The Jewish Museum in New York contacted me several months ago to entertain at a private dinner for their Chairman of the Board, Museum Director, and top donors, following the opening of the museum’s new Houdini exhibition.

The dinner was held last night in a Park Avenue duplex apartment on Manhattan’s upper east side. I was honored to be there.

Catered by Restaurant Daniel, the menu was exquisite. I’ve worked with Daniel Boulud numerous times at special events (including a noteworthy charity event at the United Nations headquarters several years back). Daniel himself was not there last night, but his staff recognized me. We worked seamlessly together to create a near-perfect night.

The invitation to last night's private Houdini dinner

After dinner, I presented an abbreviated version of Chamber Magic. All of the guests came directly from the Jewish Museum opening event, so their appetite for magic had already been whetted.

I was kindly introduced by Joan Rosenbaum, director of the Jewish Museum.

The beginning of the "Rising Cards," performed inches from the front row

After the show: Jewish Museum board heads Beth and Joshua Nash, me, Tracey and Robert Pruzan

The reverse side (or “B-side”) of the invitation depicted a pair of Houdini’s own handcuffs, and a key. That reminds me of a phrase Houdini often signed when asked for his autograph:

‘My brain is the key that sets me free”

Finally, the Jewish Museum has published a gorgeous hardcover book that catalogs the exhibition collection.

I plan to visit the Jewish Museum next week. If you attend please write some comments below about your impressions of the exhibition.