***** There is magic in the air! At least in Chicago, where we presently have three theaters that are devoted to bringing magic to the city of Chicago. Recently we have seen one show after another and tonight, we were treated to a magician who is also a comic at Chicago Magic Lounge. If you have not been to this “cabaret” on North Clark Street, you have no idea as to what you are missing. When you arrive at the location ( 5050 N. Clark Street) you will enter a laundromat, with machines whirling and clothes flopping around. You ring a bell and the machines part allowing you to enter a waiting area that leads to a bar ( where there are others being treated to close-up magic as they enjoy a cocktail), then to the library, where you will see a lot of magic history relating to Chicago. Then the host will touch a statue and voila, the walls will part and you will enter a marvelous theater with tables where you will be seated for both an at-your-table magical experience and then a very special show.
While they have shows every day, it is the Wednesday series that is special. A headliner will own that night for about 12 weeks. Currently, it is Ondrej Psenicka and his show called “52 Lovers”. I would think since he is a master of card tricks that the 52 refers to a deck of cards and how in his climb to fame, part of what he did was manufacturer his own decks of cards. I have been to many Wednesday night performances and in most cases, the headliner is not around pre-show. The magicians who work the room are some of the others we have seen as headliners and some newbies, just getting into the Chicago scene. They are good and when you are inches away and cannot catch them , you know just how good.
During the table-top segment, I noticed that our headliner was “working the crowd”. I mentioned to WGN-TV’s Paul Lisnek that this was unusual, so we watched, and realized that he was doing what is called “set-ups” where he uses the crowd to keep the flow and not have to wait for volunteers ( when an awkward hush might fall over the place, slowing down the traction).It worked out swell as those who agreed did their jobs to perfection. BTW- one of his volunteers also got engaged during the earlier magic at the tables. Pretty special magic for them!
Ondrej ( let’s use Andre to make it easier) is not only a keen card handler, but he is a funny guy using all types of music, tapes, little cards that audience members used and abused as well as one audience member playing a musical instrument of some type. Those who know me, know that I am a laugh-out-loud- audience member. When Jane is with, I hold back because it seems to bother her. management seems to love my laugh, so with no Jane tonight, I was able to let it rip and Ondrej brought out the best in me.
His show is funny and witty as well as magical. I will not divulge any of his illusions, but will tell you that the lest one involved the entire audience and 90% of the people ended up with the same card left in their hand ( the 4 of Diamonds). Try to imagine 150 people drinking for 80 minutes or more, being asked to help with a trick, and 90% of them getting it right! Pretty amazing!
His tricks are self designed so everything you see is original. His comic touches are adorable and when he gets out of a straight jacket, you will laugh your A– off, for sure!
His show is on Wednesdays until June 26th, so you have time to see him more than once. The time is 7 p.m., although he comes onstage at 7:30 and you will be mesmerized for 90 minutes having the time of your life. Even those who are not into magic acts, will find them selves having a great evening of entertainment.
Chicago Magic Lounge can be reached at 312-366-4500 or online at www.chicagomagiclounge.com
Again, they are in the Andersonville area at 5050 N. Clark Street. There is street parking, some meters do not need to be fed after 6, so check before parking). While there are many dining spots in the immediate area, the Lounge does have some tasty dishes that you can easily make disappear. Have a magical evening!
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Ondrej Psenicka’s 52 Lovers”.
Here is a link for an interview with Magician Ondrej…by Paul Lisnek
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Chicago is home to close- up magic and the latest magician to “wow” audiences at the Chicago Magic Lounge every Wednesday night at 7pm (through June 26th is the amazing Ondrej Psenicka who comes to Chicago from the Czech Republic! He fooled Penn & Teller THREE times on their popular show “Fool Us,” so odds are he will fool you too. His show is funny, original, interactive and Ondrej relies on his training in improv to help insure a funny and fun time is had by all. Ondrej is a renowned magician with over 2 decades in the business and a true master in the art of card magic. Catch him on Wednesdays at 7pm as the headliner show but other nights, you are likely to see him doing magic behind the main bar or even at your table….he’s SO much fun to watch!
Ondrej is only here through June 26th…..so do not wait to secure your tickets for a very fun night!
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT: WWW.CHICAGOMAGICLOUNGE.COM
The Link:
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