As of: August 15, 2017 •
This free guide is presented by Herb's Magic Store at herbsmagic.com
Magic Shows
A Taste of Magic
A Taste of Magic includes dinner plus performances of close-up magic before the meal and between courses. Guests usually see three or four magicians at their table as well as tricks performed for the whole room by the show's host.
Friday, September 8, at 8 p.m., Ben and Jack's Steakhouse, 255 Fifth Avenue
Saturday, September 16, at 8 p.m., Dock's Oyster Bar, 633 Third Avenue
Friday, September 22, at 8 p.m., Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Saturday, September 30, at 8 p.m., Ben and Jack's Steakhouse, 255 Fifth Avenue
For more information: atasteofmagicnyc.com
Chamber Magic, featuring Steve Cohen
Fridays at 7 and 9 p.m.; Saturdays at 2, 7 and 9 p.m.
Cohen's long running show (which has a dress code for audience members) harks to an earlier era of parlor magic. Cohen has drawn together rarely seen effects from a across a span of magic's history for an effective and very entertaining evening of magic. Chamber Magic is now performed at Lotte New York Palace Hotel, 455 Madison Avenue (b/t 50th & 51st Streets). The show will be dark September 15th & 16th, and September 22nd & 23rd.
For more information: www.chambermagic.com, or 866-811-4111.
In & of Itself
Created and Performed by Derek Delgaudio.
Extended through December 30
Delgaudio's innovative show explores new territory in magic.
Daryl Roth Theatre
101 East 15th Street
For more information, click here.
Magic After Hours, with Noah Levine
The show provides an insider's view of Tannen's magic shop, focusing on its history and legacy, as well as a performance of close-up magic by Noah Levine. Now playing most Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8 p.m. at Tannen's Magic, 45 West 34th Street, 6th Floor. For tickets and more information: http://www.magicafterhours.com
Magic at Coney
Sundays at noon at the Coney Island Museum, 1208 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn
For more information and tickets: www.coneyisland.com/programs/magic-coney
Monday Night Magic
September 11, at 8 p.m., featuring: Torkova, Rocco, and Peter Samelson (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, Ben Nemzer. Close-up performances at intermission by Mike Patrick and Eli Bosnick
Monday Night Magic is closed September 18 and 25
October 2, 2017, at 8 p.m., featuring Michael Karas, Ben Nemzer, and Chris Capehart (headliner), with Master of Ceremonies, Todd Robbins. Close-up performances at intermission by Eric Brown and Matias Letelier.
Players Theatre, 125 MacDougal Street. For information: mondaynightmagic.com/MainMenu.html, 718-575-1349
Parlor of Mystery
Sunday, September 24, at 7 p.m.
"Magic and Comedy," with performances by Vincent Mendoza and Thaddeus
Sunday, October 29, at 7 p.m.
"They Are Still Among Us: Halloween Special," with performances by Thaddeus, Mike Maione, Joe Silkie, and T. J. Tana
Sunday, November 26, at 7 p.m., with performances by Ben Zabin, Carl Mercurio, and T. J. Tana
South Shore Theatre Experience, 315 West Montauk Highway
Lindenhurst, NY (Long Island)
For more information: parlorofmystery.com, 631-669-0506
Parlor of Mystery shows are held the fourth Sunday of every month.
Sam Eaton's The Quantum Eye: Magic and Mentalism Show
The show plays most Saturdays at 4 p.m. Please check the current schedule via the Quantum Eye web site.
Theatre 80, 80 Saint Mark's Place
For more information: www.thequantumeye.com
The Magician, featuring Dan White
An intimate evening of magic, mystery, and deception.
The show is presented Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.
Please check the show's web site for specific availability.
Nomad Upstairs, The Nomad Hotel, 1170 Broadway (and 28th Street)
For more information: www.nomadupstairs.com
The Woman Illusion
The show is described as a playful, wicked gallery of ways to be a woman. The magic of theatre combined with the sleight-of-hand artistry of award-winning magician Jackson Ridd is used to unravel everyday acts of femininity from the podium to the bedroom.
September 11 through 17, part of the Theatre for the New City's Dream Up Festival
At the Cabaret Space at Theatre for the New City, 155 First Avenue.
For more information: www.womanillusion.com
Get-Togethers
Cafe Rustico II
Saturdays from approximately noon to 5 p.m.
25 West 35th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)
Magicians gather at Rustico on Saturdays, in a longstanding tradition to share information, help each other with tricks, and socialize (the group traces its heritage to the 1940s). The Rustico get-together is attended by magicians of all levels from beginners to working pros. Many future magic greats got their start by learning from fellow magicians at this weekly meet-up. Among the regular attendees are a core group of skilled practitioners, all of whom are willing to pass along knowledge to other magicians. Anyone interested in magic is welcome to attend. [Please note that the group normally does not meet on the weekends of major holidays such as Labor Day, Memorial Day, and July 4th].
The Magic Table
Fridays at 1 p.m.
Times Square Diner & Grill, 807 Eighth Avenue (49th Street)
The Magic Table is another longstanding gathering for magicians. It has always been based in the Times Square area, harking to the time when the neighborhood was home to multiple magic businesses like the Tannen's and Max Holden magic stores. This get-together often stretches out from lunchtime until early evening as magicians schmooze over omelets, sandwiches, and soup. It is frequented by a group of dedicated regulars as well as magicians visiting New York and occasional surprise guests. (See a Today show piece about the group here).
Magnets
Wednesday evenings, 6 p. m.
Gossip Restaurant, 733 Ninth Avenue
Magnets is a newer group that meets for weekly jam sessions and workshops and also occasionally sponsors its own lectures, workshops and shows. The group skews toward magicians in their 20s and 30s, supporting each other with feedback on performances, booking and marketing information, and help achieving long-term goals. Many of the Magnets members perform in the show, A Taste of Magic, which is a spin-off of the group. Anyone interested in magic is welcome to attend the Wednesday night sessions.
Magic Societies, New York City Chapters
New York is home to chapters of two separate international magic societies, The International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians.
International Brotherhood of Magicians, Ring 26
The Harry Roz-On Ring of the I. B. M. meets the last Friday of each month at the Associated Musicians of Greater New York, 322 West 48th Street. The group presents frequent shows by members and by special guests as well as regular Lab sessions where members teach magic. The I. B. M. is characterized by a strong community of members who share in their love of magic. For information about joining, please write the group's President, Jim Stranges, at: MagicJim1@optonline.net.
Society of American Magicians, Parent Assembly, #1
The S. A. M. was founded in New York in 1902. After the group expanded nationally, the local chapter became known as Parent Assembly, #1. Parent Assembly meets the first Friday of each month. Meetings are often held at Fantasma Magic but special shows are sometimes held elsewhere. Parent Assembly meetings offer a wide variety of programming ranging from lectures with notable magicians to performances by members, historical talks, and seasonal celebrations. PA1 also presents a monthly workshop which features instruction by noted magician Doug Edwards. For information about joining Parent Assembly, please contact Membership Committee Chairman, Steve Okulewicz, at: magicsteve@aol.com.
New York City's Magic Shops
Tannen's, 45 West 34th Street, Suite 608
Tannen's is New York's oldest magic shop and is a hub of magic activity in the city. The store's Chief demonstrator Magick Balay and a crew of other skilled staff keep a stream of tricks flowing from behind the counter while often a wide range of magicians, magic lovers, (and parents of budding magicians) hang out at the table in the center of the room. Notable magicians are known to pop by and the store is on the itinerary of many conjurors visiting from out-of-town. Although the decor feels a bit home-grown, the store is very well-stocked with the latest tricks, an extensive selection of books and DVDs as well as supplies and basics like cards, silks, rope, flash paper, etc. There is a treasure of magic books - which may be borrowed free of charge. Just look to the left of the large elephant in the room. www.tannens.com
Fantasma Magic, 421 Seventh Avenue, third floor
Fantasma is characterized by its personable staff as well as by the extensive collection of rare and original Houdini memorabilia on display. These include a selection of professionally displayed posters, handcuffs, photographs, props and other items. The free Houdini Museum is definitely worth visiting for anyone interested in the noted escape artist. Although its stock may not be as deep as Tannen's, the store carries a wide range of interesting items including some unique and collectible tricks, a wide selection of playing cards and an extensive selection of second hand books including some hard-to-find classic volumes. Fantasma is a great choice for anyone getting a start in magic who wants personalized help and attention as they begin their journey. Many of the products Fantasma sells are those manufactured by their parent toy company, including a smorgasbord of magic sets and individual tricks. www.fantasmamagic.com
Abracadabra, 19 West 21st Street, New York City, NY
Abracadabra has a magic section within the larger store that sells costumes and other items.
www.abracadabranyc.com
Halloween Adventure, 808 Broadway
Halloween Adventure also has a magic section in its large store.
www.newyorkcostumes.com