Wednesday, May 12, was a special evening at The Magic Cabaret. That night, everyone present was introduced to Adele Friel Rhindress, assistant to one of the greatest magicians of the Golden Age of magic.

Harry Boughton was born right here in the Windy City. When Harry and his brother Pete embarked on careers in show business, their last name was spelled Bouton, but it was under a different name that Harry would become famous. Some say it was a name inspired by a South Loop hotel; others say it was borrowed from a brand of cigars. In any case, the world would come to know him as Harry Blackstone:

Adele toured with Blackstone Sr. in the late 1940s and into 1950. Here is a photo of her, onstage in the Blackstone show:

The caption reads “Adele Friel, Blackstone’s ‘Elusive Moth’ 1947-50.” (Adele was featured in an illusion called The Elusive Moth.) And here is Adele, onstage with P.T. Murphy and David Parr at The Magic Cabaret:

In addition to being a vivacious lady and a complete sweetheart, Adele has written an autobiography about her days on the stage, to be published by Chicago’s own Squash Publishing. It promises to be a fascinating firsthand glimpse behind the scenes of one of the great touring magic shows. Can’t wait to read it!