Three Shows Down, Eighteen to Go: My First Night in the Parlour at the World Famous Magic Castle

December has been an absolute whirlwind.

In just one month, I performed 47 shows — everything from corporate holiday parties, Hanukkah celebrations, birthday parties, and intimate private events — all leading up to a moment I’ve been working toward for years: my debut week in the Parlour of Prestidigitation at the world-famous Magic Castle.

Last night wasn’t just another show.

It was a milestone.

A Second Home, A New Peak

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to call the Magic Castle my second home. I made my debut as a regular performer in 2022 in the Close-Up Gallery, and at least twice a year since then, I’ve had the honor of sharing my magic within those legendary walls.

Most recently, before checking off this bucket-list goal, I stood on the stage of the Peller Theatre alongside world-class mentalist — and one of my closest friends — James Knight.

But last night…

Last night was different.

I walked into the Parlour of Prestidigitation — a room steeped in history, intimacy, and excellence — and felt one overwhelming emotion:

Gratitude.

The People Behind the Magic

Behind every performance is an unseen army of support, and last night I felt that more than ever. My partner in life, Jamie, was by my side, running the behind-the-scenes details of my show with care, precision, and heart.

I felt grateful — not just for the applause, but for the journey.

Grateful for my family.

Grateful for my friends.

Grateful for everyone who believed in me when the road was uncertain.

Walking into my second home reminded me of every failure, every success, and every lesson that led me to this point. The long drives. The late nights. The moments of doubt. The moments of clarity.

People often see the performance — but not the decades of work behind it.

And here’s the truth I’ve learned along the way:

When you think you’ve reached the top of the mountain,

you haven’t.

You’ve just reached another peak.

The climb doesn’t stop.

It never was supposed to.

A Moment I’ll Never Forget

At the end of my first night in the Parlour, something happened that I’ll carry with me forever.

The Magic Castle’s Entertainment Director, Jack Goldfinger, gave me a standing ovation.

It was surreal.

Humbling.

And deeply affirming.

It’s Only the Beginning

Three shows down.

Eighteen more to go during this run at the Magic Castle.

I’m grateful for the journey.

Grateful for the opportunity.

Grateful for every person who has supported me along the way.

This isn’t the end.

It’s not even the top.

It’s just the beginning. 💜

-Jonathan Molo

The Man in the Purple Suit