Pittsburgh Native Is A "Master Of Illusion"

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) - He's levitated someone during a parade while on a float, worked with the late Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall, and has performed on stages all over the country.

West Mifflin native and illusionist Michael Grandinetti will now be featured on the national stage Aug. 1 on the CW Network's "Masters of Illusion." Grandinetti joined the KDKA Morning News with Larry Richert and John Shumway to talk about it.

Grandinetti, a graduate of Duquesne University, says he is excited about the new show.

"In this show we try to give the home viewer a really unique experience, not only with the illusions we do, but in the way they're filmed," says Grandinetti. "We have 360 degree camera shots. We have a handheld camera moving under illusions while their being performed, I'm definitely very excited about it."

While he doesn't have a specific magician he watched growing up in West Mifflin, he did try to watch magic any chance he got though.

"It was challenging because in those days [YouTube and the Internet didn't exist]," he said.

Grandinetti says he gets excited every time he performs, "I'm a lucky guy. I get to do what I wanted to do since I was 5-years-old."

What can we expect to see from Grandinetti on Friday? He says it will be "pretty unique" and claims he will levitate and walk through steel.

"Masters of Illusion," hosted by Dean Cain, premiers Friday, Aug. 1 on Pittsburgh's CW.

Listen to the KDKA Morning News with Larry Richert and John Shuwmay Weekdays from 5 to 9 a.m. on News Radio 1020 KDKA

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