After much delay and even more anticipation, on February 13 Arlene and Milt Larsen opened their Magic Castle Cabaret with a fabulous celebratory soirée for about 80 guests — Angel Members, other supporters, VIPs, press, and of course, world famous magicians and other entertainers. Guests wandered from one elegantly appointed room to another, marveling at the decor. They enjoyed drinks and food in the lounge and magic performances in the intimate theater.
Master magician Lance Burton, who performed more than 5,000 shows for about five million people at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, entertained the audience with one amazing trick after another. Milt shared how they named a room in the new venue overlooking the Andrée Clark Bird Refuge the Lance Burton Bird Lounge. Burton started his shows at the Monte Carlo with the Bird Act, which, according to Milt, is the most beautiful act in the world. Burton related how Milt got him his first appearance on Johnny Carson, which launched his career, and how happy he was to be part of Opening Night.
Another star performer was actor/magician Steve Valentine, known for his role in NBC’s Crossing Jordan and many film and other television appearances. He is also a longtime accomplished magician, having performed on and off at the Magic Castle for 25 years. His wildly entertaining performance combined magic and comedy with a bit of music thrown in. He shared how he hopes to perform regularly at the Magic Castle Cabaret. According to Valentine, he and other Magic Castle magicians all love Milt so much and really want to perform here.