***** The Magic Lounge is a venue straight out of a dream—or perhaps a noir film Al Capone would have loved. Part art deco, part speakeasy, and 100% magic, this place immerses you in an atmosphere of wonder from the moment you walk through its unassuming entrance: a laundromat. Yes, a laundromat. The enchantment begins the second you step inside.
The interior is a feast for the senses. Every room brims with character, from the books on magic that line the shelves to the original lithographic posters from the 20th century. It’s a space that celebrates the rich history of magic while making you feel like you’ve been transported to another era. I chuckled to myself when I realized I’m old enough to use the phrase “20th century,” even though we’re well into the 21st. Time flies—just like the evening at The Magic Lounge.
Once seated, you’ll find the layout to be both intimate and inviting. The lower level offers a cozy cabaret-style setting, while two upper balconies provide a unique vantage point with their own tables. The real magic, however, begins even before the main show.
During the pre-show period, the lounge features what they call “bar magic.” While you’re ordering drinks and settling in, floor magicians roam from table to table, performing up-close tricks that leave you marveling. Most of these are coin tricks—classic and clever—but tonight, one young magician took it to another level entirely.
He started with some standard card tricks, impressively executed, but then… he noticed I wasn’t fully convinced. That’s when the real magic happened. Spotting my skepticism, he asked my date, Cary, for her ring. Taking a plain napkin, he wrapped the ring inside and had Cary hold onto it. With a quick tug of the napkin, the ring disappeared—just like that! And where did it go? Let’s just say I’m still scratching my head hours later, trying to figure it out. It wasn’t an illusion; it felt like pure magic.
The Magic Lounge masterfully combines ambiance, skillful artistry, and a touch of mystery to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a lifelong believer in magic or a skeptical first-timer, you’ll leave this place with your sense of wonder thoroughly reignited. This is more than a show; it’s an immersive journey into the world of enchantment, and it’s worth every moment.
But the real magic on stage was performed by the youngest award-winning magician I have ever seen. At first, I thought he was the opening act, but no, he is the real thing, and he performed magic I had never seen before. Trent James, the youngest winner of the Milbourne Christopher Award, tonight answered the statement “magic” is what the audience sees, and “illusion” is how the magician makes it happen. Tonight was pure magic, and the room was filled with energy. Adding to the evening’s excitement, the entire cast of Harry Potter was in attendance, making the atmosphere even more magical. For 90 minutes, it was non-stop magic, with most acts being fresh and innovative—a rarity even for someone like me, who has attended many magic shows.
Most of the magic I can’t tell you about because I don’t want to give away the illusions, but this young man is the best I’ve seen. Sorry, Dennis Watkins and Dr. Rosenkranz, but Trent James was fantastic.
Make sure to get to the theatre early; one of the sidebar rooms offers constant magic performances and some of the best drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—you’ll find. No matter what the temperature is outside, the inside of The Magic Lounge is pure heat.
The Magic Lounge is located at 5050 N. Clark in the Andersonville area of Chicago. There’s plenty of street parking. Tickets can be bought online at www.magiclounge.com or by calling 312-366-4500. The lounge does have an age restriction: 21 and over, or 16 years old with an adult. On certain Sundays, they also offer a family show during brunch. If I could give this show 10 stars, I would, but I’m limited to just 5.
Trent’s show is on WEDNESDAYS thru March 26th.
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Trent James Static Magic”.
“Trent James’ Static Magic” at Chicago Magic Lounge
By:
Paul Lisnek, Behind the Curtain, WGNRadio.com
****/4
There’s nothing static about Trent James magic show! To the contrary, James’ magic is pump[ed with movement, action and amazement, keeping the audience laughing throughout.
The best magicians connect with the audience for a short-lived friendship and Trent James does just that with charm and a light-hearted style. Always reminding the audience that its time to applaud (because perhaps his hands are tied up so he can’t applaud) or noting at the point of amazement that clapping is a nice thing to do….it’s done with humor and fun and the audience feels like they are watching a good friend try out the latest tricks and illusions.
Studying magic since he was 5 years old and brought to it by a father who was also a magician, you realize that locally raised Trent loves what he does and he has learned his trade where the art of table magic and illusion was invented..Chicago!
Trent is youthful and his show is refreshing. There’s little doubt that younger people (and on this opening night, the young and energetic cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child used their night off to fill a section of the room; they two are youthful and added a great energy. Trent clearly knew he had a welcoming energy in the room).
Finally a magician who shared how a few tricks were done but even then, ending with an amazing moment we never saw coming. This magician is going to be a talent to be reckoned with not just among his peers in Chicago but most certainly nationally as the years go on. You’ll likely say one day when he’s appearing on Penn and Teller’s Fool us, “hey I saw that guy…he’s one of Chicago’s Very Own! And how talented he is!”
Again, to see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at Chicago Magic Lounge-“Static Magic”.
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