Bill Abbott’s mind-bending performance, Magic Hideaway, is St. Augustine’s newest experience
When Magician Bill Abbott and his wife, Rebecca, moved from Toronto, Canada to St. Augustine four years ago, they knew that the Oldest City would be the place where they would bring Bill’s lifelong dream of creating an upscale, intimate magic show to reality. This weekend, Magic Hideaway, a boutique two-hour magic experience, opens at the iconic Casa Monica Resort & Spa. Performances are held e at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
“I have performed over 5,000 shows in 11 countries around the world. The best shows are always the ones in intimate settings where I am able to interact with guests and create a magical environment,” explained Magician Bill Abbott. “That is what Rebecca and I have created here. We have worked directly with Richard Kessler, Chairman and CEO of The Kessler Collection, which owns Casa Monica, and the hotel’s staff, who have been absolutely amazing, to create this one-of-a-kind experience.”
Once guests have arrived at the Casa Monica, they choose from a menu of complimentary magic-themed welcome cocktails to enjoy in the opulent Cobalt Lounge with exclusive access to the VIP area where Bill Abbott will entertain with pre-show sleight of hand magic before everyone is ushered by House Manager Rebecca Abbott into the Magic Hideaway showroom. Styled after a vintage jazz club, the showroom is a 22-seat venue featuring glowing crystal balls, Moroccan chandelier, majestic palms, and carefully-arranged seating so everyone is within touching distance of the magic. Once the house lights dim, Bill Abbott takes the stage to perform one of the most intimate magic shows in the world featuring interactive, mind-bending illusions.
“Magic is meant to transport you to a different headspace and to keep you living in the moment,” explained Bill. “During my show, I perform a type of magic called sleight of hand as well as a psychological-based mentalism. I also lean on my born showmanship, sarcasm, improv skills, and dry humor to entertain the audience. By the end of the show, the entire room becomes connected. Magic Hideaway is a collective experience.”
ABOUT BILL ABBOTT – Recently named Canadian Magician of the Year by Canadian Association of Magicians, Bill has created magic illusions and effects for “America’s Got Talent” and “The Steve Harvey Show” as well as networks and streaming services such as The Disney Channel, Netflix, FOX, and NBC. Over the past few years, Bill has headlined the most exclusive boutique venues across the United States with performances at the Chicago Magic Lounge, The House Of Cards in Nashville, and the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
ABOUT MAGIC HIDEAWAY – Opened in 2022 by Bill and Rebecca Abbott, Magic Hideaway is an intimate, upscale, adult-geared magic experience held in the Cobalt Lounge at Casa Monica Resort & Spa, located at 95 Cordova Street in downtown St. Augustine, Florida. Tickets are $125 per person and include a welcome cocktail, Cobalt Lounge VIP Access, Pre-Show Sleight of Hand, Magic Hideaway Showroom Experience, and Post-Performance Social for autographs and photos. Starting June 30th, shows will be held every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 6pm and 8:30pm. Tickets and additional info are available at magichideaway.com. Follow along on social media Facebook @themagichideaway and Instagram @magichideaway
THE MAGIC WORD RECIPE – A twist on a Prohibition-era classic cocktail called The Last Word, The Magic Word is an original creation by the food and beverage team at Casa Monica Resort & Spa and is included on the special Magic Hideaway cocktail menu.
The Magic Word
1.25 oz St. Augustine Distillery Gin
1.25 oz Lime Juice
1.25 oz Green Chartreuse
1.25 oz Disaronno Amaretto
Instructions: Add all ingredients to a shaking tin full of ice and shake vigorously. Double strain into a coup or martini glass and add citrus Flavour Blaster Bubble to top with a commercial-grade bubble gun. When served, say your favorite magic word and pop the bubble with your wand to drink.
