When magician Bill Abbott and his wife, Rebecca, moved from Toronto, Canada, to St. Augustine four years ago, they knew that the Nation’s Oldest City would be the place where they would bring his lifelong dream of creating an upscale, intimate magic show to reality.
Magic Hideaway, a boutique two-hour magic experience, opened in May at the Casa Monica Resort & Spa. The performances will be held at 8:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday this month. After June 30, they will be held at 6 and 8:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
“I have performed over 5,000 shows in 11 countries around the world,” Bill Abbott said. “The best shows are always the ones in intimate settings where I am able to interact with guests and create a magical environment. That is what Rebecca and I have created here. We have worked directly with Richard Kessler, chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection, which owns Casa Monica, and the hotel’s staff, who have been absolutely amazing, to create this one-of-a-kind experience.”
Once guests have arrived at the Casa Monica, they choose from a menu of complimentary magic-themed welcome cocktails to enjoy in the opulent Cobalt Lounge with exclusive access to the VIP area where Abbott will entertain with pre-show sleight of hand magic before everyone is ushered by House Manager Rebecca Abbott into the Magic Hideaway showroom.
Styled after a vintage jazz club, the showroom is a 22-seat venue featuring glowing crystal balls, Moroccan chandelier, majestic palms and carefully arranged seating so everyone is within touching distance of the magic. Once the house lights dim, Abbott takes the stage to perform one of the most intimate magic shows in the world featuring interactive, mind-bending illusions.
“Magic is meant to transport you to a different headspace and to keep you living in the moment,” he explained. “During my show, I perform a type of magic called sleight of hand as well as a psychological-based mentalism. I also lean on my born showmanship, sarcasm, improv skills and dry humor to entertain the audience. By the end of the show, the entire room becomes connected. Magic Hideaway is a collective experience.”
Recently named Canadian Magician of the Year by Canadian Association of Magicians, Bill Abbott has created magic illusions and effects for “America’s Got Talent” and “The Steve Harvey Show” as well as networks and streaming services such as The Disney Channel, Netflix, FOX and NBC.
Over the past few years, he has headlined the most exclusive boutique venues across the United States with performances at the Chicago Magic Lounge, The House Of Cards in Nashville and the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
Magic Hideaway tickets are $125 per person and include a welcome cocktail, Cobalt Lounge VIP access, pre-show sleight of hand, Magic Hideaway Showroom Experience and post-performance social for autographs and photos.
Tickets and additional information are available at magichideaway.com. Follow along on social media Facebook @themagichideaway and Instagram @magichideaway.
Casa Monica Resort & Spa is located at 95 Cordova St. in downtown St. Augustine.
