I'm pleased to announce that my performance therapist, Dr. Geunther Spigelvogel, will interpret dreams in my upcoming Fringe show, Man of Mystery. For a sample of his magnificent interpretive insight, visit "Fred's Dreams" by clicking the "Now!" link below:
Now!
The purpose of this site is to promote Fred Siegel's show, MAN OF MYSTERY, at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. Two added shows February 5 (8 pm) and 6 (5 pm).
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Here's Melvin Burkhart
In one segment of my show, Man of Mystery, I'll discuss my experiences as a magician at the Coney Island Sideshow. As you might imagine, I met some interesting people.
This is Melvin Burkhart, the Anatomical Wonder. He's also the man who grows, the man who breathes through one lung at a time, and as you see here, the two-faced man. He smiles on one side of his face while frowning on the other. Take out a piece of paper and try this: Cover the side of his face on your right and he's a smiling man. Then, cover the other side and he's cranky. "I can be mad and glad all at the same time!" he used to say to slack-jawed viewers.
I joined the show for three weeks in '89 when Melvin, then age 80, was recovering from an illness. I couldn't do all the things he could do, but at least I could cover the magic act. Melvin retired the following year, and I joined the show in the summer of '90. I only knew Melvin for a couple of weeks, but he was a master in his field; he was written up by Robert Ripley on two occasions, toured with a number of sideshow organizations, and changed the way people would perform "The Human Blockhead" act.
What's a human blockhead? He drives nails, icepicks, and twenty penny spikes into the center of his head with a hammer and yet he lives to laugh and joke about it. Absolutely real, or your money back!
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| Photo: Scott Helfrich |
I joined the show for three weeks in '89 when Melvin, then age 80, was recovering from an illness. I couldn't do all the things he could do, but at least I could cover the magic act. Melvin retired the following year, and I joined the show in the summer of '90. I only knew Melvin for a couple of weeks, but he was a master in his field; he was written up by Robert Ripley on two occasions, toured with a number of sideshow organizations, and changed the way people would perform "The Human Blockhead" act.
What's a human blockhead? He drives nails, icepicks, and twenty penny spikes into the center of his head with a hammer and yet he lives to laugh and joke about it. Absolutely real, or your money back!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Magic at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens
Here is a video taken by the fabulous Nicole Kline at Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. The magic is real, but the sweat is an illusion.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Video Dream
In my weekly dream column I have tried something new: a video dream interpretation. My very funny brother-in-law, Eric, plays my performance therapist, Dr. Spiegelvogel.
Video Dream up on When Falls the Coliseum
Video Dream up on When Falls the Coliseum
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