I received a Hollywood welcome when I arrived in Los Angeles last week. Actors Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall, How I Met Your Mother) and Chris Williams (“Krazee-Eyez Killah” on Curb Your Enthusiasm) both came out to my show at the Beverly Wilshire hotel, and director Steven Spielberg even bought tickets for himself and his wife (although he changed plans at the last minute and didn’t show).

The photo above is with Jason Segel, and here’s a photo of me with Chris Williams:

I presented a total of four Chamber Magic^® performances at the magnificent Beverly Wilshire hotel – a Four Seasons property. I am humbled that I received four standing ovations.

Outside the Beverly Wilshire hotel

At the front entrance

Here is a view of the showroom where I presented the shows:

And here’s the sign directing people to the show:

The staff of the Beverly Wilshire ranks among the best I’ve ever worked with. Thanks for welcoming me back for my third visit at your hotel!

I remember how difficult it was to sell tickets to my previous two runs in Los Angeles (back in 2005 and 2007). This difficulty stemmed mainly from the fact that I was a relative unknown in LA at that time. Despite having an established show in New York, it was an entirely different matter to draw enough interested people in a new city. Especially since I didn’t have a marketing budget, then or now.

This year, however, all four shows sold out before I even left New York. This was an interesting phenomenon to me. (The same thing happened last week in Boston.) Most ticket sales were through word-of-mouth; I didn’t do any media appearances to promote the Chamber Magic tour. I guess there is enough momentum from my NY Times article and Late Show appearance earlier this year. Whatever the reason, I can’t tell you how blessed I feel. It’s thanks to supporters of the arts, like you, that artists can continue to be creative for a living.

The night before my shows, I had a great dinner with an old friend at Asia de Cuba in the Mondrian hotel. After that, we went over to the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.

One of the highlights of the evening was spending time at the bar with Milt Larsen, one of the founders of the Magic Castle. I was surprised to find that he has been closely following my career. He told me that he considers me to be “the modern-day Max Malini.” That was a mighty fine compliment, especially since his father knew Malini himself, and Milt had met Malini growing up. I don’t know if I could ever fill those shoes, but it was an honor to be viewed this way.

I’d love to return to the Beverly Wilshire soon. Other cities have been beckoning, though. It seems that there is a lot of interest in Chicago. Should that be the next stop on my tour??