***** Since its opening, The Chicago Magic Lounge has been a great spot for quality entertainment that is quite “magical”. Our city is known for what is called “close-up magic” and in this building in Andersonville, you will see some of the best.
The building, located at 5050 N. Clark Street, appears to be a laundromat. You enter, ring the bell for service and the washers and dryers part to reveal an ante room that takes you into a small lounge with a bar. At the bar, while waiting for the main event, you will be treated to some up-close magic. The experience begins.
After a while, you will be taken through some bookshelves in the library to a hallway leading to a cabaret-type theater and as you sit at your table enjoying a tasty treat or a drink, magicians will make their way to your table and perform close up magic that will astound and amaze you.
For 30 minutes, you will be treated to some things that you will find hard to believe. I am one to watch like a hawk in order to see what and how, but they are so good, there is no way to see, so why bother? Just go with the flow and let it rip.
On Wednesdays they do an “Artist in Residence” program and last night, they opened a new show with magician, mentalist, and humorist Henok Negash. I must tell you, he is amazing!
His illusions are perfect for date nights, celebrations and fun. He works with the audience. Prior to the start of the 90-minute show, we are given a sealed envelope and asked NOT to open it. Negash will later instruct us on what to do with the envelope.
He is witty and charming and keeps each and every audience member’s focus on the stage. The envelope says “Trust is necessary for magic to exist” and so, in order for you to truly enjoy the performance, I will not give away the amazing illusions ( I do not like the use of tricks) he performs. I will tell you that he does something with three rings from audience members that will astound you. I will tell you that he does some card illusions that are mind-boggling and last but not least, I will tell you that you will be talking about the performance on the ride home and for days to follow.
“Meant To Be” will continue on Wednesdays thru September 27th. For tickets call312-366-4500 or visit www.chicagomagiclounge.com
The Chicago Magic Lounge is open to those 21 PLUS (except for the family show on Sundays) but 16 can be brought with a parent or legal guardian. There are different shows every night, but the Wednesday show with Henok Negash “ Meant to Be” is definitely Meant to SEE!!!.
To see what other are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com go to Review Round-Up and click at “Meant To Be”.
More Stories
“Music of The Baroque :Holiday Brass and Choral Concerts” reviewed by Julia W. Rath
“The Berlin Diaries” reviewed by Julia W. Rath
“Legally Blonde: The Musical”