Asi Wind performing his intimate magic show.
“Asi Wind’s Inner Circle” is one of the most engaging shows I’ve been to in the last several years. Playing at the Judson Theater in downtown Manhattan through January 14th, it’s an intimate and interactive performance starring the magician Asi Wind. His specialty is card tricks, and his acts can’t help but draw audiences in. As Penn & Teller say, “We love him. Go see him.”
Wind recently shared his New York picks with Forbes.
Where do you live in NYC?
I live on the Upper East Side
What is your favorite neighborhood in the city and why?
Anything close to Central Park; the reason I chose to live where I live is so that I can always make a detour into the park, even if it makes my trip a bit longer. I love a chance to escape the city, and anything that resembles nature is always medicinal and refreshing for me.
Can you share some of your favorite spots in town and what makes them so great?
I started my career in America as a street performer in Washington Square Park right by the fountain. I have a nostalgic and sentimental connection to the area. But I think the connection is even stronger than that. For example, after the pandemic, it never felt like we fully got back to the city that I remembered. However, in the little pocket of Washington Square Park, it reminds me of the city I fell in love with. It’s the most diverse New York spot, from old to young, any culture, different walks of life, artists, performers, musicians- I really love it there.
The best place for a pre-or post-theater meal and why. What are the dishes to order?
As a semi vegan myself, you can’t go wrong with Spicy Moon, which is just a few blocks away from the Judson Theatre.
Best watering hole and the drink to get?
One spot where my crew goes after almost every show is Shade. The staff there is awesome, the drinks are reasonable, the vibe is always great. I don’t drink, but their crepes go beyond just desserts and are always great.
Insider tips for enjoying a show?
A drink before can never hurt, as long as it is just a drink, and you don’t dull your senses completely; one drink to loosen up is never a bad idea. In general, I do believe that the theater is one of those places where people allow themselves to trust the performer or the performance and know that they are in good hands. It allows them to suspend their disbelief and judgment. The bottom line, as cliché as it is, is trust the performer, respect the performer and you will have a great time. And don’t forget to clap at the end.
The New York City theater you love to go to and why. Also, what other shows are on your radar right now?
There are a lot of big spectacular productions on and off Broadway that are always fun and worthy of seeing like The Play That Goes Wrong, The Big Apple Circus and Six.
But you will be surprised by how many incredible small independent theaters there are with shows by people who just love theater and create incredible art on a smaller stage. I would say support the off Broadway, the off off Broadway and off off off Broadway, and you won’t be disappointed.
To call out one show, my dear and super talented friend and eccentric performer, Mario The Maker Magician is a great example of what one person with an unlimited passion can do on stage. Absolutely fabulous. His show opens early November.
Tell me your New York gems.
Miznon North on the Upper West Side is one of my favorite restaurants in New York. I love how they were able to take simple street food to what I consider to be gourmet food. And for the magic lovers amongst you, I love visiting the oldest and most iconic magic shop in New York, Tannen’s Magic. It’s the place where many of the greatest magicians took their first steps in magic. and I always love going back.
Can you share your favorite theaters around the world?
The Alexander Krist Theatre in Munich is the greatest close up theater in the world, where some of my favorite magicians like Dennis Behr and Pit Hartling perform. They are able to create intimacy there. My theater is actually inspired by theirs.
The Magic Castle in LA is another favorite place; being in the space is amazing and magical. Over the years, I have tried and workshopped many new pieces there and will always love it.
My first off Broadway show was at the Axis Theater and that will forever be a favorite theater. It is intimate and run by a family that loves and cherishes theater.
And of course, the Judson! The thing I love about this space is that it is a blank canvas for any artist or performer to create anything they want. They definitely allowed us to create something special there.