The story of history's most famous magician!

Written and Directed by Nathan Allen
Magic by Dennis Watkins

To continue celebrating 10 years of original plays, we present an all-new production of our very first show, Nathan Allen’s Death and Harry Houdini. This is the story of history’s most famous magician and his life-long war against Death. A ringmaster leads us through the events of Harry’s life, all told through stunning magic, poignant dialogue and original music. We travel from the untimely passing of his father, through his first tent shows with his younger brother Theo, meeting his wife Bess, and beginning a journey towards fame on the vaudeville circuit. All the while, Harry feels Death close on his heels and he won’t rest until he’s conquered him once and for all. Harry will walk on broken glass, swallow razor blades and risk his life in the Water Torture Cell, but will he pull off an escape from Death?

“A highly polished and visually thrilling show … strikingly well-designed and well-executed … MAGIC OF THE VERY HIGHEST ORDER!”
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“…high energy and lack of artifice in a loose, buzzy blend of traditional storytelling, music and spectacle… A THRILLING RIDE”
Kris Vire, TimeOut Chicago

“‘Death and Harry Houdini’ soars on Dennis Watkins’ brilliance as a genuine magician and fearless stuntman…INGENIOUSLY WRITTEN AND DIRECTED by Nathan Allen.”
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

“The folks at the House Theatre of Chicago are celebrating their tenth anniversary by remounting their first show—and IT MAKES FOR A HELLUVA PARTY…Dennis Watkins is simply magnificent as Houdini.”
Kerry Ried, Chicago Reader

The Chopin Theatre
1543 W. Division St., Chicago, IL