The multi-generational audience arrives at the magical Friday occasion by way of a swanky elevator at the Art Deco Waldorf-Towers Hotel. It’s one of a bank of elevators used by celebrities, politicians, Secret Service agents and the dignitaries they’re paid to protect. But this is no VIP function. Or a pop star’s entourage. Instead, it’s a happy, motley group of kids and other folks primed to be razzle-dazzled by an old-school magician. An old school whose graduates were old-time parlor-magicians whose accomplishments were more substantial than spectacular. A security guard points to the suite that will host that evening’s entertainment, Steven Cohen’s Chamber Magic. Cohen, is aka “The Millionaire’s Magician” — not because his ticket prices are that expensive, but because when Cohen is not amusing small groups at his Friday Waldorf gigs, he’s making a bundle at corporate functions and private celebrity events. But this evening’s entertainment is doubly unusual in these days of instant gratification and expensive flim-flammery. For Cohen believes in the dignity of magic and the ultimate seriousness of its presentation. Well, maybe not serious serious. But serious fun, to be sure. And the youngsters in the audience are about to have the time of their lives. The group of about 20 drifts into the swank suite, oohing and aahing at the elegant Victorian-era furnishings, accentuated by a soaring ceiling. Later, the audience will swell to about 50, a comfortable size that lends itself to intimacy and conviviality. Cohen, a slight, bespectacled philosopher, who speaks fluent Japanese, figured out a way to hone his youthful card trickery into a lucrative career. That he does so by reading minds, predicting the seemingly unpredictable, and throwing away one-liners, is a joy to witness. Cohen, an energetic 33-year-old with a head of red hair, practices close-up magic, engaging his small audiences to watch closely and try not to be deceived. However, bear in mind that his first teacher Without giving too much away, expect Cohen to wow you with card tricks and amaze you with his uncanny ability to mimic someone’s secret drawing. By the time he gets to reading verbatim passages from books, randomly chosen by audience members, you will be butter in his hands. Trust me: this is a night your well-behaved kids (10 years and up) will always remember. Info: Where: Waldorf-Astoria Towers, 100 East 50th Street When: Fridays, 7pm and 9pm. Shows are 1 hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission How much: $55 per person Note: Recommended for well-behaved children ages 10 and up, appropriately attired. For more info: For reservations, call (917) 361-8751 or visit www.chambermagic.com
