Houdini, the greatest magician of all time, comes to Madrid with a show at the Calderón Theater. Called Houdini, a magical musical, this is the first show in the world to combine live magic on a large scale with musical theater and can be seen until December 1, 2025 in Madrid.
The show, directed by Federico Bellone (creator of The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story or Mary Poppins) integrates more than 20 live illusionist tricks, with apparitions, disappearances, impossible escapes and never-before-performed effects that have been designed exclusively for this production.
In addition, one hour before the show, spectators can visit all the rooms of the Calderón Theater through an interactive experience that takes them on a journey through Houdini’s magical world. As a novelty, rooms that had been closed for more than 30 years have been opened and where you can find original objects from different eras and even the presence of live magicians.
A project of more than 10 years
Houdini, a magical musical, has been in the making for more than ten years. Initially, its director, Federico Bellone, had planned to premiere it on Broadway or in London, but has finally opted for Madrid, with the help of the production companies Beon.Entertainment and LETSGO Company.
The musical is based on The Impossible Man, a book that compiles the career of the illusionist Harry Houdini, considered the greatest magician of all time. In his performances he surpassed human limits, with very dangerous escapism tricks such as submerging himself in water tied hand and foot.
His life was marked by mystery and legend. He died at the age of 52 and it was never clear if it was due to peritonitis or while practicing what would have been his most daring act. Houdini, a magical musical, revolves around the magician’s last performance, and shows the tricks and difficulties he faced.
Musical theater stars
The role of Houdini is played by Pablo Puyol, who has also starred in major productions such as A Chorus Line. In his opinion, he shares the magician’s passion for being on stage. “He wanted the audience to enjoy everything he did and we actors are also for that, to make live unique experiences,” he explains in a promotional video on the social networks of the Teatro Calderón in Madrid.
Julia Möller is in charge of playing Bess, Houdini’s wife. After starring in The Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables (in London), she considers that this play has been a challenge, especially for learning the magic tricks and illusionism.
The rest of the cast is completed by first class musical actors such as Cristian Escuredo in the role of Theo (Houdini’s brother) or Juan Dos Santos as the narrator of the story. Also joining the cast are Irene Rubio, Paku Granxa, Alba Dusmet, Michelle Marier, Chiara Vergassola, Néstor Rubio, Miguel Ángel Collado, Pablo Ceresuela, Alejando Alí, Sarah Schielke and Sergio Escribano.
When to see Houdini, a magical musical
The show lasts 95 minutes plus intermission and must be attended one hour in advance for the interactive tour of the Calderón Theater. Tickets can be purchased on the website and, until December 1, performances are held Thursday through Sunday:
- Thursday: 20:30 hours
- Friday: 17:30 and 21:00 hours
- Saturday: 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.