Well, Sim sala bim! Local treasure Chris Nichols has broken the news that a new Magic Castle outpost is in the works in Santa Barbara. Called the Magic Castle Cabaret, the new venue overlooks a lake and nature preserve in Montecito and formerly housed the Casa del Sol restaurant and events center.
Magic Castle co-founder Milt Larsen, who now splits his time between Hollywood and Santa Barbara, tells Nichols the second location will “look like a castle with a lot of stained glass and woodwork,” and will “strictly be devoted to close-up magic and variety arts.” With a 50-seat theater and lounge, the Magic Castle Cabaret is slated to open by Halloween.