El Mago Pop, born Antonio Diaz in Badia del Vallès near Barcelona in 1986, is poised to bring his magic to Broadway. Plans to perform on the famed theatre stages in the United States are finally taking shape, and the project promises more than a mere run in a single venue.
After earning widespread acclaim with the English-language version of the show, the August event stands as a milestone. Diaz has already shown his ability to draw large crowds in Spain, first conquering Barcelona’s Teatre Victoria and, more recently, buying a theatre operation in the United States. The Branson, Missouri venue, with 2,800 seats, is set to become a strategic base. Aware of the challenge, Diaz notes that the new space will require careful adaptation and preparation. He envisions premiering the first U.S. production next spring, underscoring the need for a solid base in the United States as the hub of his operations and aiming to enchant millions of American audiences with his magic.
“Ten years ago, when it was just me and a technician, it would have been unimaginable, and I didn’t even have to pay him”
Diaz looks back with surprise at his journey. His move to own the Teatre Victoria on Paral·lel marked a turning point, and with a global audience approaching 2.8 million viewers, the pathway to the United States opened wide. He insists that he has no financial partners backing him, relying instead on a large team to support performance quality and artistic growth. The current show carries the mantra Nothing is Impossible, and he recalls that Palau Sant Jordi once hosted the capacity crowd, a testament to the scale of his ambitions. The older days, he reflects, began with just him and a coach, a memory that also marks his new American adventure.
Diaz has always dreamed big since his humble beginnings in Badia del Vallès. The initial plan to stage a New York concert in 2020 was delayed by the pandemic, but now he is more prepared and determined than ever to make a powerful impact in the United States.
Tickets for the Broadway show are available online.
He will bring a roughly twenty-member technical team to Broadway. The production has faced logistical hurdles, including the United States labor union expectations to hire locally. Diaz celebrates the progress, noting that securing a core team in the U.S. is essential and that a twenty-strong crew is a practical target to begin the project.
Strategic region
Branson, Missouri, will host a dedicated theater for this expansion, a location chosen for its status as a major entertainment hub. The area attracts millions of visitors annually and features a massive convention and entertainment footprint. Diaz emphasizes that this site offers a large audience and a thriving tourism sector, making it an ideal staging point for the American run. He estimates the broader market reach to be significant, given the region’s population and entertainment density.
The theatre will require refurbishment to fit the show’s needs. Diaz notes that while the venue is solid, customization is necessary to align with the production’s details and spatial requirements. Extra attention will be paid to stage dimensions to ensure a seamless transition to the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in New York. The history of Broadway is a source of inspiration, with legendary performers having graced stages alongside modern stars. Diaz, a fan of grand magic acts, looks up to celebrated illusionists while pursuing his own path.
“If we want to be there, we must keep working, but we also have to enjoy it—years of effort taught me that.”
Enjoy the road
This unstoppable rise keeps Diaz grounded. He speaks candidly about learning from each production, improving skills, and savoring life along the way. His team describes the journey as extraordinary, highlighting gratitude and commitment. Broadway represents a pinnacle, but Diaz also aims to maintain a strong presence in Barcelona. The current plan envisions a five-week Broadway run this August, followed by bringing the show back to Victoria for the holiday season. The strategy involves moving between continents with the support of airline partnerships that help sustain the project without risking financial stability.
The show’s trajectory holds many surprises. During a recent press conference, Diaz discussed his U.S. tours and television opportunities. He remains deeply connected to his roots in Barcelona and keeps the European stage active even as he expands. The evolving schedule suggests ongoing tours on both sides of the Atlantic, making Diaz a true transatlantic phenomenon in the world of magic.