Yesterday was a very cool day. I had lunch with Loni Anderson at the famed Magic Castle near Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood (remember WKRP in Cincinnati? Burt Reynolds?).
Well, actually she stood in line right behind us waiting to get in, and we had brunch just a couple of tables apart at the Magic Castle. My celebrity sighting for the day. No, I didn't take photos - you will have to believe me (I have witnesses).
The Magic Castle is a Victorian manor (the Rollin B. Lane mansion was built in 1908) on Franklin Avenue close to the Hollywood Bowl. We have walked by it 4 years in a row on our way to the Playboy Jazz Festival but despite talking about going there have not done so until yesterday.
You have to be a member to get in (for many this means being a magician, but there are several membership categories) or be a guest of a member…which we were. The Magic Castle was founded in 1963 and serves as the clubhouse of the Academy of Magical Arts, and is a private club for magicians. You can hang out in one of several bars and simply watch magicians perform sleight of hand and other type of magic.
There are regular main attractions (with 3 main theaters – Close-up Gallery, Parlour of Prestidigitation, and Palace of Mystery) after dinner and brunch seatings, as well as smaller shows on a first-come first-served basis. We saw a 13-year old magician who was terrific!
The Magic Castle also offers classes to magicians and non-magicians. You might learn a few new tricks. The newsletter sif ull of interesting informationo about the Castle itself, classes, upcoming featured magicians and shows, the Academy of Magical Arts, and more.
The Magic Castle is located at 7001 Franklin Avenue. Call 323-851-3313 for more information or visit their website. They don’t allow photos inside the Castle but here’s a virtual tour.
BTW The Magic Apple is a magic shop located in Studio City that is supposed to be quite the place
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Jeff, I have to imagine that this is a very cool place to get to visit. So unique. We saw a young magician recently as well that was very good at our 4th of July festival, I bet he would love the chance to perform here.
I enjoyed reading about the Magic Castle! I visited this place several times in the 1970s-1980s and was delighted to learn that it is still around and delighting visitors. Does it still have the piano played by a "ghost" that "plays" any tune you ask it to? Thank you for sharing this with us!
Hi Jeff, Wow, How cool is that! I used to live about mile down the road from Burt's Ranch in Jupiter Fla. and one of my friends was his horse trainer. I met Burt several times over the years priot to his marriage but never Loni. Very cool. She is a remarkable women and quite beautiful as well.
PS, I think it would be a really fun idea to visit the Magic Castle, I have never been there before.
Steve - it was very cool, and an unusual place inside as well. It sounds like they are very open to young members and furthering the art of magic. He should check into it.
Jeff
Laxon Associates - yep, Irma the piano playng ghost IS still there. We tried 4 or 5 songs (including a Black Sabbath song) and she played them all. Very cool. The 5 year girl who was with our party thought it was great, and sung along when Irma played "Tomorrow" from Annie.
Jeff
William - you would get a kick out of visiting. Whether you would see Loni again, who knows.
Jeff
Jeff,
So you and Loni eh? Did I tell you about the time I went shopping with John Wayne, the Duke himself?
You're right it is an interesting place, and something to see if you can while in L.A. I took my office there for a get-together about 5 years ago, we had a blast!
As for John Wayne, yep we were both in the same Orange Co. mall at the same time.
Ha ha, Lynda. The Castle would be a great place to take your crew for some time away. Nice thing to do.
I have probably "run" into other celebs in my times in LA but I usually don't pay attention, or have a clue. Who knows what I have missed?!
Jeff