Introduction
Following the 2018 media event for the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival, I wrote a blog thanking organizers for an informative and entertaining day that included the musical prowess of ETAs Bruno Nesci and Richard Wolfe and two dazzling feats of magic by world renowned magician Greg Frewin. I had seen Bruno and Richard perform in many great shows in the past, but it was my first time seeing Greg Frewin on stage. Baffling onlookers by making a full sized ten pin bowling ball drop from a 2D drawing, magician extraordinaire, Greg Frewin, also made his lovely assistant turn into Richard Wolfe! I marvelled and wondered at these spellbinding illusions that must have taken years and years to perfect. Greg’s amazing performance left me wanting to know more about the man behind the magic and how the the Greg Fewin Theatre evolved over the years to become one of the most popular destinations in Niagara Falls, known not only for magnificent magic shows and big musical productions, but as a location for a very successful annual Elvis festival and competition.
Article on Magician Greg Frewin
by Carolyn MacArthur
World renowned magician, Greg Frewin. Promo photo.
Originally from my hometown of Stoney Creek, Ontario, magician, Greg Frewin, attended Saltfleet High School at the same time as my eldest daughter, Lori-Anne. Lori-Anne remembers Greg performing magic tricks during assemblies. Greg’s interest in magic began at very young age and by the time he started Saltfleet High he had read everything available on the subject of prestidigitation. In his early teens, Greg secured the help of Hamilton, ON, magician, Doug Basham, for some hands-on training. After rehearsing tricks with coins, cards, ropes and handkerchiefs to perfection, Greg moved on to more advanced illusions, and assisted Basham in his shows.
In the years that ensued, Greg enjoyed great success as a magician, winning several coveted awards, including First Place at the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), the Gold Medal of Excellence, also from the IBM, First Place at the Society of American Magicians' annual convention competition, and First Place at FISM, the "Olympics of Magic", which was held in Yokohama, Japan, 1994.
Greg also appeared in 35 television programs, including the 2009 Frogwater Media Inc./CBC special called Greg Frewin Magic Man Home for the Holidays. The following video is from 2020.
Performing his magic in popular venues such as Caesars Palace, the Tropicana, and the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas, Greg also performed in Monte Carlo for Prince Rainier at a command performance. Named Magician of the Year in 2009 at the World Magic Awards, Greg Frewin is recognized by his peers as the “International Grand Champion of Magic".
The Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
After years of extensive touring and it came time to settle back home in Canada, Niagara Falls seemed the perfect fit for Greg, since the Lily Langtry theatre, located in Maple Leaf Village (now Casino Niagara), was the first stage where Greg performed his own magic show. Having decided on the city, the next step was finding the proper location.
In 2003, Greg and his dad, Art, found the perfect venue—a 42,000 square foot warehouse on Ellen Street just above the Clifton Hill area. After much planning and hard labour, the 700 seat Vegas-style Greg Frewin Theatre opened in May, 2005.
Standing beside one of the two lions that guard the entrance to the Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls, ON. Photo Credit: C.M., June 17th, 2019.
In 2018 when I visited the Greg Frewin Theatre for the first time, I was impressed by the beauty and functionality of the theatre that offers the best magic shows in the world. It is a spacious and welcoming venue in a city that attracts millions of visitors annually from around the world, making it perfect location for an Elvis competition and festival. The success of the NFEF, which is celebrating its fourth year in 2020*, is a testament to the business acumen of Greg and Alanna Frewin and their festival partners, Tony Busseri and his daughter-in-law, Heather Busseri. I had the pleasure of meeting Greg, Alanna, Tony, and Heather for the first time at the 2018 Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. Just prior to the 2019 NFEF, I completed and posted an interview with Tony Busseri for SIDEBURNS Magazine, and I thought how interesting it would be to do a companion interview and article with Greg. (Tony’s interview can found on my website blog under Introducing: Tony Busseri).
*(Although the first ETA competition/festival was held in 2017, the COVID pandemic interrupted plans for the festival in 2020 and 2021, making 2022 the fourth anniversary.)
I brought a list of interview questions with me to the 2019 NFEF in the hopes that I might complete an article that I started last year after witnessing the pure magic of Greg Frewin at the 2018 media event. Greg, however, was away at a conference for most of the weekend, but I had the great pleasure of interviewing Alanna Frewin who gave wonderful answers to questions about the Greg Frewin Theatre and their NFEF business collaboration with Tony and Heather Busseri.
Alanna, who has in the past assisted Greg onstage in his magic shows (as seen in the video on the left), shared her passion away from the theatre in videos of her mares with their foals. Alanna’s love of her horses shone through her words and smiles as we watched her lively filly and colt being closely monitored by their attentive mothers. It was a special moment during the interview that I will long remember. Thank you, Alanna, for your insightful answers, for sharing your wonderful videos, and for sending along the following beautiful photos for all to enjoy. Best regards, Carolyn.
Description of photos provided by Alanna Frewin. Top row: 1) This is Finnigan…he is hilarious. He's a handsome young man at just 2 months. 2) Finn again. Second row: 1) This is our yearling Quill. 2) Finn and Flicka. Bottom row: 1) This is my daughter Megan and her horse, Rose. 2) Little Mave and Mary. Mave is our little porcelain doll but she is an eventer at heart. (Photo Credit: Alana Frewin. Edits by C. MacArthur).
An Interview with Alanna Frewin
Alanna Frewin at the Greg Frewin Theatre, June 17th, 2019. Photo Credit: Carolyn MacArthur.
Q. Please reflect on the years following the opening of your theatre in 2005?
A. It was a lot of work, and there were a few difficult years. It takes a while to fit into the Niagara Falls community. They have developed a “sit and wait” attitude because over the years, so many businesses have come and gone.
Q. When Greg first decided on the building that is now the Greg Frewin Theatre, what were the greatest challenges he faced?
A. The building needed to be renovated. Ashak Merani, who owns the theatre and many other buildings in the area, liked the idea of a magic show; and working to Greg’s specifications, he did the renovations. In the last three months before opening, Greg concentrated solely on the construction the stage.
Q. How would you describe the design of the Greg Frewin Theatre?
A. The theatre you now see is best described as “Las Vegas” style. It is a dinner and show venue. The spacious lobby, which was decorated by Greg, lends itself to an easy flow of traffic when patrons enter the theatre.
Q. What arrangement do you have with the owner of the building?
A. We rent the building; and it is happy news that we have signed the lease for 10 more years.
Q. From the beginning, had you and Greg envisioned that your theatre would be used for more than magic shows?
A. Not 100%. In the first year of opening, we worked on establishing Greg’s magic show. Then in the second year, we branched out and added shows run by Disney Productions. This year, we will present Linus Hand’s production of “Beauty and the Beast”. (Ticket information for “Beauty and the Beast” that starts on July 3rd, 2019, can be found at http://www.gregfrewintheatre.com )
Q. How did you first meet Tony Busseri?
A. Tony came to the theatre to talk about whether the shows he produced would work in our theatre. Typically, our theatre would buy shows such as Tony’s. Then four years ago, Tony introduced the idea for a Niagara Falls Elvis Festival.
Business partners, Tony Busseri and Alanna Frewin, 2018, at the Greg Frewin Theatre. Photo Credit: C. MacArthur.
Q. What were the steps that led to Greg and you forming a partnership with Tony?
A. The first year was one of development. There was a lot more work involved in putting on a three day event.
Q. Before the NFEF had you and Greg, or Tony, booked any Elvis tribute acts?
A. Tony brought ETA Stephen Kabakos to perform at the Greg Frewin Theatre. He was the only ETA performing at our theatre prior to the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival.
Q. Were either you or Greg Elvis fans prior to the NFEF?
A. Neither I, nor Greg, were Elvis Presley fans before seeing the talented ETAs who perform in our theatre.
Q. How would you describe your and Greg’s working relationship with Tony and Heather Busseri?
A. We love both Tony and Heather. And we love working with them. Tony is so enthusiastic!
Q. What do you see as the potential growth for your business and the city of Niagara Falls as it relates to the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival?
A. The potential for growth for both our theatre and the city of Niagara Falls itself is great. Our first three years have been so successful that we are adding a fourth day of events in 2020. Next year, the NFEF will run from Thursday to Sunday. In 2018, the month of April was officially declared “Elvis Month” in the city of Niagara Falls, Ontario, by Mayor Jim Diodati.
(Photos from 2018 and 2019 feature Mayor Diodati (first photo) and a few photos of present and former GFT employees).
Q. What is your response to Tony’s comment that you play a big part in the organizing of the NFEF?
A. I do my part; but I must credit my team, namely, Serena Waldeck, Michelle Peach, Brandon Green, Larysa Hawrylyshyn, Shannon Rossi, Tamara L’Ecuyer, Jessica Maier, and Susan Cullen, for the organization and success of the Niagara Falls Elvis Festival. It is definitely a group effort.
Q. Who are the people you would like to thank for making your shows and the NFEF so successful?
A. There is such a long list! Many people to thank, including, Tony, Heather, Victor, and our dedicated team. We knew Victor J Hanson long before the NFEF through his work on cruise ships.
Q. How did you and Greg meet?
A. We met at a Halloween party. We are heading towards our 25th Wedding Anniversary.
Q. What do you do to relax during the days you are not at the theatre?
ETAs Di Diogo Light, Riley Jenkins, and Cote Deanoth at the 2019 NFEF Gospel show. Photo Credit: Lori-Anne Crewe, LA Crewe Photography.
A. When I need a hug, or just some quiet time, I go to see my horses. Greg always has a magic project on the go. He is so artistic, and does his own designs for his shows.
Q. Describe the perfect future for you and your family.
A. Jokingly, retirement in Florida.
From all of us, thank you very much, Alanna and Greg Frewin.