The Magic Castle is at a turning point in its history and, unfortunately, it might a turning point that directs the wonderful forum and revered club into the ground.
A group of investors, Castle Partners, LLC, have apparently assembled a proposal to buy the Magic Castle from the Glover family (current owners of the property) and redevelop it into a more profitable operation.While a positive gloss has been placed on the news from the Castle Partner, LLC, the possibility of losing this historic Mecca for all Magicians and the dream of the Larsen family is almost too much to take.
Milt Larsen has poured so much of his soul, money and time into Castle and into the Academy of Magical Arts that the suggestion that he would move to a “new Magic Castle” seems almost impossible to believe.The Castle Partners, LLC issued a “Mission Statement” for the Magic Castle:
To ensure a sound, financially prosperous future for The Magic Castle and The AMA that will:
Revitalize the reputation of the Club to its former elite glory and luster; allow it to step into today; and preserve the integrity of the original dream created by Milt, Bill and Irene Larsen and their father, Bill Larsen, Sr.
Milt Larsen, on the other hand, has a different vision ? similar to the one that has kept the Magic Castle going these 40 years.He wishes to continue the Magic Castle even if it is not in the same physical place.He wrote to the members of the AMA:
I felt we were getting along very well in our negotiations until we were notified, on January 8, 2004, that the landlord had made a new partnership agreement with a group of business orientated magicians which we believe would result in them assuming control of the Castle.
Jeff Hobson is one our favorite entertainers.He has class, style and an incredible mind that allows him to ad-lib with virtually any situation.It makes sense, then, that he would have his own show on the Vegas Strip at the Excalibur Hotel and Casino.
Mr. Hobson will perform his one-man variety show beginning on February 9th in the Merlin?s Theater.He promises what he does best, outrageous comedy and great magic plus, he will be giving away money to those who assist him in the act.You can?t beat that.
If you?ve never seen Mr. Hobson perform, you need to make a point getting to Vegas for this show.He is so professional and relaxed on stage that it almost seems like he isn?t really a magician.I think I mean that in a good way.So many magicians are very good at doing magic but lack that polish or style one expects from a professional entertainer.
His humor appeals to me and his ability to use virtually anything the audience throws his way would appear to make him perfect for this type of show. His show will run Saturday through Thursday and will be dark on Friday.You must be an adult to attend because of the bawdy nature of some of the humor.
The show will open on February 9th and we wish Mr. Hobson the best of luck!
Harold “Doc” Dougherty, one of the best known professional magicians in the
Washington area, died Monday night. He was 59. Doc was a long time member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and a former president of the IBM Ring 50 in Washington.
After having battled serious complications of severe diabetes for many years, Doc was admitted to WashingtonHospitalCenter before Christmas, where he underwent a double leg amputation for circulatory problems.
(This is not the same person as the “Doc Dougherty” known in the Pittsburgh area.)
Doc also was a demonstrator at Al’s Magic Shop in downtown Washington for many years. Al Cohen, who operated the magic store for more than five decades, praised Doc’s skills as a performer and inventor.
“He was just a neat guy,” Al recalled. “He was completely dedicated to magic. He loved performing and he loved people. He was just a real showman. He really was.”
Steve Brown, the current proprietor of Al’s Magic, said, “It’s a sad day in DC. I’ve missed him a lot over the past months and now even more.”
Many remember him as an auctioneer at annual Ring 50 magic sales along with another well-known area magician, Dick Christian. During a guest appearance at a Ring 50 meeting in the… Continue reading Doc Dougherty Dies After Surgery
Every morning when I read the news of the world to find the latest magic news, I look for themes.There must be some reason why these news outlets around the world have written about the magicians or aspects of magic they?ve chosen.
Right?
The best I can figure from today?s voyage into the wonderful world of Magic in the News is that it is a slow news day.We have articles floating around with nothing more than rumors on rumors.Very strange.
If you have news you?d like to see covered in the Inside Magic Daily News, drop a line to tim@insidemagic.com.It can be real news, a profile, a press release or even a rumor based on a rumor about a rumor.
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