Third-generation magician and entertainer Dennis Watkins is giving Yinzers a special treat. Now through Sept. 29, Watkins’ show, “The Magic Parlour,” is taking place at Liberty Magic, a newly-opened venue showcasing close-up magic in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.
You may have seen Watkins on national TV, including the CW show, Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Hailing from Chicago, Watkins has performed at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in downtown Chicago for the past eight years, so it was a real honor for folks in Pittsburgh to get to see him at Liberty Magic. This modern-day Houdini brought us an intimate magic show, up close and personal. Every seat is a great seat at Liberty Magic. Guests will see Watkins perform his tricks closely and will be blown away by his performance. Watkins also selects a handful of audience members to participate in tricks, which are really fun to be a part of!
The 90-minute show is recommended for ages 18+, as the magic can be complex and hard to understand for children. Watkins isn’t here to saw bodies in half. He teaches the audience that magic is never really about the magician. He says the most magical experience requires your thoughts, choices and actions to create something miraculous. Watkins kicked off the interactive show with a classic tricks including card decks and then got into more sophisticated acts such as mind reading and making objects disappear. The crowd ooh’d and aww’d all throughout the show, as one trick after another surprised everyone more than the last. Watkins’ easy going and comical personality kept the audience engaged and wanting to see more. Don’t miss your chance to see Watkins while he’s in town. I promise you will be amazed, entertained and will believe in the power of magic!
Tickets
Purchase tickets online or at the door. General admission tickets are available for $40, or upgrade your ticket to VIP for $65. VIP passes allow guests to sit in the first two rows of the theater and an exclusive meet & greet with the magician in the dressing room.
About Dennis Watkins
Hailed as “Chicago’s Official Magic Man!” by The Chicago Sun-Times, Dennis Watkins travels the country creating unforgettable feats of storytelling. Dennis is a company member with the famed theater company The House Theatre of Chicago, where he has written, acted, directed, and performed in over 21 world-premiere productions. He has reprised his role as one of America’s greatest magicians in The House’s production of Death & Harry Houdini, including the death-defying nightly performance of the Water Torture Cell, in over 150 performances in both Chicago and Miami. Dennis serves as Artistic Advisor to Liberty Magic where his replica of Houdini’s Water Torture Cell is on display in the lobby of the theater.
About Liberty Magic
In February 2019, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust opened a new venue dedicated to elevating the art of magic. Located at 811 Liberty, on the same block where Harry Houdini mesmerized crowds in 1916, Liberty Magic is an intimate BYOB speakeasy with 66 seats in four rows. The performers who appear here offer crowds a one-of-a-kind experience that is easy to access and hard to forget.
(Disclaimer: I was provided with a media pass to attend, and all opinions are my own.)