"A Trip to Hades" Opening

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"A Trip to Hades" was the name of Chang's most successful show. His opening was considered a classic by David Bamberg (Fu-Manchu) in his famous article about showmanship in Hilliard's Greater Magic. This is a posed photo of Chang with the cast of the opening ballet sequence. (Text continues below photo.)

A Trip to Hades

The Hades opening, called "Las Cavernas del Infierno" (The Caves of Hell) was described by Arnold Furst:

"To the accompaniment of several off-stage gongs the curtains raised and revealed a stage apparently engulfed in flames. The chorus of beautiful ballet dancers entered the scene wearing the thinnest veils and disported themselves with complete abandon.

"Presently a huge Chinese figure was illuminated by the ultra-violet light and as it appeared to move forward there was a sudden flash of bright light and the dancing girls vanished leaving Chang alone on the bare stage to accept the applause this surprising entrance deserved."
Famous Magicians of the World, Arnold Furst, 1957

I have an eyewitness account of this very effective opening for a magic show which complements Mr. Furst's description:
"Curtain rises and there is a ballet using "black-light" with glowing demon costumes. Suddenly there appears a huge demonic mask in the center of the stage. There is a flash of smoke and Chang appears (with a Devil's mask) and is illuminated by a reflector while the dancers run offstage. Chang advances to the front while a backdrop is lowered and full lights come up. Chang takes off the mask and talks to the audience."