Do You Believe in Magic?

By Josh Grossberg

There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who like magic and those who can't stand it.

The latter should be warned to stay away from Magicopolis in Santa Monica. The city's premier palace of prestidigitation offers nothing but tricks, slight-of-hand and other things that make people feel stupid.

The former should head straight to the theater at 1418 4th St. to see the only magic theater in the area that is open to the public. (The Magic Castle in Hollywood is only open to members and guests).

"Some people accept it as fun," said host and resident magician Barry Wood. "They know it's a trick. The other type is only frustrated by it. They feel somehow inferior."

Even in a world where computers can create magical worlds on movie screens, there's something compelling about standing inches away from a another human who can use centuries-old techniques to make the ace of spades disappear -- presto chango -- right before your eyes.

"You can't beat it when you see it live," Wood said. "On TV, there's the assumption that they're manipulating camera angles."

Wood is an unassuming kind of guy, but put a deck of cards in hands and he can work, well, magic with it. While a guest watches Wood's hands with an unblinking eye to make sure that card he just selected doesn't leave his sight, Wood somehow manages to pull it out of his mouth.

"There's just something so mind-boggling about it," said Dean Walters of Venice, who brought a date to see a show one recent night. "I don't know what it is about the human psyche that likes to be tricked, but it's really awesome. There's something so medieval about it."

It takes more than fast fingers to be a good magician. Half the game is putting on a good show, which involves engaging the audience emotionally. In that regard, being a magician is something akin to selling used cars.

"To be a professional magician, you have to be a savvy marketer," Wood said. "Even the close-up involves conflict. That's what separates the professional from your uncle who says, 'OK, pick a card.' A professional makes it entertaining."

Maggie and Bob Webster brought their three children from San Clemente to see a show.

"There's nothing quite like magic," Maggie said. "I'm bringing my kids like my dad brought me. My son is 14 and he's used to playing video games. He thought magic was hokey, but he couldn't believe his eyes. Which is exactly the point, I guess."

Her son, Allan, said he became a fan after watching the show. "Those guys are awesome. I'm dying to know how they did that stuff."

Wood certainly isn't going to spill the beans. He understands very well that once the secrets are revealed, the magic is gone forever.

"There's not enough mystery in our lives," he said.

Guests can spot Magicopolis easily. It's the one with the human skeleton standing guard out front. Inside the lobby are Chinese Theater-style footprints of gonzo magicians Penn and Teller, who showed up for the grand opening last year.

"They helped make magic popular for people who weren't crazy about magic," Wood said.

The inside is decorated with stained-glass windows showing one-named magic greats from the past. The larger than life and imposing faces of Houdini and Blackstone stare down as patrons walk inside. And then there are the door handles. Wood claims that they came directly from Houdini's house, which means that the Master of Magicians touched them with his own sainted hands.

There are two theaters inside. The larger one has 130 seats and is used for big illusions. The seats in this theater were built in he 1920s and come from a monastery, Wood said.

"We wanted to do something a little different," he said. The smaller theater has 35 seats, an ideal place to sit up-close and watch magicians do intricate sleight of hand.

Shows run pretty much every day except for Monday. There are evening shows, as well as matinees on weekends. Prices range from $15 to $20.

Magicopolis also plans to start teaching magic classes for those who want to do more than annoy their friends at parties.

Magicopolis is located at 1418 4th St. in Santa Monica. Call (310) 451-2241 for more information.