by Paul Ginsberg

Steve Cohen, star of the long-running show “Chamber Magic” in New York City, celebrated his “full deck” birthday, turning 52 years old. To mark the occasion on February 13, 2023 he invited magicians and notable celebrities to a once-in-a-lifetime party that dazzled people who are hard to impress.

The party was at the New York Lotte Palace, where Steve performs his sold-out shows each week. In attendance were Dick Cavett, world-renowned television host and amateur magician, Joel Hodgson, developer of Mystery Science Theater 3000, Richard Garriott, avid magician and president of the Explorers Club, Charles Kochman, editorial director of The Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Gwen and Peter Norton developer of Norton Anti-Virus software.

And there were 40 magicians from all over the nation who had flown in for the party as well. Paul Gertner and Garrett Thomas, both “foolers” on Penn and Teller’s “Fool Us,” were among the notable names who came to celebrate. Dick Cavett said that if a bomb dropped on the hotel the future of magic would be wiped out.

The location for the party was Rarities, a 19^th century speakeasy in the original mansion that became the New York Lotte Palace. There were dazzling displays of rare bottles of every imaginable kind of adult beverage. Justin Lorenz, beverage director for the hotel personally served top shelf drinks throughout the party. And there were lavish hors d’oeuvres everywhere.

At one point Steve amazed the group by bringing out a tea kettle, the original prop owned by David Devant.  Built in 1905, it was capable of pouring any drink called for, in any order, including choice of coffee: black or with milk. Steve showed the workings to the magical group, and the workmanship was remarkable. The kettle has passed from magician to magician over the years, with Steve acquiring it from John Fisher, to whom it was bequeathed by British magician Paul Daniels.

Steve’s best friend Mark Levy made the following toast:

“Let’s be clear. Steve is incredibly successful. He has the top-rated show on TripAdvisor, among all the live shows in New York City. It’s rated higher than even Hamilton. He’s written several books, and he’s had his own television special on the History Channel. But for me, the thing that helped me know how successful he is, is when he told me who was going to be here.”

“All of you are the tops of the top. You have all achieved such unbelievable things. And I remember thinking, “How many people do I know who could get so many magnificent people in one room? It’s nuts!” So this is a real testament to Steve, that he could have a murderer’s row, like you people here tonight.”

“Steve has truly elevated the art of magic in the world. And, to me, he’s done it in a really remarkable way. He hasn’t stepped on people to do it. He honors the people of today, and also the people of yesterday. He stands on the shoulders of giants, and he pays homage to them, even while moving things to new places. That’s a really remarkable thing!”

And the party was remarkable as well. I witnessed a wallet and playing card change places in the hands of one guest while walking from one conversation area to another. There were discussions of shows, tours, effects, and of course Steve and his career.

Dick Cavett told stories about his interaction with famous magicians including Tony Slydini and Okito. He also told us about watching Milbourne Christopher mistakenly hand out the key ring for inspection (!), and then going on to fail at three card forces. When the shudders had subsided, a beautiful and delicious cake was served. The cake was magical in its own way, designed and baked by celebrity baker Ron Ben-Israel, who has won various baking shows.

Steve Cohen is a master magician, but also a master businessman and promoter. This combination spells success.

And, just to illustrate the attention to detail, the sign-in board was the 9 of diamonds. For a 52-year-old birthday party, this brought a smile to my face. Mem deck workers will recognize this as a nod to Mnemonica.