Exploring the world of close-up magic with Jen Kramer

Jen Kramer is a renowned magician who has captivated audiences with her unique blend of magic and humor. With her engaging personality and mesmerizing tricks, she has established herself as one of the top performers in the industry. What sets Jen Kramer apart is her ability to connect with her audience on a personal level. Her performances are not just about the magic tricks but also about creating an unforgettable experience for everyone present. She has a way of making everyone feel a part of her magic, ensuring that they are engaged and entertained throughout the performance. Jen's magic tricks are not your typical run-of-the-mill illusions.

What was one of those creative changes?

I called several Las Vegas hotels, off the Strip, and said, If you want someone who can do a convenient, family-friendly, afternoon magic show for people who don t want to go all the way to the Strip, I can do it. I called several Las Vegas hotels, off the Strip, and said, If you want someone who can do a convenient, family-friendly, afternoon magic show for people who don t want to go all the way to the Strip, I can do it.

Jen's magic tricks are not your typical run-of-the-mill illusions. She takes the art of magic to a whole new level by incorporating storytelling and audience participation. Her tricks are cleverly designed to keep the audience guessing and leave them in awe.

Yale grad blazing a trail for female magicians

Jen Kramer is unique as a trailblazer among female magicians, and also as a Yale graduate who headlines at the hotel where Elvis once starred.

By John Katsilometes / Las Vegas Review-Journal October 19, 2021 - 5:21 pm Updated October 20, 2021 - 3:10 pm

Magician Jen Kramer, who headlines in "The Magic of Jen Kramer" at the Westgate, poses for a portrait in Las Vegas on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Jen Kramer has always played the cards dealt to her — and the cards she deals to you. Las Vegas’ only female resident headlining magician made a deal with the Westgate more than three years ago. Her hand has been a winner.

Kramer takes up the 3 p.m. slot at the Westgate Cabaret, where she opened in May 2018. She’s a trailblazer among female magicians, and as a Yale graduate who headlines at the hotel where Elvis once starred.

We caught up with the 29-year-old Kramer this week, as she had just passed her 400th show at the Cabaret. Highlights of our chat:

Johnny Kats: What do you remember about your opening show at Westgate?

Jen Kramer: It was amazing. Some of my friends and family came out to surprise me. My uncle Steve, who bought me my first magic book, was there, and it was really special for him to be a part of it. It was a longtime dream of mine, since I was a kid, to perform in Las Vegas.

How have you made it through the COVID shutdown and coming back to the stage?

It made me realize how much I missed it, missed my family at Westgate and performing. But it pushed me to make some creative changes, to come back and re-imagine what the new normal would be like.

What was one of those creative changes?

We used to have a volunteer come on stage during the “Game Show” routine who would take a jumbo prize card and physically select it. But now we have a way to have someone in the audience be the star of the routine from their seat, and make a legitimate contribution to the show. That’s something that I thought of during the pandemic, and I’ll keep it in the show.

What was your major at Yale?

Theater studies, and that’s only because witchcraft and wizardry was not an option (laughs). I always tell people, “I went to Yale because Hogwarts wouldn’t take me.”

I take it you’re a big Harry Potter fan?

Yes. I performed at many “Harry Potter” book release events at Barnes &Noble in Manhasset, New York, which is just a few minutes from my hometown of Great Neck. In fact, my first consistent gig when I was 14 years old was at that Barnes &Noble. I cold-called the local bookstore and asked if I could do a show there, as a volunteer. I got ahold of the manager, who I hadn’t met, and she was open to meeting with me. She let me try it out. It was really fun, and I performed every other week for a couple of years, on the stage in the storytelling section.

You cold-called the manager of Barnes &Noble for a gig?

(Laughs) I remember I had my first cellphone, and I was on lunch break from school, and I walked out to a gazebo to be able to make the call. Yes, I did that.

How did you make it to Las Vegas?

While I was in college I had an internship with (Vegas headliner) Nathan Burton, at the Flamingo, for two summers. I was figuring out how to make this thing I love so much into a full-time career. I called several Las Vegas hotels, off the Strip, and said, “If you want someone who can do a convenient, family-friendly, afternoon magic show for people who don’t want to go all the way to the Strip, I can do it.” This was from my dorm room in New Haven, Connecticut.

Who was first willing to hire you?

There were a lot of no’s, believe me. But finally, I got a yes from Wyndham Grand Resort. Then I got a weekly show at Grand Desert Resort, and a month later I was at the Marriott Grand Chateau, and a month or two later I added the Cancun Resort. I was piecing together a schedule of these shows and working on a model for what I could present to other hotels.

Then Westgate found you?

Yes. I performed a 30-minute show for the employees at Westgate Cabaret, and it went really well. That had a lot to do with why they brought me in.

I know you are asked all the time about being a female magician, a field where men have dominated. How is it for you now that you have performed for a period of years in Las Vegas?

There are many wonderful women doing wonderful work in magic, and that is exciting. I love when young girls approach me in meet-and-greets, saying, “That was really cool.” I love the excitement. I joined the Young Magicians Assembly No. 69 when I was age 12 through age 18. There were always 15 to 20 boys, but only one girl consistently in the group. That was me (laughs). But I’ve been checking in with them, and now there are several in the group. That is indicative of where the culture is now, and I am proud of that.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.

It made me realize how much I missed it, missed my family at Westgate and performing. But it pushed me to make some creative changes, to come back and re-imagine what the new normal would be like.

Whether it's making a card disappear or bending a spoon with just her mind, Jen's magic will leave you questioning reality. But it's not just the magic that makes Jen Kramer special. Her quick wit and humor add an extra layer of entertainment to her performances. She knows how to keep her audience laughing and engaged, creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere. Her charm and charisma shine through in her every interaction with the audience, making the show an unforgettable experience. Jen Kramer's magic is not only visually stunning but also leaves a lasting impact on her audience. Her performances have a way of inspiring and captivating people, reminding them of the possibility of wonder and magic in the world. She believes in the power of magic to bring people together and create moments of joy and astonishment. In conclusion, the magic of Jen Kramer lies not only in her incredible tricks but also in her ability to connect with her audience and create a memorable experience. Her performances are a perfect blend of magic, humor, and storytelling that leave the audience in awe. Jen Kramer is truly a magician who knows how to work her magic and create unforgettable moments of wonder and joy..

Reviews for "The spellbinding performances of magician Jen Kramer"

- John Smith - 2 stars - I recently went to see "The Magic of Jen Kramer" and I have to say, I was disappointed. The tricks she performed were predictable and lacked any wow factor. I've seen better magic shows at children's birthday parties. The whole experience felt underwhelming and I left feeling like I wasted my money. I wouldn't recommend this show to anyone looking for an exciting and mind-blowing magic performance.

- Laura Johnson - 1 star - "The Magic of Jen Kramer" was one of the worst magic shows I've ever seen. The audience interaction felt forced and awkward, and her tricks were poorly executed. At times, it felt like she was just going through the motions without any passion or enthusiasm. I definitely regretted buying tickets to this show and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

- Michael Thompson - 2 stars - I attended "The Magic of Jen Kramer" with high hopes, but unfortunately, it fell flat. The tricks were not impressive and the overall performance lacked creativity. It felt like watching a beginner magician who was still learning the ropes. The show failed to capture my attention and left me wanting more. I was left disappointed by the lackluster experience.

Exploring the world of close-up magic with Jen Kramer

Yale grad blazing a trail for female magicians

Reviews for "The spellbinding performances of magician Jen Kramer"

Jen Kramer's magic show: a must-see experience

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