Theatrical Musings
A Week Of Magic At The Castle, A Real Hit
By Tommy Garrett
Nov 21, 2009 - 8:17:06 PM

HOLLYWOOD —Audiences rave about “It’s Magic” at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. Since the days of ancient Egypt and the Pharaohs, magicians have practiced the art of magic. From the prehistoric caves of Europe and North America, to ancient Greece and Rome, to the Middle Ages, long before the days of Vaudeville, and television, archaeological evidence and historical records show that audiences were held captive by the masters of trickery and illusion. 

Lance Burton and children from the audience By: Kari Hendler

Delighted audiences recently gathered at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, not for the Oscars, but for this years production of the critically acclaimed “It's Magic!” which is the brainchild of Hollywood Walk of Fame Star recipient and co-founder of The Magic Castle®, Milt Larsen. “It's Magic!” and is co-produced by Terry Hill, whose production and staging credits include projects for Disneyland and Universal amusement parks as well as the local Emmy Awards. Larsen and Hill proudly offered a potpourri of edgy, jaw-dropping and hilarious illusionary pleasures this week.

Romi Dames and Its Magic director Dale Hindman By: Johnny Cannizzaro

A great deal of the show's success must be attributed to the direction of past AMA president, Dale Hindman. With special guests Neil Patrick Harris, Romi Dames, David DeLuise, Phill Lewis and Steve Valentine and masters of illusion such as Lance Burton, Jorge Blass, Rudy Coby & Co, Joseph Gabriel, Kevin James (Who performed at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama earlier in the week), Mac King and Shimada. 

Milt Larsen and Neil Patrick Harris Courtesy: Johnny Cannizzaro

“It's Magic!” was the highlight of a week-long celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the structure known today as the Magic Castle. Audiences witnessed an impressive array of talents, presenting incredible feats of magic during this one night only extravaganza.

Romi Dames, Irene Larsen, Milt Larsen and Phill Lewis Courtesy: Johnny Cannizzaro