Secret Doors, Ghost Pianists & Mental Mayhem: A Peek Inside My Second Home — The Magic Castle

Straight from your VHS nightmares—Magically Mental hits The Magic Castle this week.

This week, I’m honored to return to my second home: The Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA.

From May 21–25, I’ll be performing in the Castle’s legendary Peller Theatre with the brilliant and brain-bending James Knight. Together, we are Magically Mental—I handle the magic, James handles the mentalism, and together we handle the gasps, laughs, and wide-eyed “WHAT?!” moments.

This is our third time headlining together in the Peller Theatre, and my sixth time as a headliner at the Castle overall. And every time I step through those stained glass doors, it still feels like a dream—and a responsibility—to carry on a magical legacy.

What Makes the Magic Castle So Special?

It’s not just a venue. It’s a sanctuary for magicians.

Founded in 1963 by Milt and Bill Larsen, the Magic Castle is the home of the Academy of Magical Arts and a symbol of excellence in our craft.

It’s invite-only, with a strict dress code, and packed nightly with Castle members, Hollywood insiders, and guests from around the globe who come to experience world-class magic in a truly one-of-a-kind setting. Performing here is a rite of passage—and being invited back is a true honor.

Fun Facts About the Castle (Yes, Even the Ghost Is Real)

1. You can’t just walk in.

It’s members-only or guest list. There’s even a secret password to open the front door (and no, I won’t tell you what it is).

2. Irma the ghost plays piano.

She’s invisible, she’s talented, and she’ll play nearly any song you request. She’s also got more gigs per week than most living musicians in LA.

3. The Castle is filled with secret doors and hidden rooms.

Getting lost is part of the experience—especially if you’re looking for the bar that serves the best cocktails in between shows.

4. The talent is top-tier.

Everyone who performs here has auditioned, studied, and honed their craft. This is not open mic night at a coffee shop. This is The Show.

5. You never know who you’ll perform for.

One night it’s a table of tourists from Tokyo. The next, a legendary director, a sitcom star, or a world-class magician quietly watching from the back row.

About

Magically Mental

Our show is a two-person blend of magic and mentalism. I bring the sleight-of-hand and visual surprises. James dives deep into the mind with predictions, psychological twists, and mental stunts that leave jaws on the floor.

We perform three shows a night, and every one is packed with laughter, mystery, and unforgettable moments. There’s no place we’d rather be than the Castle—and no audience quite like this one.

The Magic Castle isn’t just a performance space to me—it’s where I grew as a magician, found lifelong friends, and got to be part of something bigger than myself.

If you know, you know.

If you don’t—maybe one day, you’ll be lucky enough to find yourself behind that secret door, with a drink in your hand, Irma playing your favorite song, and a magician making you believe in the impossible.

Stay Magically Mental,

– Jonathan Molo