The Magic Duel at The Mayflower Hotel

Mark Phillips’ first magic trick was vanishing a cigarette. Fortunately, eight-year-olds with cigarettes were not uncommon in 1960’s Kentucky. Deception quickly became a way of life for Mark. He paid for college by performing regularly at the Phoenix Playboy Club, which simultaneously made show biz look pretty darn appealing. Mark has won the National Theater’s “Star of Magic Award,” and his appearance at the Kennedy Center prompted the Washington Post to write, “Mark Phillips has skill to burn.” He has amazed audiences throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East, regularly stopping crowds for corporate clients at trade shows. His show, “The Magic Duel,” with Ryan Phillips at Washington’s Mayflower hotel, has earned 5 star ratings on Yelp and TripAdvisor and is one of DC’s must see entertainment events.

As a child, Ryan Phillips wanted to be somebody. Now in his early 20’s, he’s realized it is time to get more specific. Ryan entered the world of magic young, studying sleight-of-hand at the legendary Denny & Lee Magic Studio. Living vicariously through himself, Ryan earned his BFA in Theatre Performance from George Mason University and almost immediately won the role of Leo Bloom in The Little Theatre of Alexandria’s production of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers,” for which he was nominated by WATCH* as best actor in a lead role. This is proof that Ryan always gives 100% (except when donating blood). Ryan helped make the magic happen in Roundhouse Theatre’s recent production of The Tempest, co-directed by Aaron Posner and Teller (of Penn &). Combining magic and acting skills, Ryan uses storytelling, character work, and sleight of hand to bring life to world-class acts and old and new. Ryan joined The Magic Duel just a short time ago yet can already throw shade at Mark like rice at a wedding.