Find a way in your life to visit/join this precious gem. Was booked there 5 times and loved it. Audiences are super. Nothing like it anywhere.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
agreed
@alexanderloda Жыл бұрын
Was truly a life changing experience. It gave me the push I needed to start learning the craft and it's history. When going it's best to go with the flow and take everything in. Let the wonder be a magical feeling you give yourself over to.
@gregvanholsbeck Жыл бұрын
Fact check from a member: There are 3 major showrooms: The Close-Up Gallery, the Parlor or Prestidigitation and the Palace of Mystery. The Close Up Gallery and Parlor have 2 different shows each night (an early and a late). Each show runs 3 times in a night. On weekends, there is also an early early Close Up Gallery performer. On weekends, they also open the Peller Theater and the Library Bar performances. All shows are 15-20 minutes (except the Peller and Palace of Mystery, which are 35 minutes). Technically, only AMA members are allowed to perform magic in the building. Magician member dues are like $1000 now (they pretty much go up every year). The Hat and Hare a bar is in the basement, where the resident magician, Mike Pisciotta performs bar magic. Irma is not in the Hat and Hare. She has her own room, which is attached to the main bar.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
Irma is in the music room, yes - which is around back behind the main bar - ask her what her favorite song is! Thanks for commenting !!!
@edwinkent6135 Жыл бұрын
Been a Magic Castle member since 1984, dues rose from $100.00 a year to $1000.00 year last time I paid them in 2011, currently inactive but once accepted as member you are one for life at least the last time I was active. The place is great to impress for social events, saw many celebrities over the years, Weird Al Yankovich etc.for the aspiring Magician it's great for networking......
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
Wow, weird al !!!!
@johnandmonicaosterloh7360 Жыл бұрын
Before they closed it down, they had an on-line magic shop and a purchase included the opportunity to buy 2 tickets. That is how my wife and I were able to go once. I feel fortunate to have been able to go and it was truly magical. Met Chris Capehart in the bar (doing pre-show?). Low and behold during his act in the Parlor of Prestidigitation we were chosen as volunteers. Based on his advice, we stayed past 1 am to see Johnny Ace Palmer in the closeup room. Also saw Shoma and the stage show. Dinner was excellent. Would go again in a heartbeat! Nothing else like it.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
THANKS for sharing your story
@darrenhadden10375 ай бұрын
On the bucket list🎉 😁
@magicorthodoxy5 ай бұрын
You should!
@darrenhadden10375 ай бұрын
@magicorthodoxy oh ya it would be amazing !!! 🎩 ✨️ you have been several times! Very cool 😎
@Lance514 Жыл бұрын
True story, I went to magic castle by accident. I was fresh out of high school still developing my magic craft. I had only heard of the Castle once or twice but knew nothing about it. My friends and I took a road trip to LA, my first time there. One day I decided venture and explore LA on my own and came across it. It read Magic Castle and it drew my curiosity, There was no one guarding the door, no security, nothing. I just walked right in and was absolutely mesmerized by the eerie-ness of it. I was in the Houdini room took out my camera and took photos. Then I saw some people my age at that time and followed them, they seems to have been waiting to enter a room and were all magicians as well. I felt super excited being around everyone. I eventually ended up leaving at some point to explore other parts of LA but I’ve been yearning to go back to fully explore and experience it.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
What a story !!
@carlpowers7291 Жыл бұрын
I’ve always wanted to know more about The Magic Castle. Thank you for sharing
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
Any time!
@keithculver3974 Жыл бұрын
Have been fortunate to have been there 4 times. Twice I was on a business trip there, and twice was traveling. I did see Billy McComb. Was great to see him. The food was amazing, and pricey, however it is Hollywood, and it is California, and it is exclusive. So I felt it was worth it. I have to say my highlight of my times there was my wife and I and a few friends got to experience the Houdini séance. Not sure if they still do it, but it was amazing. 12 people in a room in the top of the castle. It is a 5 course meal that is mostly prepared right there, and we had our own private butler. Lots of food and lots of drinks. Then the seance started. It was a great time. At one time you could get in if you were a member of either IBM, or SAM. I believe you could get in 2 or 3 times but still had to pay. If you like magic, and happen to be within a decent distant to Hollywood, make the trip. But remember to pack a suit. You will not get in without it, and ladies, dresses or womens suit is also required. I hope to get back again sometime. Plus as you explore the castle, you will find that the outside is a great illusion. It is huge inside. You will also find that you will see many well known magi. I met Harry Anderson, Max Maven, and many others.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
what a great story !!!!
@jerrymay3187 Жыл бұрын
I went to the castle back in 1985 and it is still one of my best memories!
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
Oh awesome
@edward2785 Жыл бұрын
I went to the Castle about 15 years ago and your right David, it is impossible to see it all in one visit. I will say though that it is well worth it to visit and try to visit more than once. I was fortunate enough to be sitting beside Chuck Barris of The Gong Show fame, he was very nice. I hope to go back soon, however, since I'm on the East Coast and don't get to California that often I'm not sure when that will happen.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
it's a fun experience
@kendumm5071 Жыл бұрын
If you have dinner, you are guaranteed a ticket to the Palace or Peller showroom that evening. I've been many, many times. My recommendation is to go during the week (weekends are packed), and go as soon as they open to explore the building. (before the shows start) If it's just you or you are in a small group, make sure to get the schedule for the night to plan what shows you want to see. Outside of the Palace and Peller showroom (if you have a dinner ticket) , you will wait in a cue line to get a seat in the Close up and parlor showrooms. Make sure to talk with the folks in tuxedos that have ear pieces in. They are communicating with the rest of the staff, and can let you know the status of the lines for the shows in other parts of the building. Will save you from running from one end of the building to the other, only to find out the showroom cue line is full. There is no saving of seats, so make sure your party is all together when the showroom opens for seating. There are plenty of servers that will fill drink orders as you wait in line. Great place to visit!
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
great advice
@Mikeshawtoday Жыл бұрын
Thanks, David - I was there about 10 years ago. I, too performed there - for my family at my table, hahaha! If did Rich Bloch's Perfect Time. We were visiting from Virginia at the time. The way I got in was simply by making a reservation and telling them I was an out of town member of I.B.M. visiting. I showed my I.B.M. Card at the door and was admitted. I believe this is still the case if you are from out of town-- you can get an invite as a member of S.A.M., or I.B.M. Thanks for the history. I definitely want to go back sometime.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
I beleive you're right
@thecraft0490 Жыл бұрын
great bit of history Dave! Nice
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@MAGICCIGAM68 Жыл бұрын
I always did it by invitation. Great memories. One of my favorite memories is spending an hour in the Library Bar with the one and only "Charming Cheat" Martin Nash. I remember seeing Mark and Nani Wilson while dining. Mark Evan's in the Theater. Always a memorable and pleasurable experience. Speaking of Billy McComb...I never had the pleasure of seeing him perform at the Castle but I had the opportunity after a sound and lighting check to give him a ride from the theater to the hotel at a SAM convention. What a classy gentlemen he was. Thanks for sharing David. You brought back great memories.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
how awesome !!!
@markpjf85 Жыл бұрын
never been Living in the uk 🇬🇧 Heard so much about the place history and all the magicians who were members It’s a special place indeed for the magical arts 🎭 magician club I do like the dress code concept is it more authentic feel and respect to the performance and surroundings and what are you going to see it’s a 5 ⭐️Michelin food looks amazing too
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
it's tons of fun
@markpjf85 Жыл бұрын
@@magicorthodoxy I bet 😀👌🍻🍻🪄
@pwcinla11 ай бұрын
I've had a lot of fun nights at the Castle over the years. If possible, try and go on a quieter night-back in the day that would have been Thursdays or Sundays when the shows were busy but the public areas weren't so packed that you have to shuffle along the hallways and staircases at a snail's pace. Quiet nights like Mondays and Tuesdays were often so dead that it wasn't much fun. That might have changed since the new management took over. I hear it's a lot busier all the time now. Best advice I can give...try and go with a group (4-6 is perfect), go early, explore the rooms and try and catch a show in each of the main venues. It's not possible to see all the main shows, although if you skip the Theater show, you can see all Close-Up and Parlour performers if you time it right. If you have to eat dinner as part of your entry pass, then even this isn't possible, so don't even try! The one thing I disagree about-the restaurant is NOT high-end. It's a bit of a time-travel experience...like eating in an 1880s dining room, with a menu from the 1970s (baked potato, creamed spinach) and prices from the 2050s! I mean it's eye-wateringly expensive. You can eat a meal 10x better and less expensive at many of LA's Michelin starred restaurants. Even top steak restaurants like Mastro's and Petit Trois are cheaper than the Castle. You're paying for the atmosphere; don't expect your $50 chicken (+ sides) to be the best you've ever eaten.
@magicorthodoxy11 ай бұрын
maybe I meant "high end atmosphere" and "high end prices" - they have a new chef now, I heard the food was better
@pwcinla11 ай бұрын
@@magicorthodoxy Yeah, prices are beyond high-end! I didn't think the food was bad, just ok. But for those prices it should be exceptional. Love your channel, btw.
@iwebexp Жыл бұрын
As a member of SAM, I got in for cost of dinner, no entry fee.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
Yup
@brphoto99 Жыл бұрын
Going to the Magic Castle was one of my Bucket List items. Fortunately I was able to go last summer. We loved it and I put it back on my bucket list... LOL. We were able to get in through a member acquaintance. Since then I found out that if you belong to the Society of American Magicians (SAM) you can go without an invite. Highly recommend going and experiencing this historical place. Thanks for you video on this.
@markruiz7333 Жыл бұрын
I got to go to the castle about 15 years ago. I got in because a friend had a birthday party there. I had no idea how he got the invitation. It was a lot of fun but it was before I got interested in magic. I would probably appreciate it more if I went again.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
it's a lot of fun
@seanandrechak1940 Жыл бұрын
I am a non resident magician member of the Magic Castle. My annual dues just came in and they are $480 for me this year. If you have a guest pass, there is door charge, and your group must have dinner, which is worth it IMO. As a member, I do not have to pay a door charge, and anyone with me also does not have to pay an entry fee. Also, me and my group does not have to have dinner. That said, they serve food at all the bars. Only members can go into the library.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
wonderful information !!!
@davidshareefChTPhD Жыл бұрын
And next time you should do one on the house of cards in Tennessee, smoke and mirrors theater, the Chicago Magic Lounge
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
oh nice !!!
@twistedvisionary Жыл бұрын
You have to be out of a 60 mile radius from 7001 Franklin Ave. to get out of town membership. Associates also qualify for it too.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
nice !!!
@loloribo3287 Жыл бұрын
I went several times in LA before Covid. Magic Castle is one of my dream places to go, but I have always thought it was reserved to member and on invitation. Now I know it's possible to book a room at the hotel and I’ll visit it one day. I’ve already been to Las Vegas to attend the Penn & Teller Fool Us. I’ll only have one magic dream left to fulfill in the USA : go to Texas for attend a David magic show. I know you perform on stage, is it also in public shows or only for private groups performances? Long life to Magic Orthodoxy 🇫🇷.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
😆
@dmontes133 Жыл бұрын
I’ve always wanted to go there! Hopefully, one day, soon!
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
It's so fun
@Joncole818 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the review! I've had questions but never really looked it up or thought it was that difficult to get in. Hopefully I'll be able to go someday. I'm in Texas, been to LA/ Hollywood a few times. Love it there!
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
beautiful mountains !!!
@daverothberg2624 Жыл бұрын
great video David … full of super information … thanks for sharing 👍👍
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
Very welcome
@stephenpeters8404 Жыл бұрын
I wrote them for info a few weeks ago and was told that an Associate Membership costs $6,000 a year, plus between $112 and $225 monthly dues depending on whether you're a resident or not. Sounds like the days of $750 a year are gone.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
yup it's gone up since
@RobertBallMagician Жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing this David. 😊👍😊👍
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
My pleasure
@jennamore69258 ай бұрын
Hi I’m interested in going to the magic castle do have more details about how booking the hotel would get you in?
@magicorthodoxy8 ай бұрын
i'd call the hotel
@d1g1m1 Жыл бұрын
So Cool that this place even exists… 🙏🎩
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
agreed
@jljones83 Жыл бұрын
I am a Magician member, been one for over 5 years. I did some card work, coin work, and silk work for my audition. My audition was in the Houdini Séance room. Since it has been a decade since the last visit, as said in the end, he is not an expert. FYI The bathrooms aren't 'fun' anymore. They removed most of the gags that were 'fun'. There's only one thing left in the men's room by the entrance. Also most of the shows are only around 20 min, not an hour. That's just the main show. Milt and Bill never bought the Castle, at least the property. They rented it. From my understanding, Milt owns the NAME 'Magic Castle' and Randy bought the building. AMA/Milt never owned the building. Irma is NOT in Hat and Hare pub, different room, different floor. Also no performing magic in Irma's room.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
THANKS !!! Yes, Irma is in the music room - ask her what her "favorite song is"
@ScottLuvsRenFaires9 ай бұрын
I went there in about 1980. At that time, it wasn't hard to get into. I was a member of the IBM and the SAM and a multi-year subscriber to Genii magazine, I think all three of those were qualifiers. I don't remember who I saw perform, but I do remember Dai Vernon sat next to me at the bar! Also, I remember the a/c went out, and they announced that gentlemen would be allowed to remove their jackets. 🥵🥵🥵
@magicorthodoxy9 ай бұрын
what a great story !!
@TCBSideshow Жыл бұрын
First time hearing about The Magic Castle. Would be interesting to see.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
cool !
@georgeguerra5015 Жыл бұрын
I was able to go in the past with my family by simply showing them my membership cards to SAM and IBM. Not sure if that still holds nowadays.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
I think I heard that once
@thestreet9537 Жыл бұрын
After one of my shows like 15 years ago I got an invitation to the castle in my hat it was a business card like thing I kept in my wallet for years. But never made it inside. Although the bench in the park across the street is a lot cheaper! Lost my Garret Thomas rings and my split focus there wonder if the junkies or a magician found em. Smilesotheylikeyou
@dimericardoandres Жыл бұрын
I went there once and was cool! Jammy Ian Swiss and Arthur Trace was performing. And had the pleasure to meet Howard Hamburg. What a nice man! Sadly, I didnt like the dinner at all. For me, it was expensive and bad. The place by itself, its incredible
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
sorry about that - we loved our meals
@MrTheophilus71 Жыл бұрын
I have not been to the Magic Castle. Unbelievable ! Several of the members of our local fellowship are members but I haven't yet asked for the invite, Why? I need to ask soon! Thought about auditioning but I'm just a tad within the "local" distance -- so membership is cost prohibitive.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
you should !!!
@MrTheophilus71 Жыл бұрын
@@magicorthodoxy Yes, I should. I just did a perusal at the Genii forum. In November 2021 Richard Kaufman posted that Genii subscribers can visit the Castle once per year, Just call and say you are a Genii subscriber which they check. Don't know if that is still their policy.
@MrTheophilus71 Жыл бұрын
@@magicorthodoxy As a follow up. The January 2023 issue of the Genii has this on bottom of page 71: "Don't forget that as a Genii subscriber you are entitled to a bonus visit to the Magic Castle each year." Yay!
@ThatEm17 күн бұрын
WHAT? Randy bought the Magic Castle? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHYYYYYYYYYY
@magicorthodoxy17 күн бұрын
?
@ThatEm17 күн бұрын
@@magicorthodoxy He is a bit of a conman in the videogame industry. Bought and ruined a couple of dear franchises for the fun of it. Also, look at any of his 'magic' performances. The dude is cringe personified. I just really hope he respects the Magic Castle more than his other businesses. Especially now that some of the 'respected hardcore elders' of the Castle's history are no longer with us, including Eugene Burger and Max Maven and would be easier to sway direction with the board I'd assume.
@TunaOddfellow Жыл бұрын
If you stay at the Magic Castle Hotel you can get tickets as well. That’s how I got in.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
yup, I mentioned that in the video
@TunaOddfellow Жыл бұрын
@@magicorthodoxy yes I saw. I answered while I was still watching the video. I performed magic at The Magic Castle… hotel, for some staff. They loved it
@jennamore69258 ай бұрын
Hi I’m really interested in going! Do have more details on how that works? Like do u have to book the stay then also mention the castle or do u have to wait around at the hotel hopping you get a ticket? Is it guaranteed? Or luck based?
@tommarquette9706 Жыл бұрын
Yes, it counts, but only to 7.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
:D
@shannonsmith1520 Жыл бұрын
😎
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
:D
@film_magician Жыл бұрын
If you have the membership do you pay the door fee?
@seanandrechak1940 Жыл бұрын
No, if you are a member, or with a member, there is no door charge.
@JovinGhoul23 Жыл бұрын
I've always loved the castle, even if I haven't had the opportunity yet to visit. My father and I are members of the ibm, sam, and fcm so it's feels like we're often surrounded by magicians who are members of the castle and some even who've worked there. I'll get my change someday tho...
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
It's so fun
@skakdosmer Жыл бұрын
Dress code? Suit 'n tie?? Goodness! Did the 70'ies happen for nothing? Well, thanks for the warning.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
It's a private club
@skakdosmer Жыл бұрын
@@magicorthodoxy oh, so if you're a member, jeans will be alright? 😉
@supremekarate1 Жыл бұрын
Magic Castle is super expensive. Membership price is ridiculous. It costs an arm and leg to go. Even if you are a magician and member of IBM or SAM. And the dinner taste terrible for the price you pay. You'll get a better value going to a magic show in Las Vegas
@kidthorazine Жыл бұрын
I mean it's pretty much on par with being a member of any other private club like that, actually a bit cheaper than average if you are a magician. Go look at how much it costs to be a member at a country club some time.
@magicorthodoxy Жыл бұрын
oh wow - we loved our dinner
@supremekarate1 Жыл бұрын
@@kidthorazine Country clubs usually come with a lot more benefits then magic castle
@thecommonmagician Жыл бұрын
I likely will never get there as I live in the opposite corner of the country and could never justify the investment to go (for me). Although, I have read stories and seen expose journalism on the food service that confirms a history of a pretty terrible menu at times. Even Milt Larson discusses the problems with the food service in his book about the history of the Castle from the very beginning "Hollywood Illusion". It's a great book and probably offers the best behind the scenes view that there is... from the guy that built it. Great video, David! I wish the 2020 documentary about the Castle "M for Magic" would get released, but it looks like the project is dead since its canceled premiere at the 2020 South by South West Festival due to the pandemic. Bummer.