Posts Tagged ‘magicians’

A different performing art that could really make your night

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Have you and your partner found yourselves out of ideas for a fun night “on the town” lately?   When that elusive date night rolls around, it’s time to get away and spend some valuable time with that special someone.   The dinner and a movie is the classic stand-by, but what is that is getting a little tired out?  If you’re stuck in a rut, it’s time to consider something new:  find out where local magic acts perform. It is true that not every city has a dedicated magic club, but you can find magic acts performing in nightclubs and comedy clubs all over.  Check your local paper’s weekend entertainment section to locate a show. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see a popular street magician style show in the comfort of the warm indoors.

 

Many magicians and illusionists make the backbone of their act the classic card trick. Everyone loves a card trick, so it’s only natural that this would be the skill upon which repertoires are built. Cards are inexpensive, accessible in most circumstances, and portable to boot.  Street musicians use a wide variety of objects to perform their tricks, but most popular remains, as always, card tricks. 

 

Street style magic is now found in nightclubs, with the rise in popularity of certain street magicians like David Blaine. David Blaine magic is what seems to fire up crowds lately, where astounding sleight of hand done with ordinary objects.   The appeal of the street magician is not surprising.   These magicians generally eschew expensive illusions that cost thousands of dollars to pull off. These acts are mainstays of the Vegas strip, and certainly have their appeal. However, street musicians bring the art and technique of classic sleight of hand, and combine it with cool and understated showmanship to produce magic infused with spontaneity.   Though part of the street musician ethos has much to do with performing on impulse, in any moment, it is possible to translate this to the stage.

 

So when you’re at a loss for what to do with your sweetie on a Saturday night, consider finding out where the closet magic show is located. You’ll see something memorable and very special. You’ll surprise and delight your partner with your creativity, and you’ll win admiration for rejecting the “same old, same old” dinner and a movie.   Go ahead and give it a try, you won’t be sorry!

All About The Magic Castle In Hollywood, California

Friday, July 31st, 2009

If you have the opportunity to visit the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, go!  If you want to see some amazing magic tricks, and you’re free for an evening, go enjoy some grown-up fun. It is a place like no one has – and your visit will be a life-long memory for you.

Back To Basics – Things To Know Before You Visit

A word of warning before you start planning your visit to the Magic Castle: not everyone can attend. Just because it is a private club for those who love magic and for magician, members (Associate members and Magician members) pay for the privilege of attending as much as they wish in any given year. For you, (a non-member) to attend, you will need to know someone who is a member and get a guest pass from them. Or, even better, get them to take you with them.

Attending the Magic Castle is a formal affair. You would not be out of place in a tie and jacket (for men) or evening gown (for ladies) – in fact, it is required. What? You don’t have a jacket, you say? Don’t worry – the front desk has several jackets and ties they lend for the evening, so you might be just fine. But don’t show up with running shoes on, or expect to take your jacket off once you get inside – it just isn’t done. Formal places call for formal attire.

The Magic Castle is situated just north of the Kodak Theater. There is not much parking on the streets, so expect to pay for valet parking. It will run you less than ten bucks, which is a bargain in that neighborhood.

Expect to have dinner in their finest restaurant, also. They have great food – many selections for those who love meat, seafood, or are vegetarians. Prices range from $28.00 to $65.00 for an entrée, and there are plenty of “adult beverages” to be found at the several bars throughout the Castle.

Once You’re Inside

After you enter the Magic Castle, you’ll have to get past the receptionist by showing your identification of adulthood. If you’re there on a guest pass, present the pass and pay the door charge - $20 each. They will also confirm your dinner reservation that you called in earlier. If you are there along with a member, there is no door charge, and the having dinner is optional. You will then be given the secret code word to be able to enter the door to the showrooms.

As for the shows, expect to be fully entertained. There are three major showrooms – the Close-up Gallery, the Parlor of Prestidigitation, and the Palace of Mystery. The shows in those rooms run on a schedule, and you’ll want to be in line early in order to get in. Also, many nights there are other magicians to entertain you in other various rooms -  down in the museum, or in the dungeon, or even roving magicians to show you effects while you are in line for another show. There’s always plenty to see and do at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.