Theatre News Wire

This fall, the heart of Chicago's Loop Theater District welcomes premier magic and mentalism to a new home. In an unprecedented creative alliance, Goodman Theatre's Artistic Director, Susan V. Booth, and Executive Director/CEO, Roche Schulfer, unveil a fresh collaboration with Dennis Watkins-the celebrated third-generation magician and mentalist-and Petterino's restaurant. The Magic Parlour, Chicago's most enduring magic show, finds its new home next to the Goodman at 50 W. Randolph, inside Petterino's newly revamped lower level, brought to you by both the Goodman and Petterino's. This relocation amplifies Watkins' 15 years of mesmerizing over 50,000 guests through 1,600 live shows and countless corporate gatherings.

"This new home changes everything: The Magic Parlour is no longer just a show, it's a destination for world-class, close-up magic-right here in the heart of the Theater District," said Dennis Watkins. "After 15 years of running The Magic Parlour in Chicago, I am immensely excited to have found collaborators to help grow the show and deepen the magical experience we give to our guests. As a theater artist, I came to Chicago to learn from the folks who built Goodman Theatre and made this the greatest theater city in the country. The opportunity to share time, space and imagination with the Goodman family of artists is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I cannot wait to discover all of the ways that the show grows in this new iteration."

The Magic Parlour in Chicago

The Magic Parlour presents a cozy evening of timeless magic and mentalism, spotlighting the talents of third-generation magician, Dennis Watkins. For over ten years, this event was a staple at the Palmer House, engaging the audience in an interactive performance. Watkins mesmerizes attendees with traditional sleight of hand, astonishing mind-reading, and magical insights inherited from his grandfather. Since its inception at the Palmer House on New Year's Eve 2011, "The Magic Parlour" with Dennis Watkins has witnessed remarkable success and exponential growth, promising an intimate experience.

Watkins, a co-founder of The House Theatre of Chicago, has been a multifaceted collaborator-acting, writing, directing, and designing-in over 30 world-premiere plays with notable companies like Lookingglass, Steppenwolf, and Goodman Theatre. Following his theater studies at Meadows School of the Arts and the British American Drama Academy in London, he co-founded The House Theatre on Halloween 2001, alongside Artistic Director Nathan Allen and fellow schoolmates. Notably, his portrayal as the lead in "Death and Harry Houdini"-where he executed Houdini's renowned Water Torture Cell escape in each performance-won him a Joseph Jefferson Award.

"Susan and I are proud and honored to welcome Dennis into the Goodman family, having long admired him as a distinguished artist of unparalleled artistry for more than two decades," said Roche Schulfer, Goodman Theatre Executive Director/CEO. "Perhaps his greatest gift is as remarkable as it is astonishing: the warmth, wonder and connection Dennis fosters among his guests at The Magic Parlour makes special memories that last a lifetime. We are thrilled to help expand his reach and deepen our longtime partnership with Petterino's in this exciting, artful way."

The Magic Parlour, at 50 W. Randolph, upholds Watkins' renowned legacy of offering a VIP experience. In The Encore Room, guests can opt for an enhanced ticket that provides an intimate 25-minute session with Watkins after the main performance. Right after the show, a select group of up to 20 guests is led to a secluded area where they can witness Watkins' mesmerizing close-up magic.