Virtually Mystify The Whole Family With DENNIS WATKINS': “THE MAGIC PARLOUR AT HOME”

KIDS GETTING SQUIRRELLY FROM SPRING AND SUMMER IN QUARANTINE?
DENNIS WATKINS INTRODUCES NEW VIRTUAL SHOW:

“THE MAGIC PARLOUR AT HOME”

Tickets on Sale Now for Virtual Performances 
Every Friday and Saturday in July

"The Magic Parlour at Home” is recommended for adult audiences. Guests ages 12 and up are welcome to join, while guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

For a fully immersive experience, guests are recommended to sport cocktail attire 

and bring their own deck of cards. 

REVIEW: 
By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Friday night, my son and I ditched our quarantine casual wardrobes, donned cocktail party attire, and settled in to enjoy opening night of an interactive magic show in real time. The audience included folks from multiple states and even Mexico. It was at once familiar and completely new. In the era of Covid-19, when all live shows have gone dark, Dennis Watkins has worked nothing short of real magic, creating an astonishing social distancing show that still feels remarkably intimate and engaging. 

Like his acclaimed Palmer House iteration of Magic Parlour that's been wowing people for 9 years now, audience members are called on to assist with every trick. As individuals were called on via Zoom, our screens would appear, inset in the larger image of Dennis' show. We got to introduce ourselves and where we were watching from, then join in the fun as magician's assistant. 

With all mics unmuted, the interconnection of show goers was palpable, with audible applause, laughter, and reactions, missing from so much theatre online. It was also fun to catch a sneak peak "behind the curtain" as Dennis gave us a quick tour of his home studio space, designed specifically to morph remote magic into table magic, in your own home! Theatre people are nothing if not creative, and Dennis has discovered a way to reinvent post-covid parlour magic and storytelling in a way that works wonderfully.

The $75 ticket price may seem a bit spendy for an online show, but you can bring the whole family or a party of friends, all included in the base price, as long as you're watching in the same location on one screen. And this is no prerecorded piece. This is personal and worth every penny. 

As a third generation magician, Dennis' shows are a bit family history, a whole lot of mystery, and pure joy. We're no strangers to the Magic Parlour shows. I did a video interview with Dennis back in 2012, and I'd seen his act years before that even, in the pre Palmer House days, when The Magic Parlour was in the basement of Chicago's beloved House Theatre. 

So much has changed in the intervening decade, even pre-coronavirus. Dennis Watkins is a father to an adorable toddler now, and has been featured on Penn and Teller: Fool Us. Since opening at The Palmer House on New Year’s Eve of 2011, The Magic Parlour has enjoyed phenomenal success and unimagined growth. With fewer than 50 seats available per show, The Magic Parlour has entertained over 45,000 guests in its nine-year run. Additionally, it has hosted more than 1,300 ticketed audiences and dozens of private groups, facilitated three truly magical wedding proposals, and has been featured in two books (Chicago Magic: A History of Stagecraft and Spectacle and 100 Things to do in Chicago Before You Die).

I've taken my whole family and several lucky friends to Magic Parlour at Palmer House over the years, catching the show a handful of times, and it's always just as baffling and brilliant as the first time. Even with a jump to Zoom now, Dennis' world class prestidigitation, storytelling, and showmanship hasn't changed. The pandemic may be winning in the world at large this July, but it can't keep a great magician down. 

One of our favorite new bits is a group card trick where everyone brings their own deck. Despite copious amounts of shuffling, ripping of cards, putting a bit aside, and discarding of varied numbers of half cards (different for everyone), we all ended up reuniting two of our half cards in the end! In a time when disconnection from family and friends is taking a toll on everyone, this group magic is particularly gratifying. The whole show is a welcome and invaluable break from reality.

My son was called on for a mind reading bit, traditionally done in person with books, cleverly converted to cellphone. Dugan secretly picked Narwhals (his favorite animal) on Wikipedia from millions of possible entries, then randomly 

highlighted a word from the article that happened to be recommended. Even remotely, Dennis successfully divined both and wrote them in sharpie, amazing and amusing us all! I've got to agree with that choice and add another word... highly. “THE MAGIC PARLOUR AT HOME” is highly recommended. Don't miss this!

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara is a Chicago based writer-theater critic-photographer-videographer-actress-artist-general creatrix and Mama to two terrific teens. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Tickets on Sale Now for Virtual Performances Every Friday and Saturday in July

(Great for ages 12+ through adults of all ages)

Famed third-generation magician, Dennis Watkins, is taking his one-of-a-kind magical experience The Magic Parlour online for a completely new virtual offering dubbed “The Magic Parlour at Home.” The new virtual magic show, designed for group and family viewings, will offer multiple performances every Friday and Saturday evening in July. After the roaring success of several livestreams hosted on The Magic Parlour’s Facebook page, Watkins developed “The Magic Parlour at Home” to dazzle audiences with new and interactive magic and mindreading available directly on their screens.



Tickets are now on sale for $75 and can be purchased online at themagicparlourchicago.com. A maximum of 30 tickets will be sold for each performance and each ticket will admit one “household” or up to 10 guests on one screen. All performances will take place via Zoom and require a computer with a functioning camera and microphone to participate as well as a high-speed internet connection. After tickets are purchased, patrons will receive an email containing instructions and a link to access the performance. “During this time, I’ve learned to adapt my craft to be able to virtually perform the same caliber of magic my guests have come to expect from my performances at the Palmer House,” said Watkins. “The new acts I’ve created for The Magic Parlour at Home will provide a truly engaging and participatory magical experience for my virtual audience.”

"The Magic Parlour at Home” is recommended for adult audiences. Guests ages 12 and up are welcome to join, while guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For a fully immersive experience, guests are recommended to sport cocktail attire and bring their own deck of cards. 

 A complete list of performance dates and times is below. Additional 9:30 p.m. performances may be added subject to demand:

Friday, July 3: performances at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 4: no performances due to Independence Day Friday, July 10: performances at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11: performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 17: performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18: performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 24: performance at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25: performance at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 31: performance at 7:30 p.m. For complete details and information on “The Magic Parlour at Home” and Watkins’ other virtual experiences including corporate and private events, teambuilding workshops and magic lessons, please visit: themagicparlourchicago.com.

Check out our 2012 interview with Dennis Watkins here for a blast from the past:



About The Magic Parlour
The Magic Parlour is an intimate evening of classic magic and mind-reading featuring the work of third-generation magician Dennis Watkins. Guests to this intimate, magic-packed evening gather at Potter's in the Palmer House lobby before Watkins personally escorts them to the performance space. Once inside, the audience participates in much of the performance as Watkins wows the room with classic sleight of hand, unbelievable mind-reading and magical wisdom passed down from his grandfather.

BOOK A MAGICAL SUMMER EVENING WITH DENNIS WATKINS’ THE MAGIC PARLOUR

DENNIS WATKINS’ 

THE MAGIC PARLOUR ANNOUNCES SPECIAL SUMMER HOURS

New Summer Performance Times at the Historic Palmer House Hilton Feature Expanded Encore Room Availability

It's hard to think summer when February snow is blanketing Chicago, but anticipation is strong magic. Celebrated Chicago magician Dennis Watkins today announced ticket availability for his top-rated show The Magic Parlour this May through July, featuring special summer performance times and expanded Encore Room performances at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel (17 E Monroe St.). We've caught the incomparable Dennis Watkins' mind boggling magic many times over the years, and he remains our family favorite. 

A third-generation magician who specializes in classic magic and mind reading, Watkins offers world-class, one-of-a-kind magical entertainment. His long-running, critically-acclaimed one-man show, The Magic Parlour, is now in its ninth year and is rated the number one show in Chicago on TripAdvisor.

Guests looking for an even more intimate experience are invited to attend The Encore Room, following the final showtime on Friday and all shows on Saturday. The special additional performance for up to twelve guests offers an up close and personal magic experience and Q&A with Watkins.

“One of my favorite parts of performing is the opportunity to interact with audience members one-on-one in the Encore Room following select shows,” said Watkins. “I’m thrilled to be able to offer our special summer hours, allowing me to expand the Encore Room to follow the later performance on Friday and every performance on Saturday.”

Tickets for the new summer performance schedule are now on sale through July 2020 and include:
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with a performance of the Encore Room following the 9:30 show and
Saturdays at 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., with Encore Room performances after each show.

Tickets to The Magic Parlour and its full summer schedule are now available at TheMagicParlourChicago.com or by calling the box office at 312.300.6803. Tickets for all performances are $79-$89 each and include wine, beer and soft drinks. Encore Room performances are available for an additional $30.

Guests interested in an even more immersive experience are invited to take part in The Magic Parlour and Lockwood Restaurant and Bar’s exclusive prix fixe Magic Menu, curated by Dennis Watkins and Lockwood chefs. Open exclusively for performance guests before or after attending The Magic Parlour, the Magic Menu is available for $41 inclusive of tax and gratuity and can be added to The Magic Parlour ticket price.

ABOUT THE MAGIC PARLOUR
The Magic Parlour is an intimate evening of classic magic and mind-reading featuring the work of third-generation magician Dennis Watkins. Guests to this intimate, magic-packed evening gather at Potter's in The Palmer House lobby before Watkins personally escorts them to the performance space. Once inside, the audience participates in much of the performance as Watkins wows the room with classic sleight of hand, unbelievable mind-reading and magical wisdom passed down from his grandfather.

Since opening at The Palmer House on New Year’s Eve of 2011, The Magic Parlour has enjoyed phenomenal success and unimagined growth.  With fewer than 50 seats available per show, The Magic Parlour has entertained over 45,000 guests in its nine-year run.  Additionally, it has hosted more than 1,300 ticketed audiences and dozens of private groups, facilitated three truly magical wedding proposals, and has been featured in two books (Chicago Magic: A History of Stagecraft and Spectacle and 100 Things to do in Chicago Before You Die).

SAVE THE DATES: THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES THE 18TH SEASON OF ORIGINAL PLAYS

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCES THE 18TH SEASON OF ORIGINAL PLAYS 

FEATURING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HIT HOLIDAY PRODUCTION, 

THE NUTCRACKER, 

A WORLD PREMIERE AND THE CONTINUED SUCCESSFUL OPEN RUN OF 

THE MAGIC PARLOUR

The House Theatre of Chicago is proud to announce its productions for the 18th season. The 2019 – 2020 Season will include the 10th anniversary production of The House’s original ballet-free production of The Nutcracker, November 7 – December 29; the world-premiere of Brett Neveu’s Verböten, January 16 – March 8, 2020; Shakespeare’s Henry V, directed by The House’s Artistic Director Nathan Allen, March 19 – May 10, 2020. The Magic Parlour, featuring magician Dennis Watkins, will continue its open run at The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel. Subscriptions and Tickets may be purchased by calling (773) 769-3832 or by visiting www.thehousetheatre.com.   

Memberships for the 18th season are now available. To purchase memberships or for more information, please visit www.thehousetheatre.com or call the box office at (773) 769-3832. Single tickets for Season 18 productions go on sale starting August 1.

The House’s 18th Season is supported by The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince. ComEd is the Official Lighting Sponsor of The House Theatre of Chicago. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

The House Theatre of Chicago’s 18th Season includes:

The Nutcracker
10th Anniversary Production
Created by Company Members Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O'Donnell, and Tommy Rapley
Based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann
Direction and Choreography by Company Member Tommy Rapley

November 7 – December 29
PRESS OPENING: Friday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Chopin Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division Street 

Celebrating a full decade of making holiday memories with more than 30,000 audience members, The House brings this wholly original, ballet-free show back for its 10th Anniversary production. Appearing again at the Chopin Theatre, and featuring all new puppets, The Nutcracker is fast-paced, beautifully choreographed, family-friendly, and moving, even for those of us that might be on the Grinch’s side from time to time.

This fantastical expansion of the holiday classic centers on young Clara’s journey to save Christmas in the face of grief. With the help of a magical nutcracker, the brave girl risks the darkness, fights the Rat King, and saves her family. A modern holiday tradition weaving together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, original songs, this spellbinding spectacle tells a heartwarming, darkly moving story of magic and hope—a fun outing fit for the whole family.

Verböten
A story about how punk saves lives
Music and Lyrics by Jason Narducy
Book by Brett Neveu
Directed by Artistic Director Nathan Allen

January 16 – March 8, 2020
PRESS OPENING: Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Chopin Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division Street
Production Sponsor: The Poetry Foundation

1983. Chicago. It’s do-or-die for Verböten—a band made up of outsider teens with seriously complex home lives. As they gear up for a show at The Cubby Bear that is sure to change their lives forever, can they keep their parents from destroying the fabric of their self-made punk rock family? With lyrics and music by Verböten’s original guitarist Jason Narducy (Split Single, Superchunk, Bob Mould) and book by Brett Neveu (Odradek, Pilgrim's Progress, Traitor), Verböten is inspired by the true story of Chicago's own young punks.

Henry V
O For a Muse of Fire
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Artistic Director Nathan Allen

Featuring Company Member Brenda Barrie as Henry, with Company Members Desmond Gray, Michael E. Smith, Kevin Stangler, Kara Davidson, Ben Hertel, Derek Matson, Christine Mayland Perkins, Joseph Steakley, and, as the Chorus, Nathan Allen

March 19 – May 10, 2020
PRESS OPENING: Sunday, March 29, 2020 at 7 p.m.
Chopin Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division Street

As Henry attempts to accomplish the impossible, so does Shakespeare in one of his most demanding works of stagecraft. The House adventures back and forth across oceans for justice, intrigue, romance, and the “alarms and excursions” of the battlefield. Featuring Brenda Barrie as Henry and Nathan Allen as the Chorus, The House entreats you to “let us on your imaginary forces work,” and witness one of Shakespeare’s most compelling examinations of our capacity for leadership.

Artistic Director, Nathan Allen, reflects, “A few of us started dreaming about starting a theatre company while studying classical theatre in London. Like Shakespeare’s theatre, the company we imagined would be founded to engage the audience’s imagination in ‘amazing feats of storytelling.’ Nowhere are those founding ideas better described than by Shakespeare himself. And for many in The House’s ensemble, returning to this text feels like returning to the root ideas of our work together.”

The Magic Parlour

An intimate evening of classic magic starring Dennis Watkins
OPEN RUN

Fridays at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 4:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: $79 – $89 (and includes wine, beer or soft drink selections)
Now on sale through October 2019!
The Palmer House Hotel, 17 E. Monroe St.
Tickets are available at www.themagicparlourchicago.com

Award-winning, third-generation magician Dennis Watkins invites you to his evening of sophisticated tomfoolery in one of the Windy City's most exclusive and long-running entertainment experiences. The Magic Parlour is replete with mind-blowing magic and mind reading to ignite your imagination in an intimate suite at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel in downtown Chicago. Guests convene at Potter's Lounge and will be escorted to the private performance venue. The performance lasts approximately 80 minutes.

Following select performances of The Magic Parlour, experience Dennis Watkins’ world-class sleight of hand in an even more intimate and exclusive setting with The Encore Room. Limited to 10 guests at a time, The Encore Room also offers guests a unique opportunity to participate in a Q&A with Watkins where they can learn more about his family legacy, his remarkable life in magic, and his work as one of this country’s premier magical entertainers.

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO 
The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has won 24 Joseph Jefferson Awards, became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. The 18th season of original work begins this November and The House will continue its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of community through amazing feats of Storytelling.   

Review of “Magic Parlour” at Palmer House Hilton: Performance # 1,000!

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

“My goal is not to fool you, but to encourage a sense of wonder,”

--Dennis Watkins, cool, entertaining, and fun magician/mentalist

GUEST REVIEW 
by catherine hellmann 

Attending a magic show is a blast. Attending a cocktail event at the gorgeous Palmer House-Hilton is a special event. Seeing magician Dennis Watkins perform his 1,000th sold-out show in the stunning Chicago venue is astounding. What a treat! 

Phone photos below by Chris Meza

As Dennis himself observed, after being given a special proclamation on behalf of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, “If selling out 1,000 shows is not magic, I don’t know what is!”

Dennis Watkins is a third-generation magician. As a boy, he dreamed of doing huge “tricks,” like the typical “saw-the-lady-in-half” routine or making “elephants vanish.” But his grandfather encouraged him that the most powerful magic is sleight of hand performance that “requires your thoughts, your choices, and your actions to create something miraculous.” To demonstrate this point, Mr. Watkins said his grandfather modeled the philosophy by using a spool of thread. Following his grandfather’s lead, he unwound a long piece of white string, then broke it into several pieces. He wadded the string up and appeared to swallow it, washing it down with a sip of water. Then the youngest Mr. Watkins placed half a dozen razor blades into his mouth! “Tastes like Schick!” he quipped, downing them with more water. To the relief and delight of our audience, the razor blades emerged from his mouth individually, tied to the now-restored piece of string! And he seemed no worse for the wear, unlike if I attempted this and wound up in the emergency room with a team of health professionals shaking their heads…”You did WHAT?!”

One aspect of The Magic Parlour which can’t be duplicated is Watkins’ wonderfully charming personality. I especially love his interactions with the crowd; his enthusiasm and playfulness is so funny and alluring. Having an audience member write down a secret word, he chided, “I do want the marker back; I am on a budget.” And he teased another audience member,”Write down your name, Matt, and let me know if you have any spelling questions. Oh, and it’s a magic marker!!” He is sure to show the crowd a great time. Taking out-of-town guests to the Palmer House for a magic show would be a sure bet for both impressing them and introducing them to the magic that exists in Chicago.



When I saw the show a couple years ago, Dennis had me roll a die while his back was turned. I covered the number while he guessed my number. He studied me, smiled, and observed,”You are a good liar.” I threw back,”I teach middle school.” He roared, along with the audience. His graciousness and adoration of what he does is so evident.

My date thought it was amazing when Dennis began a mind-reading segment by covering his eyes with coins, then two layers of duct tape (Again with the awesome humor: “I bought duct tape because it is the weekend!”) to prove he could not cheat at figuring out the inner thoughts of his volunteers. We were blown away at his prowess of "mentalism"!



Our “childlike wonder” was brought to life in The Magic Parlour performance by Dennis Watkins. If you have never seen this show, do yourself a favor and go. Take the family as a special treat. You will not be disappointed. Huzzah!

When not at the theater, Catherine Hellmann rides herd on 8th graders at work and two teens at home. She is continually sleep-deprived. 

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

DENNIS WATKINS GIVES 1,000TH PERFORMANCE OF 

THE MAGIC PARLOUR 

REACHING MILESTONE FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 

AT THE PALMER HOUSE HILTON HOTEL

I've caught The Magic Parlour every few years, since it's early days in the eclectic basement digs of Chopin Theatre. Back in 2012 I had the great pleasure of interviewing mystifying magician, Dennis Watkins, in his home. Check it out here:


Dennis Watkins expounds on being Harry Houdini in Death and Harry Houdini for Chicago's House Theatre and being his own magical self in the long running Magic Parlour show. He's done the water torture cell escape upwards of 100 times now! He also discusses the history of the show as it's evolved since 2001 and his own family history of magicians.

Since then, Watkins has moved up in the world, out of the cellar and into the elegant Palmer House Hilton Hotel! The Magic Parlour is a top pick of ours for tourists and locals alike. Watkins is charismatic, charming, and utterly baffling, while remaining refreshingly free of ego. The Magic Parlour show and Potter's Palmer House local are classic Chicago and truly a treat. 



Over the past eight years, my husband, kids, and friends have joined me at various Magic Parlour performances, and all have been amazed and well entertained by Dennis Watkins' close magic. Watkins remains one of our favorite premiere prestidigitators. We're excited to celebrate his 1,000th performance this month, as star in the longest currently running magic show in Chicago. Highly recommended! 



Dennis Watkins, a renowned third-generation magician and mentalist, has baffled and bemused audiences with his performance of The Magic Parlour. Produced by The House Theatre of Chicago, Watkins reaches a milestone on January 25 when he presents his 1,000th performance in the longest currently running magic show in Chicago. 

Each week, intimate audiences of just 44 guests are treated to 90 minutes of tom-foolery through close-up magic and mystifying mentalism at the storied Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe. The 1,000th show will be performed Friday, Jan. 25 at 9:30 p.m. While seating is limited for this milestone performance, the open run show continues in its season of five shows weekly thereafter. 

To find more about Watkins and The Magic Parlour, visit TheMagicParlourChicago.com.

“When we conjured up The Magic Parlour, it was a once-weekly late-night show in Wicker Park. Finding our home at the Palmer House on New Year’s Eve 2011 helped us evolve this project into the sophisticated production it is today. The audience’s imagination is at the heart of a truly magical and personal experience,” says Watkins.

The Palmer House has a rich history filled with hosting nearly a century’s worth of legendary magic performers including Chicago native and world-renowned magician Harry Blackstone, Sr., Paul Rosini, Richard Cardini, Ching Ling Fu and others. Watkins’ unsurpassed milestone at the historic venue is a testament to his ability to meld the best of magic’s captivating draw with a modern show, keeping the allure of Chicago’s deep-rooted magic scene alive for locals and visitors alike. Available for only The Magic Parlour ticket holders, guests can toast the occasion with a magical cocktail and a special prix-fixe Magic Menu dinner at Lockwood Restaurant & Bar at Palmer House throughout February. 

I can attest, their food is fantastic! 

“I keep the show fresh by adding new material throughout each year, always diving deeper into the lessons about inspiring wonder my grandad imparted to me.  With both believers and skeptics participating, every show is a one-of-a-
kind happening,” explains Watkins.



The Magic Parlour is an upscale event and cocktail attire is encouraged. The show is open to guests ages 12 and older. Tickets for The Magic Parlour are $79 or $89 each, which includes wine, beer and soft drinks served during the performance. The prix-fixe Magic Menu at Lockwood Restaurant & Bar costs $41 per person, all inclusive, and dinner reservations can be reserved at the time of ticketing. Purchase tickets at www.themagicparlourchicago.com or by calling The House Theatre of Chicago Box Office at 773-769-3832. 



ABOUT MAGICIAN DENNIS WATKINS Dennis Watkins is a third-generation magician who travels the country bringing world-class magic to the world's largest companies, as well as exclusive private and society events. Watkins' critically-acclaimed one-man-show, The Magic Parlour, has been running at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in downtown Chicago for seven years. Produced by The House Theatre of Chicago, The Magic Parlour is an intimate evening of classic magic and impossible mind-reading in a private suite at one of Chicago's most historic and noteworthy hotels.  As a Company Member with The House Theatre of Chicago, Watkins has written, acted, and directed and performed in over 21 world-premiere productions. He appears as one of America’s greatest magicians in The House’s production of Death & Harry Houdini, including a death-defying nightly performance of the Water Torture Cell. Houdini has played seven times in Chicago over The House’s 17-year history. With awards and honors from the Texas Association of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and the Desert Magic Seminar, Dennis specializes in creating unforgettable magical experiences for each and every one of his audiences. The Chicago-based magician was honored to be an invited guest on Penn & Teller’s Fool Us television show.

ABOUT THE MAGIC PARLOUR The Magic Parlour starring Dennis Watkins is an intimate evening of classic magic and mind-reading featuring the work of the third-generation magician. Guests to this intimate, magic-packed evening gather at Potter's in the Palmer House lobby before Watkins personally escorts them to the performance space. Once inside, the audience participates in much of the performance as Watkins wows the room with classic sleight of hand, unbelievable mind-reading and magical wisdom passed down from his grandfather.  Since finding its home at The Palmer House on New Year’s Eve of 2011, The Magic Parlour has enjoyed phenomenal success and unimagined growth.  With only 44 seats available per show, The Magic Parlour has entertained over 30,000 guests for nearly 1,000 ticketed audiences and dozens of private groups, facilitated three truly magical wedding proposals, and has been featured in two books (Chicago Magic: A History of Stagecraft and Spectacle and 100 Things to do in Chicago Before You Die).




ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO  The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded in 2001, led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen, and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular art form. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has won 22 Joseph Jefferson Awards, became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards®. 

Consummate Conjuring at The Palmer House Hilton With Dennis Watkins' Magic Parlour

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

THE MAGIC PARLOUR CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS 

AT THE LEGENDARY PALMER HOUSE HILTON HOTEL 

AND ANNOUNCES 200 PERFORMANCES 

BY THIRD-GENERATION MAGICIAN DENNIS WATKINS 

IN THE COMING YEAR!

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara (AKA: ChiIL Mama), Dennis Watkins, and Cath Hellmann

October 2016

Last October it was my great pleasure to see Magic Parlour and enjoy the fabulous Lockwood Restaurant Prix Fix Magic Menu with my long time friend, Cath. She and I met in a theatre production together way back in 1989 and have remained fast friends ever since. This Friday I'll be returning to the luxuriously lovely Palmer House and the mystifying Magic Parlour once again with my magic loving teenage son. We can't wait!

*The show is open to guests ages 12 years and older*

Sure, everyone's heard about mega hit Hamilton: An American Musical, but mere blocks away from The CIBC Theatre, there's another stellar must see show, Dennis Watkins at Palmer House! Don't miss this. In the plush opulence of Palmer House, you'll experience mind boggling magic in an intimate setting, for an audience of 44. Dennis is undoubtedly Chicago's premiere prestidigitator. He has mad skills without arrogance or attitude, and he's charming, personable, and puts on a world class show.

The House Theatre of Chicago proudly announces the return of Dennis Watkins in The Magic Parlour, at the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe, for an open run. Regular performances take place Fridays at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 4:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.* Tickets are $79 each, which includes wine and beer selections, and may be purchased at www.themagicparlourchicago.com, www.thehousetheatre.com or by calling The House Theatre of Chicago Box Office at 773.769.3832.  The Magic Parlour is an upscale event and cocktail attire is encouraged. 

            * Schedule is subject to change. Please consult www.themagicparlourchicago.com when looking for the most updated schedule.

Since opening at The Palmer House on New Year’s Eve of 2011, The Magic Parlour has enjoyed phenomenal success and unimagined growth. With only 44 seats available per show, The Magic Parlour has entertained over 20,000 guests in its five year run. Additionally, it has hosted more than 700 ticketed audiences and dozens of private groups, facilitated three truly magical wedding proposals, and has been featured in two books (Chicago Magic: A History of Stagecraft and Spectacle and 100 Things to do in Chicago Before You Die).

Photos featuring Dennis Watkins in The Magic Parlour  by Ryan Bourque

The Magic Parlour is an intimate evening of classic magic and mind-reading featuring the work of third-Genegation magician Dennis Watkins. Guests to this intimate, magic-packed evening gather at Potter's in the Palmer House lobby before Watkins personally escorts them to the performance space. Once inside, the audience participates in much of the performance as Watkins wows the room with classic sleight of hand, unbelievable mind-reading and magical wisdom passed down from his grandfather. “Grandpa got the intimacy argument permanently right…and, fittingly, grandson pulls off his feats in a brightly lit room, his every act open for inspection, however impossible to explain away.” (Lawrence Bommer, StageandCinema.com).  Third-generation magician Dennis Watkins, named “Chicago’s Official Magic Man (Chicago Sun-Times), regularly incorporates new pieces of magic into this long-running production, giving returning audiences brand new feats to puzzle over.

Now Chicago's long time favorite is internationally known! Check out Dennis on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, which recently aired on the CW!

Dennis Watkins - Penn and Teller Fool Us from Dennis Watkins on Vimeo.  

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO 

The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular art form.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 66 Joseph Jefferson Awards (23 wins), became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. The 15th anniversary year of original work will begin September 2016 and The House will continue its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

The House Theatre of Chicago has partnered with Dennis Watkins to produce many magical theatrical experiences in its 16-year history. Most notably The House’s hit show Death & Harry Houdini which has had multiple sold-out runs in Chicago and several encore productions at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, FL, including one in May 2017 which was the reason for the recent Chicago hiatus of The Magic Parlour. Watkins’ original play, The Magnificents, has also enjoyed two successful Chicago runs and a critically acclaimed run at the Arsht.





ABOUT THE PALMER HOUSE, A HILTON HOTEL

The legendary AAA four-diamond rated hotel has been hosting visitors to the Chicago Loop for more than 140 years. Today, the Palmer House Hilton continues to thrive in the heart of the theatre and financial district, just steps from the Art Institute, Millennium Park and State Street shopping. A short walk away is Grant Park where summer festivals take place. Family attractions like the Chicago Children’s Museum and Navy Pier are just a quick cab ride away. The hotel features 130,000 sq. ft. of function space with more than 77 meeting rooms, seven ballrooms and two exhibition halls. Lockwood Restaurant & Bar, located just off the lobby, is open throughout the day serving contemporary American cuisine. Small plates and classic cocktails are served in Potter’s. Balance Spa features 14 treatment rooms including hydrotherapy services for the ultimate pampering. The fitness center offers over 10,000 sq. ft. of cardio and free weight equipment, an indoor pool, whirlpool, and saunas.

More Photo Favorites From ChiIL Mama's Adventures at Magic Parlour 2016

REVIEW: Puppets With Panache Perform A Comedical Tragedy for Mister Punch

ADULT NIGHT OUT:

A Puppet-Filled Portrait of a Prodigy in Peril

A COMEDICAL TRAGEDY FOR MISTER PUNCH

The House’s Anniversary Season Opener Tells the Graphic and Haunting Tale of the Creation of Legendary Puppets Punch and Judy

All Production Photos by Michael Brosilow

WRITTEN BY KARA DAVIDSON AND DIRECTED BY SHADE MURRAY,
SEPTEMBER 2 – OCTOBER 23



**This production is recommended for ages 12 years old and older.**

The excitement was palpable at last night's opening of the world premiere of A Comedical Tragedy for Mister Punch. I brought the whole family and the teens and adults all loved it! This show is phenomenal kick off to The House Theatre's 15th season. 

We highly recommend A Comedical Tragedy for Mister Punch. It's not only wildly and wonderfully entertaining, but a compelling commentary on the value of street art and in fact, art's place in society. We love the character of Charlotte (Sarah Cartwright), the young orphan, and we're thrilled she's a bright and scrappy girl, when there's still such a lack of great role models who are young girls in major roles. Adrian Danzig is also brilliant as the gruff loner puppeteer, Pietro. Don't miss THIS!!








JEFF RECOMMENDED!

... and that's how it's done.

House Theatre has long been one of our top favorites on the Chicago scene, and they consistently bring stellar story telling to the table in creative ways. We're completely enamored with this script and the clever staging that brings the iconic Punch and Judy puppets to life as human sized players. This production at once explores the cathartic violence that characterizes the infamous Punch and Judy genre and shatters it, with a young girl who's ready to move the narrative beyond the wife beating, baby killing, bad boy schtick. Highly recommended!

Come one, come all. Come small, come tall. ‘Tis time, dear Punch. 

Dear Punch, ‘tis time.”

The House Theatre's attention to detail is stunning, from their programs, which are always works of art in themselves, to the set design and props. We adore the collectable postcards that turn into 3 different finger puppets. The House even thoughtfully provided baskets of scissors and tape so the audience could assemble theirs on the spot! 

Do note, this is not a children's show. Everyone has different levels of comfort with violence, so younger children could enjoy this production with parental guidance, but the storyline is truly aimed at teens and adults. 

Dangerously dark and decidedly violent, this production is best enjoyed by adults and teens. Read the Parents' Guide for content warnings. 

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:
THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO LAUNCHES ITS 15^TH SEASON WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE PUPPET-DRIVEN

A COMEDICAL TRAGEDY FOR 
MISTER PUNCH

Whenever The House Theatre announces a new show or a favorite remount I get all excited like a little kid at Christmas. Their season opener is no exception. They had me at the title. I mean really, The House Theatre prowess AND puppetry are two of our favorite things. And, extra bonus, Adrian Danzig, Chicago dad and one of our favorites for physical comedy, stars as Pietro the puppet master in this world premiere. We've known him since his son was in preschool with my 13 year old daughter and we've adored his work in 500 Clown, Go Dog Go with Chicago Children's Theatre, and so much more.

The House Theatre of Chicago is proud to announce its 2016 – 2017 season opening production, the world premiere of Kara Davidson’s A Comedical Tragedy for Mister Punch. Influenced by the long history of puppets, Punch and Judy, and directed by Shade Murray, the production runs September 2 – October 23 at the Chopin Theatre’s Upstairs Theater, 1543 W. Division St.

RUN DATES: September 2-October 23, 2016

TIMES: Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7pm (no shows 9/15 and 9/22)

GROUPS: Save up to 30%! Start here! 

PRICES: $15 - $35

Regular run tickets range from $30-35. $15 same-day tickets for students and industry professionals are available for all dates, seats permitting. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.thehousetheatre.com or call 773.769.3832. 

RUN TIME: 2 hours, 15 minutes with one intermission

Charlotte, a young orphan, has made a home for herself thieving on the streets of London. She soon falls into employment as the assistant to an eccentric Italian puppeteer, Pietro. A master of the violent Punch and Judy puppet show, Pietro becomes a reluctant mentor to Charlotte. She is inspired and charmed by his bold, cheeky, and witty creations. The two become an efficient pair under Pietro's gruff and focused attention. As their partnership flourishes, Charlotte's vivid imagination calls the puppets to life to conjure her own versions of the classic tales. But Pietro may not let his protégé cut the strings easily. Reality blurs as live actors, hand puppets, shadow puppetry and marionettes share the stage to illustrate a dark reality of imperfect adults, corrupt authority, class discrepancy, and violence.

Davidson’s A Comedical Tragedy for Mister Punch takes audiences back to the arrival of the Punch and Judy show in 18th-century England, before it became a popular seaside and country fair entertainment staple. The production features puppet creations from Jesse Mooney-Bullock, designer of the puppets for The House’s The Hammer Trinity. Today, many Punch and Judy shows are censored, removing Punch's cruel and murderous nature, opting for themes that are more palatable for youthful ears. But Mister Punch can't escape his peppered past. Why do we cheer for this scoundrel? How does Mister Punch, a character who has been depicted as a merciless hero-villain for over two hundred years, get away with abuse and murder? Perhaps something meaningful lies underneath Mister Punch's colorful yet ruthless exterior. 

The cast includes: Adrian Danzig, “Pietro;’ Johnny Arena*, “Punch;” Sarah Cartwright, “Charlotte;” Will Casey, “Officer” and others; Joey Steakley*, “Joey” and others; Carolyn Hoerdemann, “Judy” and others; Echaka Agba, “Polly” and others; Michael E Smith*, “Crocodile” and others and Owais Ahmed, “Flirt” and others. Understudies include: Ben Hertel, Joseph “Joey” Galizia, Vahishta Vafadari, Carlos Almedo and Gillian Butcher.

*House Company Member

The design team includes: Lee Keenan*, scenic designer; Izumi Inaba, costume designer; Mike Durst, lighting designer; Kevin O’Donnell*, sound designer; John Fournier, composer; Jesse Mooney-Bullock, puppet designer; David Woolley, choreographer; Jon Beal, assistant choreographer; Adam Goldstein, dialect coach; Brian DesGranges*, stage manager; and Eleanor Kahn, props master.

ABOUT KARA DAVIDSON, writer

Kara Davidson has been working with the House as an actor since 2013, but is excited to be stepping into the role of playwright this season! Two of her original full-length scripts were previously produced in the Twin Cities with Dovetail Theatre Company (of which she was a co-founder), and she is thrilled that Mister Punch will be making its world premiere on a Chicago stage. Previous (and current) productions with The House include Death and Harry Houdini (2013 and current), The Hammer Trinity, and Rose and the Rime. Around Chicago, Kara has also worked with Lookingglass, Chicago Shakespeare, and Manual Cinema, among others, and she regularly writes and performs for The Plagiarists "Salon" series. She holds degrees in Theatre Performance and French from the University of Nebraska.

ABOUT SHADE MURRAY, director

Shade Murray is an ensemble member of A Red Orchid Theater, where he has directed the world premieres of Brett Neveu’s Pilgrim’s Progress and Ike Holter’s Sender, as well as productions of Marisa Wegrzyn’s Mud Blue Sky and The Butcher of Baraboo, Annie Baker’s The Aliens, Nick Jones’ Trevor, Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party and Kimberly Akimbo by David Lindsay-Abaire.  He also performed in the A Red Orchid production of The Mutilated. Other directing credits include Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Steep Theater, Second City, Writers’ Theater, The Inconvenience, Strawdog, and elsewhere. Murray is a lecturer at University of Chicago and teaches at DePaul University and Actors’ Studio Chicago.

ABOUT PUNCH AND JUDY

The first record of the puppet, that eventually grew to be the infamous Punch, was made by Samuel Pepys in the late 17^th century. He wrote his observations on the Italian puppet show playing in London’s Covent Garden in his journal. At the time Punch, short for Punchinello, was a puppet on strings but eventually, along with his wife Judy, evolved after nearly a hundred years to become glove puppets dressed in a jester-like fashion.

Puppeteers favored street performances at first, where the title of “Punch and Judy” was born, but eventually found their way to the seaside to perform to those on vacation. Today, various iterations of the show with roots in Commedia dell’ Arte, clown and slapstick comedy can still be found at the seaside, street festivals and carnivals around the world.

Charlotte, a young orphan, has made a life for herself thieving on the streets of London. She wiggles her way into employment for an eccentric Italian puppeteer, Pietro, collecting coins from his crowds and watching out for the law. They quickly become an efficient pair under Pietro's gruff and focused attention. As their partnership flourishes, so does Charlotte’s vivid imagination. Soon, the violent Punch and Judy puppets jump to life as she conjures up her own spins on the classic tales. But Pietro may not want his protégé pulling the strings.

Our "merry little play" reveals the dark underbelly of 18th century London as Charlotte’s reality blurs with the frantic world of Punch and Judy. Filled with live actors, hand puppets, shadow puppetry, and marionettes, the story uncovers the dangers lurking in an unjust world. 

  

Show Dates:

Sep 2 2016 to Oct 23 2016

Location:

Chopin Theatre, 1543 W Division St, Chicago

ALSO NOW PLAYING:

STARRING DENNIS WATKINS!

The Magic Parlour is one of our top favorites of all times, and nothing short of astonishing. Dennis Watkins is out of the dunk tank and into the parlour! Death and Harry Houdini (with its nerve wracking water torture chamber trick) has finished another acclaimed run, but you can still catch the star, prolific prestidigitator, Dennis Watkins, in his snazzy solo show at the iconic Palmer House Hilton in downtown Chicago. I caught The Magic Parlour back when the show was playing in the shabby chic basement of the Chopin Theatre. Several years back they moved to fancier digs, and this intimate show has grown in popularity. We took the whole family last year and even the jaded teens adored it. Dennis is the real deal, and a joy to see in action. Prepare to be mystified. Oh SO highly recommended. ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List. 

Performances begin again September 2 with more performances this year than ever before!

TIMES: Friday nights at 7:30 and 9:30pm, Saturdays at 4:30, 7:30 and 9:30pm

PRICE: $79

AGES: Recommended for ages 12 and up!

PRIVATE EVENTS: Start here!

RUN TIME: The show runs about 75 minutes. 

An intimate evening of classic magic with Houdini himself, in the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel. Award-winning, third-generation magician Dennis Watkins delivers an evening of sophisticated tom-foolery in one of the Windy City's most unique entertainment experiences. Dennis Watkins. Experience the premier magic show in Chicago, featuring mystifying feats of prestidigitation, sleight of hand, mentalism, and more. The Magic Parlour is replete with mind-blowing magic and mind reading in an intimate suite at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel.

Guests convene at Potter's on the lobby level and will be escorted to the private performance venue. 

"A SOPHISTICATED NIGHT-CAP. You’ll be mightily impressed! " 

-Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“A perfect evening of illusion and laughter… The Magic Parlour TRANSFORMED a roomful of tired adults into WIDE-EYED, WIDE AWAKE innocents. And that in itself is Watkins’ most impressive trick." 

-Chicago Theater Beat

“This late-night magic show is exactly what it should be: funny, lively, intimate, and UTTERLY BAFFLING.” 

-The Chicago Reader

Check out our Yelp reviews for more glowing recommendations from mystified patrons

Show Dates:

Sep 2 2016 to Jul 1 2017

Location: The Palmer House Hilton Hotel

17 East Monroe Street, Chicago IL 60603

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular art form.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 60 Joseph Jefferson Awards (21 wins), became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. Now in its 14th year of original work, The House continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.