The Magic Castle is a clubhouse for magicians and magic fans, as well as the Academy of Magical Arts’ clubhouse. It is billed as “the most bizarre private club in the world” and is located in the Hollywood neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California.
Entrance is restricted to members and their visitors, however courtesy invites can be acquired. There are various magic acts and historical exhibitions, as well as a full-service dining area and multiple pubs, on a normal evening. A tight dress code is enforced, and the ambiance is reminiscent of old nightclub days. The Castle, which was once a private property, was designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1989.
Orson Welles, Johnny Carson, Steve Martin, and Neil Patrick Harris are among the superstars that have appeared at the Magic Castle. The late Dai Vernon, a master of sleight of hand, was one of the Castle’s most beloved entertainers.
The Magic Castle is indeed a restaurant, a private club, and a performance space all in one. A typical evening includes a full-service dining room and multiple bars in a country club setting, as well as various magic and sometimes variety arts shows. There is a rigorous dress code for the formal party. Members and their visitors are the only ones permitted in.
The Castle’s lobby seems to have no apparent doors towards the interior, so guests must utter a secret word to the an owl sculpture to gain admittance, revealing the club’s entrance. Magicians perform inside a variety of venues, including the tiny Close-up Gallery, the larger Parlour of Prestidigitation, as well as the Palace of Mystery’s main stage. Five different magic shows are presented every night within those three theatres, with extra shows offered on weekends at the Peller theatre, and also the Hat and Hare Pub with W.C. Fields Bar. Magicians can perform spontaneous magic for guests as well as other clients in informal performance locations around the five pubs.
Inside the music room, “Irma,” the Castle’s “resident ghost,” plays the piano and receives musical requests.
In particular, Leo Kostka, Rob Zabrecky, or Misty Lee perform frequent Houdini Séances in the castle’s Houdini Seance chamber. The club is supposed to be haunted by Houdini’s spirit.
Someone under the age of 21 really aren’t allowed to attend nighttime performances. The Castle, on either hand, organises a “all-ages” brunch as well as performances on Saturdays and Sundays, which seem to be available to members as well as other guests, includes someone under the age of 21. The Castle’s “Junior Members” (aged 13 to 20 years old) perform inside the Close-up Gallery during breakfast.
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