This super-affordable show is just what the doctor ordered right now! Millennium Magic is one of my favorite events of any year. And its cheeriness is what we all need at this moment. And I’m giving you a whole week’s notice this time, (it runs for all of next week-end—January 24-26,) so get your tickets now. (Tickets are free to first responders and their immediate families.)

The cast of the at previous Millennium Magic. Photo by Karen Salkin.

In case you’re not familiar with it, Millennium Magic is the wonderful annual fundraiser for Theatre West in the Valley. It’s full of magic, humor, and tons of fun. And the best news for you regulars of this usually-end-of-the-year show is that you did not miss it in November or December. The theatre decided to do it as a beginning-of-the-year event this time, which is so much better for us uber-busy-during-the-holidays folks.

The presentation is once again produced and hosted by professional magicians, and members of Theatre West, George Tovar and Jeanine Anderson, who are two of the most popular prestidigitators around.

Jeanine Anderson and a puppet pal with a couple of assistants at a previous Millennium Magic. Photo by Karen Salkin.

All of the acts are appropriate for every age audience member, (except for maybe babies and unruly adults,) so Millennium Magic is perfect to bring the children to. While the ladies in the crowd most likely look the most forward to seeing handsome George, the youngsters really love Jeanine, (who has been performing at children’s birthday parties for many years,) especially when she brings along some of her puppet pals. A few of the kids, (and, actually, grown-ups,) in the audience may even be called upon to be assistants, so make sure no one is doing something you wouldn’t want others to see in public; you never know when they, (or you,) will get to make their Theatre West debut, helping with a trick!

All three shows feature different magicians, so, if you love magic as much as I (and some of my friends) do, you can attend all of them and see something new each time.

Here’s the planned line-up of performers for the week-end.  (But, if we’ve all learned anything so far in this young year, nothing is certain in this crazy world, so it’s subject to change):

Friday Jan. 24 at 8PM–*Charlie Mount, Steve Branham, Derek Ostovanti, and Tom Ogden, who I understand is very funny.

Saturday Jan. 25 at 8PM–*Charlie Mount, Ice McDonald, Chris Hart, and Cosmic Romantics.

Sunday Jan. 26 at 2PM—Simone Turkington, Alexander Great, Miguel Rangel (Migz), and Richard Raven.

George Tovar, in the center with a couple of audience volunteers, at last year’s Millennium Magic. Photo by Karen Salkin.

*[Note: Charlie Mount directed one of my absolute fave plays of 2024, The Goddamn Couple Down the Hall (Oh… and Merry Christmas), at this very theatre! So he’s a multi-talented man. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us this time.]

And, of course, Jeanine and George will do little bits in-between the other acts.

Millennium Magic is definitely the show for all fans of this art, especially people who have longed to get into the famous Magic Castle, which is private; non-members don’t have many opportunities to see these superb performers in person. In addition to this production featuring magicians who regularly appear at that venue, you will also see artists you might recognize from Las Vegas venues and TV series, such as Penn & Teller: Fool Us. And, for you world travelers, (of whom I am jealous,) some of them have even performed on cruise ships.

A fabulous act at a last year’s Millennium Magic. Photo by Karen Salkin.

So, instead of having to take to the high seas, or travel to Vegas, all you have to do to have this much fun is spend one evening or afternoon at a charming little playhouse right near Universal Studios! And you get to help-out the arts, an under-funded area of life, at the same time. To me, it’s a win-win.

I look forward to seeing you there. At any or all of the shows. I just hope that Mr. X doesn’t bribe someone to make me disappear!

Millennium Magic 2023 running only January 24-26, 2025
Theatre West   3333 Cahuenga Boulevard West   323-851-7977
www.theatrewest.org/on-stage/millenium-magic

Always one of the most fun week-ends of the year, Millennium Magic returns to the venerable Theatre West near Universal City on November 17-19, for the first time since the pandemic.

I have a guy friend who declines invitations to almost all events that don’t involve young models, but this show is one that he will never miss! It’s just pure enjoyment from start to finish. And perfect for absolutely everyone, including the kids! You’ll be both amazed and amused by it all.

Magician Shawn McMaster at a previous Millennium Magic, with his assistants from the audience. Photo by Karen Salkin.

In case the name doesn’t give it away, Millennium Magic is an evening or afternoon of all kinds of magic, (with a few variety acts for good measure,) performed by various professional magicians who appear all over the world, including in Las Vegas, on cruise ships and, most notably, at the exclusive private club, the Magic Castle in Hollywood. You’ve most likely seen some of them on television shows.

The line-up for Millennium Magic 2023.

Because the three performances over the week-end feature different line-ups, you can attend all three and see a different show each time! And it’s so affordable that it’s very feasible for you to do so.

As you may know, magic is uber-hip right now, which means that there’s often a celeb or two in the audience. A few years ago, I sat next to Bob Odenkirk, the star of Better Call Saul.  I had never seen that show, (nor Breaking Bad, his previous big gig,) but I had just been to a screening of the movie Nebraska that he was in, so we chatted a bit, with me not even realizing how big he is in the biz! He told me he was there at Millennium Magic to support his magician pal, as was I, so we bonded over that. And also over our admiration of the entire presentation.

Millennium Magic is hosted and produced once again by magicians/actors Jeanine Anderson and George Tovar. Jeanine is a much sought-after magician, (who, as a former hostess at the Magic Castle, learned a lot from the members who were more than happy to mentor her.) She is also a popular performer at children’s birthday parties. (Kids love her!)

Magicians/producers Jeanine Anderson and George Tovar.

You may recognize Jeanine from her recurring role as the waitress at Breadstix on Glee for the last few years of that hit series, in addition to her other TV and stage roles. George has a boatload of television credits, including an episode of Fresh Off the Boat. (See what I did there with “boat?”) And they’re also both members of Theatre West.

Which is why this week-end of special magic shows serves as a fundraiser for the venue. The proceeds support the artistic and educational activities and programs of Theatre West.

A bit of prestidigitation from George Tovar.

To whet your appetite, here’s the link to an adorbs seventeen-second vid of the two of them getting ready for the shows: www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXHB2txquw0

So that you can decide which performance(s) will be best for you, here are the line-ups for each date of Millennium Magic 2023. (And please keep in mind that schedules can always change):

Friday Nov. 17 at 8PM–Kerry Ross, Shawn McMaster, (whom I’ve seen before, so I can vouch for that he is very entertaining,) John Carney, and Pop Hayden.

Saturday Nov. 18 at 8PM–Michael Rayner,* (more on this genius in a moment,) Jonathan Neal, Matt Marcy, and Tom Frank.

Sunday Nov. 19 at 2PM—Dennis Forel, Raven & Migz, Chuck Jones, and David Martinez.

*Okay, I have to tell you how excited I am to see Michael Rayner again! I’ve witnessed his amazing talent on two previous occasions, and I busted a gut laughing both times, while also being amazed at his juggling talent. Even though his act is not magic, it is for sure magical! As I wrote about Michael the last time I saw him perform, “…his tricks are so creative and jaw-dropping, and that he can be so hilarious while performing them is the icing, cherry, sprinkles, and all the decorations on top of the cake!” Do yourselves a favor and do not miss him!

Jeanine Anderson with one of her magic helpers!

And, as always, Jeanine and George will be doing short little bits of magic themselves throughout the shows. Perhaps they’ll even recreate that video I linked to above!

I obviously highly recommend Millennium Magic 2023. Even though it’s over a week away, I suggest you order your tickets as soon as possible because in previous years, especially because the price is sooo affordable, (in general and also compared to seeing such up-close magic in any other venue,) many of the dates sold-out.

I hope to see you there. Unless one of the magicians makes me disappear before then!

Millennium Magic 2023 running only November 17-19, 2023
Theatre West   3333 Cahuenga Boulevard West   323-851-7977
www.theatrewest.org/on-stage/2023/millennium-magic-2023

It’s that magical time of the year again. And I don’t just mean the holidays—I’m talking about everyone’s favorite annual magic show–Millennium Magic. And this year is special because it’s the twentieth rendition!

Millennium Magic hosts and producers, Jeanine Anderson and George Tovar.

In case you haven’t been paying attention for the past two decades, Millennium Magic XX  is a fundraiser for the theatre it’s produced at, Theatre West in the Valley. Magicians Jeanine Anderson and George Tovar are doing the producing honors once again.

Every Millennium Magic show that I’ve seen has been delightful. I especially enjoy that each of the three week-end performances features different casts of professional magicians, so you can attend all three and not see the same show twice.

All of the acts has appeared at the Magic Castle at one time or another, so, at Millennium Magic, you get treated to all that talent without having to become a member of that private club, (which most of us are not invited to do, anyway.) So you get to be in with the in-crowd in the easiest way possible.

Gregory Wilson.

Here are the line-ups for each night (and one day) of Millennium Magic XX, (but please keep in mind that schedules can always change):

Friday Nov. 22 at 8PM–Mike Elkan, Gregory Wilson, illusionists Richard Burr and Josette, and mentalists The Bornsteins. (Mr. Bornstein is a retired military intelligence and communication specialist who says the most intelligent thing he ever did was to marry his wife, who’s now apparently his performance partner—it’s always good for mentalists to be on the same wavelength!)

Saturday Nov. 23 at 8PM–Greg Otto, Ice McDonald, Raven & Migz, and Alexander Great (who is coming in from Vegas just to do these shows tonight and tomorrow!)

Alexander Great.

Sunday Nov. 24 at 2PM—Glendalf, Yonkany, David Martinez, and Alexander Great, (doing two shows this year by popular demand.)

And, as always, Jeanine and George will be doing little interstitial bits during all three shows. Jeanine’s are particularly clever. And brief!

Actually, today is Jeanine’s birthday! (I wish her a very Happy Birthday, by the way.) So you can celebrate along with her this week-end by supporting her show. That’s a gift to both of you! And to the theatre this fundraiser benefits.

So do some magic for yourself and get over to Theatre West this week-end. Just make sure to dress cute in case you get called-up onstage to assist!

Millennium Magic XX running only November 22-24, 2018
Theatre West   3333 Cahuenga Boulevard West   323-851-7977
www.theatrewest.org/millennium-magic-xx

I love being amazed. And Derren Brown’s act is one of the few things I’ve ever seen in my life that truly is amazing.

Derren Brown. Photo by Matthew Murphy, as is the one at the top of this page.

My friend Sheila and I saw Derren Brown: Secret on Broadway over a week ago, and she still mentions it every day. That’s the impact he makes on people.

Actually, I chose to see this show because of her. Sheila’s favorite word appears to be “mental” (as in, “I can’t believe I wore a coat in this heat—I must be mental,”) so even though I had very limited time in New York this trip, I just knew I had to include seeing this very entertaining mentalist!

Derren asked the audience right at the beginning not to tell others about most aspects of his presentation, which makes it a tad challenging to review. But, as Mr. X reminded me, I hate when other reviewers tell the entire narrative, and I never do that. I just tell you why I liked it or did not. And in this case, I have only positives to say. And I couldn’t take any notes during the show, anyway, because I was so engaged with Derren’s unbelievable talent.

Derren Brown and guest. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

So the main thing I have to tell you is—go see Derren Brown: Secret! Your mind will be boggled. I have not a clue as to how he does any of it. I don’t know if Derren Brown is reading our minds or it’s magic or sleight of hand or something else the rest of us cannot do. I just know that I have never heard so many “wow”s uttered in the space of one performance.

On top of all that, Englishman Derren is gorgeous and absolutely charming. His constant patter, (which he brilliantly presents as stream-of-consciousness, however it’s anything but!,) is so entertaining. Even the intermission of Derren Brown: Secret is fun! (But I can’t tell you why.)

One of the skeptics in the audience told me that she thought all the audience members who were chosen to participate were shills because on the night we saw Derren Brown: Secret, they were all youngish and basically attractive. But that would mean that either no one could ever see it twice, or Derren would have to hire a whole boatload of plants for the run of the show, and hope none of them spill his secrets. And he chooses victims participants by throwing frisbees into the audience, which makes it all very random in my eyes. So I declare that naysayer to be very incorrect. (But Brown does have to rely on audience members not being a-holes when he calls on them, which is a big chance to take in New York City, trust me. That might be his biggest trick of all!)

Derren Brown with some audience members. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

By the way—Derren declares that he is not a psychic, which confuses me even more. Psychic ability I can believe; none of what he does is explainable! [Note: He explains it as “psychological manipulation,” which is also more or less what I’ve been using on Mr. X all these years, to get him to stick around, so I’m definitely a fan of that technique! But I would have no idea that a stranger is a former Mexican gymnast who now wants to be a pilot, as I saw Derren divine! I’d like to have him work his powers on a few people for me!]

So, since I’m not at liberty to tell you anymore about the actual production, let me advise you to make sure to wear your nicest attire because you might be called up on stage. When I got to the theatre that night and found-out that most of the presentation is audience participation, I actually panicked because for the first time in my life, I had gone to a Broadway show looking like a schlep! I had had a super-crazy day in New York, and had no time to go back to headquarters to change, after spending the day cleaning-out a house. (Don’t ask! But I bet Derren Brown can figure it out!) He must have really read my mind to not send a frisbee even close to my area!

Darren Brown. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

If Derren Brown is reading this, I implore him to be My New Best Friend. (But I have a feeling his superior mind already knows that. That’s probably why he didn’t call on me to come up on stage—he sensed my desperation!) Then I would never have to make fun of anyone out loud where I can possibly be overheard; he would just hear my silent message and laugh.

You’re all welcome to try to engage him first. But hurry—Derren Brown: Secret is playing on the Great White Way only until the beginning of the new year! I can safely predict that that will be a wonderful way to end 2019.

Derren Brown: Secret running through January 4, 2020
Cort Theatre 138 W. 48th Street New York 212-239-6200
www.derrenbrownsecret.com

There are two ways I’m looking at this interesting new magic show. If this is the first time you’re seeing Siegfried Tieber’s incredible work, you will be absolutely amazed by his talent! If you saw his previous show, See/Saw, you’ll still be amazed but also perchance a tad disappointed because this one is not quite as fabulous. (But I’m being picky and comparing him to only himself.  That may be because he’s basically incomparable!)

Siegfried Tieber. Photo by Brooke Opie, as is the one at the top of this page.

Red Thread is a different kind of presentation for Ecuadorean-born Siegfried Tieber, who is still the same charming, charismatic, talented magician I saw before. And, surprisingly, unlike most people I haven’t laid eyes on in a couple of years and then see again, he has not aged, not even a tiny bit! That is perhaps his best magic trick of all!!!

I had the pleasure of seeing him perform that other show two years ago, and it was entirely different. The magic this time is just as excellent, of course, but I have to admit that I enjoyed the last one a bit more. The very unexciting and low-key audience I was with this time was partly to blame; they were like a group on a senior citizen excursion in the midwest. (Except for a young girl in the top row whose gum had a ninety-minute workout!) That may be because I chose to go for a Sunday matinee, rather than a nighttime show, whose assemblage I can only assume is a bit more–how shall I put it–upbeat. (And the late show on Saturday nights must be a blast!)

One fun aspect of Red Thread is being part of a very intimate two-rows-only audience; just thirty-four tickets are sold to each performance, making it an almost-private show! That makes it so special. And, of course, part of that fun is getting to participate because just about every trick needs an audience member to help-out.

The stage area, pre-show, before Siegfried unveils all his interesting props. (Notice the red threads!) Photo by Karen Salkin.

But this was somewhat strange—on the day I was there, Siegfried kept calling on the same people over and over, leaving-out a quarter of the audience. At See/Saw, he engaged every single person in attendance, which made it much more enjoyable for me to not be worrying about anyone’s feelings being hurt. (But a lot of people were wearing glasses this time, and he needed people to read things, so that might be a reason for the exclusions.)

Siegfried Tieber, trying to conjure-up his next illusion! Photo by Brooke Opie.

So, judging Red Thread on its own merits, it’s an excellent show. I feel that it’s designed to demonstrate that Siegfried does more than just card tricks, no matter how jaw-dropping those are. To that end, he performs standing-up this time, (as opposed to sitting at a semi-circle table with the audience abutting the opposite side,) and showcases a lot of other kinds of magic, including mind-reading and working with Rubik’s cubes, the latter of which would take me five lifetimes to do even a small part of!

The final long routine of the hour-and-a-half show, (including a brief intermission,) which involves Siegfried’s memorization of books, is worth the price of admission alone. It’s unexplainable. I would see Red Thread again just to see him do that one astounding illusion!

Speaking of “threads,” I commend Siegfried (and his co-writer, Jared Kopf,) for trying to have a metaphysical one that connects all his magic in this show, which I assume they think makes it more interesting or mysterious. But that theatrical device is entirely unnecessary—his “tricks” are more than enough to keep us engrossed. I didn’t need to hear about “chance” and “choice.” We all know it’s solely his sleight-of-hand, and has nothing to do with us, so I would have preferred him to just get on with it. But that could be just me.

Part of the bar accoutrements, including a mint plant and Red Vines. Photo by Karen Salkin; composition by Nathan Pata.

The very amiable on-site bartender, Nathan Pata, (who charmingly spells his last name as “pretty awesome, totally awesome,” or something like that,) sees Red Thread every night, and told me that he still can’t figure-out even one of Siegfried’s tricks!  [Note: The bar, which is right in the same room but off to the side and in the back, (for a bit of refreshment before or after the show, and during intermission,) serves only non-alcoholic, but really creative, beverages.  And they use Red Vines, to go with the presentation’s  theme, as the stirrers and straws!  How very creative!]

The secret entrance through the shoe store to the event space, which that distant man is standing in. Photo by Karen Salkin.

All this fun takes place in an event space that you can access only through a very hip subterranean shoe store in downtown LA, and has a bit of a “Joe sent me” vibe to it. Because I’m not a moron, and know how to read the maps and detailed pictures that the producers are kind enough to provide with the reservation confirmations, I had no problem recognizing the entrance, which is through an obscure alley. I actually love places like this.  But I noticed several other guests struggling to figure it out from the street, (which actually made the experience even better for me! Bi-atch, am I right?)

I also have to be kind and mention two conditions that might be difficult for some of you. The room is down a bunch of stairs. (Hence the description “subterranean”—duh.) And there is no air-conditioning, but even I was shockingly okay with that on an uber-hot day, so I’m assuming it won’t affect most others, either. But it’s always nice to be forewarned. (And there are two big fans they put on before the show and again at intermission.)

The directions could not be more clear, which I really appreciate!

No matter what else is going on with the surroundings, the magic is the attraction here. And that is the reason to see Red Thread. It’s a rare opportunity to see a master magician so up-close and personal. I never once spaced-out or checked my watch; I was mesmerized the entire time. And shocked when Siegfried told us he had been doing this art for only a baker’s dozen years! It seems like he would need at least a half century to become this good.

So I promise you that Red Thread is a very worthwhile experience. And hey, you may even purchase a pair of boots on the way out!

Red Thread running through November 10, 2019
Pskaufman Gallery  113 E. 8th Street (down the alley) in DTLA
www.atlasobscura.com/experiences/red-thread

I love going out on Sunday nights! There’s just something so cozy and romantic about it, even with pals or family. And Dirty Tricks is a really fun nightlife experience, one that you can have for yourselves the third Sunday of every month. (The August one is coming up this week-end.)

Dirty Tricks is a once-a-month magic, variety, and comedy show hosted by a duo of comedic magicians, Chicagoans known as The New Bad Boys of Magic.

Daniel Donohue and Eric Siegel, (who are in the pic at the top of this page, as well.) Photo by Karen Salkin.

But don’t let the “Bad Boys” and “Dirty Tricks” monikers fool you. Perhaps their very first trick, before you even see the show, is to “trick” people into thinking that this is somewhat of an x-rated show, either in language or tenor. That erroneous assumption made my friend and me almost pass on seeing it, which would have been a shame because it’s close to the perfect night out! And not dirty or bawdy at all!!!

Besides how fun it all is, it’s also the best entertainment deal in town—each ticket is only ten dollars! As a nutty friend of mine in New York once said when I told her that I had joined the circus as a young Jewish girl from Brooklyn, I’ve never heard of such a thing!!!

The proof of the close-up magic we saw at our own table–we signed both the card and quarter before he produced the former and bent the latter right in front of our eyes! Photo by Karen Salkin.

Dirty Tricks is performed in the nightclub area of an interesting bar in Hollywood. (When have you ever heard me be a fan of a bar?! That answer is never!) It’s so dark in there that you can dress as badly as you like. You can even go with dirty hair (to match the tricks,) which I wish I had known that morning. No one can see what you look like, unless you get called on stage, so maybe be prepared just a bit, after all, although that prescience didn’t help the audience members I saw it with! I feel bad that I made my friend stop on the way there to buy something nicer than what she showed up in, which turned-out to be absolutely not necessary. (But no worries—she adores her new jacket!)

Speaking of my pal, I brought someone who is not a fan of magic, who went only to hang-out with me, and she ended-up loving this show. She dubbed the hosts, (one Jewish, one not,) the “Martin and Lewis of card tricks!” What a great pair to be compared to!

We were surprised to see that the show is not all magic—there are variety acts mixed in. The show is comprised of different acts each month, so you never see the same show. And at such a bargain price, why wouldn’t you go multiple times?!

Michael Rayner. Photo by Karen Salkin.

I hate to say this, but the night we saw it, outside of an amazing comedy juggler, (or balancing act—I don’t know what to call that talented man,) they should have stuck to just magic because the show featured two females who attempted to be funny, but were brutally bad. So let’s get those negative parts over with so I can laud the rest of the cast.

These women were the only two bummers in the show, and absolutely did not belong there. You could just feel the energy being sucked-out of the room when they were on.  Even the loud “heckler” woman who was there that night, who wanted to participate in every other act in the show, couldn’t come up with something to call out. Madeline Wager took on a character of “Krafty Karen,” (something no one can ever label me!,) and just made bad crafts out of stuff the audience gave her. We had been expecting that the awful objects would somehow be transformed with magic, but they just lay there. (Like her supposed jokes.) Nothing she said or did was even remotely clever or funny; her act was just stupid and annoying. It was something a kid does in his living room for his poor family who has to pretend to be amused, and it definitely should not be anywhere near a professional stage, especially along with these talented performers!

And Bailey Norton’s stand-up “comedy” seemed more like she was at an open mike night. My friend and I could not wait for the end of her way-too-long act; she brought the mirth of the audience down about a zillion levels from the actually-entertaining performers. (But I did covet her perfect color matte lipstick. So there’s that.)

Simon Coronel, (whose hands are moving so fast you can’t even see them!,) on the right, with a member of the audience. Photo by Karen Salkin.

[Note: I really try to support women, by the way, but they have to merit the props. (Like in my recent review of a new production of West Side Story. In case you missed it, I said the gals would have won the rumble against the guys!) And more importantly, I always tell you the truth.]

But the male performers kicked butt! Hosts Dan and Justin kept the rest of the show moving along nicely all night; their hallmark appears to be easy-going banter along with mind-blowing tricks. I was in the front row, and could not figure-out how they did 99.9% of them. (I did see one little joke being set-up at the very beginning, but it was just done as a tiny throw-away, anyway.)

In addition to that humorous pair, there were three more guys, and I loved them all!

The first guest up was Simon Coronel, whose trick with an audience member and two plastic bags was astounding. And hilarious at the same time.

Eric Buss. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Then Eric Buss not only did great magic, but his beatboxing brought such a surprise, and musical, element to the proceedings. I really appreciated him.

And the juggling of Michael Rayner (who bills himself as a “post-modern vaudevillian,” which is funny in itself,) was not only comedic but downright jaw-dropping! I can’t imagine how he even comes up with these creative tricks. (He’s the uncategorizable man I referenced at the top of this review.)

Those are the only acts I can vouch for because I have no idea who will be in Dirty Tricks each show. But I have a feeling that every time is filled with fun.

That fun actually begins the second you walk through the door of The Three Clubs. (I do not get the name, either—it’s just one club. Did they mean to call it the three of clubs???) Anyway, once you enter, you’re in a dark bar, which oozes Old Hollywood. (Well, what I could see of it anyway. I mean it—it’s almost pitch black in there! The place is so dark that I left all my notes behind!!!)

As we walked in, my friend said, “They probably shoot movies here.” And they do indeed, along with TV shows; that bartender told her that an episode of How To Get Away With Murder will be shooting there very soon. (So hopefully, that lack of light will prevent us from having to view Viola Davis’ perennially-dripping nose yet again!!!)

Frankie Foti. Photo by Karen Salkin.

In the actual theatre space, there are a few rows of tables and chairs, and then a few more of just chairs. If you’re there early enough to score one of the tables, you have a shot at being treated to private close-up magic before the stage show begins, which is always special in my book. Each time brings a different performer from the Magic Castle, (where Daniel and Eric are members.) We were lucky to get a few tricks from cute Frankie Foti, who astounded us right in front of our eyes, and put my friend in a good mood from the start of the evening.

There’s supposed to be a two-drink-minimum, but they don’t really enforce it, especially for teetotalers like me. But the rest of the assemblage seemed more than happy to imbibe all night, so they more than made up for my dearth of drinks. And there’s a really cute method of how to order more without disturbing your fellow audience members. There’s a little electric tea light on each table, and you just turn it on if you want a drink during the show. (But already-tipsy peeps may not figure-out how to activate them, especially in such darkness, so it’s a good way for the club to cut people off without having to actually do so!)

All in all, you can’t do much better than Dirty Tricks—a really fun show in an interesting venue on an otherwise-slow-in-town Sunday night! And if you feel that you’ll need some sustenance during the show, just stop in the very near-by Dollar Tree for some snacks beforehand. You can even get something to wear that night in the Goodwill store in that same parking lot. I seriously don’t think a better Sunday night can be had anywhere else in town, on every level!

Dirty Tricks with The New Bad Boys of Magic
The Three Clubs 1123 Vine Street, Hollywood 323-462-6441
www.badboysmagic.com

Sort-of sadly for social-minded Angelenos, activities in our town are notoriously nonexistent on Monday nights. Theatres are dark, clubs are closed, restaurants are slow, and those of us who are still yearning for a night out are pretty much out of luck. But not in Santa Monica at this time of year, where Magic Monday is once again being presented for our entertainment pleasure.

(Clockwise from left): Chris Ruggiero, El Ropo, Christopher Hart, and Albie Selznick. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Magic Monday is a perfect-length show of magicians and variety acts at the intimate Santa Monica Playhouse every Monday night (duh) through September, and is tons of fun. At least it was on the night I saw it; there’s a different line-up each week. (Check their website below if you want to know before you go. But I have a feeling it’s all excellent. And you can see it every week and witness a different show each time, which is an added attraction of the five-month-long production.)

Albie Selznick and Chris Ruggiero juggling, (of course!) Photo by Karen Salkin.

The host, (who’s also the show’s producer,) is always the same, though. It’s Albie Selznick, who is a well-known magician himself, so he knows how to choose just the right cast each week. And he keeps the whole show moving right along, doing little bits himself when warranted. I was very impressed that he even juggled a bit when I saw it! Who knew? (And it was not a magic trick—the guy can actually juggle!)

Christopher Hart and his young assistants. Photo by Karen Salkin.

So this is the group of performers I saw:

Seasoned veteran magician Christopher Hart ably stepped-in at the last second for someone who had to cancel, and he was a delight. Not only did he do a bunch of eclectic illusions, but he showed-us some of the hand exercises he does to keep his famous phalanges in shape. No kidding—his hands played Thing in The Addams Family films! So we saw a movie star that night!

Chris Ruggiero. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Then came cute, crazy, charming juggler, Chris Ruggiero. As many of you know, I was once in a circus myself, so I saw all the acts pretty close-up back then, but never in such a small space as this theatre, nor so up-close, so Chris was an especial revelation! My friend Marc and I even grabbed each other, and moved our bodies back as far as they went in our seats, when Chris jumped on an exercise ball and juggled…giant knives!!! It was all very impressive.

I did not have a clue what to expect when super-tall, cowboy-hatted Phil Van Tee (aka El Ropo) got introduced. But that man is a riot!  He basically does close-up rope tricks. Like ones with knots, not lassos. (The latter would have been crazy in that petite space.) As impressive as those tricks are, it’s his patter that’s so entertaining. He had us in constant hysterics. I didn’t want him to stop.

El Ropo, making even his audience assistants laugh! Photo by Karen Salkin.

The entire show was so enjoyable. Marc had been a bit leery of just what it would be, and at the end, he was so happy that he had trusted me once again, (as all of you should do, too!) Since I had seen Magic Monday once before, I knew we could not go wrong with it.

One of my favorite aspects of the evening is the pre-show. A magician does close-up magic for everybody in the courtyard before the audience moves into the Playhouse for the actual stage show. Seeing magic right in front of your own eyes is, well, magical! This time it was Stephen Bailey, who goes by the moniker “Outstanding Steve.” He did more of an act for the entire assemblage, rather than going over to each group individually, as the man I saw last time did. There were a lot of people there, so it was probably better this way. Having someone perform out there early on like that really sets the mood for the evening.  It’s such a fun, summery feel.

Outstanding Steve, working in the courtyard. Photo by Karen Salkin.

A staple of the production is a free raffle for passes to the exclusive Magic Castle. (The prize is just complimentary admission; the winners still have to pay for their very pricey dinner. But since it’s the only way most people will ever get to visit that iconic private entertainment club, where I once worked, by the way, it’s still worth it.)

So now you all know how to un-bore your Mondays! And trust me—that really is magic!

Magic Monday running every Monday (duh) through September 30, 2019
Santa Monica Playhouse  1211 4th Street  Santa Monica  310-450-2849  www.MagicMondayLA.com

With Halloween in our rear view mirrors, you may have thought the magic had gone out of the season already.  But, just in the nick of time, along comes Millennium Magic XIX to vanquish your November doldrums.

Last year’s closing cast. Jeanine Anderson is in the middle with George Tovar on her left, (in the blue shirt, for those of you who get left and right confused!) Photo by Karen Salkin.

It’s produced once again by magicians, Jeanine Anderson and George Tovar, who are both frequent performers at the Magic Castle, (a private club that most people cannot get into, so this would be your chance to see some of its professional performers.)

There are different performers at each of the trio of shows, (with Jeanine and George, who will do interstitial bits during all three of them, as the constants.) And in addition to boggling our minds with their feats of prestidigitation, most of the magicians are also funny! So, if, like me, you’re a big fan of magic and mirth, this is the show for you, too.

I love that the producers make a concerted effort to bring us new talent each year. I wouldn’t mind seeing several of the acts again, but I appreciate being constantly introduced to magicians I’ve never seen before.

Keeping in mind that no line-up anywhere is set in stone, here is the schedule of probable Millennium Magic XIX performers:

Friday, November 16 at 8PM–Pop Haydn, Ray Pierce, Mayseo Mays, and Simon Coronel.

Saturday November 17 at 8PM–MadTad, quick-change artists (an art I love) Stoil and Ekatarina, and Paul Green. And a surprise guest, who has not yet to be announced.

Sunday, November 18 at 2PM (at which you can help Jeanine celebrate her birthday that day)–Phil Van Tee, Ron Saylor, Kerry Ross, and Liz Del Sol.

An audience member helping one of the magaicians last year. (Can you guess which is which?) Photo by Karen Salkin.

All of them are new to me, so I just may be there for all three shows, which I know other people have done in previous years. So I hope to see all of my SoCal readers there.

Just make sure to look somewhat decent when you go because you never know when you might be called onstage to help with an illusion. Last year, someone chose yours truly, and I’m worried that he still may not have recovered from that choice!

As much fun as the show is, of equal import is that Millennium Magic XIX is a fundraiser for Theatre West, the theatre it’s housed in.  And what can be better than helping others just by really enjoying yourself?

Millennium Magic XIX running only November 16-18, 2018
Theatre West   3333 Cahuenga Boulevard West   323-851-7977 www.theatrewest.org/onstage/millennium-magic-xix

I often invite my web guy, Lou, to the many events I attend, which are frequently really fabulous.  He never cares to go to any of them, except for one—Millennium Magic at Theatre West in the Valley.  It’s the only event he’ll make time for all year!  It’s that fabulous!  And this annual show is happening again this very week-end!  Yay!

Jeanine Anderson and George Tovar.

I won’t miss it, either, and neither should any of my fellow Angelenos.  It’s a fundraiser for the theatre, and is produced by two Magic Castle magicians, Jeanine Anderson and George Tovar.  Since the Castle is a private club, which most of you will never get into, (sorry to say that, but it’s true,) this is your one chance all year to see full-on professional magicians at work.  And each of the three shows features different line-ups, so if you see all shows, you’ll get your quotient of magic for the whole year!  (And you don’t have to dress-up and spend a fortune, both conditions of going to the Magic Castle, even as someone’s guest.)

If this year’s rendition is anything like the previous editions, many of the performers will be amusing, which I love.  And I have a feeling they’ll all be as uber-entertaining as their seventeen preceding presentations.

Jeanine Anderson with a trio of kid assistants in a previous show.

And all of the acts are appropriate for all ages, so bring the kids.  They (or you) might even make it up to the stage to assist one of the magicians.  (I always slump down in my seat when they’re scanning the audience for volunteers, because I’d rather watch someone else up there than be on stage myself.)

I absolutely love magic when it’s done well, as is always the case with Millennium Magic.  There’s no other art form like it.  And getting to see a variety of magicians in one short afternoon or evening is so special, even to jaded moi.

Here is the schedule of Millennium Magic performers, (in addition to Jeanine, who will do brief stints during all three shows, of course,) but please keep in mind that, as with all theatre, it’s subject to change:

Friday, November 17 at 8PM–Kayla Drescher, David Regal, David Kovac, and Charlie Mount & Chloe’.

Saturday November 18 (which is Jeanine’s birthday, by the way,) at 8PM–Brandon Scott, George Tovar, Elliot Hofferth, Aaron O’Brian, and Albie Selznick & Co., (whose full show I reviewed earlier this year; you can still read it here: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/live-production-magic-monday.)

Sunday, November 19 at 2PM–George Tovar, Matt Marcy, Shawn McMaster, and Charlie Mount & Chloe’.

Looks like Jeanine Anderson performed some magic on her co-star’s wallet!

I wish I could see all three performances, but, as usual, I’m overbooked for the week-end. But, as I stated earlier, I would never miss Millennium Magic, so I’m thrilled that I’m getting to go to the Sunday matinee! I’ve done that one before, and I have to tell you that it’s the coziest feeling. This show is the perfect lead-in to the holidays!

I can’t wait, and neither can Lou. I hope to see the rest of you there, as well!

Millennium Magic XVII running  only November 17-19, 2017
Theatre West   3333 Cahuenga Boulevard West   323-851-7977  www.theatrewest.org/onstage/millennium-magic-xviii