Magic of The Steelgraves
      Formerly Known as Almodarr's Grand Illusion
        New England Magicians and Entertainers Markus and Angelique Steelgrave

ABOUT MARKUS (ALMODARR) STEELGRAVE

Markus Steelgrave (formerly known simply as "Almodarr") has been wowing audiences for 40 years, casting a spell of magic and illusion everywhere he performs.  A charismatic and likeable entertainer, Markus' many personae range from Classical Magician to Wizard to Pirate to "the goofy magic guy". He has a wealth of experience behind him, from his first paid magic show at the age of 12, through his early roots as a nationally-touring circus performer/variety artist, to his current status as one of New England's most sought-after magicians and illusionists.

Markus' magical skills and friendly rapport with people of all ages make him equally at home onstage before large audiences, or at your banquet table in an intimate "close-up magic" setting. He captures the heart and mind--and tickles the funny bone!--as few other performers can do.

Markus, like many magicians, got his start in magic at an early age.  As a child he fell in love with the movie "Houdini" starring Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh; when in fourth grade he was asked to do a book report, Markus selected the book "Houdini's Fabulous Magic", by Walter Gibson and Morris Young.  It wasn't long before he was checking out other books about magic, and learning to perform his own tricks under the guidance of some of the top Maine magicians of that time (such as Ralph Greenwood, Gerry Champagne, Lloyd Covens).

Markus performed his first professional show before he was even in his teens, and has been performing professionally ever since (with the exception of a tour of duty with the United States Navy in the late 1970s).  His earlier years as a performer saw him traveling the United States with groups such as the Allen Brothers Magic Circus, where he performed as a wire-walker, acrobat, magician, juggler, fire-eater...basically, the ultimate troubadour.  Post-Navy, he was one of the co-founders of the Balboa Park Players (California)--performing alongside other prominent variety artists.  He has performed at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Caroline's on Broadway in NYC, and countless points in-between.

From 1996 to 2001,  Markus spent summer seasons performing as the featured magician at Santa's Village in Jefferson, NH.  No small feat--this entailed three or four performances every day, seven days a week, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  (Talk about honing skills!)  Since he partnered with Angelique in 2002, the duo has performed hundreds of shows each year all over the East Coast.  Markus' polished presentation and unique embellishments come from extensive experience with every imaginable type of audience. 

Throughout his career in magic, Markus has been fortunate to receive training, advice and inspiration from some of the most notable people in the business--Johnny Thompson, Jim Rainho, master dove magicians General Grant and Tony Clark, Aldo Colombini, Michael Ammar, Celeste Evans, and John Calvert, to name just a few.  Magically speaking, however, Markus' performing style is completely his own--his personality shines through in every show. 

"The secret to Almodarr's success--besides being good at what he does--is that when he
  isn't performing, he's practicing.  But the most important thing is that he doesn't forget
   that magic is supposed to be FUN.  Even the way he talks to young people is important.
          Almodarr is more than a spectacular magician; he is a first-class entertainer."
                                                                                                 --The Chronicle, Derby Line, VT
 

More than a magician, Markus is a comedian, juggler, fire-eater, balloon twister, poet, illusionist, and entertainer.  He was twice voted "Magician of the Year" by the prestigious Society of American Magicians.  In 2004 and 2005, with partner Angelique, Markus won First Place in the Stage Magic Division of the New England Magic Competition.  In 2006, he competed solo in the Close-Up Magic Division, and won First Place again.  From 2004-2005, Markus served as the Maine State Deputy for the Society of American Magicians.  In 2004, he was instrumental in having Governor John Baldacci proclaim the last week of October as "Maine Magic Week"...in conjunction with the S.A.M.'s tradition of National Magic Week.
Pictured:  Markus performs his fire eating act at a "luau".

Markus' background and varied interests have served him (and his audiences!) well.  One of those individuals blessed with "the gift of gab", able to converse with just about anyone on just about any topic, he's delightfully engaging both onstage and off.  Markus has a flair for the dramatic--although he may be dressed in a classic suit and tie, one look at him will tell you he is a magician.  He is adept at reading an audience, and is nicely in tune with that natural "give and take" energy of live performances.  Whether you're experiencing his magic during cocktail hour, enjoying a birthday party show for your children at home, or watching him entertain hundreds in an auditorium, you'll share a connection with Markus that is almost...magical.  Markus' magic truly sparkles!