THIS REALLY IS HOLIDAY MAGIC
I can’t think of more entertaining way to spend the holidays then to see A Very Merry Magic Mania at the Santa Monica Playhouse. This intimate showcase of the best magicians around was created by Albie Selznick, creator of the theatrical smash hit, Smoke and Mirrors. Albie, who hosts as well, is an actor, magician extraordinaire, and lifetime member of the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. His regular show, Magic Monday, is on hiatus until April 1, 2019, and you only have until December 23 to catch these acts, so put on those stockings — even if they’re stuffed with rabbits — and put some magic in your holidays.
This past Saturday, I saw four amazing magicians, each one different then the next, including 14-year-old William Schwartzman, who showed us his awesome prestidigitation during the pre-show. William is one kid that will definitely go far.
Illusionist Siegfried Tieber, the only magician to ever fool Penn & Teller, did some awesome tricks involving a Rubik’s Cube and several audience members. Siegfried has performed all over the world in his one man show Magiko.
Also on hand was Steve Owens, an award-winning sleight-of-hand talent. Steve, who has performed on National TV around the world for more than 300,000 people, created the most beautiful magic show called “Shadow Art.” This rarely seen act is considered one of the highlights in Steve’s regular show; to be treated with this thrilling act in the tiny theater at Santa Monica Playhouse is truly a gift. (I’m not giving any details away here. Besides, writing about magic, to flip-coin a phrase, is like dancing about architecture!)
In the following weeks, many more renowned magicians will be performing, including Max Maven, Steve Valentine, Jon Armstrong, Pop Haydn, Ben Seidman, David Deeble, Dana Daniels, Bruce Gold, George Tovar, and Christopher Hart — just to name a few.
This is a great show for both adults who act like kids and kids who will one day turn into adults. Three holiday cheers for a very satisfying outing.
A Very Merry Magic Mania
Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 Fourth Street in Santa Monica
Sat at 8 (pre-show at 7:30); Sun at 3 (pre-show at 2:30)
ends on December 23, 2018
for more info and tickets, call 310.450.2849 or visit Magic Mania