Displaying items by tag: David Parr

Chicago Magic Lounge welcomes back acclaimed magician David Parr as its Fall Artist in Residence with David Parr: Time Traveler, a new theatrical experience that uncovers the places where history, mystery and magic collide. A winner of the coveted Penn & Teller: Fool Us trophy and the Lounge's first Artist in Residence, Parr returns Wednesdays at 7 p.m., October 7 – December 16, inviting audiences to explore forgotten legends, remarkable true stories and unexplained mysteries—where history is often stranger than fiction.

History has secrets. Magic helps uncover them.

Combining captivating storytelling with masterful sleight of hand, David Parr: Time Traveler uncovers remarkable moments from the past where fact and folklore blur together. Audiences will encounter a 16th-century book on magic so controversial it was ordered destroyed by a king, pull up a chair at Deadwood's legendary Dead Man's Hand poker game, glimpse Thomas Edison's fascination with the paranormal, and even venture into the mysteries of fortune telling and prophetic dreams.

Every performance is a reminder that the world is still full of surprises and mysteries, and that history is often far stranger than the version we learn in school.

"This show is like finding a box full of cool stuff in a forgotten corner of the attic," said Parr. "It's a reminder that we live in a world of surprises and mysteries. Beyond that, it reminds us that history is much weirder than the version we learn in school."

David Parr: Time Traveler plays Wednesdays at 7 p.m., October 7 – December 16, 2026. Tickets are $44 (Standard) and $50 (Front Row), plus applicable fees. Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge performances are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com.

Each evening begins with close-up magic performed right at guests' tables by Chicago Magic Lounge's talented house magicians. Between performances, audiences can enjoy craft cocktails, small plates and the vintage ambiance of the Harry Blackstone Cabaret.

About David Parr
David Parr is a winner of the coveted Penn & Teller: Fool Us trophy and creator of one of Chicago's longest-running magic shows, recognized by the Travel Channel as one of the nation's top magic shows. He performs regularly at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood and was the first Artist in Residence at Chicago Magic Lounge. Parr is also the author of several acclaimed books on the art of magic, and his original creations are performed by magicians around the world.

Special One-Night-Only Series This September
Before David Parr begins his residency in October, Chicago Magic Lounge will kick off its fall season with One Night Only, a five-week series featuring a different acclaimed magician every Wednesday evening. Each special engagement showcases a distinct voice in contemporary magic—from impossible mind reading and world-class sleight of hand to theatrical storytelling and grand illusion—giving audiences five unique performances, each presented for one night only.

Mark Toland
September 2
Mark Toland knows what you're thinking—and proves it—in The Mystery Show, his fast-paced, interactive mind-reading performance. As featured on NBC, ABC, FOX, WGN, TEDx, NPR and CBS, and winner of the Chicago Theatre Award for Best Special Event, Toland dazzles audiences with psychological illusions and mysteries of the mind.

Trent James
September 9
Award-winning magician Trent James combines astonishing sleight of hand, sharp humor and infectious enthusiasm to create an unforgettable live experience. Having performed around the world and headlined renowned venues including Chicago Magic Lounge and the Magic Castle, his mission is simple: to make audiences fall in love with magic.

Paige Thompson
September 16
Known for her captivating stage presence, quick wit and refreshingly offbeat approach to magic, Paige Thompson is a resident company member of Chicago Magic Lounge. She has appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us and performed for audiences around the world, from luxury cruise ships to some of magic's most celebrated stages, creating experiences that feel personal, surprising and full of genuine wonder.

Walter King Jr. "The Spellbinder"
September 23
Known as "The Spellbinder," Walter King Jr. is an award-winning illusionist and Chicago native whose pioneering career has spanned nearly four decades. Blending illusion with hip-hop music, dance and theatrical storytelling, he creates larger-than-life experiences that showcase both his innovative artistry and enduring passion for wonder.

Benjamin Barnes
September 30
Benjamin Barnes is an acclaimed magician, producer and Entertainment Director of Chicago Magic Lounge. Combining world-class sleight of hand with a warm, engaging stage presence, he has become a favorite of audiences nationwide, with appearances on Masters of Illusion, Penn & Teller: Fool Us (where he fooled the hosts), and some of magic's most celebrated stages.

Tickets for One Night Only are $44 (Standard) and $50 (Front Row), plus applicable fees.

New at Chicago Magic Lounge: The Bewitching Hour

Chicago Magic Lounge also introduces The Bewitching Hour, a new happy hour experience offered exclusively in The Performance Bar every Monday through Wednesday from 8–10 p.m.

Guests can enjoy specially priced cocktails, a rotating seasonal cocktail, featured wines and the close-up bar magic that makes an evening at Chicago Magic Lounge unlike anywhere else. No reservations or tickets are required. The Performance Bar is reserved for guests 21 and over, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Also Happening at Chicago Magic Lounge

The Close-Up Show
Mondays at 7 p.m.
Tickets: General Admission $37

The Showcase
Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
Tickets: Standard $39; Front Row $44

The Signature Show
Thursdays–Sundays at 7 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays at 10 p.m.

Tickets: Front Row $95–$103; Premium Main Floor $84–$95; Standard $74–$84; Mezzanine $63–$68

Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge performances are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com. Chicago Magic Lounge is a 21+ venue. Guests ages 16 and older may attend ticketed evening performances when accompanied by a legal guardian.

For a complete schedule of performances and more information about Chicago Magic Lounge, resident and guest performers, please visit chicagomagiclounge.com.

When walking past the exterior of the unflattering storefront on Clark Street in Andersonville, a former laundromat, one wouldn’t give it a second glance. Perhaps a handful of classic magic posters littered around the entrance might cause pause for a brief second, but that’s about it. No marquee, no ostentatious logos, no windows to peer inside. Nothing but the words “The Magic Lounge” near its main door would suggest that maybe something is going on inside – something special.

Upon entering the laundromat – wait, it used to be a laundromat, yet a wall of washing machines are in use. All signs point to the place still being a laundromat - we see clothes freely spinning through the circular windows of each machine while an attendant holds up a pair of underwear and asks, “Are these yours? We’ve been trying to locate their owner.” But alas, suddenly a secret entrance opens and I can only compare the experience to the Wizard of Oz, when black and white becomes color.

Much like an old-timey speak easy, patrons are quickly transported from the unspectacular to the spectacular. Music is playing, the atmosphere is lively as people gather around a bar that centers around a magician performing close-up magic and challenging eager volunteers with bar bets for a free drink chip. This in itself is already something. Onlookers gaze down from a mezzanine above. We later learn these onlookers are club members – magicians only. Not long after an usher escorts us to a library, some of its contents authentic relics of a grand time when magicians like Harry Houdini, Harry Keller and Chin Ling amazed audience after audience. After a brief history lesson, the usher escorts a handful of people through another secret entrance. What we experience next is nothing short of astonishing, as we enter a vast theater laced in fine art deco finishes with high ceilings above the balcony, the floor accommodating multi-layered seating areas that surround a magnificent stage to host its magicians. No details are overlooked. Club employees are donned in clothing reminiscent of the 1920’s Jazz Era, the women in sparkling dress then men dapper with white shirts beneath vests or skinny ties and suit jackets. You can almost imagine Al Capone and friends walking in at any minute while instinctively looking for a hook to hang your fedora. The theater is appropriately named after Harry Blackstone, the famous magician who really put a stamp on “Chicago magic”, which we are reminded by the evening’s host is a real thing.

The Harry Blackstone Theater

The Magic Lounge is a time capsule. The multi-million-dollar facility is an homage to the once popular magic haunts that regularly entertained its Chicago patrons. Magic clubs that were once such a prevalent part of Chicago’s night-life since the early 1900’s, have slowly – and not so magically – disappeared.

“Chicago Magic Lounge brings back a style of magic unique to the Windy City, which once hosted over 15 bars, restaurants and lounges all dedicated to what would become known as ‘Chicago-Style Magic,’” said co-owner Joey Cranford.

It’s main stage (yes, there is another stage – the private back-room, 40-seat “654 Club” for those who don’t want the magic to end – literally) will host some of Chicago’s most talented and colorful magicians such as Luis Carreon, Dennis Watkins, Bill Weimer and Lee Benzaquin and also bring in top performers from around the world such as was the case on opening night with superstar mentalist/wizard of sorts Max Maven. the shows are as interactive as they are mind-bending. Yours truly was even called onstage to volunteer for the great Mr. Maven. The venue will also host live music fitting to its atmosphere.

While having a bite and/or pre-show drinks (try the “Sleight of Hand”) prior to the evening’s main show, magicians circle the seating area entertaining each table with close-up magic. The club’s unique air of mystery, suspense and nostalgia is something that cannot be found at any other establishment in Chicago. And why Andersonville as opposed to a downtown location? Simple. Magic Lounge owners wanted to bring the gift of magic back to Chicago, therefore opting for a neighborhood location over an area that caters more to tourists.

Magician Bill Weimer entertains in the Performance Bar

Whether just going to hang out at the bar, attending a show in the main theater, catching an act in the more intimate 654 Club – or all of the above – a distinctively rich experience awaits you.

Live entertainment will be performed seven days a week. Monday and Tuesday evenings will welcome musical performances on the mainstage, Wednesday evenings will host David Parr’s “Cabinet of Curiosities” and Thursdays through Saturdays will offer the mainstage magic shows. A family-friendly show will be offered on Sunday afternoons. Depending on the show and ticket package, theater admissions range anywhere from $10-$55, though you can always stop in for a cocktail at the performance bar.

The Magic Lounge is an exciting scene that exudes the perfect combination of class, fun and awe. If its February 22nd grand opening is any indication of things to come, it will undoubtedly become a staple in Chicago entertainment for years to come.

For more information including performance schedules, cocktail options and pricing, visit www.chicagomagiclounge.com. 5050 N. Clark Street. 

Be amazed.