The following was authored by House of Magic ownership:
There are over 100 magic theaters across the U.S. and one of the most amazing of all will be opening up in April 2025 in Glenside at 101 S. Easton Rd. (the former PNC Bank building).
Owner Marc DeSouza, an award-winning performer, says that the House of Magic’s mission is to present the best magicians in the world in a theater custom-built for watching magic, and to educate both magicians and laymen about the art of magic.
“This will be different from the other theaters. There are very few that are purpose-built venues. None of them have a museum, and for those that want to learn more, we will give them the opportunity to learn more,” DeSouza said.
The venue will have a 100-seat theater built with stadium-style seating, along with an intimate 25-seat theater for watching close-up sleight-of-hand magic. In addition, there will be a Library and a Museum showcasing magic props from items as small as a coin to grand illusions. There will be a VIP room and an event space that can accommodate up to 80 people who can sit down and have a catered meal, for private and corporate events.
Together, the trio (DeSouza, Martin & Archer) plans to offer VIP experiences, which include a private show following the headliner show, as well as a chance to relax, enjoy a beverage, and tour the museum. The original vault from the bank will still be in place and will be featured in some of the magic, as well as being an amazing photo opportunity.
In addition to weekend shows, weeknights will provide instructional lectures, open mic nights, and more unique theatrical experiences. A Family Magic show, good for ages 6-106 will be presented weekly on Saturdays at 1 pm.
To help bring this all together, Marc is working with Marty Martin and Danny Archer, the owners of the Smoke & Mirror Magic Theater that operated a 60-seat magic theater in Huntingdon Valley, PA since 2017. They closed that location last December and they will be managing the shows on Fridays and Saturdays at the HOM.
“Our aim is to provide the public with the true art of magic, by bringing in performers from around the globe. Just like there are many different kinds of music, the same is true with Magic”, said Martin and Archer.
“The evening shows are for ages 16-and-up, not because of adult language or content, but because this type of entertainment isn’t for children, just like movies have different ratings” said Martin.
“The presentation is what makes great magic. You will see shows, the likes of which you only see in Vegas, Broadway, and the top TV Shows,” DeSouza said.
“Some of the phrases we use are ‘Be Amazed!’ and ‘Your Next Best Night Out’. Most people have never experienced live, professional-quality magic and the difference is night and day,” says Archer.
When he was 30, DeSouza started sponsoring educational lectures for magicians that he plans to bring to Glenside. He has also competed in, and won, both national and international competitions, as well as appearing twice on the hit TV show Penn & Teller Fool Us.
“Now I train magicians who are in competitions. The House of Magic will be training people who have a serious interest in the art,” he said.
The Origins of Smoke & Mirrors Theater
Martin’s foray into magic entertainment came at age 13. He was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1969, and when he returned, his magic career exploded. From working for the high rollers in Atlantic City, to presenting a Fashion and Magic show with 12 models, to being a well regarded corporate magician for business events and trade shows, Marty has done it all.
Archer, a late bloomer, began at age 29, eventually turning his hobby into a full-time career. He has performed in over 35 countries and every state in America except for Alaska. If you know someone in Alaska looking for a magician, please let Danny know.
It was while he was on tour in Germany a dozen years ago that Archer saw several of these smaller dedicated Magic theaters, and when he returned and told Martin, they collaborated on building the Smoke & Mirrors Magic Theater.
“When Marc called and explained the House of Magic idea and asked if they would be willing to move their theater, he received two enthusiastic yeses,” Archer and Martin said.
After entertaining tens of thousands of people at Smoke & Mirrors, Archer and Martin are looking forward to moving to a bigger space with more opportunities.
“The House of Magic will be the finest magic theater in the country. It’s going to be extraordinary and the shows we will present can’t be seen anywhere else,” DeSouza said.
More to Come
The Glenside venue is on target for an April launch. People can book the venue for private and corporate events right now, and if you can’t bring your group to the theater, they can send their incredible performers to your location.
The House of Magic’s website (www.houseofmagicpa.com) is now live and gradually being populated. DeSouza said blog updates and additional photos will be uploaded soon.
Tickets to shows are on sale now at www.smokeandmirrorstheater.com.
April 4-5 will feature Boston’s Peter Samelson’s “Magic, Love, Mystery”, April 11-12 will feature the legendary Chris Capehart’s “Master Magician”, and April 18-19 will feature Spain’s Javi Benitez’s “Supreme Sleight of Hand”. They have a full roster of shows already booked, including female performers, on their website.
For our previous coverage about the venue’s offerings, you can click here. For a recent Canvas Rebel interview featuring Danny Archer, you can click here.
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