Peter Samelson's Magic, Love, Mystery

In 1893, Harry Houdini, a young and energetic man, performed at the Chicago World's Fair. Notably, Chicago boasts a rich history of magicians, including renowned figures such as Harry Blackstone Sr., Celeste Evans, and the Thurston Brothers. Tucked far away from the tourist-heavy River North area and conveniently located south of the Andersonville district, an unassuming building at 5050 North Clark that magically transforms into a minibar is where the magic begins. But to get there, you must go through the secret entrance of the fake laundry room. The building magically transforms into a minibar, part speakeasy, and part magic theatre. The illusion of the building is just a part of the delight audiences receive. The darkly lit atmosphere at the minibar adds to the magical night, and the intimate magic theater seating puts the audience front and center of the action.

Make sure you speak with Co-Owner CEO Joseph (Joey). Cranford has a plethora of knowledge regarding the history of magic and Chicago, as well as the charming and gracious Cyndi Ferkol, whose magic is her amazing personality. She is pure joy! Described as a one-person show, Peter Samelson's "Magic, Love, Mystery' explores the mystery of love through the eyes of a magician. Samelson is a talented storyteller who delves into how love can inspire, transform us from the inside out, and even transcend death. Although most of the card tricks and magical performances in Chicago seem to perform the same routine magic, like mind-reading, hiding an item from guests who are invited to participate in the performance, Samelson's narrative of love revealing the invisible bond between soul mates, crossing the boundaries of loss and mortality, which is a refreshing new twist.

Samelson's mysterious persona, which reminds me of Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown in Back to the Future, uses the historical love of two unknown individuals to display how it can ignite our spirits, shape our identities, and defy the limitations of time and space. If you are looking for a fun evening filled with laughter, entertainment, libations, and tasty food, stop by Chicago Magic Lounge. You will be delighted you did.

Chicago Magic Lounge

5050 N Clark St,

Chicago, IL 60640