Magic City

About Magic City

Magic City is a thematic period drama and crime series that was first released on Starz on April 6, 2012. The plot of the series is set in Miami during the late 1950s and early 60s, a period of extensive social and political changes. The series delves deep into the life and experiences of Ike Evans, the owner of Miami's most glamorous hotel, the Miramar Playa. He strives to keep his business afloat amidst familial strife and perilous dealings with the local mafia.

Making / Production

Magic City was produced and written by Mitch Glazer, a native of Miami. Production design was entrusted to Carlos Barbosa. Glazer’s personal experience and familiarity with the area added depth and authenticity to the set. Most of the wardrobe used in the series were carefully chosen from the 1950s era. The show was filmed predominantly in Miami Beach and was scheduled to run for 8 episodes on Starz.

Actors

• Jeffrey Dean Morgan portrayed Ike Evans, the charismatic hotel business mogul who is at the center of the plot. Morgan convincingly played the part of a man caught in the chaos of his own making.
• Olga Kurylenko played Vera Evans, Ike's second wife, a former dancer. Kurylenko moments of intense emotional vulnerability brought depth to her complex character.
• Danny Huston played Ben Diamond, a rough and cold-hearted mafia boss whose interaction with Ike Evans sets the premise for the ensuing drama.
• Jessica Marais played Lily Diamond, Vera's attractive stepmother who added an intriguing twist to the plot as she entered into a clandestine relationship with Ike's eldest son.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Mitch Glazer is a Miami native and most of the story is drawn from his childhood experiences and people he knew growing up.
• The title 'Magic City' is actually a nickname for Miami, a city known for its rapid growth.
• Despite the series' initial success, it was cancelled after two seasons.

Awards

Magic City was nominated twice for the Casting Society of America’s Artios Awards for its outstanding achievement in casting.

Quotes

• "We can't always be the men we want to be, Ben. - Ike Evans"
• "If anyone's gonna put a bullet in you, it's gonna be me. - Ben Diamond"
• "I'm not here to judge, I'm here to protect. - Isaac Evans"

Music, Soundtrack

• "St James Infirmary" performed by Louis Prima.
• "Be My Love" performed by Mario Lanza.
• "Mona Lisa" performed by Nat King Cole.