Smiles Magic of El Paso is a popular event that takes place annually in El Paso, Texas. It is a celebration of magic and illusion, bringing together some of the world's most talented magicians for a weekend of awe-inspiring performances. The event, organized by the El Paso Magic Society, attracts both locals and visitors from far and wide who are eager to witness the captivating magic tricks performed by the talented magicians. The performances range from classic illusions to mind-boggling card tricks, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. One of the highlights of Smiles Magic of El Paso is the stage shows, where renowned magicians take the stage to showcase their mesmerizing acts. These shows often feature larger-scale illusions, such as levitation and disappearing acts, which leave the audience in a state of wonder and disbelief.
Visitors who secure an invitation from an academy member can dine, drink and watch magic acts at the castle. The invitation carries with it a strict dress code that notes: “When in doubt, err on the side of being overdressed.”
The Magic Castle, a familiar sight on Hollywood s Franklin Avenue, is an Edwardian manor with French and Gothic elements built in 1908 by Rollin Lane, a Redlands financier and orange grower, and his wife, Katherine. Joseph Furlow, general manager of the Academy of Magical Arts, has resigned two weeks after a story by The Times detailed allegations of sexual misconduct, racism and other issues at the Magic Castle, the famed Hollywood club for magicians.
These shows often feature larger-scale illusions, such as levitation and disappearing acts, which leave the audience in a state of wonder and disbelief. In addition to the stage shows, the event also includes close-up magic performances. These intimate performances allow attendees to experience magic up close and personal, as magicians perform tricks and illusions right before their eyes.
A Brief And Enchanting Visual History Of Los Angeles' Iconic Magic Castle
A death-defying trick: Bill Larsen, Sr. enlists an audience members for a death-defying trick utilizing the Thayer head chopper, while Geraldine (in mock horror) and Milt look on, circa. 1940. "I grew up in a kind of Alice in Wonderland world," Milt Larsen said about his upbringing on the road in a family Vaudeville act.
T he Magic Castle, one of Los Angeles' most prized (and private) landmarks, is the headquarters of a members-only club that is intensely dedicated to the art of magic. Called the Academy of Magical Arts, the castle doors opened in 1963, but its history goes back much, much farther.
AdvertisementThe 1910-era Gothic Renaissance chateau sits in the middle of what is now historic Hollywood and was originally the personal residence of a wealthy banker, Rollin B. Lane. The mansion fell into disrepair by the late 1940s, even serving for a time as a boarding house, before Bill Larsen Jr. and his brother Milt Larsen purchased the property to breathe life into their parent's lifelong dream of opening a magic club.
The Lane Mansion under construction, 1909-1910: The Lane Mansion, which would later be rented by the Larsen brothers, was originally called Holly Chateau. It was built amidst the famous orange groves of Hollywood, California in 1910. The brothers secured the property in 1961 on nothing more than a handshake.
The Larsen family is a true magic dynasty. William Larsen, Sr. and Geraldine Larsen were pioneers in the field of magic. Geraldine was one of the rare female magicians of the day -- at a time when women were magician’s assistants (being sawed in half), not magicians themselves. She also became the first woman to perform magic on television in the late 1930s.
Geraldine Larsen performs one of her signature tricks: Geraldine Larsen, often referred to as "the First Lady of Illusion,” performs with Peterkin the rabbit -- an act that is re-enacted on stage today by her great granddaughter, Liberty Larsen, in a contemporary, live magic show.
AdvertisementOn top of all that, in 1936, the Larsens launched Genii, the longest, continually running magic magazine in the world, which is still published today. During the Depression, the family, including sons Bill, Jr. and Milt, began touring as the “Larsen Family of Magicians,” playing upscale, resort hotels all over Southern California.
Today, guests from all around the globe travel to the castle to see its high quality magic shows. The AMA’s membership includes entertainment’s most preeminent magicians and illusionists, including Penn and Teller, Lance Burton, David Blaine, and Siegfried and Roy. There is a strict formal dress code and one can only visit if already a member (or, as the plus one of a member for the evening).
The Larsen Boys: Bill Larsen, Sr. teaches young sons, Bill, Jr. (left) and Milt, the ropes of magic and an escape trick, circa. 1930.
Back in the day, Hollywood royalty like Cary Grant and Johnny Carson visited often, and today, Johnny Depp, Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman and Katy Perry are frequent guests. This year, Perry rented the whole castle out for her costumed birthday party.
The Magic Castle combines illusion and mystery with a kitschy history of Hollywood. Much of the ornate decor was rescued from wrecking balls on construction sites or from Hollywood studio sets before they were dumped into the trash. Secret doors and panels hidden all over the castle lead to the 13 different performance stages.
AdvertisementThe Huffington Post acquired vintage photos directly from the Academy of Magical Arts (many have never before been published) to see what magic used to look like.
The Larsen Family of Magicians: Bill Larsen Jr., Bill Larsen Sr. and Geraldine Larsen pictured performing the ubiquitous balls and cups trick. The family appeared at Southern California’s finest resort hotels at the time performing full, evening magic shows.
A call for members: Advertisement in Genii magazine in May 1962, soliciting membership, eight months prior to the club’s opening.
1963 issue of Newsweek: On Jan. 14, 1963, Newsweek magazine ran a story about the opening of the Academy of Magical Arts and the Magic Castle. In the article’s accompanying photo, magician Mark Wilson levitates his wife, Nani.
Jay Ose's close-up: Late magician Jay Ose (1911-1967), one of the AMA-Magic Castle’s first resident magicians, performs close-up in the mid-1960s. While the mansion was being renovated in stages, Jay lived upstairs for a time, in a room that had not yet been remodeled.
AdvertisementMilt Larsen performing his “Illusion-Delusion” effect: Larsen in in the 1970s during his signature carpenter’s magic show. The Illusion-Delusion was performed by three generations of the Larsen family.
Lane Mansion in 1920: For 30 years, Holly Chateau was one of the most recognized addresses in Hollywood and was a popular destination for the area’s social elite. Katherine Lane was a renowned hostess and hundreds of newspaper articles attest to the elegant and elaborate luncheons, teas, musicals and lawn parties held for artists, orphans, community leaders and world travelers.
Renovations for the Magic Castle begin in 1962.
The Magic Castle today.
Captions, in part, provided by the Academy of Magical Arts.
This interactive aspect of Smiles Magic of El Paso creates a unique and engaging experience for attendees. Furthermore, Smiles Magic of El Paso offers workshops and lectures for those interested in learning the art of magic. These sessions provide aspiring magicians with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and acquire new skills and techniques. The workshops cover a wide range of topics, including sleight of hand, misdirection, and showmanship. In addition to the magical performances and educational opportunities, Smiles Magic of El Paso also features a vendor area where attendees can purchase magic props, books, and other merchandise. This allows enthusiasts to expand their collection and further explore their passion for magic. Overall, Smiles Magic of El Paso is a captivating event that brings the wonder of magic to life. With its talented performers, interactive experiences, and educational offerings, it offers a truly magical experience for attendees of all ages. Whether you are a seasoned magician or simply a lover of the art, Smiles Magic of El Paso is sure to leave you spellbound and longing for more..
Reviews for "The Sacred Plants and Herbs of El Paso Dydr's Smils Magic"
1. John - 1/5 - I was really disappointed with "Smils Magic of El Paso Dydr". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow. The characters lacked depth and I found it difficult to connect with any of them. The pacing was also all over the place, with some scenes dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I did not enjoy this book and would not recommend it.
2. Emma - 2/5 - "Smils Magic of El Paso Dydr" had potential, but it fell short for me. The writing style was overly descriptive to the point of being tedious, and I found myself losing interest in the story. The world-building was also underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers. The ending felt rushed and unresolved, leaving me unsatisfied as a reader. I was hoping for more from this book, but unfortunately, it did not meet my expectations.
3. Sarah - 2/5 - While I appreciate the effort put into "Smils Magic of El Paso Dydr", I didn't find it engaging or enjoyable. The plot was disjointed and hard to follow, with too many unnecessary subplots that didn't contribute much to the overall story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The pacing was slow, and at times, I found myself struggling to stay engaged. Overall, this book just didn't resonate with me personally.
4. Michael - 1/5 - I really struggled to get through "Smils Magic of El Paso Dydr". The writing felt choppy and inconsistent, with awkward transitions between scenes. The characters lacked depth and development, making it hard to care about their fates. The dialogue was stilted and unconvincing, further detaching me from the story. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't find any enjoyment in this book and would not recommend it to others.