By Steve Cohen • Foreword by Guillermo del Toro

Published by

Featuring original photography and rare memorabilia, alongside a Foreword by Guillermo del Toro and text by Steve Cohen, Confronting Magic celebrates twenty years of Chamber Magic and the variety of guests that the lively, intimate show has attracted and stunned. Here we see stills and props from Cohen’s most praise-worthy tricks, including “Think-a-Drink” and the jaw-dropping Bullet Catch. At other times, the camera is turned to the audience, inviting readers to step into the magician’s shoes and see what he sees – the laughter and the outbursts; the silence and the hand-wringing; the collapsing-onto-your-neighbor’s-shoulder and the wide-eyed disbelief. These jubilant reactions illustrate just why audiences return to Cohen’s parlor again and again – music can make you dance; comedy can make you laugh; but only magic can make you wonder.

208 pages • hardcover with silk screen cover

REGULAR EDITION – $60

SIGNED EDITION PACKAGE – $125

Signed Edition is autographed, with Paul Stuart custom pocket square

assouline.com or our online shop: chambermagic.com/store

“What Steve Cohen does is flat-out impossible. Don’t believe me? Then go see him, and don’t believe him yourself.” – Peter Sagal, NPR host

“Steve Cohen presents a handsomely-balanced program of intimate magic in a legendary setting. It’s a pleasure to see an audience gasp in amazement over and over again.” – Teller

“Steve is the only magician to take his show to an elite and highly-select audience. It is a true one-off: an intimate caprice of parlor diversion by an enthralling and consummate master.” – Derren Brown

assouline.com or our online shop: chambermagic.com/store

The post CONFRONTING MAGIC: Book Now Available appeared first on Chamber Magic.

While that dream has yet to come true (and I’m willing to wait), I was giddy to find this photo capturing Barack and Michelle Obama in the same private suite where I used to perform Chamber Magic!

The photo above is from the official White House website (now archived) and the caption read:

Sept. 21, 2011 “The First Lady reacts to something the President whispered to her at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in between events related to the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.”  — Official White House Photo by Pete Souza

Here is a photo I took in exactly the same spot, in the same room, one week later. Notice the chairs all set up for my show in the living room:

The Obamas’ whispering photo reminded me of a picture I took with Warren Buffett after a private show in Omaha, Nebraska. I’ll never reveal the secret he shared…!

My performance suite at the Waldorf Astoria New York was room 35H, in the Waldorf Towers, down the hall from the Presidential Suite. On October 4, 1965, Pope Paul VI met President Lyndon Johnson in that same room. Also pictured is First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson.

Pope Paul was visiting New York to address the United Nations. It marked the first visit of the head of the Roman Catholic Church to the United States.

Here are some performance photos of me in that same room, suite 35H. Notice the same fireplace, and the same oil painting on the rear wall.

The Waldorf Astoria New York is closed but these wonderful memories remain. I was inspired to post this — albeit years later — since it corresponds with the current United Nations General Assembly being held in midtown Manhattan. When I came across the Obama photos, it reminded me of that formative stage in my life.

Looking back on my old showroom at the Waldorf, it seems so intimate and dainty. At that time, I never could have imagined that Chamber Magic would graduate to its grand showroom at the Lotte New York Palace (see below). I love my new venue even more, and am thrilled at the solid partnership with The Palace. We will be releasing 2020 tickets soon, in anticipation of the 20th Anniversary show. I look forward to meeting you at The Palace sometime in the near future!

The post Barack And Michelle in my showroom at the Waldorf Astoria appeared first on Chamber Magic.

It is a genuine honor to be included in this fine company of magicians, all of whom I greatly respect. 

While it is common in other performing arts (e.g. music and dance) to have benefactors directly support the growth of worthy artists, in the field of magic this is virtually non-existent. I admire Allan Slaight’s commitment to inspiring magical artists so that we may create even more robust works.

A big thank you to David Ben and Julie Eng for inviting Allan Slaight and his family to my Chamber Magic show, when we produced a one-week run at the Luminato Festival in Toronto. That was a wonderful opportunity to meet Allan, and I am delighted that both he and the selection committee regarded my performance highly enough to bestow the Sharing Wonder award upon me this year.

Thank you for inspiring me to inspire others!

The post Recipient of 2019 Allan Slaight “Sharing Wonder” Award appeared first on Chamber Magic.

I’m excited to announce the following tour dates:

CHICAGO:

The Waldorf Astoria Chicago

11 E Walton St, Chicago, IL

September 28 and 29

Friday and Saturday

(4 performances: 7pm and 9pm each night)

Click HERE for tickets

If you have friends or family in Chicago who you think would enjoy Chamber Magic, please tell them to reserve their tickets now.

I look forward to welcoming them to the show!

The post CHAMBER MAGIC® TOUR: WALDORF ASTORIA CHICAGO appeared first on Chamber Magic.

Here are some quotes from names you’ll be sure to recognize: David Copperfield, Juan Tamariz, Derren Brown, Andy Nyman, Teller, Siegfried, Eugene Burger,  Jeff McBride, John Carney, Jeff Hobson, Richard Kaufman, Roberto Giobbi, Dick Cavett, Patrick Page, Bob Fitch, Derek DelGaudio, Jon Racherbaumer, Simon Aronson, David Ben, Levent, Daryl, David Regal, Milt Larsen, Dani DaOrtiz, Richard Wiseman, Michael Vincent, Ken Weber, Harry Lorayne, Pit Hartling, Lior Manor, and David Berglas.

“A masterful performance. You can’t write a show like this. It can only come from performing night after night, listening to the audience. I loved it.” – DAVID COPPERFIELD

“I loved your act at the Waldorf-Astoria – especially the elegant atmosphere and classical style of the performance, not to mention the very strong magic!” – JUAN TAMARIZ

“Aside from his success, it is Steve’s charm and elegance which separate him from all but a tiny elite of world-class magicians. However, Steve is the only magician from that elite and highly-select group to take his show to an elite and highly-select audience. It is a true one-off: an intimate caprice of parlour diversion by an enthralling and consummate master.” – DERREN BROWN

“Chamber Magic contains some of the most elegant, skillful and truly baffling magic on the planet. Steve Cohen is an absolute master of his craft; he and the show are simply extraordinary.” – ANDY NYMAN

“Steve Cohen presents a handsomely balanced program of intimate magic in a legendary setting. It’s a pleasure to see an audience gasp in amazement over and over again.” – TELLER

“Without the need for large equipment and a whole team of assistants, Steve Cohen enraptures the audience for an hour and a half with nothing but his skill and personality. In the end, they feel like they have experienced a true magician.” – SIEGFRIED (and Roy)

“Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic is a thoroughly entertaining show of wonders and marvels that really elevates the Art of Magic.” – EUGENE BURGER

“Steve Cohen’s ability to weave a world of wonders from such simple yet elegant properties is a lesson to not only magicians, but all entertainers. I don’t know where he can take the show from here; it’s about as close to heaven as you can possibly get.” – JEFF McBRIDE

“This is the way magic was meant to be presented: for sophisticated adults, in an artistic atmosphere. Cohen presents his amazing and eclectic mysteries with great charm and aplomb. Chamber Magic is engaging, entertaining and great fun.” – JOHN CARNEY

“Steve Cohen gives the most perfect presentation of magic I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m in awe of him, and I’ve seen them all!” – JEFF HOBSON

“A truly tremendous show. Steve Cohen works intimately with the crowd and performs many remarkable things that left us speechless.” – RICHARD KAUFMAN

“Steve Cohen has all it takes to be an outstanding magician: hands, head and a smile, as the Master Ascanio once defined excellence in magic. I have personally witnessed Steve’s unique performance in the equally unique Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and predict that if you have an affinity for magic you will immensely enjoy yourself.” – ROBERTO GIOBBI

“Every art has a lot of crappiness. There are some people who can paint. Most people can’t. Some can sing. Most can’t. Millions want to be actors, and thousands are. A handful of them are great. Some are quite good. And it’s always that way. The cream goes to the top. Here is a man at the top of that pyramid… Steve Cohen.” – DICK CAVETT

“A perfect parlour magic show. I honestly cannot suggest anything that would improve it.” – PATRICK PAGE

“The marvelous success of Chamber Magic is a tribute to your hard work, curiosity, inventiveness and high style.  You’ve created a character, a legend, and are certainly proof that hard work and imagination can pay off.” – BOB FITCH

“A wonderful show. Thank you for keeping magic alive in New York City.” – DEREK DELGAUDIO

“Steve Cohen strategically converts the elemental aspects of mystery and manners in a very modern way. Combining the wonder-and-wizardry of technology with the aboriginal roots of magic, he makes everything happen in the intimate atmospherics of a salon. Be prepared for every kind of astonishment to spontaneously erupt!” – JON RACHERBAUMER

“Steve Cohen’s show combines the charm and elegance of Hofzinser’s exclusive parlor with the mystification and fun of 21st century cutting edge magic–all performed by a master and a gentleman. We enjoyed a thoroughly deceptive and delightful evening.” – SIMON ARONSON

“As a performer, there are many things I admire about Steve Cohen – his technical prowess, his timing and his boundless energy. As a producer, having engaged Steve and his Chamber Magic for Luminato, the international festival of creativity and the arts, there are things that I admire even more – his professionalism in performing and promoting the show, and the response of the public who kept coming back for more.” – DAVID BEN, Artistic Director, Magicana

“A flawless show, 10 out of 10. Steve Cohen is a fabulous entertainer and the modern day Max Malini.” – LEVENT CIMKENTLI

“Chamber Magic is a genuine magical experience. Pure and simple, it’s an entertaining evening of beautifully performed, mind boggling mysteries that I’ll never forget! Bravo.” – DARYL

“Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic is an elegant delight.” – DAVID REGAL

“A modern day Max Malini.” – MILT LARSEN

“Fantastic work!” – DANI DAORTIZ

“Really really impressive. If you enjoy strong magic in an intimate setting, Steve Cohen’s show is simply a must.” – RICHARD WISEMAN

“Let me begin by saying, I love Steve Cohen, I love him as a person and also as a magical artist of the highest calibre. When these two elements are combined, you have an experience that captures the true essence of magic and a magical performance. I have seen Steve’s show Chamber Magic three times, twice in London and most recently at its home in New York City. This show is an enchanting magical experience. What makes it work is Steve’s grace, charm, humility and technical mastery of his craft. This is a rare commodity in today’s magical climate. I am happy for Steve and the success of his show; he has elevated the class and dignity of magic in the tradition of Hofzinser and Robert-Houdin.” – MICHAEL VINCENT

“One of our stars, raising the level of our art.” – KEN WEBER

“Steve Cohen is one of the best magicians I know. Fooled the h*ll out of me!” – HARRY LORAYNE

“The choice of material, the structure, the performance itself – the whole show carries a great message for magic.” – PIT HARTLING

“For the uninitiated layman everything Steve Cohen presents in Chamber Magic must seem totally impossible and could easily convert anyone to believe in the paranormal. Few other entertainers are able to create the kind of intimate and mysterious atmosphere that this evening offers!” – DAVID BERGLAS

“One of the best mind reading shows you will ever see.” – LIOR MANOR

“Typically you see magic either one-on-one (“close-up” or miniature magic) or far away, on a stage, where the magician works with big gadgets, armies of secret assistants, blinding lights, and smoke generators. Steve Cohen performs at an engaging, human scale, for perhaps seventy-five guests, in the parlor of a suite at the Waldorf. He works in the style of a soiree at the home of some Vanderbilt or Rittenhouse, where you might expect an evening of light opera but have lucked into an expert magician. This is an immensely satisfying way to experience classic conjuring. It’s a group experience, so laughter and applause come naturally, but you’re close enough to reach out and touch it. So you know what you’re seeing is the result not of stage machinery but of art.” – TELLER (in the New York Times)

“One of the best performances on the Letterman show EVER. Steve, you did a fine piece of (difficult!) magic for one of the most challenging people on earth and you came out BLAZING!…BRAVO!” – JEFF McBRIDE

The post Copperfield, Tamariz, Derren Brown, Teller (and more) on Chamber Magic^® appeared first on Chamber Magic.

I’m excited to announce the following tour dates:

BEVERLY HILLS:

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

9850 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

March 2 and 3

(4 performances: 7pm and 9:30 pm each night)

Click HERE for tickets

If you have friends or family in southern California who you think would enjoy Chamber Magic^®, please tell them to reserve their tickets now.

I look forward to welcoming them to the show!

The post Chamber Magic^® Tour: Waldorf Astoria BEVERLY HILLS appeared first on Chamber Magic.

The 5000th Chamber Magic^® show is coming up, and Mayor Bill de Blasio is declaring October 6th “Chamber Magic Day” in the City of New York!

We are planning a special night around this landmark event, and there are only few seats remaining.

5000th Chamber Magic^® show

Friday, October 6, 9PM

Limited availability – Check Tickets Here

In coordination with the Lotte New York Palace, guests will be invited to a post-show reception in the Gold Room, where my delicious and potent signature cocktail, appropriately named the “Think-a-Drink,” will be served from silver teakettles.

Celebrity cake designer Ron Ben-Israel –the Manolo Blahnik of wedding cakes– is creating a delicious magic-themed cake that is going to make your eyes explode. But not your waistline. (Now that’s magic…!)

And I’ll be performing new magic tricks that are sure to keep you up at night.

Seventeen years ago, I began Chamber Magic^® on a dream and a shoestring budget. Now it’s ranked as the #7 show on TripAdvisor among all Shows & Concerts in New York City. (#8 is Radio City Music Hall, #9 is the Metropolitan Opera. And Hamilton is #15.)

More than 500,000 people have attended at the Waldorf Astoria, and now at The Palace.

I’m truly living out my childhood dream, and I’d love to share it with you.

Book your tickets now to see the show in my stunning new showroom.

Tickets are available at: www.chambermagic.com

I look forward to seeing you at show #5000! Or 5001, 5002, 5003…

-Steve Cohen

The post The 5000th Chamber Magic^® show – October 6, 2017! appeared first on Chamber Magic.

When I started “Chamber Magic^®“ 16 years ago, my goal was to help raise public respect toward magic as a performing art. I wanted people to consider going to a magic show instead of the opera, or the ballet. It is highly gratifying to see that my vision has been recognized by so many others. Take a look at this line-up:

The top 10 Theater & Concerts in NYC:

1. Lion King

2. Wicked

3. Jersey Boys

4. Kinky Boots

5. Beautiful – The Carole King Musical

6. The Phantom of the Opera

7. Steve Cohen’s Chamber Magic^®

8. Radio City Music Hall

9. Metropolitan Opera

10. Les Miserables

I’m incredibly grateful to my fans for all of your support. I pour my heart into this show each week, and care about every person who walks through my door. Thank you, too, to the Lotte New York Palace for being the greatest supporter of my work. Here’s to many years of success!

The post #7 Top NYC Show on TripAdvisor appeared first on Chamber Magic.

• I have been playing at the Waldorf Astoria New York for 16 years. Over 500,000 guests have visited the show.

• Chamber Magic is ranked on TripAdvisor as the #8 show in NYC, including all Broadway productions (for reference, Hamilton is #15).

• The Waldorf Astoria will be closing on March 1, 2017 for 3+ years of renovations. The hotel was purchased in 2014 by Anbang Insurance Group, a Chinese holding company, for nearly $2 billion. They intend to gut renovate the hotel, converting the upper floors into ultra-luxury condominiums, and the lower floors into a smaller boutique hotel.

• When I announced that the Chamber Magic show must move to a new venue, I was flattered to receive inquiries from seven top luxury hotels in New York. After numerous site visits and discussions, number-crunching and soul-searching, I have signed a contract with an iconic landmark hotel in midtown Manhattan.

• In partnership with my new hotel venue, we will be making a public announcement in the media. I really can’t wait to share this with you — including gorgeous photos of my new showroom. Frankly, it’s breathtaking.

• Chamber Magic will continue — uninterrupted — in its new home, to be announced shortly. I intend to keep New Yorkers and out-of-town guests believing in magic for years to come!

The post Moving, not Closing! appeared first on Chamber Magic.

One of my weekend rituals is to listen to the Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me podcast from NPR. Peter Sagal is the genial host, and his voice has an all-access pass to my ears every Sunday morning. I follow Peter on Twitter, and like millions of his fans, feel like I “know” him through his clever barbs and on-air quips. Last week, however, I actually did get to “know” Peter when he visited Chamber Magic^® to celebrate his parents’ birthdays. He is a tremendous guy.

After the show we talked for about 20 minutes, and snapped the photo above. A couple of days later, Peter sent the following endorsement:

“What Steve Cohen does is flatly impossible. Cannot be happening, and probably didn’t, really. I just hallucinated being in a hotel suite filled with well-dressed people, watching chamber-scale miracles. Seriously: not only could he not really have done any of that, but people don’t dress up anymore. Don’t believe me? Well, go — and don’t believe him yourself.” – Peter Sagal

We are now members of a mutual fan club. His show on NPR is always razor-sharp and often leaves me grinning so much my face hurts. (Especially when Paula Poundstone is on.) It would be a great honor to be asked to appear on the “Not My Job” segment — one can only dream?!

The post Peter Sagal – “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me” Visits Chamber Magic^® appeared first on Chamber Magic.