765: Abra-Kid-Abra - A Magic Theater for Kids with Dan Davis and Jeff Lefton

Abra-Kid-Abra is a magical place located in Webster Groves, Missouri. This unique business provides the ultimate entertainment experience for children through magic shows, magic camps, and magic classes. Abra-Kid-Abra’s magicians have experience not only in performing magic tricks, but also in teaching magic techniques to children. Children who attend Abra-Kid-Abra can learn to perform their own magic tricks, which boosts their confidence and self-esteem. Their summer camps are a hit among children who enjoy learning new tricks and making new friends. With its focus on bringing joy and wonder to children, Abra-Kid-Abra is a beloved destination in the Webster Groves community. Jeff Lefton and Dan Davis are the two driving forces behind Abra-Kid-Abra who share their business model with us this week.

Why continue to go out to perform birthday parties when you can have the children come to your venue where it is more controlled? I thought there might be a few people around the country (or, indeed, the world) who might be inspired to open their own similar venues in their own locales. In this week’s episode, Dan and Jeff leave no stone unturned as they explain their business model on creating this successful magic theater for kids.

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Unfortunately, not everyone can win a FREE book; however, as a listener of The Magic Word Podcast, you can now get a digital download directly from the author, Michael Breggar for only $8.00! This eBook retails for $12.00 at Kaymarmagic.com but you, as a listener, get a great deal! Please remit just eight bucks to Michael at mbreggarmagic@gmail.com via PayPal and get your copy today!

518: Derren Brown: Secret - On Broadway

The sensation of the U.K, Derren Brown, makes a triumphal return to the U.S. with his Broadway production of Derren Brown: Secret. This is the same show he gave in New York a few years ago in a much small theater off Broadway. This time he is in a 1,000 seat theater where Doug Henning performed in “The Magic Show” for four year (1,920 performances), the beautiful Cort Theatre. The show opened on September 6, 2019 (with the official opening on September 15th) and will run through January 4, 2020.

We were asked not to talk about the details or running order of the show, so I can only say that it is one of the top magic shows you will ever see. Derren is a wonderful orator and commands attention every moment of the show. His scripting and narrative is compelling draws us into a world that few have ever visited. Everyone wanted Derren to enter their minds and reveal their thoughts. I think it’s safe to say that New Yorkers have never witnessed anything like this before which is why I think word will spread and this will be a sold-out show and be extended beyond their scheduled ending date.

Performances begin September 15, 2019 and will run through Jan 4, 2020 at the Cort Theatre. derrenbrownsecret.com

This week we travel from Houston Texas to New York City for a sold-out pre-opening night for the Press. We talk with Monday Night Magic producer, Michael Chaut, then after the show we get a few minutes with Derren. Afterwards we chat with one of the producers, Oliver Roth. Then it’s a wrap and we head home.

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:00:17 - intro of what this is about

00:03:11 - in the Houston airport preparing and getting excited about going to New York.

00:05:46 - on the subway with Michael Chaut, producer of Monday Night Magic, and on our way to Broadway to see the show.

00:12:09 - visiting with Derren Brown on stage after the lights are out and the theatre is empty.

00:17:11 - Oliver Roth, one of the backers and producers of the show talk about its development and how Secret finally came to Broadway

00:30:24 - Michael Chaut and I give a wrap and short review of the show

00:33:45 - details on the contest

Congratulations to the six winners who received a FREE copy of Nick Trost’s Subtle Card Creations, Volume 7 in this week’s contest.

399: Anthony Owen - Behind The Scenes

Anthony Owen, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star, definitely has the credits to his name as a producer, director, and creator of magic shows on stage and television. He has won numerous awards from BAFTA, the Royal Television Society and Rose D’or for his work. He has produced all of Derren Brown's television shows from 2000-2015 and has worked with Penn & Teller, Juan Tamariz, Dynamo, Paul Daniels and many other top internationally acclaimed magicians.

Along with John Lenahan, Anthony has co-produced Monday Night Magic, the UK's only regular magic and comedy venue which inspired the franchise in New York. He was a regular columnist in MAGIC Magazine ("Out Of My Mind" mentalism effects) and a speaker at the 2017 MAGIC Live! convention.

Modern magic, for close-up, TV and Instagram! Anthony Owen is known as one of the most influential creators in the field of mentalism, and many of his original plots and effects are featured in the repertoires of the most famous and respected performers in the field. Order yours at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/magic-store/secrets-by-anthony-owen

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:03:50 - Anthony talks about the creation of "Monday Night Magic" in London upon which the one in New York City is based; working with Derren Brown and Dynamo; developing new tricks that work on television; the differences between producing magic for TV versus "live" performances, and more.

01:11:41 - Product Review: "Prevision" by Peter Eggink from Holland Magic. An excellent switching device built into a card box. Recommended.

01:14:26 - Product Review: "Gordon Diary aka The Birthday Book" by Paul Gordon from Alakazam.co.uk An updated version of the pocket calendar with pre-printed names of playing cards for each day of the year. Recommended.

01:18:20- Product Review: "Svenlopes" by Sven Lee. Svengali deck principle applied to "poker-sized" envelopes to create a stack of forcing envelopes. Well done and well made. Recommended.

01:22:03 - Product Review: "Anthony Owen's Secrets" by Anthony Own from Vanishing, Inc. A book that gleans some of Anthony's best creations that are commercial effects with cards, coins and other props that can be performed close-up, parlor and stage as well as containing thoughtful advice, tips and theory thrown in along the way in the context of explaining the tricks. Recommended.

765: Abra-Kid-Abra - A Magic Theater for Kids with Dan Davis and Jeff Lefton

518: Derren Brown: Secret - On Broadway

399: Anthony Owen - Behind The Scenes

The Magic Word