Arts in Context
Meet the magical man brewing up something special in Southwest Austin
Editor's note: CultureMap is proud to present the latest installment in our partnership with KLRU's documentary series Arts In Context. The series explores the process of creation and what it's like to be a working artist in the Austin area. You can watch more stories at klru.org/artsincontext.
There's something special brewing on Fitzhugh Road. We're not talking about Jester King Brewery or Argus Cider, both of which are located on the winding Hill Country lane, but Magic's Theater and Museum, a venue hosting magic spectaculars every week.
Magic's Theater is owned and operated by magician John Magic and his family, including his wife who runs the front-of-house operations. Each week, the theater hosts a close-up magic show on Friday and a stage show on Saturday performed by Magic himself, who says his goal is to give "the classics of magic to a fresh and brand-new audience."
Growing up, Magic says he was initially unimpressed with illusions. "I never saw the magic for some reason," he says — until he witnessed a performance by Jack Goldfinger, the legendary magician who rose to fame in the 1970s.
"When I saw Jack, who was an Afro-American magician, for the very first time, it was like I'd never seen magic before," says Magic. "And it just captivated me."
KLRU-TV, Austin PBS is dedicated to telling stories that entertain, inspire, and change our lives. KLRU highlights what makes Austin unique — whether music, arts, or public issues — by creating and distributing award-winning original content. KLRU produces several series, including Austin City Limits, Arts In Context, Central Texas Gardener, Decibel, and Overheard with Evan Smith. As a nonprofit educational organization, KLRU also prepares children to succeed in school and creates lifelong learning opportunities for all.
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