Michael Grandinetti has come a long way since he first found a Fisher Price magic set underneath the Christmas tree in 1982, when he was just five years old. With national and international performances now under his belt, Michael is set as one of the stars in the new CW series "Masters of Illusion".
The
CW Network has ordered 13 hour-long episodes of the show, featuring the best in grand illusion, daring escapes, mentalism, and comedy magic from around the world. Michael is a modern young illusionist with contemporary flair, an inventory of stunning original illusions, and an engaging personality.
Not your ordinary magician, Michael's career history boasts performances on television series and specials (NBC's Dangerous Magic, The Bold and the Beautiful), for NFL halftime shows while surrounded by 70,000 people, with Oscar-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch and symphony orchestras, for major corporate galas, in theaters and arenas around the country, and even at The White House.
This summer, Michael was the first illusionist ever to appear in the 4th of July Parade in Washington DC, where he levitated a girl high above a float as it moved down Constitution Avenue. He also threw out the first pitch for the Marlins vs Pirates baseball game at Marlins Park, after, of course, making the game ball magically appear.
But, even more prominent is Michael's personality. A true "people person", whether he is performing a massive grand illusion or intimate sleight of hand, Michael's sincerity and passion for his work comes across the footlights and creates a strong bond with his audience. His performance during the taping at Hollywood's Red Studios this fall was not only met with loud applause, but also described as "Brilliant!" by one audience member present.
Born and raised in West Mifflin, PA, a small suburb of Pittsburgh, Grandinetti, 36, has been performing magic now for over 30 years. Since first starting in magic, he has grown from a child practicing card tricks in his bedroom and performing neighborhood shows, to working hard to achieve large and challenging goals, to amassing a resume beyond most other magicians on the performing scene today. Michael now resides in Los Angeles.
In "Masters of Illusion", viewers will see several of Michael's large-scale illusions, including the "360 Degree Levitation", "Mid-Air Vanish", and "Rosebush Through Time". For his performance of "Walking Through Steel", Michael he was assisted by
American Idol and Broadway star Ace Young, who examined the 7ft tall, 200lb metal barrier closely. Michael also recreated a historical piece of magic, first performed by Orson Welles in the 1940's, utilizing borrowed items and members of the audience.
Viewers will also have the chance to experience the magic in person with "Masters of Illusion Live!". The nationwide tour will begin in February with performances across the U.S. and Canada. An eight-country European tour is also being planned.
Produced by Associated Television International, "Masters of Illusion" is executive produced by Gay Blackstone (former president of the Academy of Magical Arts) teamed with David Martin (Daytime Emmy Awards, Hollywood Christmas Parade) and Al Schwartz (Golden Globe Awards, American Music Awards). The series is tentatively scheduled to begin airing in February and Sony Pictures Television will handle its international distribution.
For more information on Michael Grandinetti, visit
www.michaelgrandinetti.com.
