New Yorkers grumbling over the $9 price hike on movie tickets can put their money to better use -- Off-Broadway. Joseph Gabriel's Magic On Broadway is offering all seats at his recently-created Saturday matinees, at 11 AM, for only $9. (Tickets are normally $35-$45.) The ongoing promotion begins May 3.
Mary Rodas, Magic's 21-year-old producer, explained that "New Yorkers deserve a break. Much of the entertainment industry caters to the tourist trade. We want local people, and particularly children, to enjoy the theatre. Now we have added a special ticket price that matches that of a movie ticket. is is not the first audience-friendly promotional maneuver by the magic show, which opened Sept. 29, 1996 at the Lamb's Theatre. Gabriel & Co. have created a new website, featuring photos from the show and information on the production. There are even instructions on how to set up and present "The Thinkin' Drink Trick."
Produced by Catco Inc., a "vertically-integrated toy and entertainment company," Magic features "free-flying exotic birds, including parrots, macaws, doves and cockatoos" and incorporates humor, music and audience participation.
Gabriel has been a featured act in the "Lido de Paris" at the Stardust in Vegas for two years and has starred for ten years in the Flamingo Hilton's City Lites. In 1983, Gabriel made his mark with a show at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, which led to his booking on Carson. He played a command performance for President Reagan at the White House in 1989. Gabriel was also chosen as magic consultant to work closely with Michael Crawford and Scott Faris (director) to oversee the illusion effects of MGM Hotel's $40 million EFX show. Those interested in seeing the magician's special effects in person at the Lamb's Theatre should call (212) 997-1780 for tickets and information.
-- By David Lefkowitz
