Public Show August 20th in Chicago

The Magic Parlour: An intimate evening of classic magic with Chicago Magician Dennis Watkins

Last month I filmed my show for promotional purposes on The House Theatre's stage. Afterwards, Artistic Director Nathan Allen approached me about doing a benefit performance for The House Theatre of Chicago.

So, we've created a show called The Magic Parlour. This is an hour-long evening of some of my favorite magic performed on the mainstage at The Chopin Theatre. After the show, guests can retreat to the downstairs parlour where they can enjoy beer, wine, and more magic performed up close!

Here's the skinny:
WHEN: August 20, 2010 at 8:00 pm
WHERE: The Chopin Theatre: 1543 W. Division, Chicago, IL
HOW MUCH: $25, All proceeds benefit The House

CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS NOW!

Chicago Magician interviews David Copperfield

I was lucky enough to talk with magic super star David Copperfield. The Chicago Tribune ran the interview last week:

Dennis Watkins Interviews David Copperfield

Talking To David Copperfield

The world's most famous magician is coming to Chicago! Doug George, Features Writer at the Chicago Tribune, called me two weeks ago and asked if I would be interested in interviewing David Copperfield for an article in the paper. He wanted me to talk to David and ask him "whatever questions were interesting" to me. He'd then run it as a "Magician interviews a Magician, sort of thing."

"Would you even want to do this?"

"Heck yeah," I answered. "Every magician in my generation grew up watching David Copperfield!"

So on Monday of last week we had a conference call with my childhood hero, where the three of us talked for about 45 minutes.

The article runs this Friday, so I'll make sure to post it here!

Awesome B&B

Last week I was in Como, MS working a corporate event for the Panola Partnership. They put me up at the Como Inn, 40 miles South of Memphis. I'm pleased to report that this little bed and breakfast was totally wonderful in every way! If you ever find yourself out that way, it's an awesome place to spend some time!

Trade Show Magic

Last week I spent 3 days in Evansville, IN for the Tri State Home Show. Working as a a Trade Show Magician is bizarre niche, but one I really love.

And this trade show brought an entirely different challenge for me. Most of the time, my work at this kind of event is with a single vendor. However, I was booked by the show's producer to help move traffic throughout the entire stadium, giving special attention to traffic flow and any vendors who needed help building crowds around their exhibit.

After three long days of non-stop performing, my feet were aching and I couldn't help but lay down on my giant hotel bed and fall asleep.

The next day I drove seven hours back to Chicago and prepared to fly down to Memphis for a one-night Corporate Event.

Now that I'm back home, I'm working on the scripting for my next Trade Show gig. You'd think scripting information about technology solutions would be boring, but I LOVE IT!

Kevin O'Donnell's Epiphany Spectacular Concert

My friend, Kevin O'Donnell produces a rockin' concert every couple months at Martyr's in Chicago. He's allowed me to do a little magic at the last 2 Spectaculars. The most recent of which was just last Tuesday.

Here's a little video of a new bit of magic from the show.

Not since I was in Texas...

have I arrived to do a magic show and seen a sign like this by the venue door:




Magic tricks were totally cool, though.

Special Public Event at Chicago's Court Theatre

I've been working with The Court Theatre on its current production of Tony Kushner's The Illusion. The show features two custom stage illusions we created and is an all-around great piece of highly theatrical theater.

On Sunday (April 4), we'll be doing a little bit of magic after the 3:00 performance.

There will be a quick, moderated talk-back with the audience about the show and the magic, followed by my 45 minute Comedy Magic Show!

For you theater industry folks, The Court offers $10 DAY OF industry tickets!

CLICK HERE to reserve tickets to the show online!

For those of you who know The House Theatre of Chicago, the lovely and talented Collette Pollard created an amazing set worth the price of admission!


Hope to see you soon!
Dennis Watkins

CLICK HERE to read the Chicago Tribune's article about the magic in the show.

Chicago Tribune Review of The Illusion

I've been working as a consultant on The Court Theatre's production of Tony Kushner's The Illusion.

The Chicago Tribune published a preview article about my work in the show.

CLICK HERE to read it!