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.

Here’s the introduction that Eric Lange read to the sold-out audience heard before we walked on stage:

“Welcome to a magical evening at the Y!

“Tonight we’ll be “Looking for Magic with Steve Cohen,” who has delighted and mystified audiences all over the world.  He’s the star of Chamber Magic, the longest-running solo magic show in New York, presented each weekend in an elegant suite in the Waldorf Towers. His audiences include a who’s who of celebrities, royalty, and other notables.  A media favorite, Cohen was also the star of a sold-out solo show at Carnegie Hall and a TV special you will see excerpts from tonight, Lost Magic Decoded, that premiered on the History Channel in 2012.

“Cohen will talk about the making of the film with the film’s writer, director and co-producer Robert Palumbo, whose credits include documentaries for HBO, Showtime and National Geographic.  Steve and Robert traveled the world on their magic quest, so they have a few stories to tell!

“We’re honored to welcome back famed talk show host and author Dick Cavett, who will moderate their discussion.  What you may not know if that he began his own illustrious showbiz career as a magician!  The winner of three Emmys for the groundbreaking  “Dick Cavett Show,” he has also hosted talk shows on the USA, HBO and CNBC cable networks, is the co-author of two books,  and has appeared on Broadway and in feature films including Forrest Gump.

“So let’s welcome them all, and let the magic begin!”

Here’s how the event appeared on the 92Y website:

And here is the catalog advertisement. (See below) Nice company to be included with! On the same page: Nathan Lane, Oscar de la Renta, Dick Van Dyke, David Brenner, Andy Borowitz, Judy Gold, and Alan Dershowitz. The 92nd Street Y really brings in some major talent. Two weeks before my event, there was a Mel Brooks tribute, and the following weeks featured Martha Stewart, Marina Abramovic and General Petraeus.

The New York Times wrote a nice promo article prior to my event, and included a photo of me. I’m not a fan of this particular photo, but they had it in their archives (nicknamed “the morgue”) from when a staff photographer visited me at the Waldorf several years back.

In our greenroom, Robert Palumbo, Dick Cavett and me, waiting to be called onstage. Dick was constantly cracking jokes and made both of us feel right at home. (The Chagall painting I’m standing in front of makes it look like I have a severely inflamed ear. Ta-da! For my next trick…)

The projection monitor showed a good deal of “Lost Magic Decoded” – highlighting The Turk, Think-a-Drink, the Light and Heavy Chest, the Indian Rope Trick, and the Bullet Catch. If you haven’t seen the special yet, click HERE for more details.

Here are a few stage shots of us – we stopped and started the film so we could explain behind-the-scenes tales of what it was like to travel across three continents in search of ancient and little-seen magic illusions.

After a lively question-and-answer session (alas, no secrets were given away…) I performed one interactive card trick that everyone in the audience could experience in their own hands.

In all, “Looking for Magic” at the 92nd Street Y was a successful evening that will linger in my memory for years to come. Thank you to Dick Cavett and Robert Palumbo for joining me on stage (and in Dick’s case, adding “star” power). And many respectful deep salaams to Holly Peppe for all of her work in organizing this event.

Event photos (c) Joyce Culver

The post Finding Lost Magic at 92nd Street Y appeared first on Chamber Magic.

“Lost Magic Decoded” was praised by The New York Times (“baffling”) and USA Today (“jaw-dropping”).

The screening will be hosted by legendary talk show host Dick Cavett (click on his name to read his NY Times blog), and will include a discussion with the film’s writer/producer/director Robert Palumbo. I also plan to perform some live magic after the screening.

If you are in the New York area on June 2nd, I hope to see you there.

For details and to order tickets, CLICK HERE.

The event will be held at the 92nd Street Y, located on Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street.

Event time: 7:00pm

In India searching for the legendary Indian Rope Trick

The deadliest illusion in magic: the Bullet Catch

Performing the Light & Heavy Chest with a champion bodybuilder

The post Dick Cavett hosting “Lost Magic” screening at 92nd St Y appeared first on Chamber Magic.

Due to our mutual interest in magic, I’ve gotten to know legendary talkshow host Dick Cavett over the last several years, thanks to an introduction by Teller. CBS Sunday Morning did a great segment about Dick’s life yesterday, and he even announced that he’s ready to be back on the air with a new Dick Cavett show. Is America ready for a smart talkshow host? Dick always trailed behind Johnny Carson (another magician from Nebraska) in the ratings, but appealed to a more intellectual crowd.

By the way, I highly recommend the Dick Cavett DVD box sets. It’s amazing who he’s interviewed, which is just about everybody who was an icon in the 1970s and 1980s!

The post Video: CBS Sunday Morning- Could Dick Cavett Show Survive Today? appeared first on Chamber Magic.

CEO, Theory11.com

Magic awards are a dime a dozen. Many of them are handed out by local magic clubs. Some of them are distributed by regional groups. And a select few are handed out by meaningful, multinational organizations. Whenever I hear of a magician getting an award, I ask myself what award it is and who is giving it. Sometimes, the award is meaningless – a kind gesture, but of little significance.

This is not one of those times. This one means something. This time, the award is prestigious; the organization well-respected; the recipient well warranted. This evening, I was pleased to join Steve Cohen as he accepted the Gold Medal the National Arts Club. The society was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in an elegant mansion in New York City’s Gramercy Park. The society’s members include three former Presidents, foreign dignitaries (the late Princess Diana), Martin Scorcese, Uma Thurman, and Robert Redford.

The society has never before provided an artistic award to a magician. That changed tonight with an elegant, formal reception and dinner to present Steve Cohen with their annual award. I was honored to join Steve tonight as he received the award, and the entire event was an evening I will not soon forget. I was privileged to sit near Dick Cavett at the ceremony, which many of you may know as an entertainer, producer, and great friend to Johnny Carson, Slydini, Doug Henning, and Dai Vernon. The stories he told before dinner had me speechless, captivated.

Please join me in extending congratulations to Steve Cohen, a great friend of theory11 and someone I truly believe is doing something different; something unique; and most of all, something that is advancing the reputation of this artform we all love.

The post Guest author: Theory 11 review of Award Dinner appeared first on Chamber Magic.

The post Award dinner videos appeared first on Chamber Magic.

Dick Cavett:

I love magic, and when I saw Steve Cohen the first time, it was in front of this building. This fellow came up to me, and he said, “Mr. Cavett…” And I said, “Get away from me, kid. You’re bothering me.” And he told me who he was. But it was a while before I connected him with the guy who was dazzling people at the Waldorf. I finally went with Teller, from Penn & Teller – by the way, he could talk – and I was stunned. Because I had seen great magicians. I’m old enough to have seen Blackstone the elder, Cardini, Slydini. And to see magic -again- that transported me, was thrilling. And that’s what I saw at the Waldorf.

You know, 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.

Johnny [Carson] was sorry, at times, that he didn’t continue with magic as his profession. He showed me his treasured suitcase as a kid that said, “The Great Carsoni.”And I went home and got my Marine captain stepmother’s World War two footlocker, and wrote, “The Great Cavetti.” Aren’t we all glad -grateful, really- that “Steve Coheni” just doesn’t work!

But anyway, here is a man at the top of that pyramid… Steve Cohen.

The post Dick Cavett introduction at my award dinner appeared first on Chamber Magic.

According to Wikipedia, among the items, persons, and scenes tattooed on Lydia’s body are the Battle of Waterloo (on her back), The Wreck of the Hesperus (beside it), the red, white and blue (above them); the cities of Kankakee and “Paree“, Washington Crossing the Delaware, President Andrew Jackson, Niagara Falls, Alcatraz, Buffalo Bill, Captain Spaulding exploring the Amazon, Lady Godiva (with her pajamas on), Grover Whalen, the Trylon, Treasure Island, Nijinsky, a fleet of ships (on her hips), and Lydia’s own Social Security number.
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Here’s another version of Groucho singing the same song on the Dick Cavett show much later in life.

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This next version is adorable – it’s Kermit the Frog singing Lydia on The Muppet Show. My daughter loves the ending, when Miss Piggy says, “Have you met my left fist? Hi-ya!”
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The two old hecklers in the balcony at the end of this clip are Statler and Waldorf. I always found them hilarious. Even more so when I grew up and learned that they were named after hotels: the Statler Hilton and my beloved Waldorf-Astoria!

The post Groucho & Kermit sing: Lydia the Tattooed Lady appeared first on Chamber Magic.

Here is the full text of the quote that Teller (of Penn & Teller) graciously wrote for my NY Times feature article. The highlighted sentence is the one that was pulled for the NY Times.

“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.”

—

I am grateful for the kind words of such a wise man, and can only work to continue living up to them.

Teller is the silent half of Penn & Teller, but I’ve always found him to be wonderfully articulate. I’ll always remember the night he invited me and magician Michael Weber to his house in Las Vegas. The tour was like visiting a carnival fun-house, with quirky and imaginative twists built in: secret doors behind false bookshelves, mirrors positioned to make a hallway look longer, and one-of-a-kind magic, movie and literature artifacts. He told marvelous stories along the way – ones I still remember and marvel at.

Do you have any interesting stories or personal experiences with Teller? If you haven’t seen the Penn & Teller show in Las Vegas, do yourself a favor during your next visit to Sin City.

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