Dennis Watkins - The Magic Parlour
When you get praise from Penn and Teller, considered one of the greatest duos in the magic industry, you are up there with the greats — and Award-winning, third-generation Magician and Mentalist Dennis Watkins, who at an early age learned the gift of magic from his grandfather, and for 30+years, has continued his legacy of magic, with 15 years as Dennis Watkins' The Magic Parlour. Watkins combines his expertise, tremendous people skills, and dazzling wit, making his show a must-see event. Watkins's The Magic Parlour has been one of Chicago's longest-running magic shows at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel. Chicago's first magic shop was known as The National Magic Company, located on the mezzanine level of the Palmer House during the "Dirty Thirties." After witnessing Watkins' remarkable performance at The House Theatre of Chicago, The Palmer House decided to join hands with him to establish The Magic Parlour. Their shared commitment to spreading the wonder of magic among people made this partnership possible. Now, Goodman Theatre's presentation at Petterino's has also included Watkins' exceptional magic talents, which will leave the audience spellbound.
As you enter the doors, you walk into an elegant structure and escorted downstairs into an enchanted Prohibition-style speakeasy. The setting is simple yet intimate, with dimly lit seating for 60, where Watkins blows your mind for 90 minutes with close-up magic combined with his phenomenal and enthralling mind-reading mastery. There are libations and soft drinks, and if you're early, you can order food from Petterino's and sit in the private dining area. Watkins's show uses volunteers, and one of his most outstanding traits is that he is a master communicator, making everyone feel like they are part of the magic. His genuine kindness and willingness to talk, laugh with, and have fun with his audience and even the skeptics within the crowd make his magic even more impressive. Brenda and I had a front-row view of his magic during the show and in The Encore Room performance (To purchase, select VIP Admission), where he performs more magic and allows questions— but don't inquire about how he does his magic because the magic must remain with the master magician. I was seated right next to him in The Encore performance, and I tried to get that aha moment where I could say I got it, but I left enigmas and was even more amazed by his talent. His sleight of hand magic is mesmerizing, and his merging of metal objects in clear sight perplexes you.
When it comes to magic, Dennis Watkins is the real deal!
His shows are appropriate for parents to bring their kids and sophisticated for corporate events, up-scale private and special occasions, and even dinner date outings. Watkins provides a thoroughly entertaining show, and from my first impression of him as a magician and person, he is one of the best in the business, making you walk away feeling like you just had a visit with a family friend.
4 STARS ****
Goodman Theatre and Petterino's
Dennis Watkins Magic Parlour
The Magic Parlour’s new home (50 West Randolph)
Click above for Tickets and below for reviews.
