REVIEW: ‘Speakeasy Magick’ at the McKittrick Hotel
Photo: Todd Robbins is the host of Speakeasy Magick at the McKittrick Hotel. Photo courtesy of Stevan Keane / Provided by DKC O&M with permission.
NEW YORK — When one enters the haunting hallways of the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea, there’s a promise of eerie fun oozing from the dusty walls. Whether patrons are taking in a performance of Sleep No More, the longtime resident of this atmospheric property, or catching the new show in town, The Woman in Black, the thrills, both unsettling and endlessly creative, are quite literally around every corner.
One of the strongest entries in the McKittrick’s buffet of offerings is Speakeasy Magick, an intimate show highlighting impressive feats of “up close and personal prestidigitation.” The magic spectacle, which can be accompanied with dinner and drinks, takes place at the McKittrick’s rooftop bar, The Lodge at Gallow Green, which in the winter months is made up to look like a ski lodge on some tucked-away Alp.
Inside the restaurant part of The Lodge, which is thankfully heated for audience members, a magical feast is laid bare by the master of ceremonies, Todd Robbins, a legend when it comes to illusion and things that go bump in the night. He starts the evening off with a welcoming and slightly macabre introduction — letting patrons know what’s in store for the next 90-120 minutes. The curl of his lip, the arch of his eyebrow and the rhythmic delivery of his lines (almost like he’s a hypnotist) are a perfect opening to the show.
Throughout the evening, a number of magicians take center stage and dazzle with a series of acts that run the gamut from birds appearing out of nowhere to card tricks that defy the senses. After these acts finish up in the main stage area, each table is treated to a more personalized act, right in front of the inquiring eyes of ticket buyers. Each magician spends roughly 15 minutes at each table, and for these intimate affairs, sleight-of-hand is the chosen art form. (Note: Although the magicians take turns and make their way around the room, there’s a good chance a patron will not see every performer — all the more reason to return for a repeat visit.)
On a recent night at Speakeasy Magick, this reviewer’s table was populated by the talents of Matthew Holtzclaw, Patrick Davis, Matias Letelier, Jeffrey Kellogg and Mark Calabrese. Each one was unique and unlike the previous performer, and they brought genuine oohs and aahs (and laughter) to the table of half a dozen people.
There is some mild audience participation, but nothing too scary or oft-putting. Most of the magicians need nearby audience members to choose a card, any card, and then what they do with the powers of deduction and intricate card play can be mesmerizing and transfixing.
Calabrese stuck out amongst the group of magicians, in particular for his clever and mind-blowing use of social media during the act. This reviewer’s use of Instagram will never be the same after his big reveal.
Davis, rightfully confident in his skills of card play, proved to be the funniest of the entertainers throughout the evening. He had a fine comedic timing and hilarious line delivery, holding the table together with wit and trickery.
There’s a lot to appreciate with Holtzclaw as well. He seems driven and dedicated to pull off the smoothest of all sleight-of-hand illusions, and he succeeds with supreme confidence and calm intensity.
Speakeasy Magick is one of the strongest and most entertaining magic shows in New York City at the moment. There’s a real sense that the privileged few in the crowd have access to some of the best in the industry for two delightfully devilish hours.
The pièce de résistance is having Robbins as the ringleader. This man has been there and done that, and added so much to the art and history of magic. He’s been on television and on stages around the world, and now his estimable talents are on display in an intimate setting that allows close inspection of his craft.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Speakeasy Magick is currently running at the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea. Click here for more information and tickets. Rating: 
