Dan White’s “The Magician”
A masterful mix of Magic.
281 Park Ave South.
From the moment we stepped in the door at Dan White’s “The Magician,” we could sense that something extraordinary was about to unfold. As we walked from the entryway — where a red balloon drifted whimsically — down a dimly lit hallway reminiscent of a speakeasy, we were welcomed by a lady in white who handed us a set of random playing cards. The air was thick with anticipation as we ascended up to the penthouse, a intimate attic-like theater with seats for 70-80 guests.
At precisely 8:30 pm, Dan White took the stage. Over the next two hours, he captivated us with a masterful mix of sleight of hand, illusion, and narrative. White’s ability to connect with the audience is unparalleled. Participation is not just encouraged — it’s essential. And here’s where the magic became astonishingly personal: despite no prior knowledge, White called out eerily specific details about my companion, leaving us both speechless. It’s moments like these that make one question reality itself.
The next morning, as I mindlessly jogged on the treadmill at Mile High Run Club, I found myself replaying the experience. It hit me then: magic is an art form akin to elite athletics. It demands dedication, precision, and mastery over both the body and mind. If White were an athlete, he’d be competing for Olympic gold. His craft is a result of years of meticulous practice and discipline.
After a sold-out five-year run at the NoMad Hotel, White returned to New York for what is being dubbed a limited engagement at the iconic New York City Landmark at 281 Park Avenue South, transforming it into a world of wonder. His magic credentials are as impressive as his illusions. Over the past 25 years, he has collaborated with David Copperfield and Kanye West, and performed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon 13 times. He even adapted his show for a virtual audience during the pandemic, shipping participants a box of secrets to engage them from home. Yet, despite his fame and a celebrity fan base that includes Ariana Grande and Gwyneth Paltrow, White’s performance comes across as deeply personal.
“Magic has a mood and a feeling. This neighborhood is that mood,” White told us about bringing his show back to NoMad. “I can’t quite describe why, but walking through these streets at night, I think we can all feel it. Since day one, I’ve tried to lock that same feeling into every moment of the show.”
Dan White’s, “The Magician,” however, is not just a show — it’s a shared experience. You’ll leave wanting to discuss every impossible moment, dissecting the unexplainable over drinks with friends. My advice: Go. Gather your friends and make a plan to attend. Shows sell out weeks in advance. With ticket prices at $139, it’s an investment in awe and wonder — an experience I promise you won’t soon forget.