Stage Door Dialogues

I sat down (digitally) with Janine Marley at A View From the Box for their “Stage Door Dialogues” series to discuss my new show Mysteries and Lies premiering at this summer’s Toronto Fringe Festival.

Could you please introduce yourself to my readers?

I spend most of the year as a professional magician. I also manage the My Magic Hands program at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. I have been practicing for over twenty years and I’ve lived in Toronto my whole life. I’ve done a number of shows in the city over the past several years: James Alan’s Magic Tonight (2013-2026), Magic & Martini (2016-2020), the virtual experience Bring Magic Home (2020-22). My last Fringe production was fourteen years ago, called Lies, Damn Lies & Magic Tricks. 

Please tell us more about your upcoming show in the Toronto Fringe Festival!

MYSTERIES AND LIES is first and foremost a magic show. We are messing with reality, or at least your perception of it in really fun ways. And we felt it was important to be able to do that playfully in an environment saturated with “alternative facts”, deepfakes, AI slop and fake experts. I’m a classical sleight-of-hand artist, so we’re doing all of this the old fashioned way. There’s no special technology involved, just the minds of the audience.

Through the magic of the Fringe lottery we found ourselves in the Sweet Action Theatre, which is a wonderful intimate space on Queen West. There are forty-five seats per performance. And we decided to take advantage of that intimacy to get up close and personal with the audience. Inspired by magicians from Spain and Argentina, we have members of the audience on stage the entire show. They make the magic happen as much as I do. We’re giving up a lot of control and a lot of certainty. It also means each show will be different and anything can happen. 

Describe the essence of your show in 3 words.

Magic Live Unrepeatable

What’s your favourite part of performing in a Fringe Festival?

Fringe audiences are special. They comes looking for something. They’re not there by accident — they’ve chosen to seek out something different, something they can’t find at a mainstream venue. That means when you build something live with them in the room, they’re genuinely present for it. Every show becomes its own unrepeatable thing, shaped by the specific people who showed up that day. That’s rare, and it’s the whole point.

What’s another show that you’re looking forward to seeing at the Toronto Fringe Festival?  

I have to shout out Keith Brown in 110% Wizard. He’s incredibly talented and charming. We have been watching Keith perform since before he was old enough to grow that beard. And we have the photos to prove it!

The show opens June 30 at the Sweet Action Theatre (Arstcape Youngplace, 180 Shaw Street, Queen & Ossington). Tickets are now available!

 

Announcing: Mysteries and Lies

We are thrilled to announce a new show coming to the Toronto Fringe Festival this summer. My new show, Mysteries and Lies will be at the Sweet Action Theatre for just eight performances starting June 30.

This is not a standard magic show. We have taken advantage of the special conditions (Sweet Action has only forty six seats) to create something truly unique and intimate. We’re involving the audience and challenging them to get up close and personal, even help the magic happen. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

Tickets are now available from the Fringe website. The are $18, including all taxes and fees. The show is not recommended for children under 14. As mentioned, we have very limited seating. So book yours as soon as possible.

Performance Schedule:

Tuesday, June 30, 8:00 PM
Thursday, July 2, 4:00 PM
Saturday, July 4, 8:15 PM
Sunday, July 5, 12:30 PM
Monday, July 6, 9:30 PM
Thursday, July 9, 6:30 PM
Friday, July 10, 1:00 PM
Saturday July 11, 4:45 PM

The Sweet Action Theatre is located inside Artscape Youngplace (180 Shaw Street, Queen & Ossington). The Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

 

My last Fringe production was in 2012 in Hamilton with a show called Lies, Damn Lies and Magic Tricks. As you can see I the intervening fourteen years have not made me any more honest. Looking forward to sharing this new show with everyone next month!

Magic at the John Candy Box Theatre

There is a special one-night-only magic performance coming up next month at the John Candy Box Theatre.

Giancarlo Scalia is an Italian magician we met last year at a conference. He performs beautiful classical traditional magic, laced with European charm. We couldn’t wait to bring him to Toronto. He recently appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, which you can take a moment to watch below.

His performance will be one night only at the new John Candy Box Theatre in downtown Toronto. Tickets are $40 now available from the Second City Box Office. We hope to see you there.

Giancarlo Scalia: Chaos
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
7:30 PM
The John Candy Box Theatre
Second City - 1 York Blvd, Toronto (map)

Produced by the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club in partnership with Second City

Giancarlo Scalia on Fool Us

 

Upcoming performance in Mississauga

I’ll be taking part in a special live show raising money for Ronald MacDonald House charities, alongside magicians David Peck and Rob Fishbaum. The performance is open to all ages.

Magic in Mississauga
Thursday, June 5, 2025 — 7:30 PM

The Heineken Stage | Classic Bowl
3055 Dundas Street West, Mississauga

 

From the Sousa Group:

An All Ages Magic In Mississauga performance on the Heineken Stage at Classic Bowl will have you wondering "How did that happen".

Join 3 magicians who have years of expereince in the field and love to entertain. All in support of Ronald McDonald House.

Rob Fishbaum is a seasoned Toronto-based magician with a reputation for blending sharp humour, clever storytelling, and jaw-dropping sleight-of-hand. With decades of experience performing at private parties, corporate events, and on stages big and small, Rob has a rare ability to connect with audiences of all ages. His performances are a seamless mix of classic magic, mentalism, and spontaneous comedy—leaving guests not just entertained, but genuinely amazed.

Whether he's reading minds at a boardroom table or turning everyday objects into moments of pure astonishment, Rob brings a warmth and charm to his craft that keeps audiences engaged long after the final reveal. A lifelong student of magic and a true showman at heart, he’s known not just for the tricks he performs, but for the unforgettable experiences he creates.

David Peck is a Toronto-based magician and storyteller who weaves wonder, humour, and human connection into every performance. Known for his thoughtful approach to magic, David blends sleight-of-hand, mentalism, and narrative to create experiences that are as meaningful as they are mystifying. Whether he’s performing for an intimate gathering or a packed theatre, David’s magic is never just about the trick—it’s about sparking curiosity and conversation.

With a background in philosophy, podcasting, and social justice work, David brings a unique perspective to the world of magic. His performances often explore deeper themes of perception, belief, and the stories we tell ourselves. As both a seasoned entertainer and an engaging speaker, he invites audiences not only to be amazed—but to see the world just a little differently.

James Alan is a Toronto-based magician and sleight-of-hand artist known for his intelligent, polished, and highly engaging performances. Combining classic magic with a modern, thoughtful twist, James creates shows that are as intellectually stimulating as they are entertaining. His performances have been featured across Canada in theatres, private events, and on national television, earning him a reputation as one of the country’s most articulate and inventive magical performers.

With a background in mathematics, philosophy, and education, James brings a unique analytical perspective to the art of illusion. He’s the creator and host of the acclaimed theatrical magic show Magic & Martini, and a frequent collaborator with educators and scientists exploring the psychology of deception and perception. James doesn’t just fool you—he makes you think about how and why you’re being fooled, and leaves you wondering long after the curtain falls.

SoChange Inc. is a Toronto-based social enterprise committed to driving meaningful impact through storytelling, education, and community engagement. Founded by speaker, producer, and educator David Peck, SoChange collaborates with non-profits, educational institutions, and socially conscious organizations to amplify important conversations around justice, equity, and global development.

Through podcasts, films, live events, and consulting, SoChange creates platforms that inspire dialogue and action on some of the world’s most urgent issues. Proud to support events that bring people together around shared values, SoChange believes in the power of connection, creativity, and compassion to spark real and lasting change—locally and globally.

Magic After Hours at La Casa

Next Saturday, December 21, I will be performing at La Casa Ristorante in London. Join us for dinner followed by a live interactive performance. Tickets are $25

From La Casa:

Welcome to La Casa Ristorante a fusion of Italian and Continental flavors. La Casa is your go-to destination for a delightful dining experience in the heart of downtown London. Our restaurant combines the cozy ambiance of a traditional restaurant with a modern twist on global cuisine. At La Casa, we take pride in the fact that everything is made from scratch in-house using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both comforting and innovative. Whether you’re joining us for a quick bite at lunch, a business lunch, or a romantic dinner, our menu offers something for every palate. Pair your meal with our carefully curated selection of wines and cocktails for the perfect culinary experience. After Hours at La Casa features after-dinner premium entertainment on select nights to complete the whole dining and entertainment experience. Our inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and exceptional food make us ideal for any occasion. We look forward to welcoming you.

Hocus Jokus at YukYuks

This Sunday night I’ll be at YukYuks in downtown Toronto for Hocus Jokus. I’ll be appearing with Jonah Babins and Ben Train. Come join us for a great night of magic and comedy.

Sunday, March 10, 2024
8:00 PM
YukYuks - 224 Richmond Street West, Toronto
Tickets $25

From YukYuks:

“An Unforgettable Show!” - Toronto Star
“Canada's top magicians!” - Snapd Magazine

Is this Toronto’s funniest magic show or Toronto’s most magical comedy show? 

Trick question - it’s BOTH! 

Toronto’s funniest magicians have joined forces to create a 90 minute show jam packed with laughs and mind-blowing amazement. They’ll read your mind, predict the future, and do all sorts of other crazy sh*t you won’t believe unless you see it with your own eyes!

So get off the couch, and join us for an incredible night of comedy, magic, and fun that you’ll never forget 

Get your tickets NOW before they disappear forever!