Displaying items by tag: Dennis Watkins

“Put someone inside of a box and cut them in half, people think it’s magic. They think it’s a special box. But, tear up a dollar and restore it right under their nose, or look into their mind and read their thoughts, or make something magical happen in their very own hands…. That is an experience they will never forget. – Ed Watkins

The Magic Parlour presented by Goodman Theatre & Petterino’s Restaurant is an absolute tour de force of mind-bending entertainment that left the audience in awe and wonderment. From start to finish, the performance was a seamless blend of astonishing sleight of hand, uncanny mentalism and captivating showmanship.

The showman of this production is Dennis Watkins, a third-generation magician, actor and entertainer. His critically- acclaimed show The Magic Parlour is currently running in the opulent lower-level of the iconic Petterino’s Restaurant on the corner of Dearborn and Randolph.

Dennis Watkins mastery of card manipulation was nothing short of extraordinary. With lightning-fast dexterity and precision, he effortlessly controlled the deck, making cards appear and disappear in ways defying logic. Every move was executed flawlessly, leaving even the most skeptical (me) observers scratching their heads in amazement.

What truly set this performance apart, however, was the incorporation of mentalism. Watkins demonstrated an uncanny ability to read minds, predict choices and even influence the thoughts of volunteers from the audience. The mind-boggling feats left the crowd gasping in disbelief. As a volunteer, I tried my best to stump Magician/Mentalist Dennis Watkins to no avail. He guessed with precision, I might add, and it blew my mind.

The production values were also noteworthy. The lighting and sound design were expertly calibrated to enhance the overall experience, ensuring every subtle move and gesture was visible in this intimate venue.

The cocktail menu is a delightful highlight, showcasing specially curated drinks tailored for the occasion. Additionally, a complimentary drink (which includes options like beer, wine cocktails or soft drinks) is included in the price of the ticket, adding an extra touch of hospitality to the experience.

With a VIP admission, after the show you will be escorted to a private space where you will sit with Chicago’s top magician, Dennis Watkins, for another half hour of magic and a question-and-answer session. He doesn’t give out his secrets, but the up-close magic will have you asking lots of questions.

Whether you’re a die-hard magic fan or a casual observer, this show is guaranteed to leave you spellbound and eager for more. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this exceptional magician in action – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.

Where: 50 W. Randolph Chicago, Illinois 60601
Info: www.themagicparlourchicago.com
Tickets $85.00 - VIP - $115.00

January 25th is now Palmer House, A Hilton Hotel and Magic Parlour Day in Chicago as so declared by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a statement last week. The day is named so for good reason. An idea that took shape in 2011 has now become one of Chicago’s great attractions as Magician Dennis Watkins has been hosting sold out events ever since. In fact, last Friday marked Watkins 1,000th show (most being sold out) – an astounding achievement for any entertainer in Chicago.

Chicago has a rich history in Magic. From early 20th century magician/illusionist Harry Blackstone Sr. (a.k.a. The Great Blackstone), to Harlan Tarbell, who created a magic correspondence course in 1928, Chicago was once home for many magic clubs. We had Jack Gwynne in the 1950's and, of course, Marshall Brodien, who started out as a carnival barker for a circus freak show also made an impression. Before gaining mass popularity as Wizzo Wizard on The Bozo show, Brodien was an accomplished hypnotist. He also created every beginner’s favorite teaching tool in the 1970’s – T.V. Magic Cards along with several magic kits (yes, I had one). Even while retired, Brodien assisted in creating illusions for the likes of David Copperfield and Lance Burton. Yes, Magic was certainly a popular pastime in our fair city throughout the early-mid 1900’s and was kept alive thanks to magician stars like Brodien through the early 1980’s.

Then, unless you were visiting Las Vegas, magic got quiet for awhile.

New magic personalities Criss Angel and David Blaine helped in bringing magic back on a nationwide level in the early 2000’s, but, outside of an occasion magic show, magic didn’t have much of a presence in Chicago. There just weren’t many places to catch a quality magic act. But that changed just after 2010 thanks to a benefit appearance that House Theatre of Chicago that featured ensemble member Dennis Watkins. Watkins, now considered by many to be the best magician in Chicago – and some will even argue he’s the best in the country, wowed his audience with close up magic that evening. The House Theatre then produced a show called ‘The Magic Parlour’ on a limited basis, which featured 3rd generation magician Dennis Watkins. The show was a smash, selling out performance after performance after it became a weekly event. But it was after a sold-out New Year’s Eve performance at The Palmer House Hilton Hotel that a deal was struck that would put Chicago back on the magic map. Since, Watkins has performed ‘The Magic Parlour’ regularly at the classic Chicago hotel to which it has now become a staple in Chicago entertainment – a sought after attraction that people from all over the world attend.

Watkins magic is special. During his show, he talks of picking up the craft as a seven-year-old boy from his grandfather, an accomplished magician who also owned a local magic shop. Specializing in close-up magic, Watkins prefers to amaze his audience with in-your-face sleight of hand rather than with grand illusions. This creates a much more intimate experience - and one that demands much more skill from the magician. Watkins performs his own unique tricks that only those who have attended ‘The Magic Parlour’ could ever claim to have seen, and he also puts his own spin on classic tricks that have wowed through the ages. He is a magician but is also a skilled entertainer. Watkin’s banter with each intimate audience flows nicely and includes much humor. His ability to make every attendee feel comfortable and included is a great part of the fun. But make no mistake about it – it is his ability to perform magic at such a high level that separates him from the pack.

It is with much confidence that I can predict ‘The Magic Parlour’ will have another celebration in seven or so years as they hit another milestone with their 2,000th show. Dennis Watkins is as good as it gets, and the historic Palmer House Hilton creates the perfect ambience for such a magic act.

Dennis Watkins is one of the greats of our time.

Cheers! Here’s to another 1,000 shows!

When walking past the exterior of the unflattering storefront on Clark Street in Andersonville, a former laundromat, one wouldn’t give it a second glance. Perhaps a handful of classic magic posters littered around the entrance might cause pause for a brief second, but that’s about it. No marquee, no ostentatious logos, no windows to peer inside. Nothing but the words “The Magic Lounge” near its main door would suggest that maybe something is going on inside – something special.

Upon entering the laundromat – wait, it used to be a laundromat, yet a wall of washing machines are in use. All signs point to the place still being a laundromat - we see clothes freely spinning through the circular windows of each machine while an attendant holds up a pair of underwear and asks, “Are these yours? We’ve been trying to locate their owner.” But alas, suddenly a secret entrance opens and I can only compare the experience to the Wizard of Oz, when black and white becomes color.

Much like an old-timey speak easy, patrons are quickly transported from the unspectacular to the spectacular. Music is playing, the atmosphere is lively as people gather around a bar that centers around a magician performing close-up magic and challenging eager volunteers with bar bets for a free drink chip. This in itself is already something. Onlookers gaze down from a mezzanine above. We later learn these onlookers are club members – magicians only. Not long after an usher escorts us to a library, some of its contents authentic relics of a grand time when magicians like Harry Houdini, Harry Keller and Chin Ling amazed audience after audience. After a brief history lesson, the usher escorts a handful of people through another secret entrance. What we experience next is nothing short of astonishing, as we enter a vast theater laced in fine art deco finishes with high ceilings above the balcony, the floor accommodating multi-layered seating areas that surround a magnificent stage to host its magicians. No details are overlooked. Club employees are donned in clothing reminiscent of the 1920’s Jazz Era, the women in sparkling dress then men dapper with white shirts beneath vests or skinny ties and suit jackets. You can almost imagine Al Capone and friends walking in at any minute while instinctively looking for a hook to hang your fedora. The theater is appropriately named after Harry Blackstone, the famous magician who really put a stamp on “Chicago magic”, which we are reminded by the evening’s host is a real thing.

The Harry Blackstone Theater

The Magic Lounge is a time capsule. The multi-million-dollar facility is an homage to the once popular magic haunts that regularly entertained its Chicago patrons. Magic clubs that were once such a prevalent part of Chicago’s night-life since the early 1900’s, have slowly – and not so magically – disappeared.

“Chicago Magic Lounge brings back a style of magic unique to the Windy City, which once hosted over 15 bars, restaurants and lounges all dedicated to what would become known as ‘Chicago-Style Magic,’” said co-owner Joey Cranford.

It’s main stage (yes, there is another stage – the private back-room, 40-seat “654 Club” for those who don’t want the magic to end – literally) will host some of Chicago’s most talented and colorful magicians such as Luis Carreon, Dennis Watkins, Bill Weimer and Lee Benzaquin and also bring in top performers from around the world such as was the case on opening night with superstar mentalist/wizard of sorts Max Maven. the shows are as interactive as they are mind-bending. Yours truly was even called onstage to volunteer for the great Mr. Maven. The venue will also host live music fitting to its atmosphere.

While having a bite and/or pre-show drinks (try the “Sleight of Hand”) prior to the evening’s main show, magicians circle the seating area entertaining each table with close-up magic. The club’s unique air of mystery, suspense and nostalgia is something that cannot be found at any other establishment in Chicago. And why Andersonville as opposed to a downtown location? Simple. Magic Lounge owners wanted to bring the gift of magic back to Chicago, therefore opting for a neighborhood location over an area that caters more to tourists.

Magician Bill Weimer entertains in the Performance Bar

Whether just going to hang out at the bar, attending a show in the main theater, catching an act in the more intimate 654 Club – or all of the above – a distinctively rich experience awaits you.

Live entertainment will be performed seven days a week. Monday and Tuesday evenings will welcome musical performances on the mainstage, Wednesday evenings will host David Parr’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” and Thursdays through Saturdays will offer the mainstage magic shows. A family-friendly show will be offered on Sunday afternoons. Depending on the show and ticket package, theater admissions range anywhere from $10-$55, though you can always stop in for a cocktail at the performance bar.

The Magic Lounge is an exciting scene that exudes the perfect combination of class, fun and awe. If its February 22nd grand opening is any indication of things to come, it will undoubtedly become a staple in Chicago entertainment for years to come.

For more information including performance schedules, cocktail options and pricing, visit www.chicagomagiclounge.com. 5050 N. Clark Street. 

Be amazed.