In this re-staging of their first production from 2001, the House Theatre of
Chicago beautifully incorporates classically authentic magic tricks into the
story of Harry Houdini, the world famous magician of the early 1900s. Having
witnessed his father die when Houdini (performed by Denis Watkins, a real
life magician) was a teenager, he became forever fascinated with death, and
in his attempts to trick and, ultimately escape it, he creates some of his most
memorable illusions.

From the beginning of the play, the audience is magically transported back
to the early 20th century. We then watch the personal life of Houdini unfold,
dominated by two women: his much worshiped crazy mother (wonderfully
played by Marika Mashburn) and his sweet wife Bess (great performance by
Carolyn Defrin). His brother Theo (dynamically played by Shawn Pfautsch)
becomes the engineer who crafted the equipment used in Houdini's act.
Professionally, Houdini is driven by the thrill of escape from the most
dangerous situations, culminating in the impressive Water Torture Cell escape.

The costumes, the music, the dancing all add up to the magical experience of
going back in time, but the ultimate reward after each effortlessly executed
trick is the wonder: “How in the world did he do that?”

Written and directed by Nathan Allen, “Death and Houdini” is compelling as it
is haunting. “Death and Houdini” is playing at The Chopin Theatre Downstairs
Theatre at 1543 W. Division and has now been extended through August 17th.
Tickets are $40 and show-goers should note that there is no late seating for any
performance.

For more information visit www.thehousetheatre.com.