The Academy of Magical Arts Plans Week Long Celebration For the 100th Anniversary Of The Magic Castle, Kicks Off 11/2

On November 2nd, The Academy of Magical Arts is planning a week long celebration of Magic for the 100th anniversary of the structure known today as The Magic Castle, culminating in a show at the Kodak Theatre called IT's MAGIC! on Nov 8th (Attached).

There will be a number of promotions involved, featuring such personalities as Neil Patrick Harris (Board Member), Romi Dames, Sam Freberg, Phill Lewis, and Florence Henderson as well as performers from Lance Burton and Shimada to Kevin James. In fact, one of their attractions involves recreating one of Harry Houdini's great escapes by using a crane to raise escape artist, 100 feet above the Castle in a straight jacket.

In addition, for the first time in their history the World Famous Magic Castle will open its doors to the general public for one night only on Monday, November 2nd. Space is very limited so guests will be selected through a random raffle. Those interested can sign up at www.magiccastle.com/contest for a chance to win entry for 2. Dinner reservations are required for all winners. Food and Beverage charges, gratuities and valet charges are the responsibility of the winner. All contestants must be 21 years of age. Also, all guests must be 21 years of age with photo ID and in proper dress code, which can be found at http://www.magiccastle.com/visiting/dresscode.cfm, to enter the club.

The Castle has been the location for many of Hollywood films as well as TV Series including Hart to Hart, Murder She Wrote, the Mae West Story, Monk, Barnaby Jones, Matlock, VH1, Top Chef, America's Top Model, etc.

Over the years members have included and include many of the industry's elite such as Johnny Carson, Gary Grant, Dom Deluise, Johnny Depp, Buzz Aldrin, Sean Penn, Carol Channing, Nicholas Cage, Tony Shaloub, Drew Barrymore, JoAnne Worley, Loni Anderson, Steve Martin, Buddy Ebsen, Rose Marie, Tippi Hedren, Walter Mathau, Karl Maldin, as well as some of the greatest magicians including Penn & Teller, Doug Henning, Sigfried and Roy to name only a few.

Six theatres exist within the walls of The Magic Castle, from the Parlor of Prestidigitation and the Penn & Teller stage to The Palace Theatre itself. Most recently, their Inner Circle became home of the new Cabaret at the Castle which has featured some of Broadways biggest names including Carol Channing, Jason Graae, Ilene Graff, Phyllis Diller, Rose Marie, Richard Sherman, JoAnne Worley, Rip Taylor and a special guest during the Castle's centennial, Miss Florence Henderson. Up until now, the rarely used space has been virtually unknown to even many of the Castle members. It houses a eclectic collection including WC Field's trick pool table, Marionettes from The Sound of Music, Edgar Bergen's Ventriloquists dummies, Walt Disney's original miniature of the Haunted Mansion, the original automaton Madam Carnak that Johnny Carson (who was an amateur magician and Magic Castle member) based his famous character, and the actual Hello Dolly! bar. Other attractions include the Hat and Hare Pub, the piano bar, where the ghost of Erma plays nightly and the Houdini seance room which contains one of the largest original collections of Houdini's great
tools of the trade including his personal handcuffs, straight jacket, metamorphosis trunk and famous milk can escape.

Photo credit Adrienne Onofri