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The Old Man Regular user 137 Posts |
Steve, can you please talk about the history of those great, magic themed, stained windows? I knew them from when they were in that restaurant in Santa Monica--then one day they, and the restaurant, were gone. Years past before I discovered your place by walking by and seeing those windows again. They are truly magnificent.
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Steve Spill V.I.P. 211 Posts |
Old Man,
Within the realm of stained glass the “Magician Windows” are celebrities. Commissioned by Merlin McFly’s restaurant in 1978, the windows took over two years to complete by the Bonny Doon Studio in Santa Cruz, California. Originally there were nine, each are 6 feet by 12 feet and weigh about 600 pounds. They depict Houdini, Alexander, Blackstone, Chung Ling Soo, Thurston, Kellar, The Alchemist, Aladdin & the Genie, and The Fire Eater. Two, Chung Ling Soo and The Fire Eater, were sold at auction back in 1993. At the time there were great articles about the windows in the LA Times and Magic Magazine. I purchased the remaining seven in 1995 when I was planning Magicopolis, where they have been on display since 1998. It is a mind-boggling coincidence that you asked about the windows today as I have just been offered a serious cash offer for them that I cannot refuse. Old Man, who are you? Have we ever met before? Have you seen our show? Steve |
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Dr. Solar Special user Citrus Heights, Ca. 526 Posts |
Hi Steve,
Sorry you weren't there when I rolled by recently with my Good Time, Sunshine, Traveling Medicine Show wagon. I took a side trip to drop by on my way to San Diego were I was performing a couple of shows. I'm more sorry that it wasn't the weekend so I, and daughter again, could catch your performance. Wow, you are selling the windows? What a tremendous loss for us. I strongly suggest that anybody, everybody in California, Nevada, from anywhere, hightail it to Magicopolis to see those tremendous works of art. And of course, attend Steve's show. Support magic, celebrate yourselves. By now I've watched Steve's DVD possibly twenty times sharing it with many a magi as possible. Funny, skilled, adept, what can I say. My only complaint is, that the "big" magic magazines overlook Magicopolis in their "review" sections of "what's happening on the town". Get a clue, drive a short drive west of the Magic Castle, turn left on Fourth street and walla!!!! Magicopolis. I would never have thought there was payola in the magic mags. See ya next trip down, for sure. Dr. Solar http://www.drsolar.com
"look for me in all things forgotten"
www.drsolar.com |
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Steve Spill V.I.P. 211 Posts |
This past Saturday night a woman at the bar said, “I brought my girlfriends to see your magic.” I asked if she’d seen the show before, she said, “Don’t you remember me?” I’m sorry, I said, did we meet before? “Well not formally, but we did share a few moments together.” I looked her over, pausing to stare at her lovely legs, which were daintily crossed at the ankles. “Of course I remember you, I’d never forget legs like yours.” It was a lame joke, but the girls giggled, and that was that.
Onstage I saw my leggy girl in the front row laughing. I caught a glimpse of her lovely legs. I was right about one of her legs, it was perfection, but the other was supported by some sort of polio-looking metal brace. The rest of the show I was thinking, what do you say to someone you have, inadvertently or not, offended? “How could I ever forget legs like yours?” !@#$! I often chat with folks after the show, the leggy girl says “You are so funny.” “Thank you” I heard myself say, “but the joke about your legs was awful, and I apologize.” That young lady, who injured her leg in a motorcycle accident, was so cool, she said she knew I was not aware of her condition and admitted to enjoying the compliment her good leg received. “Well, let’s see, now,” she said, proudly, showing it off by extending it and pointing her toe, “it is a pretty nice looking leg, as legs go.” Wow. What a great personality, and super attractive too. Were I not already committed to a dynamite lady, who also has great legs, who knows what might have developed? Sharing this incident is just another shameless excuse to get your attention, and tell you again to see Escape Reality, a show that delivers the illusions, sleight-of-hand, and mind-reading that you must experience. Go to Magicopolis. Escape Reality plays every Fri/Sat 8pm and Sat/Sun 2pm, http://www.magicopolis.com or the boxoffice, 310 451 2241, is open daily 11am to 6pm. |
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ufo Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 1185 Posts |
Hey Steve,
First thanks for all the great discussion while you were special guest here at the Café. It was awesome! I really enjoyed your DVD and wondered if you ever still perform the 'sprit slate-mirror shard" routine? Im pretty much busy here in Arkansas right now but a trip to Magicopolis is at the top of the magical 'to-do' list!
"What's your drug?" she asked. "Hope" he said, "The most addicting one of all."
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Larry Davidson Inner circle Boynton Beach, FL 5270 Posts |
Watching Steve in action is an experience that you'll never forget, whether you're a layman or a seasoned professional magician. I've seen tons of performers over the 45 years I've been into magic, and Steve really stands out with his brilliance in so many areas -- as a thinker, comedian, routiner, technician, you name it. If you're ever in the area, I HIGHLY recommend that you check out the show. It'll motivate you to be better.
Larry |
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The Old Man Regular user 137 Posts |
Quote:
On 2008-07-30 01:23, steve spill wrote: I met you once when my wife and I stopped by. We stopped in because I saw the windows. I had originally seen them at Merlin's restaurant (though I had never gone in). I was wondering where they went when the restaurant closed--and I was glad to see them at your place. Unfortunately I just heard, that you have since sold them. Oh well, I'm sure they were worth plenty and hope that you but the money to good use to keep up your great space (you'd showed us around, I have never seen the show). On Sat. Aug 30th I'm coming with my wife and 10 year old daughter, my best friend of 45 years and his wife and 11 year old daughter, and my mother and stepfather. I know, from everything I've heard, that we will enjoy the show. As for me my name is David and I'm just a long time hobbyist (the uncle who does tricks). Though my daughter and I are trying to put together an act to do for groups. |
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Ken Dumm Inner circle 1239 Posts |
I had the pleasure of seeing Steve's show again last night. What a great place to see an incredible show. I brought along some friends, and Steve couldn't have made us feel more comfortable. I hadn't seen the show in almost a couple of years, and I had forgotten how fun it is. Lots of funny and memorable moments, combined with an incredible amount of audience participation, to make for a fantastic show.
Thanks Steve, for an evening that will be talked about for a very long time. As I mentioned before, if you are ever in the Santa Monica or LA area, get to Magicopolis.... Ken |
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abecarnow New user 43 Posts |
Steve Spill is a brilliant performer. Forget magic, forget comedy, just go with the word performer. Steve Spill is like the late Sammy Davis Jr., a triple threat, he does everything well.
The show is great. Best of all, it is wonderful for everyone. It is family friendly. I have directed friends and clients to Magicopolis, and, without exception, they've had a great time. If the new Presidential administration creates a Cabinet position for Fun, Steve will head it. Best, Abe |
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The Old Man Regular user 137 Posts |
I posted my review of the show elsewhere, but I'm also putting it here so that more people will discover it:
I'm not the first to say it, but Steve Spill's Magicopolis is a great magic show for the whole family. I went to the matinée last Saturday with 7 people. The age range was from my mom & stepfather (80 and 86), my 10 year old daughter and her 12 year old friend and my best friend, his wife and my wife (her age undisclosed, but my moniker is "The Old Man"). Everyone had a fun time. The space is very special. There is a bar area, for the evening shows. A candy/popcorn counter and a magic counter where there is pre-show entertainment and, mostly easy, magic for sale. Yes, there is a full spinner rack of Adam's brand tricks. The theater is perfectly set up for magic, Steve designed it for that purpose. The theatre has a raised stage and 180 very comfortable seats. It works for Steve's closeup slight of hand--Coins Across (while sitting at the edge of the stage with a felt-covered board on his lap), and the linking finger rings (when my mother was shown her diamond ring linked she at first said it wasn't hers [it obviously was], there's always one in every show and it had to be my mother!). And it works for larger illusions--his wife Bozena gets floated, sawn and squished. Speaking of his wife, she really puts her personality and personal history (an émigré from Poland) into the effects she performs by herself. For example she does the Acme bandanna/banana trick as a lesson in English and learning magic. I have never seen this trick performed in a more charming, entertaining manner. The whole audience loved it. Another example is she does a torn and restored newspaper--yawn. Except she does it while reciting a poem about her experience on a subway. It was perfectly timed and proved the old adage--the best magic uses the trick to reveal the magician's personality. There were many costume changes for both Steve and Bozena and many funny skits woven into the tricks. They also worked well with the full age range of their volunteer--kids to seniors. Steve had a 4 1/2 year old boy who had a wonderful look of delight during a Miser's Dream sequence using a cooking pot and wooden spoon. To conclude, this is a complete magic show that (to use a trite but true phrase) the whole family will enjoy. I can't imagine anyone with even the slightest interest in magic not enjoying it--whether with kids or not. I also think the magicians out there can also pick up a pointer or two on entertaining for families. There were a few jokes out there for the adults, but nothing that takes away from the family experience. |
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Steve Spill V.I.P. 211 Posts |
Magicopolis has always been, at least in part, a commercial enterprise, and that’s not such a dirty word, especially if you’re the one making a living from it. That’s why I always plug our little show, Escape Reality, so brazenly. Obviously I have self interest here, so you shouldn’t believe a word I have to say.
Instead, read what’s been said elsewhere, Magicopolis and Escape Reality have been Yelped, Yahooed, Tripadvised, Citisearched, and so on… Between all the great quotes I’ve placed a good joke. That’s right, you read that correctly, to keep your attention I’ve put a very funny joke between all the quotes. Ready? Here we go. “Indeed, if someone could perform real magic, it would look a lot like that in "Escape Reality" with its deft and entertaining mix of large scale illusions, stand-up effects, comedy and music that appeals to everyone…” about.com “Magicopolis, this is truly one of those magical gems that reminds me of why I love living in Southern California. Where else could you find so much talent?” tripadviser.com “Magicopolis is the place to experience mystery, grand-scale illusions and awe-inspiring magic.” Yahoo!Travel.com “Magicopolis serves up astounding magic in a classy venue that's one block from Santa Monica's popular Third Street Promenade.” daytrum.com “Hocus-pocus astounds and bewilders guests of all ages at this spellbinding Santa Monica theater.” Citysearch.com A groom is with his new bride on their wedding night, and he’s very nervous. And they’re next to each other under the sheets, not doing anything, and she says, “Darling, why are you so afraid?” And he says, “My mother always told me women have teeth down there, and I’m scared.” And she says, “Oh that’s silly. Why don’t you slide under the sheet and have a look?” He does, and when he comes back up, she says with a smile, “Now, did you see any teeth?” And he says, “No, and frankly, with a set of gums like that, I’m not surprised.” “Magicopolis has taken the stuffing out of stuffy magicians, the show was better than the one I saw in Vegas and nobody wore a tuxedo.” yelp.com “… I’m a man hating lesbian but I love Steve Spill.” !@#$!5^*.com "The Magicopolis mix of comedy and illusion creates lasting memories." L.A. Times "...Unique...engaging...an awesome performance..." Rave Magazine "...masterful...commands the audience's attention..." CNN Showbiz Today |
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JoshuaMichael New user 37 Posts |
Thanks Steve, as always, for being so accessable during intermission and after the show. Like I told you Saturday, it’s inspiring to us mere mortals that you and your show are independent and you don’t have to answer to anyone, like I do at my depressing job. For those who haven’t been, I just saw this show for the third time, and every visit I notice more and more details. Besides a lot of clever well performed magic, the presentations all seem to have something original to say. Of the smaller solo magic I particularly like the Swap Meet Shadow Coins, the Dying of Embarrassment card effect, Lemon Trick, and by Bozena (Steve’s gorgeous wife) the What to do When Things go Wrong Gypsy Thread and her Grandma Werewolf Umbrella. My favorite illusions are the B Movie Trunk, The Séance Dekolta, and the Table of Death. Like Tony Brent commented several posts back, when I grow up I want to be Steve Spill, except I am already grown up. Until my next visit, Mahalo!
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Dr. Solar Special user Citrus Heights, Ca. 526 Posts |
All this talk of Steve's excellent show ,AND, showcase, and I get antsy to make the trip to LA again for sure to stop by for my fourth experience of his wonderfully well conceived show. I've got to say, anybody that lives in California and has ventured to Vegas yet bypassed Santa Monica, or worse, treked down to visit the Magic Castle, without venturing out to Santa Monica, some 15 miles, or so, has got their magic hat pulled way too down over their eyes.
Fun for all.I'll be there soon, you bet. Dr. Solar
"look for me in all things forgotten"
www.drsolar.com |
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Doc Eason V.I.P. Aspen Colorado 429 Posts |
I am not sure what I can add to the chorus...
other than the fact that Steve has been a fixture in Santa Monica for more than ten years now. In the magic business this is huge.. to have such a show running for this period of time makes him a legend. Steve has been a huge influence on me . I consider him to be one of the best magicians on the planet. His show represents a lifetime in magic.. If you are anywhere near Santa Monica...make plans to GO! Doc Eason
Doc Eason’s Rocky Mountain Magic
PO Box 50 / Basalt CO 81621 doc@doceason.com http://doceason.com http://doceasonmagicshop.com |
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Danny Archer V.I.P. Philly 607 Posts |
I met Steve Spill a few weeks after I had gotten into magic at a convention in Orlando and he was a huge influence on my future career choice... I have not had a chance to see the show, but I know that he will rock the house...
I will make it a point to get to Magicapolis on my next visit to CA... |
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Ken Dumm Inner circle 1239 Posts |
Danny,
You won't regret it.... Great show... Ken |
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Steve Spill V.I.P. 211 Posts |
I am pleased to share with you a weird coincidence that happened here at Magicopolis. In terms of the topic of this Magicopolis thread… Escape Reality, our long running show that delivers the illusions, sleight-of-hand, and mind-reading that you must experience… this is a bit of a digression.
Personally, I love digressions, especially when the subject to which the person is digressing is at least as interesting as the subject from which the digresser has digressed. And I know I am not the only one that feels that way. Sooo, here, direct from Magicopolis, is my digression/weird coincidence… My friend Bob just finished a book I loaned him, “Trouping with Dante” by Marion Trikosko, and phoned to let me know he enjoyed it. He asked if I could tell him a little about the words , Sim Sala Bim, the title of Dante’s show. Bob asked what the words mean, wanted to know their origin, and so on. I said that I thought they were made up by Dante but was not sure. While telling him I would try and find out more, the mailman arrived with a package that I opened as we were talking. In it was a book, a most extraordinary book, “Magic Words” by Craig Conley. “Bob,” I said into the phone, “Sim Sala Bim is the Swedish equivalent of abracadabra, and is known in other Scandinavian cultures as well…” I then continued to give him information about the history of the words, how Whit Hadyn said they were nonsense syllables from a Danish nursery rhyme, and that Orson Welles used Sim Sala Bim as magic words in the 1967 film “Casino Royale.” I went on until Bob stopped me. “Hey, Steve, where are you getting all this information?” “From this dictionary of magic words,” I said calmly. “It just arrived in the mail.” I couldn’t hold back any longer, and told him what had just happened. Bob thought I was kidding him. What a fantastic, unbelievable, mind-boggling coincidence we had just shared. What are the odds that I would get this obscure information in the mail at just the moment Bob asked for it? A quintillion to one would be my guess. Now for a partial explanation: Four months earlier, I met a gentleman here at Magicopolis. His name was Craig Conley, he told me he loved our show and excitedly informed me that he was the author of a magic words dictionary. He promised that when his dictionary was published he would send me a copy. It took four months to arrive, but for Bob and me it was right on time. The book “Magic Words” by Craig Conley is available at http://www.redwheelweiser.com and I highly recommend it. Thank you Craig for the surprise and wonder. I also recommend the surprise and wonder of our show Escape Reality. Go to Magicopolis. Escape Reality plays every Fri/Sat 8pm and Sat/Sun 2pm, http://www.magicopolis.com or the boxoffice, 310 451 2241, is open daily 11am to 6pm. Magicopolis and Escape Reality are rare and beautiful things, let them happen to you. |
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MetalBender Loyal user 248 Posts |
There's another show at Magicopolis on Saturday nights that is becoming a must see.
The Bar Show! Every Saturday Night at 10:00 pm behind the Magicopolis bar two comedians and one magician perform in the best alternative comedy night in town. Produced in association with Garage Comedy, this show gets crazy. We've had heavy hitters like Jon Armtstrong and Derek Hughes on the show. November 1st the FISM winner Arthur Trace will be performing on The Bar Show! Hosted by the Magicopolis bar tender Erik Tait, this show brings comedy and magic so close you can kill it. What's that you say? You live across the country and can't afford bus fare to trek out to Santa Monica from Montana or Iowa? Never fear. Every Saturday night at 10:00 pm Pacific time The Bar Show! is broadcast live on http://www.GarageComedy.com A quick story from this week's show. We had booked Lizzy Cooperman, (Comedian featured on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson) Asterios Kokinos, (Comedian featured in National Lampoon and NPR's Marketplace) and The Bornstein Experiment (Husband and wife mentalism team from The Magic Castle.) It was a huge show with a huge crowd and we were having a great time. In walks the co-producer of the show Val Myers. She approaches me and says, "Erik do you mind if Rick does a little time tonight?" Val is one of the most important comedy bookers in Los Angeles, and I am a smart enough host to know that when Val says give this guy some time, you give this guy some time. I come to the end of the show and as I am glimpsing at the intro for Rick I realize who it is I am introducing. He's been on HBO's Lucky Louis, he just got back from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Ladies and gentleman I introduced Rick Shapiro. Rick Shaprio is a legend in the comedy world. He had literally walked off a plane from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, heard good things about The Bar Show! and dropped in for a guest set. Comics all over the city hopped onto the website to watch the webcast. Rick did twenty minutes behind the bar and killed. I'm talking deep belly laughs with people falling off the bar stools. That's the kind of thing we make happen every week. We hope to see you soon at The Bar Show! |
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paw Loyal user 265 Posts |
Hey Steve,
Are you ever going to release any of your routines? If so, what will they be? I would love to get your NEEDLES routine!!!!! |
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JoshuaMichael New user 37 Posts |
Thanks MetalBender for reminding me about the bar show. I must be obsessed with Magicopolis since I just made my fourth visit, but I did something I haven’t done in the past. After turning my guests onto the theater show, the five of us hung out for the Saturday night bar show. It was a combination of Erik’s great bar magic (and a sexy boy/girl mindreading act whose names I can’t remember) and a stand-up comedy show with great comedians performing between the magicians behind the bar. They weren’t the untested comics you see at some open-mic night either, they were hilarious, the girl comic had us laffing our guts out. Definitely a cool thing, we’ll be back. Steve did you change something in the Table of Death or was it just extra scary this time?
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