Parisian Magician Alexandra Duvivier debuts ‘Extraordinaire!

Second generation magician Alexandra Duvivier has debuted her new show, “Extraordinaire!” At Chicago’s Rhapsody Theater. 

The Rhapsody Theater  opened  in the 112 year-old theater on Morse Avenue in Roger’s Park (once known as the Morse Theater) in the summer of 2022. Devoted to magic shows, it’s an intimate space with a blend of old and new that gives it a unique, kitschy vibe that brings a smile to your face the minute you walk in. The full kitchen and bar have a menu with a little something for everyone, from a personal pizza, to a hummus plate, olives, cheese dip, or even a cookie plate. Themed cocktails and beers on tap are inviting and affordable, and there are several mocktails and spirit-free drinks to choose from as well. The main seating area is filled with small round tables and chairs adorned with a candle, creating an atmosphere of old-world mystery and charm.The setting was perfect for Parisian Magician Alexandra Duvivier,

Alexandra is the daughter of legendary French Magician Dominique Duvivier, and one of the few women magicians working today. She was also one of the first magicians to successfully “fool” Penn and Teller on their popular tv show, “Fool Us.” She teaches magic in France, and tours widely.

Alexandra’s stage presence is bright, funny, warm and, as she says “very French” (cue the accent!). She leans into her French accent, and the confusion it might cause, with an easy wit and self confidence that is utterly charming to see. She is quick on her feet, often joking with audience members and making her volunteers feel comfortable. The laughs almost outnumbered the magic tricks. Her speciality is “close up”  or “parlor” magic, which means card tricks, rope tricks, scarves and other small objects. She even managed to make clothing hangers funny, entertaining, and of course, magical!

The show is highly interactive: she involved audience members almost immediately and for the majority of her tricks. To add to the fun, most of her volunteers went home with little gifts of French candy, small souvenirs or magic tricks, and even a DVD.

Highlights include a trick she did with a bag involving French candy she “brought in the airplane all the way from Paris.” She brought up a child volunteer for that trick and the little one’s face as he witnessed her magic brought the wonder up a notch for everyone lucky enough to witness it. There was also a card trick that involved every single audience member – it’s rare to go to a magic show and successfully perform a trick yourself! She ends her show with a heartwarming message of gratitude to the audience for giving her the opportunity to do what she loves: make magic.

Alexandra came out to personally thank guests as they left, creating the feeling that she had just as good a time as the audience did. Her joy was infectious and everyone left smiling. If you’re looking for a fun, family friendly show that will bring a little magic to your life, look to Extraordinaire!

Highly Recommend.

Reviewed by Alina C. Hevia

Presented at The Rhapsody Theater Chicago, 1328 W. Morse Avenue, for three weeks only, Thursday, February 22- Sunday, March 10, 2024. 

Tickets for Extraordinaire! with Alexandra Duvivier, starting at $35.00, are now on sale, online at https://rhapsodytheater.com/ or at The Rhapsody Theater box office.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.