Mini-Mini Theater in a magic shop

[MitsuMatsu]

Does anyone know when Abott's Magic in Colon Michigan built its Mini-Mini Theater within the shop?
As a matter of fact, there is another Mini-Mini Theater (almost identical to that in Abbotts) that was built within Ton Onosaka's Magic Land in Japan in Nov 1988.
So, I wonder which one originated the idea.

Mitsu Matsu

[Gregory Edmonds]

I'm afraid I don't have any idea regarding the inception of the Abbott's shop (why not ask them? (www.Abbottmagic.com).

As to Ton's shop, it is one of very many such brick and mortar establishments that incorporated "stages" of varying sizes. Here in the United States, many (probably most, if fact) such shops still in business are located in the less-expensive per foot real estate "strip malls."

Nearly every strip mall store has a store front (retail) area, and another back (office or storage area). In some I've seen, the back area is much larger than the part the customer sees.

These areas in the rear of the shop were and are very often converted, in part, to a small proscenium stage area.

Greg Edmonds
ArsPraestigium.com - Purveyors of the ART of Illusion

[MitsuMatsu]

Thanks Greg.

You are correct. But they have not replied to my question so far.
When I visited there in 2001, the Mini Theater existed, but I wonder when its stair-like mini theater was created.

Mitsu Matsu