This week, Ira Sternberg spoke with Milt Larsen.
Milt Larsen is best known for his role in the world of magic. In 1963 he founded the world famous private club for magicians, the Magic Castle, in Hollywood. Larsen is the President of Magic Castles, Inc. In 2000 Magic Magazine polled their international readership and voted Larsen as one of the 100 most influential individuals in the history of magic. He is a true renaissance man in that his career encompasses writing, producing and performing.
In September 2006 he celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his annual stage show “It’s Magic!” The event was commemorated with an all-star show at Hollywood’s famed Kodak Theater. At that time Larsen and his late brother Bill were honored with a star on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame.
As a writer he is best known in the field of audience participation, having written “Truth or Consequences” starring Bob Barker for an incredible run of eighteen years. In his early days he authored five joke books and three books involving The Magic Castle. Larsen writes a weekly column for members of the club as well as editing their monthly newsletter.
He is also the co-creator of the new CD collection, “Smash Flops,” songs that just missed being smash hits due to unfortunate timing. His “Smash Flops” co-creator is Oscar and Grammy winner Richard M. Sherman. The collection is available on iTunes or Amazon.com.
As a producer, in addition to The Magic Castle and “It’s Magic!” Larsen owned and operated to Mayfair Music Hall in Santa Monica producing live stage revues for 10 years and the Variety Arts Theater, a 1200 seat variety theater in downtown Los Angeles for 12 years. He has produced TV special for ABC, CBS and NBC. He was the creator and consultant for the $50 million dollar Caesars Magic Empire at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Larsen lives on Santa Barbara’s picturesque Mesa overlooking the Harbor with his wife, award winning costume designer Arlene, and their two lovable mutts, Angel and Wizard.