What Is The BEST Magic Show in NYC?
It's the question everyone asks: What is the BEST magic show in NYC?
With so many incredible magic shows to choose from in the largest city in the US, the question is not only understandable, it's inevitable.
But the answer, like so many broad and basic questions, is not a simple one. It all boils down to what kind of experience you want to have... Let's dive in. I'm going to limit my recommendations to long-running NYC shows. While there are other magic shows that come and go, I find it more practical to stick to recommendations that have been here a while and are locked into open-ended runs.
What Is the BEST Magic Show in NYC? (Quick Answer for Parents)
If you're looking for a magic show that the entire family will love - from 5-year-olds up through high schoolers, college kids, and even their parents and grandparents, I firmly believe that the Broadway Magic Hour weekend matinee is your best bet.
On the other hand, if you're a millennial planning date night, you'll more likely prefer Speakeasy Magick, as it is a late-night thing with a more sophisticated vibe.
Finally, if you're wanting to impress someone (a business colleague, a group of investors that hope will fund your next project, or your spouse on their birthday) then you might want to splurge on the deliriously upmarket Chamber Magic (aka, the Millionaire's Magician).
Are there other good magic shows in NYC? Of course! The city is teeming with magical artists of all persuasions. But these are MY top 3 picks, and I'll explain my rationale below.
Top 3 Magic Shows in NYC (Only 1 is Perfect for Families)
When I went on my quest for the BEST magic show in NYC, I set these criteria:
- Very interactive was a must. Magic shows are at their best when the audience gets involved.
- Long-running show. I didn't want to recommend something to you that might not exist when you look for tickets.
- Clean. I don't want to send you to a show where a foul-mouthed performer is making rude comments from the stage.
- Safe. I want to send you to parts of the city where you will feel welcome and safe at all times.
- A real show. I want you to experience a beginning, a middle, and an end -- an emotional theatrical story-arc.
- Unbelievable, world-class magic. I want you leaving the show saying to yourself, "That's the most amazing thing I've ever seen!"
The Best Magic Shows in NYC for Families - Including Kids
I'm putting the Broadway Magic Hour at the top of my list. This is a show that my performing partner Carl Mercurio and I designed after years and years of seeing and performing every type of magic imaginable. We finally decided that we knew enough about magic to truly deliver what we think is the ultimate magic experience for families.
And that's key - the Broadway Magic Hour is first and foremost for families.
Can anybody attend the Broadway Magic Hour? Of course! We have folks come to the show solo and laugh just as loud as the most raucous family group. We have couples come to the show to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. We have couples on their first date. But mostly the folks who come to the Broadway Magic Hour are parents or grandparents with kids. Sometimes grandparents come to the show with one set of grandkids, and then a few weeks later they return with another set of grandkids.
Now in its 2nd year of performances, the Broadway Magic Hour has recently extended for another year, and the show is growing in popularity by leaps and bounds. Currently on a 16-week streak of sold-out shows, the producers urge anyone who wants to come to the show to be sure and reserve tickets ahead of time online.
Because the Broadway Magic Hour is specifically designed for families, you can be assured there are no "adult" themes or language in the show. Everything is perfectly fun and family-friendly from start to finish, and there's truly nothing at all in the show that will embarrass grandma or have the kids asking questions afterwards.
The show is performed on weekend afternoons at this historic Broadway Comedy Club in the Times Square area (the heart of NYC's theatre district). The area is buzzing with activity and all sorts of fun cafes, restaurants, shows, and other things to do are nearby. It's an area the whole family will feel comfortable in.
The Broadway Magic Hour has received accolades from some of the best critics in the world, including Time Out NY who ranked the show one of the "Best Magic Shows in NYC," as well as one of the "Best Off Broadway Shows for Kids and Families".
One critic, from the Front Row Center, called the show, "technically dazzling and emotionally generous," and gave the show its highest rating.
The magic itself is top-notch. Jim Vines won the title of North American Champion of Magic from the world congress of magic (FISM), and performed his award winning act on the hit TV show "Penn & Teller: Fool Us." Carl Mercurio is a legendary NYC magician known for his original magic and incandescent spontaneous crowd-work. The pair have crafted a show with a true dramatic story-arc, and audience members are simultanously emotionally moved, and laughing hard at the unexpected surprises and delightful illusions throughout the show.
One more interesting fact about the Broadway Magic Hour: the show encourages the use of cameras. You may take photos and videos during the show... they just ask that you do so in a way that doesn't distract others.
Magic Shows for Adults Only
Both Speakeasy Magick and Chamber Magic are primarily for adults. Both of these shows take place at night, and Speakeasy Magick is presented as if you were in a speakeasy (as the name suggests). The close-up magic is absolutely astounding at Speakeasy Magick, and anyone who goes will attest that the atmosphere is truly mysterious - you really start to wonder if what you're seeing is real magic.
Chamber Magic has been running in NYC for over 25 years, and Steve Cohen, the performer, is clearly at the top of his game. He encourages audience members to dress up for the event. This is a kind of special occasion magic show. One that you attend and everyone is looking their best, and ready to enjoy magic in a gorgeous regal setting (The Lotte New York Palace). Is it for kids? In a word, no. Kids can technically go, but this is not a wild and rollicking family show. Chamber Magic is super refined, and really something that is more for a sophisticated adult group.
Both Speakeasy Magick and Chamber Magic are stellar attractions in NYC, and you will never forget going. So, for the late-night sophisticates among you, Speakeasy Magick or Chamber Magic might be more your style than the Broadway Magic Hour.
FINAL ANSWER: The BEST Magic Show in New York City
Now you can see why it's impossible to name "just one" BEST magic show in NYC. It truly depends on the type of experience you want to have.
If you're a family, especially a family with kids, the choice is clear: Broadway Magic Hour.
If you want a mysterious late-night experience, definitely check out: Speakeasy Magick.
If you want to experience magic in the finest luxury hotel amongst well-heeled NYC socialites: Chamber Magic.
Whichever magic show you see in NYC, you will have a great time and have memories of the impossible to last a lifetime. All three of the above shows are pure magic, pure entertainment, and purely delightful. Enjoy!
→ Check out upcoming show dates and book tickets for the Broadway Magic Hour here.
