Antonio Diaz, better known to fans as El Mago Pop, made a guest appearance this week on Travelling with Chester. The illusionist, who has risen to global prominence in recent years, sat down with Risto Mejide to discuss his career and his Broadway debut. Diaz offered a candid glimpse into the whirlwind that comes with traveling the world on stage, sharing how the journey has shaped his perspective and performance style. This discussion highlighted not just the triumphs but the quiet moments that test a performer before a show goes live in front of an audience that spans continents.
Diaz recalled a pivotal moment in New York that he only realized after the fact. He described walking through Times Square, surrounded by posters and billboards that would normally signal a milestone for any performer. Instead, the spectacle amplified his nerves, making the images around him feel almost like a mirror to the pressure he felt to deliver. He described the realization that staying grounded required a deliberate pause amid the city’s endless energy. A close call during the day also underscored the fragility of live performance: a theater appearance nearly collided with a bus, an incident Diaz called a nearly tragic ending that reminded him how precarious a moment on the edge of a show can be. The memory serves as a cautionary tale for anyone pursuing big dreams under bright lights. Citation: Interview segment with Risto Mejide on Cuatro.
Diaz also opened up about the heavy demands of Broadway, noting that working without a partner or investor allowed him to retain control while creating a large-scale production. He described the investment as substantial and the decision-making process as intensely complex, given how selective Broadway can be about who gets a seat in the theater. He framed it as a rare privilege, where the decision rests with a select group and the pressure to perform is relentless. The conversation offered a window into the realities that lie behind the glamour of a Broadway debut, where artistry must coexist with logistics, timing, and a relentless pace. Citation: Interview segment with Risto Mejide on Cuatro.
Differences between Spanish audiences and American audiences surfaced in Diaz’s reflections. He observed that American crowds tend to be more exuberant, with a rock-and-roll energy that rises as the show begins, and an expectation that seems almost palpable as lights dim and anticipation climbs. He noted that audiences here watch with raised eyebrows before applauding, a dynamic that can feel different for magicians who rely on the moment of awe. Adapting to this style, Diaz explained, required tuning into a distinct rhythm where engagement often comes early and stays high throughout the performance. The insight underscored how cultural nuances influence the delivery of magic on stage and the way a show is paced to sustain attention. Citation: Interview segment with Risto Mejide on Cuatro.
Financial aspects also emerged in the discussion, with Diaz acknowledging the price differences that come with touring in the United States. He revealed that tickets had climbed to around 350 dollars, a figure that surprised the host and sparked a conversation about value and market dynamics. Mejide reacted with a mix of disbelief and curiosity, prompting Diaz to reflect on the balance between audience expectations and the reality of producing a large-scale show in a major market. Diaz admitted that the price point felt high but argued that, from his perspective, it reflected the investment required to deliver quality magic on a prestigious stage. He recalled a moment when he accepted the economics of the situation, recognizing that a show’s success in such a competitive setting can hinge on maintaining a sustainable balance between artistic integrity and financial viability. Citation: Interview segment with Risto Mejide on Cuatro.
Across the conversation, Diaz’s tone remained reflective about the learning curve that accompanies major theatrical work. He spoke about how the experience in the United States broadened his approach to magic, from the mechanics of the trick to the pacing, interaction with an audience, and the overall storytelling arc. He emphasized that while 100 euros might be a reasonable price in some regions, the American market operates on a different scale, and the overall experience must justify the investment. The dialogue painted a vivid portrait of a performer continually evolving, drawing on both success and challenge to refine a craft that thrives on wonder and precision. Citation: Interview segment with Risto Mejide on Cuatro.