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Preview Thu Dec 10 2015
Palace of the Occult Dramatizes a Little-Known Story About Hitler Adviser
Palace of the Occult takes place at a 1933 Berlin society gathering and tells the story of the popular psychic, Erik Jan Hanussen, who later became Adolf Hitler's psychic adviser. The production is based on the life of an obscure character who may have played a significant role in World War II.
Neil Tobin, a Chicago performer, magician and psychic, wrote and performs Palace of the Occult, which takes place at the opening of the venue. He presides as Hanussen, the Jewish clairvoyant whose prophecies of victory gave Hitler confidence in his war strategy. Hanussen tells stories and performs magic and psychic demonstrations, some of which involve audience interaction. Jack Dryden, Carter Petray and David Weiner play other roles.
Tobin was magic consultant for The Addams Family and Barnum, both at the Mercury Theater. He performed as the necromancer in the solo show Supernatural Chicago, which he presented weekly at the Excalibur nightclub for 10 years.
David Belew directs the production, presented by Eclectic Full Contact Theatre at Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston Ave. The show runs 105 minutes, including an intermission. Performances are Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm and Sundays at 7pm through Dec. 20. Tickets are $30-35 and seating is limited to 75 at each performance. You can also buy tickets by calling 800-838-3006. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center.