The former PNC Bank building at 101 S Easton Road is on its way to becoming greater Glenside’s one and only magic theater.
Dubbed the House of Magic, current plans call for a 100-seat theater on the main floor, a 25-seat mini theater, a “secret room”, and a VIP lounge. A 4500 sf magic museum and library on the basement level will be available to host catered events and parties with seating for up to 80 attendees.
According to Marc DeSouza, a real estate developer, award-winning international magician, and owner of House of Magic Enterprises, LLC, the building is now unofficially called “The Depository”. The concept is a tribute to his lifelong passion.
“The main level will have front curtains with wing space on either side. We’re going to put on live shows with theatrical lighting, a new sound system, and video support,” DeSouza, 70, said.
The former bank vault will be transformed into a “Vault of Secrets”.
“We’re going to put those vault boxes to good use. Each will contain at least one magic trick, selected at random, and then the performer will have to perform that trick in our intimate theater,” he said.
Attendees of the VIP lounge will enter through a secret passage “and have a snack or a beverage before or after the show. We won’t serve food as we’re trying to keep things neat and clean,” DeSouza said.
Plans also call for periodic historical displays for the lay public, as well as an education program for local youth and schools. The House of Magic is also expected to be available for internships with Arcadia University students.
“I’ve traveled all over the world performing, and I want to bring those experiences to this program. I have a 33-seat theater in my home in Wayne, and I bring in some of the best magicians from all over the world to teach their craft,” he said.
Renovations are coming along. The roof was replaced this week, and repairs to the ceilings are up next. Minor demolition is expected next week to rid the space of its current interior walls.
“It’s something different. We’re looking to partner with the local community. It’s going to augment everything that Glenside is. It’s going to benefit business owners as well as provide good clean entertainment,” DeSouza said.
Smoke and Mirrors Theater in Huntingdon Valley will be moving their operation to the House of Magic. DeSouza’s biography is featured on their website, along with a clip from one of his shows.
“I’ve known their lead since I was 14 years old. We’re all longtime friends,” DeSouza said. “When they decided to open, they came to me for advice. I helped design that theater. They’ll produce shows, and I’ll also produce some of my own shows and we’ll welcome outside producers.”
Jay Howard, owner of J’s GourAmaze Fine Foods and Baked Goods in Elkins Park, launched his own version of a magic shop on Thursday. According to DeSouza, their friendship dates back decades.
“I met Jay in my early 20s in Philadelphia. The magic community is a small world and a close-knit community. They’re rallying around me offering to help,” he said. “It’s really great to have a central location for everyone to congregate. Magic shops are a thing of the past, so this will give people a place to hang out.”
“We’re looking to partner with the local community. It’s going to augment everything that Glenside is. It’s going to benefit business owners as well as provide good clean entertainment,” DeSouza said. “We’re not looking to compete with the Keswick Theatre or the Royal. We have a completely different theme to us. We want to ride the wave of live performances.”
The property’s settlement took place in July. The building’s seller has asked to stay on as a tenant, as has the tattoo parlor. A third space on the third floor will be open for lease.
A website is forthcoming, along with “a very aggressive renovation schedule.”
“We’re hoping to open the theater portion by February 2025. The rest of the facility could be open as soon as the spring,” DeSouza said. “We don’t want to open simultaneously because of the construction process. We have to put in an elevator and we’re reconstructing an entry, plus a new internal stairway.”
“I think it’s an exciting venture,” Henry Sekawungu, Cheltenham Township’s director of zoning, said.
We will be in touch with updates. Stay tuned.
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