Chicago Magic Lounge: Lucy Darling Review
Lucy Darling performing at the Chicago Magic Lounge
Chicago Magic Lounge Presents LUCY DARLING Review - Comedy Magic Served With A Twist
TLDR: During the Chicago Magic Lounge’s Signature Show, we’re treated to an energetic set of performers that mix audience interaction with sleight of hand magic. The headliner, Lucy Darling, has the audience eating out of the palm of her hand as she weaves humor in between each of her illusions.
Lucy Darling
The Classic Chicago Magic Experience
After attending a few shows now at the Chicago Magic Lounge (check out our latest review of Static Magic here), I’m happy to report the experience never gets old. The After Party started our evening with a cocktail at the front bar where we spent the next hour being entertained by the Amazing Bibik. Looking dapper in a navy blue embellished suit, he pulls out his own sound effect machine when he feels more applause needs to be had. He turns all the people sitting at the bar into his friends as he addresses them each by name. He pulls out more props from fake teeth, to giant cards, and has the audience singing along to his little ditty about bunnies.
As we make our way into the cabaret theater for the second part of the evening, we’re treated to more up close up, sleight of hand magic. Bibik makes another appearance, this time better watch your heads for any roaming spiders. The rest of the tableside magicians keep to their regular card tricks, disappearing and reappearing coins, and changing the length of a rope just by moving their hands.
Lucy Darling
The Signature Show
The emcee for the evening is the bright and sparkly Jan Rose. She takes us through the history of Chicago’s magic lounges, even sharing a clip of one of her performances back in the day. She smiles brightly to the crowd and we feel she is just as thrilled as we are to be here.
Next up is Andi Gladwin from across the pond. He brings his own close-up camera to make sure every person in the crowd can see the magic he’s performing. He blows audience members' minds by being able to read their minds before they’ve even said anything. He incorporates tech into his performance and still finds ways to make cards mysteriously appear in places we least expect.
Then the red curtain opens and posing just behind them is the red haired maven of magic herself, Lucy Darling. She walks through the curtain like she’s on a runway in a blue floor length gown and welcomes the audience in her signature transatlantic accent
For all those Lucy Darling fans out there who have seen her videos on Tiktok and Instagram, you’ll be thrilled to know that she is just like that during her shows in person as well. One thing that the short clips don’t capture is Lucy’s ability to carry a bit throughout the whole show bringing it all together like a stand-up pro.
She calls on audience members to help her with some tricks, giving them a light roasting if they need it. She jokes with other members of the audience in between her magic tricks like making drinks appear out of thin air and magically connecting rings. It’s a short and sweet show that hits all the marks of what we expect from Lucy Darling.
The After Party Thoughts
My claim to fame is going to be I saw Lucy Darling before she was Lucy Darling waaaayyy back in the day (just kidding it was only three years ago during A Magical Cirque Christmas). Little did I know how she would become an internet sensation with her sarcastic humor and roasting abilities. She shows them off here during her act and if that’s what you want to see Lucy do most, you will not be disappointed. My only complaint is that I wanted more. I fully enjoyed the time we had with Lucy but would definitely love a full length show with her headlining.
If you’re a fan of magicians and illusionists that interact with audiences and throw lots of jokes and reads their way, Lucy Darling would be a good fit for you.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
When
Now through Sunday February 16, 2024
Where
Chicago Magic Lounge
5050 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL, 60640
Runtime: 60 minutes, plus pre-show cocktail hour with tableside magic
Tickets
$55+
Tickets can be purchased through the Chicago Magic Lounge website
Photos
Courtesy of the Chicago Magic Lounge
Find Allie and The After Party featured on Theatre In Chicago