Since the heyday of The Magic Show and Merlin, Broadway stage illusions have essentially submerged into whatever big-budget musical required dazzling special effects. But now, producers are readying a new musical that will again put magic front and center.

As previously reported, Blackstone, based on the life of magician Harry Blackstone Sr., will have a brief road tour with the hopes of arriving on Broadway August 2000. Rehearsals reportedly begin March 5, 2000.

The musical will feature a book by Ivan Menchell, author of the Broadway comedy The Cemetery Club, and lyrics by Marc Elliot & Judd Woldin. Bill Russell, who penned the book and lyrics for Side Show, was originally slated to write the lyrics for Blackstone, but he is no longer with the project, according to spokespersons at the Boneau/Bryan Brown press office.

The score is by Grant Sturiale, who penned the tunes for Olympus On My Mind. Patricia Birch, who choreographed Parade and choreographed and co-directed Band in Berlin, will choreograph Blackstone, to be directed by Leslie Reidell. Teri Mitze will produce.

Designing the show are Allen Jones (set), Gayle Susan Baizer (costumes) and Ken Billington (lighting), and Charles Reynolds (magic consultant). -- By David Lefkowitz