PicksInSix Review: Nick Diffatte: Offbeat - Chicago Magic Lounge
Impressive Vaudevillian Prestidigitator Conjures Pure Magedy !
Guest Contributor | Scott Gryder
“What’s that behind your ear?” “Pick a card. Any card.” The Chicago-style tradition of "Close-Up" Magic, sleight-of-hand card and coin manipulation, is probably the most popular type of magic in the world. However, experiencing it first-hand (pun intended) in the elegant, intimate setting of the Chicago Magic Lounge immersed us in a suspension of disbelief. Within the first five minutes of the pre-show cocktail hour, we were greeted by multiple, marvelously talented magicians, casually wowing us with quick card and coin tricks, some even personalized, requiring us to autograph the items at play. From the showmanship flair of the front of house staff, to the dazzling, inventive menu of the classic old fashioned, highballs, and delicious eats (I highly recommend the truffle fries) the experience was literally magical.
As the mainstage’s red velvet curtains were drawn, we were enthusiastically greeted by a bespectacled goober with the show business charisma of Ed Sullivan and quirks of Charles Nelson Reilly: the Chicago Magic Lounge Artist-In-Residence Nick Diffatte. Diffatte is sublimely, as the title of his act insinuates, offbeat. Every illusion is performed with such an awkward, self-satisfying flair that one can’t help but root for and against him at the same time. “Don’t act like this is dumb,” Diffatte pouts after multiple failed attempts or perceivably lame setups. Much like the legendary Whispering Imps, who once shared the secrets of magic with magicians past, Diffatte is a mischievous little devil himself.
Not only is Diffatte a skilled magician, but his ability to execute situational comedy moment-by-moment is remarkable. And, unlike so many current pop culture comedy icons of today, Diffatte’s deadpan delivery is not forced. He’s truly a natural comedian. Having played stages of all levels, from Disney Cruise Lines and the Las Vegas Strip to The Late Late Show and the world-famous Magic Castle, Diffatte openly enjoys his antics right along with the audience. “That one was for me,” he says with a wily chuckle after setting up an audience volunteer for failure. Diffatte so seamlessly brings together the tricky stylings of comedy and magic that I believe he’s conjured a new word for this craft: magedy!
Personally, I’ve always been drawn to the style and panache of vaudeville and variety acts, with their signature brand of charm and simplicity, loaded with an abundance of commitment and talent. And Diffatte’s unique character recipe of corny enthusiasm mixed with masterful execution instinctively harkens back to such vaudeville legends as Bob Hope or Groucho Marx. Much like these legends, Diffatte effortlessly balances a quiet quick wit with a self-satisfying skill that keeps the audience tickled all night long. My only critique is that I wish Diffatte had utilized a lavalier mic so the audience could revel in every one of his brilliant asides.
The Chicago Magic Lounge has created a true time machine of a venue! Without giving away too many secrets, as soon as we entered the false laundromat storefront, we witnessed our first bit of illusion when we were quickly transported, Narnia-style, into a 1920’s-style Art Deco magic lounge. Making our way past the first set of velvet rope stanchions, after showing proof of vaccination, we discovered secret passages, multiple magic bars, and a state-of-the-art tiered-seating performance space. Much like the characters of C. S. Lewis, we were stunned to discover that the sleight-of-hand wasn’t just happening at the cabaret tables, but it surrounded us within a venue filled with secrets that seemingly stretched on and on.
Recently awarded “Comedy Magician of the Year,” and thanks to Diffatte’s preceding reputation, I expected I was in for a night of laughter and illusion, but I was truly caught off guard by just how understated yet out-of-control his act was! As the time-honored illusionist phrase goes: "Now you see me, now you don't,” Diffatte’s limited Chicago Magic Lounge Artist-In-Residence engagement only runs through late December, so make sure you “see” him!
GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | SCOTT GRYDER received a Non-Equity Jeff Award for his performance in the one-man show BUYER & CELLAR. www.thescottgryder.com
CHICAGO MAGIC LOUNGE
Artist-in-Residence Series
NICK DIFFANTE: OFFBEAT
Wednesdays 7:00 pm
through December 22, 2021
5050 North Clark Street
(312) 366-4500
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