The Waldorf-Astoria hotel has, over the past 100 years, had many magic acts play within its hallowed walls. Thanks to the Conjuring Arts Research Center, I have located many references to the famous magicians who have entertained in the Waldorf. The hotel used to be located at 34th and Fifth Avenue (the current site of the Empire State Building) before being torn down and relocated at 49th and Park Avenue.

Some of the following magicians (up until 1929) performed at the old hotel, while all the names listed after 1931 performed in the present-day Waldorf.

Most of the following entries were obtained through my research on AskAlexander, the proprietary database of the Conjuring Arts Research Center. However, I’ve also located several other references to magicians at the Waldorf, which I’ve inserted in their proper chronological positions.

1902

The Mysterious Zanzigs presented their act at the Waldorf-Astoria on December 4, after closing twelve weeks of vaudeville dates.

1920s

Max Malini performed “card on wall” in a private suite in the Waldorf-Astoria. The card was signed by 5 U.S. Senators.

1933

John Mulholland, S.A.M. (Parent Assembly) took the part of Dulloo, a magician in a scene prepared by Tony Sarg and Chester H. Aldrieh at the annual Beaux Arts Ball held at the Waldorf-Astoria. Twenty-five performers took part in the scene including a snake charmer, a Mahatma, a showman and others.

1936

Dr. Sidney Ross began performing close-up at the Waldorf-Astoria (total of 17 years)

1937

Academy of the Art of Magic formed. This tight-knit private group of magicians met once a year for dinner at the Waldorf.

Members included: Dai Vernon, Max Malini, Nate Leipzig, Warren Keane, Cardini, Charlie Miller, Garrick Spencer, Ottokar Fischer, Paul Fox, Arthur Finley, and Doc Daley.

(reference: The Vernon Touch, Dai Vernon, p. 85)

1938

Frakson performed for three weeks at the Waldorf-Astoria.

The Great Maurice performed at the Waldorf-Astoria, scoring quite a hit from various newspaper accounts.

1939

After a successful tour on the West Coast, Russell Swann entertained at one of the swankiest spots in the East, the Serf Room at the Waldorf-Astoria

1943

Dr. Sidney Ross returned to perform nightly in Peacock Alley lounge at Waldorf-Astoria

(Abracadabra, Vol 14, p. 249)

1945

Cantu, at the Waldorf-Astoria’s Starlight Roof added another star to the magical firmament of summer Manhattan. His picturesque costuming and smooth, entertaining skill astonished the customers at the staid Waldorf-Astoria. Cantu has made magic colorful, supplying an element it greatly needed. He belongs in an effective setting like the Starlight Roof.

1960

Al Baker performed a private party in Waldorf Towers, for a movie director who lived there.

1978, July 5-8

Society of American Magicians’ Golden Anniversary convention

Lectures by Jos Bema of Holland, John Thompson, Darwin Ortiz, Phil Goldstein, David Roth, Harry Lorayne and the one and only Dai Vernon, to whom the Convention was dedicated. Dick Oslund, Maurice Fogel, Karrell Fox and Pat Page also lectured.

There were three major shows, John Calvert with Tami, and Maurice Fogel taking over the entire second half of two of them. The final show included Dai Vernon who received a tremendous ovation. Vernon and Doug Henning took turns interviewing each other. Here is a photo of the two Canadians:

Photographed by Irving Desfor

In close-up performances were several of the lecturers already named, plus Jack Pyle and Tom Ogden, each appearing in multiple sessions. A large dealers’ exhibition added colour to the scene; Pat Page did his ‘adults only’ stag show, and there were competitions.

2001 to present

Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic in a private suite within the Waldorf Towers.