The Magic Parlour at The Magic Parlour

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...Watkins, who also now enjoys a relationship with the Goodman Theatre, has a suite of rooms, allowing for preshow cocktails, an intimate main showroom (holding 70 people or so, all with tables) and a close-up parlor, allowing him to offer a boutique post-show experience for VIPs, many of whom peppered him with questions Thursday, their tongues loosened in a couple of cases by one too many of the "Magic Parlour's" Houdini cocktails. But Watkins, genial to the end, was unfazed. Over 15 years and hundreds of performances, you see them all and learn how to deal."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...A curio-shop intimacy and cash bar encourage audience participation, and Watkins, with his Eagle Scout looks, clearly takes a mischievous pleasure in the unexpected. Just let your cell phone go off during the show and see what kind of fun he has."

Windy City Times - Highly Recommended

"..If 500 people see you put a body in a box and saw it in half with a sword," Watkins' mentors cautioned him, "they assume that-well, it's a special kind of box." Heeding their advice, Watkins is more inclined to focus his attention on, say, asking playgoers to write their names on a scrap of paper, which he then shreds and makes whole again in full view of the authors. This minimalist approach is what continues to draw overflow crowds of downtown guests and staycationers alike, all eager for an opportunity to share in 90 minutes of dazzling risk-free sorcery with their host's assurance that the key to the miracles occurring barely arms' length away lies solely in their own imaginations."

Stage and Cinema - Highly Recommended

"...Maybe miracles is too loaded a term for misdirection (Watkins also calls it "unearthly feats of physical skill"). But grandpa got the intimacy argument permanently right. And, fittingly, grandson pulls off his feats in a brightly lit room, his every act open for inspection, however impossible to explain away. A skilled card counter (he could ravage a Vegas casino) and reader of spectators' "tells" and "reveals," Watkins argues that it's the audience who are the true magicians-by believing in the first (and last) place and also by projecting their thoughts so he can "read" them out loud. (No fooling: He asks them to project the very words over his head so he can get them.)"

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...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 doing an exceptional performance at The House Theatre of Chicago, Watkins continued The Palmer House's commitment to sharing magic by opening The Magic Parlour - now part of Goodman Theatre's presentation located downstairs at Petterino's."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Do you believe in magic? I know that I love watching a magician "do their thing", and Chicago is home to some great magic! For many years, I have watched the amazing Dennis Watkins do his thing, first at The Palmer House and now as a partnership with Goodman Theatre and Petterino's. The restaurant has taken their downstairs area and converted it into the perfect setting for Watkin's unique one-man show "The Magic Parlour"."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...Whether you're a die-hard magic fan or a casual observer, this show is guaranteed to leave you spellbound and eager for more. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this exceptional magician in action - it's an experience you won't soon forget."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"...Because he’s so talented, Watkins’ doesn’t need to employ a lot of fuss in order to wow the crowd. There aren’t major special effects or smoke and mirrors. It’s simply him on stage delivering his talent simply and wonderfully. Come enjoy 60-minutes of pure magic and laughter!"

The Hawk Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...It's clear that The Magic Parlour appeals to tourists staying downtown, but The House Theatre's long-running event should please both casual fans and magic aficionados alike. Dennis Watkins is the perfect host, and the evening features endless shocks and surprises that will leave you permanently stunned. The Magic Parlour is a bewitching theatrical escape that will make you feel like a kid again."

PicksInSix - Highly Recommended

"...Watkins is a brilliant third generation magician and showman par excellence who performs close-up magic for about 60 guests at the new venue, which he says is the perfect number to ensure that everyone will have the same experience and opportunity to participate. For 90 minutes, Watkins offers up a captivating, multi-faceted show that includes spell binding effects, phenomenal psychic prognostications, audience participation and engaging storytelling mixed with witty comedic moments that come out of-and disappear into-thin air. No saws, trap doors or rabbits here. Watkins artistry is in full view and on glorious display!"

Picture This Post - Highly Recommended

"...Watkins has mastered every element of magic to give us a flawless performance. Nothing seems to throw him for a loop and he improvises like the best of them. His joy is infectious as he laughs and jokes with the audience. And the audience loves him right back, laughing at his jokes and mouths dropping in pure awe."

NewCity Chicago - Recommended

"...Luckily Watkins, a charming performer, manages both, keeping the audience fully engaged by involving a number of volunteers and insisting that everyone treat the space as their own "parlor"-rising or moving to get a better view of any bit they can't see and getting additional drinks (included in the price of the ticket) when they feel the need."