” Diary of a Black Illusionist: Walter King Jr.”/ Chicago Magic Lounge reviewed by Paul Lisnek

**** Chicago Magic Lounge is indeed the city’s home for close-up magic, a style invented right here in this magnificent city we call home. Even in the mainstage room, most seats get a great view of the action on stage as you watch the current artist-in-residence known as “The Spellbinder,” who is also known as Walter King, Jr.  Sometimes, the mainstage features young upcoming magicians which is fantastic. And other times, like this show, we get to enjoy well-established artists who share what they’ve been learning and practicing for decades.

Walter King, Jr.  calls this show “Diary of a Black Illusionist,” which requires a couple of things explained. First, the path King has walked over the years, he shares at the top of each one (of two) acts with a brief video that shares the tough years when his stage burned down (Act One) and his “hot” years when he was known for his music and illusions and dancing at Chicago’s hottest night clubs (Act Two). Growing up as a poor child, joining Black dance groups performing in clubs…weaving in the illusions his groups knew he could add into their acts and they were riding high…we see never before seen videos of his group emerging from large black limousines walking thru clouds of smoke to enter the club. The magic followed them everywhere! And it sure stayed with King as he developed the act of illusions we see today,

Now King is clear to differentiate between magic and illusion. He makes clear that he, indeed, is Not a magician…he’s an illusionist…What does that mean? As King explains, he’s horrible at card tricks…and then as we watch him wonder on stage whether it’s ok to violate the magician’s code by sharing secrets, he notes, “well…I’m not a magician! I’m not bound by the code!” and the audience laughs out loud but truth is, we don’t really get to learn how he does what he does. I for one am glad because many a magician has told me, if you knew how we do what we do, you’re more often than not going to be disappointed. So just sit back and enjoy!

No ordinary card tricks here. We get the creation of pictures and art (we learn that King went to school earning an arts degree…so he’s not about to let that go to waste!). We learn the difference between suspension and levitation…and we get them BOTH demonstrated on stage. Like every great performer, King involves audience volunteers (no one is made to feel uncomfortable) and all illusions are performed with carefully selected music tracks played by the wonder D:J Taylor Quick  (you’ll learn why he calls the DJ by that name an explanation that gets a warm laugh).

Reviews should never share the moments of amazement in a magic or illusion act because that’s half the fun so I will not do so. However, one of Walter’s great illusions has gone viral… you can find it on line as have millions of others…..it involves a balloon and well, something very cool that happens to and with that balloon. The great news is he performs this illusion at the end of the show so if you want to avoid it on line, just go see the show and watch it happen before your very eyes!

It’s a lovely and heartwarming way to bring down the curtain on an evening of heartfelt storytelling told in a way that bridges decades of learning and performance…and all presented before your eyes on the close-up stage at Chicago Magic Lounge!

The Spellbinder will thrill audiences with his incredible illusions and unforgettable stories. Diary of a Black Illusionist runs  Wednesdays at 7:00pm, from April 2 – June 25th

Tickets are priced $42 (Main Floor) and $47.50 (Front Row). Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge shows are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com.

Diary of a Black Illusionist is more than a show—it’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and wonder, brought to life by a master entertainer who knows exactly how to leave you astonished, uplifted, and spellbound.

Chicago Magic Lounge is located at 5050 N. Clark Street. Look for a laundromat- enter and the magic begins.

They do offer some great food and drinks ( of course) and street parking is metered, so please check as you park.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com , Review Round-Up and click at “”Diary of a Black Illusionist”