Bergeron, Beverly J: Willard the Wizard
The Last of the Big Tent Show Magicians
©1978 Lake Cane Publications, FL
Hardcover, w/dj, 156 pages
ISBN: 78-66739
Edition: First Edition

Book Size: 8 ¾ X 11 1/4

Comments: Illustrated by Randy J. Ogren. Biography

Contents:

11 An Historical Tribute to a Magical Family
19 Willard Show (Doc Harad)
21 Tiny Titanic Trickster (Arthur Leroy)
26 Poem (George Warrick)
27 The Best Dang Magician You Ever Saw (Walter Blaney)
29 Last of the Old Time Masters (Doc Mahendra)
34 Running Down the Willards

35 The Tent Show and Its People
37 An Assistant Remembers
39 Get the Flags Flying (Madeline Willard Copeland)
41 The Tent People
46 View of the Tent
50 Press Clippings
57 The Influence of the Willard Show
61 A Willard Handbill
65 The Towners

67 The Magic of the Willards
68 The Programs
73 The Magic

135 The Entertainer
136 Patter
143 Marionettes
145 Cueing and Stooges

149 The Death of the Tent Show
152 A Tribute (Glenn Tucker)
153 Index
156 Poem (Frances Willard Tucker)

Bev Bergeron first saw the Willard Shows in 1940; eight years later he joined the show and began an adventure that has brought him through every facet of show business. This is a classic view of the times, seen through the affectionate eyes of a young man whose life was forever changed by the Willards.

Beginning in Ireland about 1840 with James Willard, Elder, a magic tradition began in the Willard family. At one time there were as many as five Willard the Wizards, each performing with his own large touring show. Harry Willard was the last touring Wizard. He startled the world with his thumb tie and Spirit Cabinet. Three different 2-hour shows were performed each week. Seventeen trucks carried the mysteries. It was a period when magic theatre was enjoyed by all.

Bev Bergeron's story of the Willard the Wizard Shows is a history of theatre, America, magic, and family. Told with reverence, awe and warmth, filled with photographs, handbills and anecdotes from others, Bev gives us a wonderful, nostalgic and amazing look at early 20th century magic theatre. This book was used by The Smithsonian Institution for research in their tribute to American Tent Theatre