Subject:

Magic and Illusions

  • Blogs

    April 8, 2013

    Barry and Stuart, Two of the Darkest, Weirdest Magicians in the U.K., Perform Tonight at Largo

    The waitress at Yamashiro smiled when she saw the two bright-eyed gentlemen at the table balancing spoons on their noses. She stared in amazement when one began to shake his head back and forth vigorously without the spoon dropping. She screamed when he gleefully pulled the spoon off his nose to rev ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 14, 2013

    Theater to See in L.A. This Week, Including a Mesmerizing Child's-Eye View of Grief, Walking the Tightrope

    Child-like views delighted our critics this week, with Mike Kenney's Walking the Tightrope at the 24th Street Theatre taking Pick of the Week, and a nod to Albie Selznick's magic show Smoke and Mirrors at the Lankershim Arts Center in North Hollywood. There's also a recommendation for an adult comed ... More >>

  • Calendar

    December 20, 2012

    Nothing to Hide

    Child-like views delighted our critics this week, with Mike Kenney's Walking the Tightrope at the 24th Street Theatre taking Pick of the Week, and a nod to Albie Selznick's magic show Smoke and Mirrors at the Lankershim Arts Center in North Hollywood. There's also a recommendation for an adult comed ... More >>

  • Stage

    December 6, 2012

    Eight-Hour Gatz and Magic Act Nothing to Hide, Reviewed

    Child-like views delighted our critics this week, with Mike Kenney's Walking the Tightrope at the 24th Street Theatre taking Pick of the Week, and a nod to Albie Selznick's magic show Smoke and Mirrors at the Lankershim Arts Center in North Hollywood. There's also a recommendation for an adult comed ... More >>

  • Calendar

    December 6, 2012

    Paul Scheer

    Child-like views delighted our critics this week, with Mike Kenney's Walking the Tightrope at the 24th Street Theatre taking Pick of the Week, and a nod to Albie Selznick's magic show Smoke and Mirrors at the Lankershim Arts Center in North Hollywood. There's also a recommendation for an adult comed ... More >>

  • News

    November 29, 2012

    Derek DelGaudio and Helder Guimarães Created the Most Popular Show at the Magic Castle in Years. But They're Not Finished

    Child-like views delighted our critics this week, with Mike Kenney's Walking the Tightrope at the 24th Street Theatre taking Pick of the Week, and a nod to Albie Selznick's magic show Smoke and Mirrors at the Lankershim Arts Center in North Hollywood. There's also a recommendation for an adult comed ... More >>

  • Calendar

    November 29, 2012

    Merry Twistmas

    Child-like views delighted our critics this week, with Mike Kenney's Walking the Tightrope at the 24th Street Theatre taking Pick of the Week, and a nod to Albie Selznick's magic show Smoke and Mirrors at the Lankershim Arts Center in North Hollywood. There's also a recommendation for an adult comed ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 30, 2012

    A Look Inside Blackout, L.A.'s Most Extreme Haunted House

    Imagine (1) somehow finding yourself among a group of apprehensive "fresh fish" being badgered and browbeaten by a brutal prison guard as he processes you through a penitentiary populated by Hannibal Lecter-esque psychotics and the lobotomized victims of grizzly, Mengele-like inmate experiments. Or ... More >>

  • Calendar

    September 27, 2012

    Justin

    Imagine (1) somehow finding yourself among a group of apprehensive "fresh fish" being badgered and browbeaten by a brutal prison guard as he processes you through a penitentiary populated by Hannibal Lecter-esque psychotics and the lobotomized victims of grizzly, Mengele-like inmate experiments. Or ... More >>

  • Calendar

    September 6, 2012

    Elephant Room

    Imagine (1) somehow finding yourself among a group of apprehensive "fresh fish" being badgered and browbeaten by a brutal prison guard as he processes you through a penitentiary populated by Hannibal Lecter-esque psychotics and the lobotomized victims of grizzly, Mengele-like inmate experiments. Or ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 19, 2012

    Justin Willman, Alternative Magician, Mixes the Dark Arts With Irony

    It's Tuesday night in the loftlike performance area semi-hidden behind Meltdown Comics' retail floor, and a crowd of more than 60 in neatly arranged chairs intently watches the show's youthful host, Justin Willman. He disappears behind a large black cloth, then asks an audience member to name a ... More >>

  • Calendar

    July 12, 2012

    Charity Comedy Night

    It's Tuesday night in the loftlike performance area semi-hidden behind Meltdown Comics' retail floor, and a crowd of more than 60 in neatly arranged chairs intently watches the show's youthful host, Justin Willman. He disappears behind a large black cloth, then asks an audience member to name a ... More >>

  • Calendar

    June 28, 2012

    Studio City Chamber of Commerce 14th annual Fireworks Festival

    It's Tuesday night in the loftlike performance area semi-hidden behind Meltdown Comics' retail floor, and a crowd of more than 60 in neatly arranged chairs intently watches the show's youthful host, Justin Willman. He disappears behind a large black cloth, then asks an audience member to name a ... More >>

  • Calendar

    May 3, 2012

    Mod-Vod Comedy & Magic Show

    It's Tuesday night in the loftlike performance area semi-hidden behind Meltdown Comics' retail floor, and a crowd of more than 60 in neatly arranged chairs intently watches the show's youthful host, Justin Willman. He disappears behind a large black cloth, then asks an audience member to name a ... More >>

  • Calendar

    March 22, 2012

    The Illusion

    It's Tuesday night in the loftlike performance area semi-hidden behind Meltdown Comics' retail floor, and a crowd of more than 60 in neatly arranged chairs intently watches the show's youthful host, Justin Willman. He disappears behind a large black cloth, then asks an audience member to name a ... More >>

  • Calendar

    March 15, 2012

    Magic Meltdown

    It's Tuesday night in the loftlike performance area semi-hidden behind Meltdown Comics' retail floor, and a crowd of more than 60 in neatly arranged chairs intently watches the show's youthful host, Justin Willman. He disappears behind a large black cloth, then asks an audience member to name a ... More >>

  • Calendar

    January 5, 2012

    Triple Threat

    It's Tuesday night in the loftlike performance area semi-hidden behind Meltdown Comics' retail floor, and a crowd of more than 60 in neatly arranged chairs intently watches the show's youthful host, Justin Willman. He disappears behind a large black cloth, then asks an audience member to name a ... More >>

  • Calendar

    November 17, 2011

    Every Little Thing He Does Is Magic

    It's Tuesday night in the loftlike performance area semi-hidden behind Meltdown Comics' retail floor, and a crowd of more than 60 in neatly arranged chairs intently watches the show's youthful host, Justin Willman. He disappears behind a large black cloth, then asks an audience member to name a ... More >>

  • Calendar

    November 10, 2011

    Justin Willman's Magic Meltdown

    It's Tuesday night in the loftlike performance area semi-hidden behind Meltdown Comics' retail floor, and a crowd of more than 60 in neatly arranged chairs intently watches the show's youthful host, Justin Willman. He disappears behind a large black cloth, then asks an audience member to name a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 13, 2011

    Justin Willman of Cupcake Wars Makes Magic [Video]

    Justin Willman, emerging from a cupcake war.​Raise your hand if you know Justin Willman as the pun-tastic, spiky-haired host of Cupcake Wars. That he is, but keep them up if you knew he's also an accomplished magician. Fewer hands, right? Willman got his start in magic at age 12, after he bro ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 25, 2011

    Tartuffe at Theatricum Botanicum: Anarchy Eluded

    Miriam GeerAaron Hendry's "brilliantly realized Tartuffe" in a production that can't quite keep up with him.​Good notices this week for solo shows: John Paul Karliak homage to his two mothers, Donna/Madonna, at the Lounge in Hollywood; Guy Hollingworth's perf about card sharks, Expert at the Card ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 12, 2011

    Falling James' Gig of the Week: Autolux at the Skirball Cultural Center, 7/8

    Falling James​There were some impressively mighty, fearsomely mechanized sounds emanating from the Sepulveda Pass on Friday night, and not all of them were from the army of construction workers digging holes into the mountainside in anticipation of Carmageddon. The local alt-rock trio Autolux ... More >>

  • Calendar

    July 7, 2011

    Sleight of Green Hand

    Falling James​There were some impressively mighty, fearsomely mechanized sounds emanating from the Sepulveda Pass on Friday night, and not all of them were from the army of construction workers digging holes into the mountainside in anticipation of Carmageddon. The local alt-rock trio Autolux ... More >>

  • Music

    July 7, 2011

    Music Picks: Tinariwen, Colbie Caillat, A.R. Rahman, Best Coast

    Also, Monopoly, David Bazan, Gravespawn and others

  • Calendar

    May 19, 2011

    The Real Mentalist

    Also, Monopoly, David Bazan, Gravespawn and others

  • LA Life

    May 19, 2011

    Brian Butler: Spell-Raiser

    Also, Monopoly, David Bazan, Gravespawn and others

  • Blogs

    May 5, 2011

    Seven Habits of Highly Effective Magicians: Marketing Lessons (and Lots of Handcuffs) from the Era of Houdini

    Collection of Ken Trombly, Bethesda, Maryland. Photo by Dean A. Beasom.​ You wouldn't think, in an era before movies, TV, or even radio, that it would take much convincing to get people to a magic show. Even the cups and balls routine must have been a thrilling alternative to singing in rounds ... More >>

  • Calendar

    April 28, 2011

    Houdini — Make It Go Away!

    Collection of Ken Trombly, Bethesda, Maryland. Photo by Dean A. Beasom.​ You wouldn't think, in an era before movies, TV, or even radio, that it would take much convincing to get people to a magic show. Even the cups and balls routine must have been a thrilling alternative to singing in rounds ... More >>

  • Calendar

    April 21, 2011

    The Wizard From Oz

    Collection of Ken Trombly, Bethesda, Maryland. Photo by Dean A. Beasom.​ You wouldn't think, in an era before movies, TV, or even radio, that it would take much convincing to get people to a magic show. Even the cups and balls routine must have been a thrilling alternative to singing in rounds ... More >>

  • Film+TV

    December 23, 2010

    THE ILLUSIONIST

    Collection of Ken Trombly, Bethesda, Maryland. Photo by Dean A. Beasom.​ You wouldn't think, in an era before movies, TV, or even radio, that it would take much convincing to get people to a magic show. Even the cups and balls routine must have been a thrilling alternative to singing in rounds ... More >>

  • Calendar

    November 18, 2010

    AND THIS BERG YOU CANNOT CHANGE

    Collection of Ken Trombly, Bethesda, Maryland. Photo by Dean A. Beasom.​ You wouldn't think, in an era before movies, TV, or even radio, that it would take much convincing to get people to a magic show. Even the cups and balls routine must have been a thrilling alternative to singing in rounds ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 4, 2010

    Frenemies of the State: Face-to-Face with Marilyn Manson at Magic Castle, Shock Rocker Retracts Death Threats to Journalists (Kind of)

    Josh "CuriousJosh" Reiss​"What are you doing tonight? Marilyn Manson would like to have champagne with you..." -- text received 11:22 AM, May 2, 2010 For a nightlife reporter, being woken up before noon on a Sunday is harsh enough, let alone having that text message be the first thing you lay ... More >>

  • Calendar

    December 24, 2009

    RICKY DON'T LOSE THAT NUMBER

    Josh "CuriousJosh" Reiss​"What are you doing tonight? Marilyn Manson would like to have champagne with you..." -- text received 11:22 AM, May 2, 2010 For a nightlife reporter, being woken up before noon on a Sunday is harsh enough, let alone having that text message be the first thing you lay ... More >>

  • Columns

    July 2, 2009

    The Last Michael Jackson Party?

    Josh "CuriousJosh" Reiss​"What are you doing tonight? Marilyn Manson would like to have champagne with you..." -- text received 11:22 AM, May 2, 2010 For a nightlife reporter, being woken up before noon on a Sunday is harsh enough, let alone having that text message be the first thing you lay ... More >>

  • LA Life

    April 23, 2009

    LA People 2009: The Magician's Secret — John Gaughan

    He's solved some of the world's most vexing illusion puzzles and builds tricks for acclaimed magic artists

  • Calendar

    March 26, 2009

    Reel Talk With Stephen Farber

    He's solved some of the world's most vexing illusion puzzles and builds tricks for acclaimed magic artists

  • Calendar

    December 4, 2008

    It's How'd He Do That Time!

    He's solved some of the world's most vexing illusion puzzles and builds tricks for acclaimed magic artists

  • LA Life

    October 2, 2008

    Best Invisible Magic Shop: Magic Apple

    He's solved some of the world's most vexing illusion puzzles and builds tricks for acclaimed magic artists

  • LA Life

    October 2, 2008

    Best Close-Up Magic Class: Mark Wilson and Nani Darnell's Magic III

    He's solved some of the world's most vexing illusion puzzles and builds tricks for acclaimed magic artists

  • Stage

    July 3, 2008

    In on It

    He's solved some of the world's most vexing illusion puzzles and builds tricks for acclaimed magic artists

  • Calendar

    July 3, 2008

    In on It

    He's solved some of the world's most vexing illusion puzzles and builds tricks for acclaimed magic artists

  • Calendar

    March 6, 2008

    Orange Lemon Egg Canary

    He's solved some of the world's most vexing illusion puzzles and builds tricks for acclaimed magic artists

  • Stage

    March 6, 2008

    Theater Reviews: Groundlings Swimsuit Edition, A Good Smoke

    Also, Varla Jean Merman Loves a Foreign Tongue!

  • Film+TV

    August 17, 2006

    Film Reviews

    Also, Varla Jean Merman Loves a Foreign Tongue!

  • Film+TV

    May 18, 2006

    Sleight of Hand, Slight of Mind

    Also, Varla Jean Merman Loves a Foreign Tongue!

  • Columns

    September 11, 2003

    Not So Blaine

    Also, Varla Jean Merman Loves a Foreign Tongue!

  • News

    July 24, 2003

    Rock Magicians

    Former members of the Pixies and Possum Dixon have a little punk up their sleeves

  • News

    January 10, 2002

    The Rational Shaman

    Watchmen creator Alan Moore’s adventures in magic

  • News

    May 31, 2001

    Dive Inns

    Happy car pools

  • More >>
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