Greenmount Station restaurant, in Hampstead, Maryland, is now home to a magic theater attracting the best talent in the world. In 2018, magician Dave Thomen established the restaurant theater-concept to showcase other regional talent, and now the theater will headline with international celebrities of magic.
These Tuesday evening shows are scheduled bi-monthly. Guests arrive early for dinner and then enter the restaurant’s 30-seat theater. The January 2022 post-pandemic reopening featured a magician from The Magic Castle in Hollywood. Now the restaurant is taking reservations for March 29th and May 10th featuring two magicians who have been on the television series, Penn & Teller: Fool Us. May 10th is the day world-famous magician Eric Jones, who regularly performs on the Disney Cruise Line’s “Fantasy” will be appearing at Greenmount Station.
In 2011, restaurant owner Chris Richards hired Dave Thomen of D’s Magic for weekly close-up magic on Wednesdays, and he still provides this complimentary entertainment. Since many professional acts have their headline shows on weekends, the Tuesday schedule is ideal for an appearance at a smaller venue. Also, the reputation of Greenmount Station’s food and atmosphere make it more than a local destination. Now one can experience world-class entertainment in a small-town theater as the best travel to Hampstead to be part of the Greenmount Dinner Show.
Ok, let’s hammer this out. There’s no question that Philadelphia magician Eric Jones has skills; his performance on the quarterfinals of America’s Got Talent is clear proof of that. But judge Simon Cowell keeps harping on Jones’ lack of showmanship, saying he doesn’t create enough drama with his act. On the one hand, his laid-back approach is a nice change from over-the-top magician patter, but on the other hand, maybe he’s so laid back that the audience doesn’t quite follow what he’s achieving.
What do you think? Is Jones’ low-key approach to illusion appealing, or do you wish he’d amp it up a little? Me, I’m from Philly, so I’ve got his back no matter what, but share your opinion in the comments.