Physician Magician at the Rhapsody Theater in Back to Back English and Spanish Performances May 4 & 5, 2024

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

The Physician Magician with Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz

The Rhapsody Theater celebrates Cinco de Mayo with a weekend of alternating Spanish and English language shows by Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz: the Physician Magician, May 4th & 5th. Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we're longtime fans of Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, AKA: the Physician Magician. The good doctor is not only a pediatric physician and Northwestern professor, but also the owner of Rhapsody Theater, and magician in residence. He's even created medical school curriculum for the study of magic and medicine, to improve the doctor-patient relationship. 

We first caught The Physician Magician show years ago at the Royal George Theatre, when my kids were in elementary school. I was called on stage to assist in a mystifying trick involving an old school chalk board (no spoilers). During the trick Dr. Rosenkranz spoke about Zeitgeist, and how the word literally means "time ghost". That was a new word for my young son, and he was so enthralled with the concept, he looked the word up after the show. Years later, my kid was preparing to graduate from Northwestern himself, as I was heading to the grand reopening of Rhapsody Theater. I told him Dr. Rosenkranz was the new owner, and was recreating Rhapsody as a full time magic venue. My son, Dugan instantly remembered him as "The Zeitgeist Guy". It takes a special kind of entertainer to inspire kids to do vocabulary homework and retain it for over a decade. Not only that... he's about to do it bilingually! Don't miss this. 

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: Family Friendly Shows On Our Radar

English Language Performances:

Saturday, May 4 @ 7:30 PM

Sunday, My 5 @ 2:00 PM

The Rhapsody Theater celebra el cinco de mayo con un fin de semana de espectáculos alternando funciones en español y en inglés del Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz: el Medico Mago, Mayo 4 & 5

El Medico Mago con Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz Espectáculos en español:

Saturday, May 4 @ 2:00 PM

Sunday, My 5 @ 7:30 PM

At the Rhapsody Theater Chicago

1328 W. Morse Avenue in Rogers Park

 

Plus, special pop-up menu from The Frida Room offers signature Mexican food & beverage

Born and raised in Mexico City, Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD, Chicago’s own Physician Magician, will celebrate the festive Cinco de Mayo holiday weekend by once again performing a feat never before seen on Chicago stages: performing back-to-back magic shows in two different languages, Spanish and English, at The Rhapsody Theater, 1328 W. Morse Avenue, the weekend of May 4 & 5, 2024.

The Spanish language editions of Physician Magician will mark the first full-length Spanish magic show on the Rhapsody Theater stage. Both days, Dr. Rosenkranz will perform two versions of his popular production, one in English and one in Spanish: Saturday, May 4: SPANISH language matinee at 2pm, followed an ENGLISH language evening performance at 7:30pm; Sunday, May 5, Cinco de Mayo, features an ENGLISH language matinee at 2pm followed by a SPANISH language evening performance at 6:30pm. Tickets for each performance start at $30.00 and can be purchased at rhapsodytheater.com.

Adding to the festivities, Chicago’s popular The Frida Room, a lively family-owned restaurant with locations in Pilsen and Lincoln Park, will host a limited-time pop-up location at Rhapsody offering an array of modern Mexican favorites for purchase.  Starting Thursday, May 2 through Sunday, May 5, guests can order from a special Frida Room menu inspired by Mexican Street Food and offering main courses, such as fajitas and ceviche, in a sit-down setting before or after each show, along with Mexican favorites, such as quesadillas and flan, available in the theater throughout the shows. Accompanying these authentic food offerings will be a selection of specially curated cocktails with a Mexican twist, including Balsamo’s Lime Margarita.

Physician Magician is an elegant full-length production of rarely seen magic and illusion. One of Rhapsody Theater’s resident artists, Dr. Rosenkranz invites audiences into his study to share the magical performances he so dearly loves. Along the way he shares his connection between medicine and magic witnessing mysteries that might unlock the mind and warm the heart. The new show includes several never-before-seen illusions and brings back many signature classics and audience favorites including Balsamo, last seen on the CW’s Fool Us, creating an unforgettable performance of upbeat, fun, magical theater in a beautiful cabaret style setting.

“As the owner and resident artist at the Rhapsody Theater, I am looking forward to the challenge of performing my show in English and then immediately again in Spanish,” said Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD. “I discovered my love of magic 25 years ago after walking into a magic store in Mexico City. I am thrilled to be presenting these special editions of Physician Magician in my native language for Chicago’s robust Spanish speaking population.”

Other headliner talent at The Rhapsody Theater includes Look Closer with Joshua Jay, a new show of magic and sleight-of-hand in which Jay turns the concept of misdirection on its head, now being performed through April 28; and Ridiculous! with David Williamson, an evening of relentless laughter, mind-bending tricks, and a dash of anarchy, May 17-June 30. PLUS, throughout the year, catch resident artists Chicago’s own Physician Magician, Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD, while Ross Johnson returns with his jaw dropping mind reading show, A funny thing happened… tomorrow!  Visit https://rhapsodytheater.com/ for more information on all upcoming performances.

More about Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD

Ricardo Rosenkranz was a student of the legendary Eugene Burger for nearly 20 years. As a Magical Performer, Ricardo has been often seen on the stage of Magic Chicago and is a regular performer and lecturer at the annual Magic and Meaning Conference in Las Vegas. Most Recently he completed a highly successful run at the legendary Magic Castle in Los Angeles. In 2017 Dr. Rosenkranz was invited to perform for Penn & Teller's Fool Us on the CW Network.

Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Ricardo Rosenkranz is Assistant Professor in Clinical Pediatrics at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Ricardo holds Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees from Stanford University. He obtained his Medical Degree from Cornell University Medical School in 1990, completed a Pediatric Residency and a Fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Northwestern University in 1993 and 1996 respectively. Dr. Rosenkranz was for the past fifteen years the Co-Founder of Inovamed, S.A. de CV, a health care services provider in Mexico. Inovamed is credited with the successful financial and quality-driven turnaround of one of Mexico City's oldest private hospitals. 

In conjunction with the Medical Humanities and Bioethics Program at Northwestern, Dr. Rosenkranz created the nation’s first medical school curriculum for the study of magic and medicine. Created for first- and second-year medical students, these courses explore the performance aspects of medicine and the anthropological relationship between medicine and the magical arts. The principal aim is to help medical students develop a more sophisticated and deeper understanding of the doctor-patient relationship. The success of his Magic and Medicine courses has spilled over to graduate medical education where Dr. Rosenkranz has taught similar courses elsewhere. He is a regular lecturer of this topic at Stanford University where he recently was the featured presenter for Medical Grand Rounds. Since 2011, Dr. Rosenkranz has led the Course in Magic and Medicine at the McBride’s Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas. In 2015 he delivered a TED talk at TEDxNorthwestern.

 

About The Rhapsody Theater

Built in 1912 as the Morse Theater, this destination at 1328 W. Morse Avenue has long-been a source of arts and entertainment (formerly operating as the Co-Ed Theater and the Mayne Stage). Since its reopening in 2022 by Ricardo Rosenkranz, MD, Chicago’s own Physician Magician, The Rhapsody Theater has brought a Vegas-style entertainment experience to Rogers Park. This includes a newly developed, full-service restaurant and three bars throughout providing a welcoming spot for both patrons and community members to enjoy year-round. The multi-faceted theater is perfectly primed for its world-class performances. With state-of-the-art acoustics and versatile seating arrangements, the space allows for enhanced, intimate, and large format experiences. In addition to magic arts talent, The Rhapsody Theater also presents cabaret and other live music concert programming.

The Rhapsody Theater is conveniently located steps away from the Morse Red line ‘El’ station in Rogers Park. Complimentary parking is available in an adjacent lot (subject to availability) in addition to plentiful nearby street parking. 

For more information about The Rhapsody Theater or to purchase tickets, please visit https://rhapsodytheater.com/

THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS AT CADILLAC PALACE THEATRE NOVEMBER 21 – NOVEMBER 26, 2023

It’s the most magical time of the year… ‘Tis the season for

THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS

 CADILLAC PALACE THEATRE

151 W. RANDOLPH STREET

NOVEMBER  21 – NOVEMBER 26, 2023

Here at ChiIL Mama, we adore The Illusionists and circus arts, magic, and humans doing stupefyingly amazing superhuman feats of all sorts. We've reviewed other versions of The Illusionists' show in past years and can't wait to catch them in their new Magic of the Holidays production. It's sure to wow! Remember, show tickets are great, experiential gifts, and a chance to make memories with multigenerational appeal. 

Producers Simon Painter, Cirque du Soleil, MagicSpace Entertainment, and Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce that the all-new installment of the world-famous, blockbuster touring magic spectacular THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS is returning to Chicago. Ticket prices range from $20.00 to $85.00 with a select number of premium seats available. Based on the smash-hit Broadway production, THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS, will play a limited engagement of 8 performances at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph) from November 21-26, 2023. Additional ticket information and the performance schedule are below.

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays showcases the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.  

The Illusionists previously wowed audiences and around the world including smash hit engagements on Broadway, London’s West End and on tour around the United States and Canada. This year’s family-friendly show promises even more illusions, close-up magic, mentalism, and technological spectacle performed by master entertainers who’ve captivated audiences worldwide.

For more information about The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays and tour dates, visit http://www.theillusionistslive.com/ and follow The Illusionists on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

ABOUT SIMON PAINTER, CREATIVE PRODUCER

Simon Painter is a visionary creative producer and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. Originally from London, Simon began his career as a classical violinist, but soon transitioned to producing and creating commercial theatre. Over the past 10 years, Simon has been at the forefront of the live entertainment industry, having launched and managed major performance venues and conceived, created and produced acclaimed productions such as Adrenaline and Le Noir. His first show, Le Grand Cirque, smashed box office records at the Sydney Opera House, selling over 40,000 tickets in ten days. In 2012, in collaboration with Tim Lawson, Simon founded The Works Entertainment and created The Illusionists, which became the biggest-selling magic show in Broadway history. The franchise expanded with the stunning sequels The Illusionists 2.0, The Illusionists 1903 - The Golden Age of Magic, and the Lionsgate collaboration Now You See Me Live. Simon’s Circus 1903 premiered in Australia in December 2016 and toured internationally, mesmerizing audiences with thrilling turn-of-the-century acts and sensational elephant puppetry. In 2019, Simon sold The Works Entertainment to global circus powerhouse Cirque du Soleil, where he continues to produce and develop breathtaking spectacles for audiences around the world. He recently co-created Cirque du Soleil’s latest resident production Mad Apple, which has been lauded as the new gold standard for Vegas shows.

ABOUT MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT

MagicSpace Entertainment, a LiveCo Company, is a boutique producing and presenting firm focused on first-class properties and productions. Based in Park City, UT, the company has produced and presented national tours, Broadway shows, concerts, museum exhibits and sporting events worldwide for over 40 years with a powerhouse producing team focused on providing creative, marketing, and general management expertise. www.magicspace.net

 

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com, or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 21 at 7:30 PM

Wednesday, November 22 at 2:00 PM

Wednesday, November 22 at 7:30 PM

Friday, November 24 at 2:00 PM

Friday, November 24 at 7:30 PM

Saturday, November 25 at 2:00 PM

Saturday, November 25 at 8:00 PM

Sunday, November 26 at 2:00 PM

 

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 23 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

 

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

 

Winter at Chicago Magic Lounge Marks the Company’s 5th Anniversary and Return of Family Show Sundays

Chicago Magic Lounge Presents 

Comedy Magician Harrison Lampert’s

Mixtape

Wednesdays beginning January 4, 2023

HarrisonLampert, credit Sarah Elizabeth Larson

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we adore Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago’s home for close-up magic. We came out and covered their ground breaking over 5 years ago, and their grand opening, and we've been regulars ever since. 

Photo by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

The magic starts at the secret entrance through the wall of dryers, a nod to the prior use of the space at 5050 N. Clark as an industrial laundromat. The secrets don't stop there. Think classic Scooby Doo mysteries as you enter the magic library with bookcases full of volumes of tricks and biographies of famous magicians from all eras. Then there's the fun Art Deco design of the main theatre space as well as the front bar. Even some of the bathrooms contain illusions. 

Most of their shows are 21+ (16+ with legal guardian) and make for a great adult night out. If you have littles at home, check out the Family Show on Sundays  afternoons at 3pm, great for all ages 5+. They're back after a 3 year pandemic hiatus so bring the whole family and enjoy a magical afternoon. 

This month, I'll be reviewing their Artist-In-Residence series with Harrison Lampert’s Mixtape, now on stage Wednesdays at 7:00pm, January 4 – March 29, 2023. Harrison’s Mixtape combines magic, stand-up, sketch, improv, and some good ol' fashioned silliness all peppered with late 90s/early 2000s nostalgia. It's a comedic roller coaster out of the mind of Philadelphia 90s kid Harrison Lampert. Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge shows are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com.

Who's Harrison Lampert? We don't really know. What we do know is that outside of his passion for finding the greatest lunch deal of all time and trying to understand the color teal, you may have seen him multiple times on your tv and phone. And now, he's bringing his show Mixtape to the Chicago Magic Lounge. 

Harrison Lampert is an actor, comedian, and magician originally from Philadelphia. He has been seen in GHOSTED, Fresh Off The Boat, American Housewife, as well as The Daily Show. Lampert was also featured in the viral video "Magician Sells Weed to a Cop." He is an alumnus of The Groundlings Sunday Company and is a frequent performer at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. 

Mixtape will be presented on Wednesdays at 7:00pm, January 4 – March 29, 2023. Tickets are priced $40 (Main Floor) and $45 (Front Row). 

Chicago Magic Lounge is pleased to announce the return of the Family Show! Happening monthly, the Family Show is a one-hour performance perfect for kids and adults alike. Winter performances take place Sunday January 4, February 5, and March 5 at 3pm. Tickets are priced $35 (Standard) and $45 (Front Row). 

Also Happening at Chicago Magic Lounge

Music & Magic

Mondays at 7:00pm

Tickets: General Admission $30

The Showcase

Tuesdays at 7:00pm

Tickets: Standard: $35; Front Row: $40

Artist-in-Residence Series

Wednesdays at 7:00pm

Tickets: Standard: $40; Front Row: $45

The Signature Show

Thursdays-Sundays at 7:00pm, Fridays and Sundays at 10pm

Tickets: Front Row $85, Premium Main Floor (main floor banquette and main floor cabaret) $72.50, Standard (rail and elevated banquette) $65, Mezzanine $52.50. 

The Signature Show was conceived in 2015 as an homage to the historic, Chicago magic bar scene. Experience close-up magic right at your table during the cocktail hour, followed by an hour of stage magic featuring masters of their craft performing feats of prestidigitation and sleight of hand. Guests who purchase Premium tickets (Front Row, Main Floor Cabaret, Main Floor Banquette) are invited to an exclusive performance of close-up magic directly after the main stage show in our 43-seat close-up gallery, The 654 Club.

Photo by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Chicago Magic Lounge’s 5th Anniversary

Come celebrate as Chicago Magic Lounge marks 5 years since bringing Chicago-style close-up magic back to the city! Join us for a very special week of Signature Shows February 23-26. Performer details and special offerings to be announced at a later date. 

Note about the menu refresh – new items include: 

BAKED GOAT CHEESE, chèvre, charred peppers, and Calabrian chili gremolata, served with a grilled baguette.

FLATBREAD, caramelized onions, pancetta, roasted figs, and parmesan, herbs, 

FRIED CHICKEN SLIDERS, and VEGAN SLIDERS, two Impossible™ sliders topped with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, vegan dijonnaise. Winter also marks the return of our seasonal drink The Cursed Apple, hot spiced cider (spirit-free or spiked).

Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge performances are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com. Chicago Magic Lounge is a 21+ venue. Ages 16+ allowed to ticketed evening shows with a legal guardian. Ages 5+ are allowed to The Family Show. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. 

The staff and performers of the Chicago magic lounge are fully vaccinated for covid 19. Ticket holders must attest to being fully vaccinated against covid-19 or have tested negative within 48 hours prior to your visit to enter the premises. 

For a complete schedule of performances and more information about Chicago Magic Lounge, resident and guest performers, and more, please visit chicagomagiclounge.com.

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS is now playing through December 11th, 2022

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

JAW-DROPPING MAGIC, BIG LAUGHS,

HOLIDAY MUSIC, AND STUNNING ACROBATIC PERFORMANCES

IN A CHRISTMAS TIME ADVENTURE

Caroline Rinny

Here at ChiIL Mama we adore circus arts and magic. We've had the chance to see both A Magical Cirque Christmas and Lucy Darling's solo shows many times and are eager to see the two together. I'll be out for opening night, December 6th, so check back soon for my full review. Don't sleep on this one, though. A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS is only in Chicago for a 1 week run. Make some family memories with this fun, all ages show.

Lucy Darling

Comedic Magician Lucy Darling - “a true original – hilarious and delightful;

An EXCEPTIONAL new talent in magic”

-- David Copperfield

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS is now playing through December 11, for a limited one-week engagement at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe).

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS features world-acclaimed performers and cirque artists who take audiences back in time, immersing them in the spirit of the season with comedy, music, and magic – performing Christmas classics through the decades. Tickets are available at BroadwayInChicago.com and range from $20-$80 with a select number of premium seats available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com.

Johnathan Rinny 

About A Magical Cirque Christmas

The Christmas tale begins as the Guardian of Time, who manages the changing of the seasons with his giant magical clock, finds himself less than thrilled to face the countdown to the 2022 holidays. In other words, he’s not feeling it. An optimistic, magical Christmas fairy played by the glamourous and comedic magician Lucy Darling whom David Copperfield calls “a true original – hilarious and delightful; An EXCEPTIONAL new talent in magic” appears to help but despite her best intentions, causes time to go haywire when she breaks the clock.

The story jumps along the time spectrum with visits to the rollicking 1920s a la The Great Gatsby style, the rockabilly 1950s, the boogie-oogie 1970s, and a classic Victorian 1890s London reminiscent of Charles Dickens, and is accompanied by beautiful holiday music from each period. To keep the clock ticking, Lucy Darling uses all her skills with jaw-dropping tricks and amazing feats of illusion, including a levitation that requires a bit of audience participation.

Acts returning for this season’s tour include audience favorites, Rola Bola performer and Unicyclist Jonathan Rinney, Juggler Christopher Stoinev and Foot Juggling Duo Ray Rodriguez Lara and Henry D’Boyd Collado Green. Attendees of all ages will be amazed and delighted by performances that have also entertained TV audiences on America’s Got Talent and The Late Show. Dazzling artists include Lyra hoop aerial acrobats, a high-flying foot juggling duo, a breathtaking aerial straps pair, a contortion flying streetlamp act, an internationally acclaimed high balancing rola bola artist, and much more. 

“A Magical Cirque Christmas is a great opportunity to bring friends and family together to reconnect, share laughs, and create new memories during the holiday season. We’ve assembled top-tier talent for an incredible evening of surprises that we think will bring a ton of joy during a cherished time of year,” said Director Louanne Madorma, who has directed cirque shows all around the world.”

For a complete tour schedule go to www.MagicalCirqueChristmas.com.

Follow @AMagicalCirqueChristmas on Facebook and Instagram and @CirqueChristmas on Twitter.

Magical Cirque Christmas Cast

Performance Schedule 

Tuesday, December 6 through Friday, December 9 at 7:30pm (2pm Matinee on Wednesday, Dec. 7)

Saturday, December 10 at 2pm & 8pm

Sunday, December 11 at 2pm

About MagicSpace Entertainment 

A Magical Cirque Christmas is produced by MagicSpace Entertainment, a boutique producing and presenting firm focused on first-class properties and productions. Based in Park City, UT, the company has produced and presented national tours, Broadway shows, concerts, museum exhibits and sporting events worldwide for over 40 years with a powerhouse producing team focused on providing creative, marketing, and general management expertise.  www.MagicSpace.net 

About Broadway In Chicago

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 22 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theatre District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

COVID-19  Protocol

Masks are recommended for all audience members. For the latest health and safety procedures and guidelines, click here.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Follow Broadway In Chicago on: Facebook/@BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter/@broadwaychicago● Instagram/@BroadwayInChicago ● #broadwayinchicago

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.

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®. 

WIN A Pair of Tickets (Up To $320 Value) To Jamie Allan's iMAGICIAN High-Tech Magic at Chicago's Harris Theater

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar
U.S. premiere of 
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Promo code HERON provides an exclusive 25% off discount.

My family adores magic. My teens have mastered a few card tricks and illusions themselves and we enjoy catching the pros in action. I'll be out with the family Sunday the 23rd for the press opening, so check back soon for my full review. In the meantime, ChiIL Mama's pleased to partner up with iMAGICIAN and the Harris Theater on a stellar ticket giveaway for our readers. 

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Don't miss one of this season’s hottest production coming to Chicago. The producers of Jamie Allan’s iMagician, a show combining trickery and illusion with technology, are delighted to announce the U.S. premiere in Chicago at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph) for a limited two-week engagement beginning Dec. 22, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019. Perfect for a unique twist on your holiday shopping this year!

Some of the incredible highlights of this production include:

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Disclosure: We have been given complimentary tickets for review purposes and for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.