|
 Hosted by actor Dean Cain ("Lois & Clark: The New Adventures
of Superman"), Masters of Illusion premieres on Friday, August 1
(8:00-8:30pm). Each week, the series will feature a variety of
cutting-edge grand illusions, daring escapes, fascinating
sleight of hand, interactive mind magic, and hilarious comedy
routines, all performed in front of a live audience in
Hollywood.
Michael is a modern young illusionist with contemporary flair
and an inventory of stunning original illusions, and an engaging
personality. Not your ordinary magician, Michael's career
history boasts performances on television series and specials
(NBC's The World's Most Dangerous Magic, Entertainment Tonight,
SportsCenter, The Bold and the Beautiful), for NFL halftime
shows while surrounded by 70,000 people, with Oscar-winning
composer Marvin Hamlisch and symphony orchestras, in theaters
and arenas around the country, and even at The White House. Last
year, Michael was the first illusionist ever invited to appear
in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington DC, where
he levitated a girl high above a float as it moved down
Constitution Avenue. He also threw out the first pitch for the
Miami Marlins vs Pittsburgh Pirates baseball game at Marlins
Park, after, of course, making the game ball magically appear.
This summer, Michael will be appearing for 8 weeks, from June
19-August 10, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV on what is
the world's largest indoor stage.
But, even more prominent than his illusions is Michael's
personality. A true "people person", whether he is performing a
massive grand illusion or intimate sleight of hand, Michael's
sincerity and passion for his work comes across the footlights
and creates a strong bond with his audience. His performance
during the series taping at Hollywood's Red Studios was not only
met with loud applause, but also described as "Brilliant!" by
one audience member present.
Born and raised in West Mifflin, PA, a small suburb of
Pittsburgh, Grandinetti, 36, has been performing magic now for
over 30 years. Since first starting in magic, he has grown from
a child practicing card tricks in his bedroom and performing
neighborhood shows, to working hard to achieve large and
challenging goals, to amassing a resume beyond most other
magicians on the performing scene today. Michael now resides in
Los Angeles.
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For "Masters of Illusion", Michael filmed several of his large-scale
and audience interactive illusions, including the "360 Degree
Levitation", "Mid-Air Vanish", and "Rosebush Through Time". For his
performance of "Walking Through Steel", Michael he was assisted by
American Idol and Broadway star Ace Young, who examined the 7ft
tall, 200lb metal barrier closely. Michael also recreated a
historical piece of magic, first performed by Orson Welles in the
1940's, utilizing borrowed items and members of the audience.
Masters of Illusion is from Associated Television International with
executive producers David McKenzie (The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy
Awards," "Marie"), Al Schwartz (The 38th Annual Daytime Emmy
Awards," "The Golden Globe Awards" 2013 & 2014, "The Gulf is Back"),
Gay Blackstone ("The World Magic Awards 2007-2009) and David Martin
("Marie"), along with co-executive producers Justin Pierce ("The
Rocky Saga: Going the Distance") and Jim Romanovich ("Inside Story:
Ferris Bueller's Day Off"). Sony Pictures Television will handle the
show's international distribution.
[Elemental PRLA / Michael Grandinetti
Magic] |
