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The Magic Word The Magic Word

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907: Carl Mercurio & Jim Vines - Better Together

There seems to be an explosion of magic theatres, one-man shows, magic bars, and magic variety venues popping up across the country and indeed, around the world. I need to use two hands to count the number that have popped up since the first of the year! This week we chat with two magicians who have ventured into the high stakes world of filling seats in New York City where there is already a LOT of magic shows. Carl Mercurio and Jim Vines together have started “The Broadway Magic Hour” (really, off-Broadway to be precise) where they present weekly, family friendly magic shows. Their journey may not be unique, but it serves as an inspiration to others who might be considering finding their own venue (and perhaps partner) where you can entertain the masses with your magical skills.

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Both based in New York City, Carl and Jim have similar yet dissimilar backgrounds. One is a multiple award winning magician, the other is not. One was a restaurant and bar magician, the other one was not. But their styles, personalities, and characters meld perfectly on stage. This week they talk about the “mojo” that put and keeps them together. Moreover, they talk about how they found the venue and how they market themselves in this very competitive environment. There is a lot to learn from the pro tips that they offer. But even if you don’t plan to ever pursue having your own theatre or your own show, I think you will enjoy our chat as we hear some of the trials and tribulations of a couple guys trying to make it in the Big Apple.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Tagged with Carl Mercurio, Jim Vines, New York City, The Broadway Magic Hour, theater, family friendly show.

May 29, 2025 by Scott Wells.
  • May 29, 2025
  • Scott Wells
  • Carl Mercurio
  • Jim Vines
  • New York City
  • The Broadway Magic Hour
  • theater
  • family friendly show
  • Post a comment
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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.

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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.

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

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!

Tagged with Abra-Kid-Abra, Dan Davis, Jeff Lefton, Webster Groves Missouri, theater, children's magic.

June 15, 2023 by Scott Wells.
  • June 15, 2023
  • Scott Wells
  • Abra-Kid-Abra
  • Dan Davis
  • Jeff Lefton
  • Webster Groves Missouri
  • theater
  • children's magic
  • Post a comment
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518: Derren Brown: Secret - On Broadway

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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

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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

Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Stitcher by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here..If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here

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

Tagged with Derren Brown, Broadway, New York City, theater, Cort Theatre, Michael Chaut, Oliver Roth.

September 19, 2019 by Scott Wells.
  • September 19, 2019
  • Scott Wells
  • Derren Brown
  • Broadway
  • New York City
  • theater
  • Cort Theatre
  • Michael Chaut
  • Oliver Roth
  • Post a comment
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The Magic Word The Magic Word

A Podcast for Magicians, About Magicians, Hosted by a Full Time Professional Magician, Scott Wells

This podcast is totally free for everyone to enjoy. This is provided to you out of love and respect for our art of magic. If you enjoy the podcasts and other material on The Magic Word, then your financial support will be greatly appreciated and help offset the monthly hosting service fee as well as the hardware and software to produce this podcast. Just click on the "Donate " button at the top of this page to make a one time donation through PayPal.

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Thanks to all of you listeners, The Magic Word Podcast and our newsletter (or “podletter” as I call it) has been recognized by FISM and received nominations in two categories. Please click on one of the graphics above and cast your vote to help push us on to victory in Turin, Italy, this summer! Thank you!

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What a great, action-packed, adrenaline-laced, fast-paced movie. I recommend watching part one (Dead Reckoning) to catch up from where we left off two years ago. Best to see this on the big screen. Recommended!
Eric Leclerc joins us from Canada this week to talk about comedy and his experience being the compere (emcee) at the Blackpool convention 2025. #ericleclerc #canadianmagician #comedymagic #mikehammer https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagi
My son, Nick, received stem cells today for his leukemia. That means that today is his new "birthday." Let's hope and pray that this treatment works this time. 🤞
And then this happened! I was surprised at AbraCORNdabra with this award. Thank you for recognizing and appreciating my efforts. #abracorndabra2025 #tinybubbles
Three days of reports from AbraCORNdabra in Des Moines, Iowa featuring chats with organizers, registrants, dealers, and talent like @jekiyoo #stevedaly #alschneidermagic @samelsonmagic #abracorndabra2025 #desmoines #magicconvention
IYKYK Happy Mother's Day. Celebrating our annual pilgrimage with Kathy at my side, in spirit.
Daily podcast reports on the Magic Collector Expo from Las Vegas featuring chats with talent, organizers, dealers, and registrants. #lasvegas #theorleans #magic #magicconvention #davidcopperfield #magicwordpodcast https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/
Livin' it up in Las Vegas at the Magic Collector Expo. #magiccollectorexpo2025 #davidcopperfield #jeffmcbride #charlesgreeneiii
What a great, action-packed, adrenaline-laced, fast-paced movie. I recommend watching part one (Dead Reckoning) to catch up from where we left off two years ago. Best to see this on the big screen. Recommended! Eric Leclerc joins us from Canada this week to talk about comedy and his experience being the compere (emcee) at the Blackpool convention 2025. #ericleclerc #canadianmagician #comedymagic #mikehammer https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagi My son, Nick, received stem cells today for his leukemia. That means that today is his new "birthday." Let's hope and pray that this treatment works this time. 🤞 And then this happened! I was surprised at AbraCORNdabra with this award. Thank you for recognizing and appreciating my efforts. #abracorndabra2025 #tinybubbles Three days of reports from AbraCORNdabra in Des Moines, Iowa featuring chats with organizers, registrants, dealers, and talent like @jekiyoo #stevedaly #alschneidermagic @samelsonmagic #abracorndabra2025 #desmoines #magicconvention IYKYK Happy Mother's Day. Celebrating our annual pilgrimage with Kathy at my side, in spirit. Daily podcast reports on the Magic Collector Expo from Las Vegas featuring chats with talent, organizers, dealers, and registrants. #lasvegas #theorleans #magic #magicconvention #davidcopperfield #magicwordpodcast https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/ Livin' it up in Las Vegas at the Magic Collector Expo. #magiccollectorexpo2025 #davidcopperfield #jeffmcbride #charlesgreeneiii

The Magic Word Has been recognized by FeedSpot as the # 1 magician podcast in the world. Thank you all for your support and for listening throughout the years.

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