Antonio Díaz, the celebrated illusionist hailing from Spain is the top-grossing magician in Europe, renowned for his captivating Netflix shows, Magic for Humans and La Gran Illusion, broadcast in almost 200 countries, he is now poised to astound Broadway with his unprecedented act.
Kicking off on August 17 at the esteemed Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York City, Antonio, fondly known worldwide as El Mago Pop, will showcase his eponymously titled performance, El Mago Pop.
This theatrical extravaganza marks Spain’s first-ever production to grace the renowned Broadway stage, solidifying Antonio’s unmatched box office success in his homeland over the past five years.
Witnessing his awe-inspiring blend of close-up magic and mind-boggling “How’d he do that?” illusions have left over 2 million theatergoers spellbound.
In a surprising move, Level, the prestigious Barcelona-based airline, embraced innovation by adorning one of its planes with promotional images of Antonio, promoting his upcoming Broadway stint.
Reflecting on this extraordinary experience during his inaugural interview in America, Antonio reveals, “Ever since my childhood, I’ve cherished the dream of performing on Broadway.
So, as you can imagine, this holds a deeply special place in my heart. It will undoubtedly be a life-altering experience, etched in my memory forever!”
Antonio’s passion for magic bloomed early, and he looked up to both local magicians and the legendary David Copperfield, whom he regards as his ultimate inspiration. “Magic taught me that the realm of possibilities is boundless,” he muses.
“As a child, when you encounter inexplicable wonders, that feeling is simply extraordinary. I fell in love with that sensation and now strive to evoke it in others.”
His shows emphasizes the profound message that “nothing is impossible.” This adrenaline-charged 90-minute spectacle brims with larger-than-life tricks that mesmerize and astound at every turn. Antonio’s infectious enthusiasm and impeccable showmanship further fuel the exhilarating experience.
To prepare for his Broadway debut, Antonio dedicated months to honing his craft at the Branson Magic Theater in Missouri, the largest venue of its kind in the state.
He acquired this 2,800-seat property in March, four years after obtaining the renowned Teatre Victòria in Barcelona, intending to make it his American headquarters.
“This preparation has been incredibly intense,” he reveals. “We’ve meticulously readied everything for Broadway, honing the tricks to perfection for our audiences.
It’s been a labor of love, demanding extensive practice. Nevertheless, we’re devising our very best performance, determined to leave everyone awestruck.”
Apart from perfecting his tricks, Antonio faces another challenge – mastering the English language. “I’ve been conversing in English for only a few months now, perhaps three or four,” he said. “I’m fortunate to have an exceptional teacher, and we’ve been earnestly practicing.
I’ve also watched every season of Friends multiple times; it’s an outstanding series. However, my proficiency during the show is stronger due to the script, allowing me to focus on pronunciation.”
Becoming Spain’s pioneering production and the youngest illusionist to headline his own Broadway show leaves Antonio in awe, struggling to grasp the significance of this milestone. “Growing up, magic was my passion, and I held a profound love for performing arts.
To be the first Spanish production on this illustrious stage exceeds my wildest dreams,” he expresses gratefully. “It holds immense personal meaning, and it’s a tremendous honor for both me and the entire Spanish theater community. I’m ecstatic.”
While this Broadway engagement is of limited duration, don’t be surprised if Antonio makes a triumphant return in the future. “I’d be thrilled to attempt a long-term run here,” he confides. “We’ll give it our all.”
Tickets for El Mago Pop, available until August 27, are now on sale.
