The following review of The Conjuror’s Club is for a limited one-night performance of the show.  Location, performers and acts are subject to change in any possible extension.

For the last century, magicians, illusionists, mentalists and card cheats from all over the world have gathered at a secret location in New York City to practice, experiment, and develop their ancient craft.  Now, for the first time in history, The Conjuror’s Club has opened its doors and have invited guests to attend – dressed in their finest cocktail attire, of course.  As I sip my whiskey within the confines of laughter, dazzlement, and 19th century decor, I have to ask myself: why have the Conjurors gathered us together tonight?  

That answer, if there indeed is one, was sworn to never leave the halls of that building.

 

The Conjuror's Club MinuteZero NYC Immersive Theater Magic Vinny DePonto

 

The Conjuror’s Club, brought to life by Vinny DePonto along with the immersive events company MinuteZero, is a rare crossbreed of magic and theater, and marries the two genres so marvelously well.  The separation between stage and audience completely vanishes as you’re presented with an intimate 360-degree view of each performer’s unique talent.  Stand up and get a closer look or sink against the leather of an armchair.  They want you to feel at home.

The audience is split into small groups of six to eight, each designated by the color of ribbon presented to you on entry (I proudly displayed sapphire blue).  From there, each group follows a given path and is guided through the many rooms and floors of the Club with an assortment of encounters and tricks along the way.  An endless display of portraits embrace the walls; darkly fascinating characters observe from the corners; a hint of incense lingers in the air.  The beauty and elegance of the space is worth admission on its own.  I could stare and admire the art for hours, but that night the Conjurors engrossed my attention.

During a show highlight, my group huddles around a master card-manipulator.  He enthusiastically shares his knowledge of card magic, including letting us in on one of his favorite card tricks.  He notes though, the trick isn’t real.  Curiously, he takes out a deck of cards and walks us through how it’s performed.  Our child-like eyes lock on the deck as he shuffles them.  He reinforces again that this particular trick is nothing more than a myth; its intended result is impossible, it can never happen.  However, on a night like tonight, I’m ready to believe just about anything is possible as he prepares to unveil the, supposedly, predetermined card.

 

The Conjuror's Club MinuteZero NYC Immersive Theater Magic Vinny DePonto

 

As the name of the event suggests, the Conjurors are the centerpieces of the evening and each member expertly demonstrates why they’ve earned their title through their craft, humor, and presentation. Glimpses of their background and history are weaved throughout each of their acts. For a group of people whose reputation is based on illusions and deception, you begin to question how much truth they are actually willing to reveal.  One character in particular was more open than the rest as she pulled me away from the group to discuss some personal matters in private that have been clouding her mind.  During our brief exchange, she asks if I can do a favor for her if the opportune moment arises.  I agree and, before we part, we share a drink and toast to better times ahead.

If you happen to look away, you might even catch other hidden interactions play out in the distance or other sections of the room.  As two illusionists discuss quietly amongst themselves in the corner, I can’t help but tune my ears towards their direction and overhear information that completely reshapes a scene I had previously witnessed.  These details are small and have the potential to be easily missed, but they completely sell the authenticity of the world.

After audiences culminate in the dining room for a mystifying grand finale, we’re made to return to the streets of New York as discreetly as we were brought in.  The magic still resonates with me as I walk to the car.  They say no great magic trick is ever repeated, but I can only hope The Conjuror’s Club will allow an exception.

Will you be in on the secret?

 

The Conjuror's Club MinuteZero NYC Immersive Theater Magic Vinny DePonto

 

Keep an eye on MinuteZero’s instagram for more possible dates for The Conjuror’s Club as well as their website.  Check back for more coverage on East Coast events on Immersed.

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