Was chatting with my producer the other day and he was raving about a Mexican magician who traveled with the circus called Senor Rey. Evidentially he dressed up dogs as lions and was incredibly flamboyant and hysterical and I'd love to get any info on him. He seemed to think this was about 20 or so years ago and I tried some searches on my own with no luck.

Thanks!

I would contact GENII magazine. If memory serves Senor Rey was a cover story several years ago. "The Liberace of Magic"

In the meantime I'll see if I can locate the issue info.

Cheers!

It is Senor Rai and Tillie - they worked circus' for many years. Last time we heard they were in Florida running an antique shop. That is all we know.

Thanks guys! Found a few pics through Diamond Entertainment. Thank sfor the correct spelling Rick. Would love see some footage or to find out where in Florida as I'm based here as well.

The photos are pretty funny!

Last year at SAM national, rumors were flying that Rai had died. Artie Kidwell called him and he answered.

Rai worked a lot for Haneford Circus. He is a great performer and good guy.

Richard

Omg...i just realized we were talking about
senor ray...i was thinking of someone else.
and I can't think of who now. maybe I'll think
of it later.

I remember when karrell fox did a parody of him.
that was image has burned in my head all these years.

Senor wenches !!!!

Would Appreciate any contact info available on Senor Rai. During my first years of performing magic in the circus I met and worked with Rai. A truly over the top performer. I have been informed he resides in Fl. any info (phone; mailing address; email) would certainly be appreciated.

MT, do you mean Senor Wences, the ventriloquist?

Dave

He was on the Abbott get together, in fact he also MC'ed and messed my name up when he introduced me. I forget which year but there is a clip of him on the video that was produced.

Gil Scott

Rai is NOT MEXICAN! I don't remember how to spell his last name, but it was something like Orczak. He and "Tillie" have an antique shop in Florida. I think it it's in or near Panama City I haven't heard that he passed away. The last time I saw them was in Colon,about 10-12 years ago.

I missed seeing them work in a casino in Laughlin Nevada about 20 years ago. I saw the act listed on the Marquee, but it was their off night.

I talked to him two days ago. His health is not the best. All those years of "clean living" have caught up with him.

Dick, you are close on the name but I would have to look up the spelling. it is one of those Polish names where every other letter is a Vowel. Send me an PM or regular email and I can put in touch.

Richard

The video's I've seen were stellar .. I think they have something to do with a haunting now. I think I have their email somewhere ... Is Cashetta still looking for them?

Hi Slim - Yes, if you have any contact info, I'd love to get it.

Senior Rai appeared at Tannen's Jubilee several years ago.
My wife and I also went to see him in Las Vegas. He had his own show.
I can't remember which casino it was or what year it was.
Quite a few years ago for sure.

Sr. Rai appeared at Tannens in 1986. It was at the old Browns Hotel and I roomed with Karl Norman.
Yes, he did a show in Vegas.

Richard Hughes has reported that Rai has passed: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......666301#1

In respect of the OP, Cashetta, https://www.edgemedianetwork.com/news/obituaries//173746

Senor Rai cultivated a Spanish persona, with his flashy bolero jackets, modified toreador pants, and by dying his light-blond hair black. He was on Ed Sullivan twice in the 50s, and is written up in any magic book that discusses dove magic, as he was the originator of a lot of it. The "Dove Out of Fire" was one of Rai's creations. He was a superlative prestidigitator who could hold more than a deck of cards behind his hand and bring them out three or four at a time, and then throw them into the air and produce more, all the while dancing and posing dramatically.
But he was Polish, from Massachussetts. He and "Tillie" retired to Florida years ago, but as far as I know, they never ran an antique shop. They did have their home on some national register of haunted places. Rai did some sewing and some crafts, and "Tillie" sold things at swap meets or flea markets or something like that.
He had a marvelous sense of humor, and after he left the circus, he developed the magic comedy act with Tillie that is mentioned in this thread.
Rai had an accident some years ago that caused him great back pain, and he never recovered. Even after several operations and increasingly stronger medication, he just kept getting worse. Shortly after his elderly little dog died, Rai followed. His last name was Orszak. He is so very missed.

Audro1,
Thanks for remembering Rai. I miss my talks with him. He was one of a kind.