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161: Part 1 - My Week at The Castle 2014

So many magicians. So little time. One of the biggest mysteries is how a week can disappear so quickly. Like putting lightning in a bottle, I captured some audio from several people, magicians, fans, a TV producer, and well...so many more. Last year when I posted my week at the Castle, I kept it all in one podcast that ran over three hours. This year, I have even more content and decided to break it up in shorter segments. 

This first part includes my conversation with the manager of the Nirvana Apartments (where many of the Castle performers stay), Don Lawton's widow, Joan Lawton, and Rafael Benetar, from Spain.

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View fullsize Nirvana Plaque.JPG
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View fullsize DON LAWTON_AUTOGRAPH BOOK.jpg
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00:01:51 - Sue Dion, Resident Manager of the Nirvana Apartments talks about the historic building that is located across the street from The Magic Castle. They have four rooms leased for the purpose of lodging some of the performers each week. Sue gives us not only a bit of the building's history, but also talks about some of the "occupants" who refused to leave even after their death.

00:11:26 - Joan Lawton, publisher of the Don Lawton Autograph Book, talks about the early days of the Magic Castle when she was the receptionist at the door and spent many hours with former Academy President (and actor) Cary Grant. Joan is the widow of Don Lawton who was the congenial host and emcee at the Castle for many years. If you are interested in receiving an autographed copy of the Don Lawton Autograph Book, then you can order one directly from Joan by contacting her directly at: JLawton@MagicCastle.com

00:24:03 - Rafael Benatar joined me for brunch at Greenblatt's in Hollywood where we talked about the Escuela de la Magiai (School of Magic). Rafael performed in the Close-Up Gallery last week and this week is appearing in the Parlour. We chat about his lecture, performance, and future plans.

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If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt!

Tagged with The Magic Castle, Hollywood, Joan Lawton, Nirvana Apartments, Sue Dion, Greenblatt's Deli.

June 5, 2014 by Scott Wells.
  • June 5, 2014
  • Scott Wells
  • The Magic Castle
  • Hollywood
  • Joan Lawton
  • Nirvana Apartments
  • Sue Dion
  • Greenblatt's Deli
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The Magic Word The Magic Word

A Podcast for Magicians, About Magicians, Hosted by a Full Time Professional Magician, Scott Wells

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In May 2024, Scott Wells had the distinguished honor of receiving a “Special Fellowship” from the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) for the Magic Word Podcast which promotes “not only personal stories of fascinating individuals, but also fellowship amongst our extended family of artists and entertainers everywhere.”

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