Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents The Enigmatist, an immersive and captivating experience of illusions, puzzles, and cryptology, written and performed by renowned magician and The New York Times crossword constructor David Kwong. Following sold out runs in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., The Enigmatist plays May 29–June 30, 2024 in the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater Upstairs.
The Los Angeles Times raves that Kwong "creates a magical sense of togetherness" and The Washington Post calls the production "Mesmerizing...Kwong delivers trick after hypnotizing trick." The production features interactive opportunities for audiences to crack codes, including a pre-show Puzzle Garden experience in the Skyline Room. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at the Theater 20–30 minutes early to solve a series of puzzles that, while not mandatory to gain entry to the performance, enhance the overall experience of the show.
With his expertise in enigmas and illusions, David Kwong delights and challenges audiences around the world with his intellectual brand of magic. A veteran "cruciverbalist" (crossword puzzle constructor), Kwong routinely creates puzzles for The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Kwong was the head magic consultant on the 2013 worldwide hit film Now You See Me. Other projects include The Imitation Game, The Bad Guys, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and Apple TV+'s The Afterparty (with his frequent collaborator Dave Shukan). A TED Talk favorite, Kwong regularly speaks to companies, demonstrating the principles of illusion and the science of why your brain is fooled. Kwong's book Spellbound: Seven Principles of Illusion to Captivate Audiences and Unlock the Secrets of Success was published by Harper Business. During the pandemic, Kwong and the Geffen Playhouse teamed up for Inside the Box, a virtual one-man puzzle show that garnered a Critic's Pick from The New York Times. Kwong is a graduate of Harvard University, where he studied the history of magic. His kids book of magic tricks, How to Fool Your Parents, also with HarperCollins, will hit shelves on October 8, 2024.
The creative team includes Production Designer Brett J. Banakis, Lighting and Video Designer Joshua Higgason, and Sound Designer Brendan Aanes. The Enigmatist is produced in association with Andy Jones and Dylan Pager.
More information at chicagoshakes.com/enigmatist or on social media at @chicagoshakes.
Open-captioning services will be provided on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at 1:00 & 7:30, where a text display of the words and sounds heard during the performance will be synced live with the action onstage.
The Enigmatist is presented May 29–June 30, 2024, in the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater Upstairs. Single tickets starting at $59 are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit www.chicagoshakes.com
ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
A Regional Tony Award recipient, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) produces a bold and innovative year-round season—plays, musicals, world premieres, family productions, and theatrical presentations from around the globe—alongside education programming for students, teachers, and lifelong learners, and engagement with communities across the city. Located on Chicago's iconic Navy Pier, CST's campus features the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater, The Yard, and the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater Upstairs. Onstage, in classrooms and neighborhoods across the city, and in venues around the world, Chicago Shakespeare is a multifaceted cultural center—inviting audiences, artists, and community members to share powerful stories that connect and inspire. www.chicagoshakes.com.
