Even at a young age, Joe Grasso was always fascinated by magic. He idolized entertainment greats like Doug Henning, Harry Houdini, Thurston and Blackstone. While Grasso never took up magic himself, he always had a special place in his heart for card tricks, illusions and disappearing acts.

Grasso’s son, Michael, did take up magic, and over the years has become an international entertainment act. He came in fifth place on “America’s Got Talent” in 2010, has performed on “Ellen”, at the NBA All-Star Game and in Japan. Before Michael’s act rose to these astronomical levels, he had purchased property on 103 Callowhill Street in 2001 with aspirations to turn the old electric supply warehouse into a magic theatre of his own. But as Michael’s success rose and he began getting shows booked across the country, he found himself unsure of what to do with the theatre he had started to build.

“Michael said ‘What the heck are we doing—we’re not in the real estate business, we’re in the entertainment business,’ and was about to give up,” recalled his father.

“I told him to give it up after all the demotion work. Then I’ll take it over and turn it into a magic theatre.”

So the oldest Grasso did just that. After Michael and Joe, Jr., Grasso’s other son, finished gutting the building out, Joe, Sr., who is a contractor by trade, began an extreme renovation project. He used architectural salvage material to recreate a classic theatre, using floorboards from the Divine Lorraine Hotel, curtains from the Shubert Theater and chairs and pews from local churches. Grasso adorned the
exposed brick walls with posters and pin-ups of magic’s heroes, the very same ones he grew up loving.

“Whenever I do construction work, I take the pieces that they throw out and use it here,” said Grasso.

After six years of hard work, Grasso was final ready to open his theater in 2010. Since then, Grasso’s Magic Theatre has established itself as not only Philadelphia’s first magic theater, but also a variety entertainment theater. At Grasso’s, one can enjoy magic, comedy, burlesque, Doo Wop, talent shows and a full magic shop, all in one charming building that masterfully recreates the mystique of the vaudeville era.

It also offers private parties, corporate shows and, in the near future, magic lectures and classes.

Upcoming acts that will be performing at Grasso’s include well-known magicians such as magician/comedian/ventriloquist John Pizzi on February 22, Paul Gertner on February 23 and 24, and Puck on March 16. Even Michael Grasso will perform a string of Friday night shows when he gets back from being on the road on March 1.

“He’s helped me out to get the place started so when he’s not traveling, he’s going to do shows for me,” said Joe Grasso, who has always supported Michael’s magic career.

Michael isn’t the only member of the family who’s helping out with the family business. Joe’s brother, Angelo, works as the theatre’s general manager and his wife, Lynne, works behind the counter on the night of shows. Grasso wants the city to know that his theater is good, old-fashioned fun, and a very family-friendly environment, free of dirty jokes and vulgarity.

“We’re here for you,” said Grasso. “There’s entertainment here for everyone in these neighborhoods. All our acts are first class, all our entertainers are the best. We’d love for you to come out and support us, support magic and support the entertainment world.”

You can find out more about Grasso’s Magic Theatre and their upcoming shows at www.grassosmagictheatre.com.