Magic Club Juggles Its Schedule for Younger Set

The Comedy & Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, known for its nighttime roster of comedians and variety acts for adults, is now offering similar, G-rated entertainment for children.

On Sunday afternoons, “For Kids Too,” a crowd-pleasing lunch-and-show matinee for families, features juggling, comedy, tricks and illusions performed by the same professionals who play at night.

The club’s jukebox interior is festooned with masses of balloons. Mechanized ‘30s-era clowns swing overhead or talk from the walls, and pre-show cartoons play on three video monitors. Lunch, for the younger set, comes in black plastic top hats. (The menu features adult and kid-sized fare, with vegetarian options.)

The bill changes weekly and repeat appearances are common. A recent program featured Jim Piper, a comic magician who dealt happily with young skeptics in the first row, and the Passing Zone, a skillful juggling duo who adjusted with engaging good humor both to the club’s low ceiling and to a few over-excited, young would-be comedians in the audience.

There was also the much-too-brief appearance of stylish husband-and-wife team Victor and Diamond, who delighted the audience by conjuring up birds and bunnies.

Regular emcee Mark Graciale got laughs with audience-participation bits, but he occasionally misfired--he singled out one boy for wearing a pink shirt. Insult humor should be saved for the night show and an audience better equipped to deal with it; it can ruin a good time for a child.

At 1018 Hermosa Ave., Sundays, 12:30 p.m., indefinitely. Tickets, $12.50; (213) 379-0250.