Meet The Magic Family
Katie Marchese reveals what it's like to tour and manage one of the world's busiest family magicians.
Magic has rarely been a "family business" more than with Mario and Katie Marchese. Together, they have brought to life some of the most highly praised magic performances for kids around the world.
Mario Marchese is a highly successful magician from New York. His recent performances include a sold-out Off-Broadway run at SoHo Playhouse in New York, the Best Kids & Family Show award at the 2024 Adelaide Fringe Festival, and even an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
His signature style is that of a "Maker": he builds all his own props, becoming especially known for the animated robots he integrates into his performances.
But to truly understand the reason behind his success and gain some fascinating insights into the world of performing magic, we decided to speak with the person behind it all: Katie Marchese.
Katie has produced and managed all of her husband's performing work. The two have traveled the world together, building one of the most successful touring forces in magic today.
Katie and Mario Marchese have turned magic into a lifestyle, centering their entire family around it—including their two children, Gigi and Bear.
The four of them have traveled together to every single show and tour Mario has ever done. This choice wasn’t easy: it required careful planning and a deep sensitivity to their children’s needs, ensuring they were involved only as much as they enjoyed.
Now, 10 and 13, their children have grown up on the road. Katie explained that even the decision to do an off-Broadway run was partially influenced by their desire to keep the kids closer to their friends rather than embarking on long tours.
Touring has always been a defining part of the Marchese family's life. Katie describes it as an adventure filled with chaos and self-discovery, opening doors to unforgettable experiences and connections.
Their first tour was a true test: They traveled in a small 1971 light blue VW bus with no air conditioning, which broke down four or five times—the first time just hours from their home. They documented the process in a YouTube video.
Despite the initial "What did we do?" moment, that journey became one of their fondest memories. Katie recalls the kindness of strangers who helped them along the way, calling them "human moments where you realize what really matters in life."
Speaking with Katie, it’s clear that magic and performance are about much more than just tricks. They embrace the art on a deeper level.
The first thing she emphasizes when discussing touring life is the importance of gratitude—particularly towards the local crews who work behind the scenes to make their shows a success. That’s class.
An interesting aspect of Mario Marchese’s career is his primary audience: children. Many touring performers talk about how their audiences vary from place to place. But when it comes to kids, Katie explains, the differences are far less pronounced than with adults.
She notes that children's behavior is often shaped by how their grownups train them. For example, she recalls kids in London being a bit more reserved than those in New York, leading them to tweak the show slightly to encourage more audience participation.
Katie Marchese holds a rare perspective in the world of magic. While not the lead performer, she has been instrumental in producing and managing her husband’s career, gaining invaluable insights into what makes a show truly work.
On a practical level, she watches the shows with an audience's eyes, providing essential feedback that would otherwise be hard to get. She highlights the importance of presence, eye contact, and seamless transitions between routines.
On a deeper level, she has wisdom to share. When asked what advice she would give magicians who want to perform more and produce their own shows, she says:
"The number one things is: don't limit yourself. Don't let what you do be defined by what is commercially successful. If you're creating art, you don't want to bound yourself. There are no rules in art. You don't have to do things the way others say you should."
She elaborates further:
"Truly take the time to understand the art. Take your time to learn the classics–they are classics for a reason. Then, figure out how to adapt them to who you are, what you want as a performer, and what your unique perspective is as a human being. You need to have something to say. You can translate your story in your show. Mario constantly asks–and urges others to ask themselves–who they are and what they are here for. The answers change throughout the career, but as long as you can draw from your experiences, that is the key."
Katie Marchese emphasizes the importance of authenticity in magic: it’s not about trying to please everyone. She firmly believes that audiences can sense when a performer isn’t genuine and that a lack of authenticity can ruin the entire experience.
Finding a niche and staying true to it allows performers to refine their craft in a way that resonates deeply. By embracing their unique style, they generate excitement that naturally draws in others, even those outside their immediate audience.
When you look at the Marchese family, one thing stands out: they seem to be on a mission. They don’t just perform magic; they live it, embracing the human connections and opportunities for personal growth it provides.
Quoting Katie Marchese:
"Our mission is twofold. First, the big message of our show: do what you love, use what you have, and have fun. That's why our props are made from cardboard. We want kids to leave our shows and feel empowered–knowing that no matter what they have, they can create something. Second, every child deserves a seat at the theatre. We’ve noticed that certain demographics consistently show up at the theater, while others are left behind. We always ask ourselves: how can we reach those kids who might not have the opportunity to come?"
