In a new partnership with the Goodman Theatre, the third-generation Chicago magician and former House Theatre ensemble member Dennis Watkins is moving his hit show “The Magic Parlour” from its longtime home at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel to the basement of the Petterino’s restaurant on the corner of Randolph and Dearborn streets in Chicago’s Loop.
Watkins’ new space has previously hosted such notable events as the opening night party for “The Producers” musical, at which Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft could be seen dancing on a table. More recently, the basement was the home of the Windy City Playhouse production of “Recipe for Disaster,” a dinner-theater attraction that proved short-lived.
“Magic Parlour” performances at the new venue are set to begin Oct. 5. In an interview, Watkins said he plans to perform six shows a week of the roughly 90-minute magic show, which is followed by an optional 25-minute close-up performance in a separate room. Tickets for the main show (limited to audiences of 60) are $85 including one drink; the add-on for up to 20 people is $30. Dark nights will be available for corporate rentals and the like. (More information at www.themagicparlourchicago.com.)
“The Magic Parlour,” performed for some 15 years in a meeting room at the Palmer House set with cabaret-style tables, has been a big hit. Watkins said he has played to more than 50,000 patrons over his roughly 1,600 shows, thanks to strong reviews and audience ratings. “But I have been wanting to grow the show in ways that were just not possible at the Palmer House,” he said. “I now will have the chance to collaborate with Goodman artists. And I will have a bonafide restaurant and bar partner.”
The Goodman hasn’t produced in the basement space before, even though it is in the same complex as its other theaters. The move also fits with the branding of Petterino’s, a recently renovated restaurant that caters to theatergoers in the Loop. Watkins said that he was retaining creative control in what will be a three-way partnership, billed as “The Goodman Theatre presents.”
Watkins frequently was seen at House Theatre, now defunct, both in Chicago and on tour. He’s one of Chicago’s best-known magicians and magic has been a bright spot in recent months in Chicago live entertainment, with regular shows also scheduled at such venues as The Magic Lounge and The Rhapsody Theatre.
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.