
Going through the doors of the Rhapsody Theater on Morse Avenue is like stepping through a time portal. The 1919 theater was gorgeously renovated last year from a wedding and events venue back to the stunning theatre it was meant to be. There is a large dark mahogany bar serving specialty drinks appropriately named for the show you are about to witness. Drinks with names like Digital Elixir, Amazed & Confused, and Sleight of Spice are a tip-off to the feats of magic you are about to witness. You are guided through a door to a theatre with cabaret style seating. There are mahogany tables and chairs situated around a large stage.
This magic show is like nothing you’ve ever seen while being very familiar. It is aptly named “Amaze”, but you will be so much more than amazed. “Amaze” is the brainchild of magician Jamie Allan. With a name like Jamie Allan, you just know he’s English, born in 1977 in the United Kingdom. The performance showcased the talents of a modern magician who skillfully married the charm of classic magic with the wonders of the digital age. During the show we learn Jamie’s childhood hero is the late Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. This is not your standard magic show.
From the moment the lights come up, the audience is transported into a realm where the old and the new coexist in perfect harmony. The magician began with classic card tricks captivating the audience with expert sleight of hand that harkened back to the golden era of magic. The execution of these timeless tricks was flawless, demonstrating the magician's mastery of the fundamentals.
What set this show apart, however, was the seamless integration of modern technology. Throughout the performance, the stage came alive with dazzling visual effects. The combination of traditional magic and state-of-the-art technology created an immersive experience that left the audience in awe.
One standout moment involved magician Allan asking everyone in the audience to take out their cell phones. I am sworn to secrecy, but this innovative use of technology not only added a layer of astonishment but also engaged the audience in a way that traditional magic alone might not achieve.
The lighting and music complemented the magic show, creating an atmosphere that enhanced the overall sense of wonder. The synchronized play between the magician's movements and the technological elements showcased a meticulous attention to detail in both performance and production.
Jamie’s charismatic stage presence and engaging storytelling further enriched the experience. The show was not just a series of tricks but a narrative journey through his childhood.
"AMAZE" succeeded in delivering a magical experience that appealed to both traditionalists and tech enthusiasts. It showcased the enduring charm of classic magic while demonstrating the limitless possibilities that technology brings to the art form. This captivating blend of tradition and innovation left the audience with a sense of wonder that lingered long after.
Top of Form
When: Through Jan 7, 2024
Where: Rhapsody Theater 1328 W. Morse Avenue
Running time: 2 hours –1 15 intermission
Tickets: $35-$100 at 888-495-9001 and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Five years is an important milestone for any arts organization, but for a contemporary dance company it also marks an…
This holiday season, Overshadowed Theatrical Productions is thrilled to present the timeless holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, live on…
Projecting a vibe that felt more homecoming party than ballet presentation, Dance Theatre of Harlem returned to Chicago on October…
A musical, but it’s just the voices in your head. Sounds just crazy enough to win the 2020 Pulitzer for…
From a "Kung Fu rom-com" to a witchy new musical, The Goodman's popular New Stages Festival in its 22nd year continues…
TimeLine Theatre’s 30th Anniversary Season at its new home in Uptown rolls merrily along in November with the company’s 100th…
Under the leadership of Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director Avery Willis Hoffman and Executive Director Angel Ysaguirre, Court Theatre proudly…
Trap Door Theatre is thrilled to continue its 33rd season with a Chicago Premiere of Oh, Buddy, written by Hal…
Tis the season, in spite of today's unseasonable temps, as A Christmas Carol begins rehearsals for The Goodman's 49th annual…
Nova Entertainment is pleased to announce the upcoming performance schedule and updates for CIRCA Pintig, with a visual rebrand and…
The blurb is: hahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahaha hihihi hahahahahahaha hoho hahahhahaha hehe hahahahahahahahahaha. Julia Masli's award-winning solo phenomenon ha ha ha ha…
Sanctuary Stories plumbs the line between theater and journalism, and the powerful human dramas both can depict. Funded by a Northwestern…
For its sixth Halloween season, Rough House Theater Co. has transformed Steppenwolf’s Merle Reskin Garage into a spectacular puppet haunted…
Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:00 pm, Sundays at 3 pm Additional Saturday matinees at 3:00 pm on November 28 and December…
Let he without sin cast the first stone, Lyric’s “Don Giovanni” seemingly says when they bring up the house lights…
Teatro Vista Productions (TVP), the Midwest's only Latine-led Equity theatre company, in collaboration with Audible, presents Cafecito & Loops: A…
They're creepy and they're kooky, Mysterious and spooky, They're altogether ooky, The Addams Family. Yes, ooky. BrightSide Theatre’s production of…
With Halloween creeping closer, there’s something fitting about revisiting one of opera’s earliest flirtations with macabre horror - especially in…
Avalanche Theatre announces the world premiere production of They Broke Up by Chicago playwright Skyler Tarnas, November 6–22, 2026. Opening…
Oil Lamp Theater is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its next production and the final production…
Christmas Day is in our grasp. Why the vodka? Glad you asked! Who's Holiday! brings R-rated Cindy-Lou Who back to…
The Sarah Siddons Society is pleased to present its 2026 Award to actress and director Victoria Clark, who recently starred…
At fifteen, the world can feel like a television show you haven't quite figured out how to turn off. For…
Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the nation's premier ensemble theater company, is pleased to launch its 51st Season with the world premiere of…
Hell in a Handbag Productions is thrilled to announce its 25th Anniversary Season, featuring three "camptacular" shows guaranteed to delight lovers of…
Chicago’s Theater Wit is now offering new, state-of-the-art closed captioning service, marking a dramatic improvement in making live theater more…
“God bless us, everyone,” because there’s a fresh, new, reimagined version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol debuting…
Following last year's critically acclaimed, sell-out engagement, Steppenwolf Theatre Company is pleased to announce the return of John C. Reilly…
The Saint Sebastian Players open their 45th season of travels to different places with A Murder is Announced, a classic Miss Marple mystery…
Today, Goodman Theatre raises the curtain on its future as leadership and artists share a vision for its next century…
Overshadowed Theatrical Productions Brings Beloved Holiday Classic It’s a Wonderful Life to the Stage
Dance Theatre of Harlem fills Auditorium Theatre with fire and funk
“A Strange Loop” Lets the Intrusive Thoughts Win at Raven Theatre in partnership with About Face Theatre
Does your theatre company want to connect with Buzz Center Stage or would you like to reach out and say "hello"? Message us through facebook or shoot us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
*This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to Buzz Center Stage. Buzz Center Stage is a non-profit, volunteer-based platform that enables, and encourages, staff members to post their own honest thoughts on a particular production.