The Academy of Magical Arts is an internationally recognized organization that promotes the art of magic , encourages fellowship , and maintains the highest ethical standards . The Academy opened the doors to its clubhouse The Magic Castle ® on January 2 , 1963 . Today , more than six decades later , The Magic Castle remains the worldwide mecca of magic .
I was honored with the Literary and Media Fellowship and it was a night my son and I will never forget . It was a star-studded event held in a venue that has a rich history in entertainment and a personal connection with me that made it even more special .
The atmosphere was both glamorous and intimate , adhering to the Magic Castle ' s tradition of elegance and class . Attendees were dressed in formal attire , and the event included a mix of magical performances and presentations . The venue , the historic United Artists Theatre , known for its architectural beauty and historical significance , added a layer of enchantment to the proceedings , enhancing the overall experience for all guests . Executive Director Chuck Martinez emphasized the importance of reaching a wider audience while maintaining the exclusivity and allure of the Magic Castle , the AMA ' s headquarters .
The United Artists Theatre opened in December 1927 as the flagship for United Artists ' U . S . West Coast operations . United Artists Corporation ( UA ) was an American production and distribution company founded in 1919 by D . W . Griffith , Charlie Chaplin , Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks as a venture premised on allowing actors to control their own interests rather than being dependent upon commercial studios .
Starting in 2012 the surrounding office building was converted into a hotel , and the historic theatre was renovated and re-opened in early 2014 as a live entertainment and special events venue . My son and I stayed at the hotel , and I would highly recommend it if visiting Los Angeles .
Being presented my fellowship in this historic venue that was built by Charlie Chaplin made the night even more surreal for me .
The award presentations were combined with mostly European artists , who also appeared in a separate show by themselves the next night with two sold out shows . Having the live band Gary Stockdale and The EccenTricks really added an extra element to the evening . It was a reminder how much live musicians can enrich any show .
The master of ceremonies for the night was the hilarious Todd Robbins who did an incredible job and reminded me a little of the actor John Lithgow . His comedic timing was impeccable , and he kept the show moving smoothly . His running gag about storing some of the long gone Castle cinnamon dinner rolls became a great gag as he handed one to each of the show room winners .
Many of the artists who were performing had not been seen in the USA before and were from Europe . The first act was the hilarious illusion duo Ramó & Alegría from Europe . Their unique comedy twist on classic illusions and Alegría ' s attitude of the annoyed assistant is a role reversal of the magician and assistant stereotype .
The first award for the night was the Fellowship Recognition for Magician of the Year which was presented by Jason Segal from " How I met your mother ," and Disney ' s " The Muppets " movie . This award went to Piff the Magic Dragon . A very deserving award and a gracious speech by Piff .
William Kennedy received a Special Fellowship for his decades of work as an illusion designer and builder . He ' s created effects for many shows , including Amour ( Broadway ); Doug Henning ' s World of Magic ( Broadway ); Into the Woods ( Broadway ); Mary Poppins ( West End ); Merlin ( Broadway ); Ragtime ( Broadway ), and Ricky Jay On the Stem ( Off Broadway ).
The BIG news of the night came from Randy Pitchford , Owner of Magic Castle Enterprises , and Erika Larsen , President of MCE . I loved Erika ' s opening ' boo ' remark , which was in memory of Max Maven . With the passing of Milt Larsen last year Erika continues the Larsen legacy with such love and passion for all that she does .
Randy and Erika shared t that the MCE had renovated Milt Larsen ' s apartment and restored it into a new Artist Residence . The exciting news is that incredible Juan Tamariz will be the first artist in residence at the Magic Castle in less than a month . This is such big news for everybody visiting the Castle and an incredibly opportunity . It will remind many of when Dai Vernon used to be there every night .
The next performer was the fast-paced comedic magic of Maxence Vire . He recently received the golden buzzer on Spain ' s Got Talent and my son and he performed his act that has made him a star in Europe .
Bill Goodwin , the Magic Castle Librarian presented me with Literary and Media Fellowship award . My son Jon- Paul came on stage with me because he inspires me
10 JUNE | 2024