SIXTY YEARS!

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Ten years ago, Steve’s 50th birthday was celebrated at Denny & Lee's. It was a surprise party with family, friends, and current students of Steve's and of course, Denny. Steve was truly surprised, and then amazed when Denny walked out onto the stage and gave a surprise performance! Made up in his tux and vans he wowed us with his magic and comedy and we never stopped talking about that "best day ever". So when the most recent milestone was approaching I was challenged. I didn't want to try to have another surprise party because I thought it would be compared to the previous milestone surprise party. I thought hard about what he needed the most right now, and I realized a forced break was in order. Steve is always overwhelmed with the balance of stocking our regular items, managing custom orders and keeping the creative itch satisfied. Originally, I planned on setting up a weekend in NY and tickets to Chamber Magic, but Steve Cohen happened to be away in London that weekend! Bummer. On the search for an alternative plan - looking for a unique weekend getaway, I found the Roxbury Experience in New York's Catskills. Their catch phrase on their website was, LET THE MAGIC BEGIN. Ok, I'm sold! 

Checking out the options for what type of room to stay in was overwhelming... until I got to the WIZARDS EMERALDS. Steve has long loved the Wizard of Oz, and the themed room was so fitting! As a side note I have to mention the Wizard of Oz gave me nightmares as a child. Tornadoes, talking tin man, and scarecrow, and lion... wicked witches that melted, and houses that fell on them, a little girls dog gone missing (terrifying), attempted kidnapping, a giant green floating head, and the march of the winkies and their creepy chanting. Was this even supposed to be a kids movie? Booking this Wizard room took strength. But i knew he would love it! 

I researched the area to see if by chance there could be a magician or comedy show and found the next town over in Windham, NY, Magic on Main, Sean Doolan. So I booked it and held onto the surprise! Finally, I told him the day before leaving that we were escaping to the Catskills for a few days, staying at The Roxbury in the Wizards Emeralds room and seeing a magic show. After a debacle with the rental car, crazy NY/NJ Friday traffic, and 8 hours of driving we arrived! The room wasn’t just a place to stay...it felt like stepping into a storybook set.

The highlight of our trip was seeing Magic on Main with Sean Doolan who entertained with strong magic in a very intimate setting. Steve loved it, naturally. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a performer who understands timing, misdirection, and audience connection without over-explaining any of it. We laughed a lot, and truly enjoyed our time there.

The 60th milestone was a different kind of celebration than the 50th but still a perfect reset filled with things Steve loves! We had a wonderful time! Happiest of Birthdays to Steve!