Bob James has never actually pulled a rabbit out of his hat.
But the longtime Elmhurst resident, magician and business owner has entertained plenty of children and adults over the years with his professional magic shows.
And the 42-year-old possibly used a little magic to reopen his Bob James’ Magic Shop in downtown Elmhurst a little over two years ago.
James, who grew up in Melrose Park, first opened his magic shop in 1992. But he closed it in 2010 and continued his magic shows for 30 months.
“I really missed the shop during the time it was closed,” James said. “It pretty much saved my life reopening it. I was lost without it. It was someplace I could go and feel I was doing good. I didn’t want to just sit at home during the week, waiting for the weekend and shows to do.”
When James did reopen in the same storefront he occupied for 18 years, he made some changes.
“I originally opened as an all-magic shop; we had over 3,000 magic tricks,” he said. “Since I’ve opened again I only have a magic counter for beginners along with other curiosities and oddities.”
That change was necessitated by changing trends in the magic business, James said.
“There really aren’t any magic shops left; it’s all gone online,” he said. “Some of the kids still come in, maybe with a grandparent, and like some of the magic tricks. But the adults, they want to know how the tricks are done, but they don’t want to purchase anything.”
James has turned the basement of his storefront into a venue for hosting children’s birthday parties. A secret entryway leads to stairs that take visitors into the area in which James performs his show and offers party packages with pizza from a nearby restaurant and custom-made birthday cakes.
Along with the on-site kids’ birthday parties, James is available for magic shows at parties in homes and private corporate events.
“My shows are good, clean entertainment,” he said. “It’s a family show with a lot of laughter and mystery.
“A good magic show has a variety of tricks, is upbeat and humorous, and is extremely entertaining,” he said.
Maria Battistoni of Addison recently hired James to perform in her home for her daughter’s birthday party.
“I would highly recommend him,” Battistoni said. “He’s really personable and relates very well to children. His humor is fantastic, and he engages the parents, too.”
For his on-site shows, James sends children home with a goody bag that includes magic tricks for children to perform for their families.
“The parents love to have the kids come from a party with something like that, instead of a bunch of junk they leave in the car,” James said.
James’ own interest in magic dates back to when he was 8 years old.
“My sister got me a basic magic kit, and I’ve always liked magic,” he said. “I like people, and I like having fun.”
James said his 45-minute show for birthday parties costs $175 to $350.
“I have live animals, bunnies and birds, but no bears,” he said. “Bears eat the children.”
Twitter: @chuckwriting
Tricks and treats
Address: 131 W. First St.
Phone: 630-833-8749
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
Website: www.bobjamesmagic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/magicandoddities/
