic Show, featuring Peter DePaula (and perhaps other performers) in Henning’s role.