THE MAGIC PARLOUR to Return to The House Theatre of Chicago

The House Theatre of Chicago announces the return of Dennis Watkins in The Magic Parlour, at the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe, for an open run starting September 2.

Regular performances take place Fridays and Saturdays evenings at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoons at 4:30 p.m.* Tickets are $79 each, which includes wine and beer selections, and may be purchased at www.themagicparlourchicago.com, www.thehousetheatre.com or by calling The House Theatre of Chicago Box Office at 773.769.3832. The Magic Parlour is an upscale event and cocktail attire is encouraged. The show is open to guests ages 12 year and older.

* Schedule is subject to change. Please consult www.thehousetheatre.com when looking for the most updated schedule.

Since moving to the Palmer House on New Year's Eve 2011 and now currently in its fifth year there, Dennis Watkins' magic-packed show has entertained guests from all over the world looking for an extra-special event in Chicago. Only 40 seats are available for each performance of this intimate, sophisticated, close-up magic show in one of the hotel's historic private event rooms. Guests gather at Potter's Lounge in the hotel's lobby level and are escorted to the performance space, where they enjoy mind-blowing magic and mind reading. The audience participates in much of the performance as Watkins wows the room with classic sleight of hand, unbelievable mentalism and age-old stories passed down from his grandfather. Third-generation magician Dennis Watkins regularly incorporates new pieces of magic into this long-running production, giving returning audiences brand new feats to puzzle over.

Originally created by House Company Member Dennis Watkins for a House Theatre benefit in 2010, The Magic Parlour was so popular that The House produced a sold-out weekly main stage production for 15 months at the Chopin Theatre before moving to the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel in 2012. Since its move, The Magic Parlour has played to numerous audiences for more than four years and has enjoyed continuous extensions.

Additionally, The Magic Parlour has hosted several private groups and corporate events, three New Year's Eve events, a special fundraiser for The House Theatre of Chicago in the Empire Room and many special occasions including anniversaries, birthdays, family gatherings and three marriage proposals.

The House Theatre of Chicago has partnered with Dennis Watkins to produce many magical theatrical experiences in its 15-year history. In addition to The Magic Parlour, Watkins most notably stars in The House's hit show Death & Harry Houdini. Houdini has enjoyed six sold-out runs in Chicago, including the currently extended run through August 21, 2016, and a production at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, FL. Watkins' original play, The Magnificents has had two successful Chicago runs, and a critically acclaimed run at the Arsht. Watkins and The Magic Parlour return with this expanded schedule following Death & Harry Houdini's summer 2016 success.

The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago's next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 60 Joseph Jefferson Awards (21 wins), became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago's Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. The 15th anniversary year of original work will begin September 2016 and The House will continue its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

The legendary AAA four-diamond rated hotel has been hosting visitors to the Chicago Loop for more than 140 years. Today, the Palmer House Hilton continues to thrive in the heart of the theatre and financial district, just steps from the Art Institute, Millennium Park and State Street shopping. A short walk away is Grant Park where summer festivals take place. Family attractions like the Chicago Children's Museum and Navy Pier are just a quick cab ride away. The hotel features 130,000 sq. ft. of function space with more than 77 meeting rooms, seven ballrooms and two exhibition halls. Lockwood Restaurant & Bar, located just off the lobby, is open throughout the day serving contemporary American cuisine. Small plates and classic cocktails are served in Potter's. Balance Spa features 14 treatment rooms including hydrotherapy services for the ultimate pampering. The fitness center offers over 10,000 sq. ft. of cardio and free weight equipment, an indoor pool, whirlpool, and saunas.

Photo Credit: Ryan Bourgue

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