Luis Carreón’s “Intimo” at Chicago Magic Lounge thru June 24
Curtain Call Chicago - Review Date April 2, 2026
Fun is in the Cards with Luis Carreón’s “Intimo” at Chicago Magic Lounge - Review By: Paul Lisnek
*** / 4
If you don’t know, you should….that close up magic, sometimes called table magic had its beginnings in Chicago! Many of the master of playing card magic got there start here in the early 1900’s.
Luis Carreón is the current headliner at the Chicago Magic Lounge and he does the Chicago tradition proud! His show presents the kind of card magic that is intimate (“intimo” is the word utilized in the title of his show) and reminds us why live magic is as enjoyable today as it was over 100 years ago. Carreón delivers his magic with a strong sense of wit, warmth, and wonder built through audience interaction and connection.
From the moment he steps into the soft glow of the Lounge’s speakeasy-style theater adorned with white candles that Luis has himself placed throughout the theater space, Carreón greets the audience, not like a showman taking the stage, but like a friend pulling up a chair exudes the charm of a born entertainer. His style is conversational, but underneath the banter is the precision of a seasoned craftsman.
What sets Carreón apart is his personality. His technique is flawless, but it’s his storytelling that gives the magic its heart. Small asides about his upbringing and his path in the art form turn simple illusions into intimate moments with a sense of authenticity—never forced nor flashy—just real card table magic as the creators of the art meant it to be.
And whenever attending a show at The Chicago Magic Lounge, a nod must be given to the cocktails, and fabulous food (I always have the beef tenderloin sliders and an order of crispy fries!) as a series of magicians work their close-up magic at individual tables prior to the main event.
By the time Carreón closes with a routine that seems to bend both time and memory, the audience has traveled from laughter to astonishment. In a city celebrated for its theater, comedy, and improv, Luis Carreón manages to merge all three—and add a touch of the impossible. Luis proves that real magic isn’t about deception—it’s about connection.
“Intimo” runs thru: June 24th and tickets may be purchased at: