MILLENNIUM MAGIC 2023 PREVIEW
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
