HOW IT BEGAN

The journey to Hong Kong began in 2019 when Harary signed a contract with a Beijing-based company to recreate elements of his famed House of Magic from Macau in Sanya , China . The show , “ Magic Stars ,” featured an international ensemble , including Raquel Solano , Danny and Stacy Cole , Mickey O ’ Connor , Al Ulman and Fabio Alessandro . However , just as the show was gaining momentum , whispers of a mysterious virus emerged from central China .

“ I had been in China through SARS and the bird flu , so I wasn ’ t too worried initially ,” Harary recalls . But as COVID-19 rapidly escalated , the government abruptly shut down the production . What was meant to be a one-week hiatus turned into an indefinite pause , leaving the theater frozen in time , costumes on racks , and props ready for a show that wouldn ’ t happen for months .

Franz at press conference

Things changed very quickly for Harary and his wife . “ We were