It Doesn’t Get More Entertaining Than This

Today?s news is sort of a hodge-podge of stuff.

Some good, like Dean Gunnarson being featured in Heat Magazine for his longevity in a very dangerous field.

Some weird, like the difference in height between the lovely Debbie McGee and the not as lovely but still outstandingly talented Paul Daniels.

Some legal, like David Copperfield?s lawsuit to enforce the sale of a private resort and two islands.

And of course the weird, like replacement of Siegfried and Roy with the Beatle?s Yellow Submarine and Cirque du Soleil.

There is also the encouraging word from the Siegfried and Roy front as we learn about Roy…
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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.

…
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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 9^th 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 9^th and we wish Mr. Hobson the best of luck!

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