Laid back romance meets sleight of hand in Luis Carreon’s Intimo.

Since breaking ground in 2017, Chicago Magic Lounge has been hosting “Chicago-style” magic, a tradition of up close “table magic” that was part of Chicago night life for nearly 100 years. Table magic usually involves, cards, coins and other things that are best experienced “up close.”

The Lounge, on Clark in Andersonville, even has a secret entrance: from the outside it looks like a laundromat. The delightful sight of laundry machines swinging open to reveal a twenties-style speak easy sets the tone just as you arrive. Shades of emerald green and glints of polished wood, combined with affable and welcoming staff create a unique atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

While you get a drink from their extensive and creative cocktail menu, the house magicians roam from table to table, performing exactly the kind of table magic Chicago was once known for. It’s like getting your own, personal magic show. My friend and I were hugely entertained by Paige, a magician as fun and colorful as her blue and purple hair and her named Queen Cards, and Michael, who opened our minds to the magical uses of rubberbands. The show began a bit late, but I can say with confidence that everyone in the audience was already having so much fun, it didn’t seem to bother anyone. Even better, the Harry Blackstone Cabaret is beautifully designed, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. When the lights came down and the crowd hushed, all eyes were on Luis Carreon.

Luis Carreon is a Chicago Magic Lounge co-founding member. He’s been featured on the Univision Evening News and was a semi-finalist on Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento, the Spanish-language equivalent of America’s Got Talent. The experience shows, he is confident and at ease, letting his magic take center stage, but never hiding behind it. He peppers his jokes with Spanish phrases and just a smattering of cultural history that adds a personal touch to every moment; you get the feeling that Carreon the entertainer is just the man himself, albeit in a pristine, white satin suit. His physical ability with the cards alone is impressive, in his hands, whole decks move like a living thing, shifting and undulating like waves or leaves. He builds his programs from small pleasures to a genuine show-stopper involving a knife and a blindfold – brining several audience members along the journey.  He also has a penchant for romance – a strain for whimsical beauty ran through several of his pieces, lending a little drama and sincerity to what was otherwise a funny, lighthearted show.

This is one of those programs where I don’t want to give too much away – part of the fun, after all, is the discovery. The unique feel of the Lounge, the easy-going charm, the mood lighting, the beautiful cocktails, all come together to create a unique experience – only possible with a live show.

Magic, especially the kind of intimate, close-up magic Carreon and his fellow magicians at Chicago Magic Lounge specialize in, is an alchemical mix of math, showmanship and comedy. In the current climate, it’s also a chance for artists to invite audiences in, delighting us and reminding us that the world is full of mystery and fun – something everyone can enjoy. Carreon is especially good at audience interaction, improvising as needed and engaging with audience members like they’re old friends. I can’t think of many better ways to spend an evening, than with friends, a good cocktail, and a little magic to delight and mystify.

Highly Recommend.

Reviewed by Alina C. Hevia

Catch Luis Carreon’s Intimo at Chicago Magic Lounge will be in the Harry Blackstone Cabaret Wednesdays at 7:00pm, March 25–June 24, 2026.

Tickets are priced $42.50 (Standard) and $47.50 (Front Row), plus a $4.75 ticket fee. Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge shows are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at www.chicagomagiclounge.com

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.