The Magic Returns to the Palmer House- “The Magic Parlour”

Highly Recommended ***** During the last 18 months, rumors were that the fabulous Palmer House, home of the Empire Room and of late “The Magic Parlour” was shutting its doors. NOT SO!

Last night, almost 6 years after I reviewed the amazing Dennis Watkins doing his show, Jane and I returned to the “scene”. It was an evening to remember! Six years ago, our grandson, Adam attended with me and at 10 years old he had the time of his life, appearing in one of the key “tricks” of the evening. I do not think they are called “tricks”, but most of you will understand.

What is so special about Watkins and his show is the intimacy we experience. A group of 40 people ( that is the number) are led to a special room, following Watkins up several escalators, two stairways and a long hall. We enter a room that has tables set up with our names and a small bar. We get our drinks, take our seats and then the fun begins.

Watkins tells us his story and how his grandfather led him to the life he has chosen, and I for one want to thank “grandpa” for doing so. I have witnessed Watkins work in plays ( his Houdini is a masterpiece) and the Magic Parlour ( now for a second time, “live”0 and even on ZOOM during the pandemic when Watson did his show from his basement and still created  amazing “tricks” with even more amazing results.

One of the beautiful parts of his show is that everyone in the audience will be part of the evening’s experience. That’s right, you will have a story to tell about your night with Dennis Watkins. Jane and I were both part ( as I was last time with Adam). I was onstage for a trick, but Jane was so into the trick she did not take a photo of my assisting Dennis. It was truly and experience to remember.

The illusions ( I guess that is the better word over “tricks”) are amazing and somehow he is able to tie them all together when he gets to the “encore”. He placed the “encore” box on our table. Contained in the box was a summation lead in to the amazing mind and brilliant work of one of the world’s best illusionists.

Be amazed- 90 minutes of escape to a world that is far brighter because of Dennis Watkins.

At this point, the “Magic Parlour” will continue thru October 29th with performances as follows:

Fridays  7 p.m.  and 9:30 p.m.

Saturdays  4 p.m.,  7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $79 and include beer, wine or soft drink. The ticket also includes a special deck of cards ( to take home) at least thru September.

FYI-There is an encore room is a second show available at $30 and is limited to 12 guests per show.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 312-300-6803 or online at www.themagicparlourchicago.com

The Palmer House is located at 17 East Monroe ( there are also entrances on Wabash and on State Street_. We all met at Potters ( in the lobby area) where we checked in, showed proof of vaccination and waited for all to arrive. Allow 15 minutes) FYI Masks are worn by the audience for the duration of the show. Only Watkins is unmasked. All CDC is followed.

The show is different than the one that Adam and I attended, so even if you have witnessed Watkins before, you are in for something special ( again!). The illusions are not discussed in this review so you will not know the course of the evening. I will tell you that you will be amazed from start to finish and the encore will truly be a memory for years to come.

Many restaurants downtown are closed but the hotel bar does have a lite menu and a wonderful burger. They also make a mean martini.

Parking downtown can be a hassle, so let me tell you about  Parkit/parkwhiz   https://www.parkwhiz.com

I was able to pre-purchase parking for  $17 by going to www.themagicparlourchicago.com/your-visit 

the garage is at 17 East Adams ( just around the corner) and it was as easy as I have ever experienced.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “The Magic Parlour”