Chicago Magic Lounge: Trent James: Static Magic Review
Trent James
Chicago Magic Lounge Presents TRENT JAMES: STATIC MAGIC Review - A Nostalgic 90s Trip
TLDR: Framed under 90s nostalgia, magician Trent James involves an audience member in nearly each of his illusions during Static Magic while joking with the rest in a stand-up like routine. His illusions are a mix of card tricks, objects disappearing and reappearing, and mind reading, so sleight of hand enthusiasts are sure to love his act.
Trent James
The Chicago Magic Lounge Goes Vintage
Waiting for the show to start in the Harry Blackstone Cabaret theater, the stage looks like a living room from the 90s. There’s side tables stacked with VHS tapes and a giant, 80 inch plasma TV standing front and center, its screen occupied with black and white static. It feels like we can almost hear that static sound bringing us back to days when the tape ends and you’re left with nothing else on the screen.
Of course while we wait, we enjoy the usual pre-show cocktail hour where you can order drinks and food, chatting with your fellow magic enthusiasts. Other illusionists come round to your tables and perform up close, sleight of hand magic, enjoyably passing the time.
The lights dim and on that huge plasma screen, the THX logo lights the screen and the resounding bass chord booms through the speakers bringing us back to those peak VHS days. Trent James runs out onto the stage welcoming us to Static Magic with a smile and a joke.
Trent James
Comedy Intertwined With Illusions
James’ illusions are more on the small scale and have some that may be reminiscent of other sleight of hand you may have seen before. However, he adds his own twist. He makes a handkerchief disappear and reappear as another color. He changes it into an egg, but is that egg the old fake egg trick? Or has it turned into a real one this time?
We get the usual “Is this your card?” moment, however that card is not getting pulled from the deck. It’s coming from unsuspecting places either on stage or around the theater.
Most of the time, he’s also pulling audience members in to assist with each trick. On this particular night, he insists Natasha is going to become a magician on her own by making an object appear in an empty bag. When he has her prepped, bag outstretched, he proudly announces her name with applause and walks offstage, pretending to give up the spotlight. We laugh as we peer towards the door and James comes strolling back in grinning and helps Natasha finish her trick.
He finds another audience member amicably game to help him with not one, not two, but three illusions. Some involve a voodoo doll, another a balloon, and finally some shenanigans with duct taped fingers and some Twister-like contortions.
His lineup craftily builds a story for each trick. He makes us think we know how the trick is going to go, but then misdirects us to another thought before bringing it all back together in one reveal. He calls back to the beginning of the trick and has the audience laughing and wowed at not being able to see it through in the first place.
Trent James
The After Party Thoughts
Trent James performs with a well-practiced, almost stand-up like routine. He captures the audience by joking with them. He gets us on his side with a joke at his expense, and then continues throughout like a pro comedian, both ripping on himself and us audience members. His illusions are on the smaller scale, but has a good variety that keeps us on our toes.
Like any magic show at the Chicago Magic Lounge, you’re not going to see many large scale, death defying stunts like the big performances out in Vegas. So if that’s what you’re interested in, this might not be the show for you. However, if you’re interested in a laugh out loud illusions show that’s heavy on audience participation with a little 90s nostalgia thrown in, Trent James: Static Magic would be a good fit for you.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Trent James
When
Now playing Wednesdays as The Signature Show
Where
Chicago Magic Lounge
5050 North Clark Street.
Chicago, IL, 60640
Runtime: 1hr 30min, including a 10min intermission
Tickets
$42+
Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (312) 366-4500 or through the Chicago Magic Lounge website
Photos
Sarah Elizabeth Larson
Trent James