{"id":7869,"date":"2017-10-25T12:43:42","date_gmt":"2017-10-25T19:43:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/Becomeimmersed.com\/?p=7869"},"modified":"2019-11-20T11:44:30","modified_gmt":"2019-11-20T19:44:30","slug":"conjurors-club-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/becomeimmersed.com\/conjurors-club-review\/","title":{"rendered":"The Conjuror\u2019s Club – Journey into NYC\u2019s Most Magical Kept Secret"},"content":{"rendered":"

The following review of The Conjuror’s Club is for a limited one-night performance of the show.\u00a0 Location, performers and acts are subject to change in any possible extension.<\/em><\/p>\n

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. \u00a0Now, 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. \u00a0As 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? \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That answer, if there indeed is one, was sworn to never leave the halls of that building.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Conjuror\u2019s Club, brought to life by Vinny DePonto along with the immersive events company <\/span>MinuteZero<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>is a rare crossbreed of magic and theater, <\/span>and marries<\/span> the two genres so marvelously well. \u00a0The separation between stage and audience completely vanishes as you’re presented with an intimate 360-degree view of each performer’s unique talent. \u00a0Stand up and get a closer look or sink against the leather of an armchair. \u00a0They want you to feel at home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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). \u00a0From 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. \u00a0An endless display of portraits embrace the walls; darkly fascinating characters observe from the corners; a hint of incense lingers in the air. \u00a0The beauty and elegance of the space is worth admission on its own. \u00a0I could stare and admire the art for hours, but that night the Conjurors engrossed my attention.<\/span><\/p>\n

During a show highlight, my group huddles around a master card-manipulator. \u00a0He enthusiastically shares his knowledge of card magic, including letting us in on one of his favorite card tricks. \u00a0He notes though, the trick isn\u2019t real. \u00a0Curiously, he takes out a deck of cards and walks us through how it\u2019s performed. \u00a0Our child-like eyes lock on the deck as he shuffles them. \u00a0He reinforces again that this particular trick is nothing more than a myth; its intended result is impossible, it can never happen. \u00a0However, on a night like tonight, I\u2019m ready to believe just about anything is possible as he prepares to unveil the, supposedly, predetermined card.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the name of the event suggests, the Conjurors are the centerpieces of the evening and each member expertly demonstrates why they\u2019ve earned their title through their craft, humor, and presentation. <\/span>Glimpses of their background and history are weaved throughout each of their acts. For a group<\/span> of people whose reputation is based on illusions and deception, you begin to question how much truth they are actually willing to reveal. \u00a0One 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. \u00a0During our brief exchange, she asks if I can do a favor for her if the opportune moment arises. \u00a0I agree and, before we part, we share a drink and toast to better times ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you happen to look away, you might even catch other hidden interactions play out in the distance or other sections of the room. \u00a0As two illusionists discuss quietly amongst themselves in the corner, I can\u2019t help but tune my ears towards their direction and overhear information that completely reshapes a scene I had previously witnessed. \u00a0These details are small and have the potential to be easily missed, but they completely sell the authenticity of the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

After audiences culminate in the dining room for a mystifying grand finale, we\u2019re made to return to the streets of New York as discreetly as we were brought in. \u00a0The magic still resonates with me as I walk to the car. \u00a0They say no great magic trick is ever repeated, but I can only hope The Conjuror’s Club will allow an exception.<\/span><\/p>\n

Will you be in on the secret?<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Keep an eye on MinuteZero\u2019s <\/span><\/i>instagram<\/span><\/i><\/a> for more possible dates for The Conjuror’s Club as well as their <\/span><\/i>website<\/span><\/i><\/a>. \u00a0Check back for more coverage on East Coast events on <\/span><\/i>Immersed<\/span><\/i><\/a>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The following review of The Conjuror’s Club is for a limited one-night performance of the show.\u00a0 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,…<\/p>\n

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