THE CITY’S MOST ENCHANTING SECRET
PARLOR TRICKS AT THE CHELSEA LIVING ROOM
On a Wednesday night in Manhattan, I found myself sipping an incredibly well-crafted Old Fashioned under dim, golden lighting, tucked inside a beige velvet-cloaked room that felt more private club than performance venue. The air was thick with curiosity—and a hint of mischief. This wasn’t your typical night out in New York. My wife and I were at The Chelsea Living Room to see Parlor Tricks, a magic and burlesque show. Within moments, I realized we had stepped into something delightfully surreal, and most certainly mystifying.
Part immersive theater, part magic show, and part sultry speakeasy, Parlor Tricks is unlike anything else you will experience. And I shouldn’t be surprised since it was created by internationally acclaimed comedy magician, Mark Clearview. I have known Mark for a while as he performed at a fundraiser I was hosting several years ago. Except I think Mark pulled off his greatest magic trick ever, or at least that’s what he said when he asked his fiancée, the international burlesque star, Tansy, to marry him! And, yes, Tansy is the talent behind the sultriness. She expertly combines comedic dialogue with her approach, making the evening even more special! These two performers combine talents in this incredible show that encompasses everything from sheer curiosity, awe, wonder, hilarity and titillation in a fun, embracing evening of entertainment.
Hosted monthly at Chelsea Living Room (243 W 14th Street), the event is an exclusive gathering that feels like you’ve stumbled upon a delicious secret—and been deemed cool enough to be let in on it. From the moment you walk through the doors, you’re a guest in someone’s private parlor. It’s warm, intimate, and vibey, with luxe banquettes, low lighting, and just the right amount of velvet. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a craft cocktail and a whimsical “show snack”.
Then the lights dip lower. Mark Clearview, with eyes that seem to read your soul, begins to play with your perception. Beside him, Tansy slinks through the room — sophisticated, elegant, not scandalous, delivering a performance that blends sensuality with storytelling. This isn’t just a magic show; it’s a curated experience. Parlor Tricks doesn’t rely on flashy illusions or pyrotechnics. It seduces you slowly, folding you into the show.
What I appreciated most was that it was intimate, and inclusive. Yes, magic shows always include the audience, or “select members” of it. That isn’t what this was. Mark and Tansy were among us. You’re not watching from afar, you’re part of it. One moment, a card trick is unfolding in your hand; the next, your thoughts are being guessed with eerie precision. There’s a hush of disbelief followed by laughter and a round of applause that’s less polite and a lot louder. Yes, it is that good.
The structure of Parlor Tricks feels deliberately unstructured. The show moves in acts with Mark and Tansy taking the lead at various points throughout the night. It’s episodic and unpredictable. You’re never quite sure what’s coming next, which only adds to the charm. One moment you’re hypnotized by sleight-of-hand. The next, you’re falling into this almost hypnotic trance from the sultriness of burlesque, followed up by another mystifying trick. Yes, like most magic performances, you do start looking around at other guests, wondering who’s in on the game. And then my wife Kylie gets chosen to be a part of one act. Knowing that she and Mark never connected, the real-ness of the show becomes apparent.
Every scene in Parlor Tricks is layered with style and substance.
Tickets, priced at $89 (including the welcome drink and snack), are worth every cent. With limited seating and a growing cult following, reservations are a must. And trust me, this is not the kind of night you want to stumble upon late. You want to be there from the first sip to the final gasp of surprise.
Tickets, priced at $89 (including the welcome drink and snack), are worth every cent. With limited seating and a growing cult following, reservations are a must. And trust me, this is not the kind of night you want to stumble upon late. You want to be there from the first sip to the final gasp of surprise.
As someone who’s seen nearly every type of performance New York has to offer—from Broadway blockbusters to dive bar drag shows—I can confidently say that Parlor Tricks is one of the most unexpected, refreshing, and quietly electrifying evenings you can have in the city. It’s proof that magic is still alive in Manhattan—you just need to know where to look. And now, you do.
For upcoming dates and reservations, visit chelsealivingroomnyc.com