About the Show

This immersive theater piece invites the audience into a surreal Prohibition-era time capsule featuring magic, séances, absinthe and more, as it explores the mysterious death of Harry Houdini.

Based on von Buhler’s popular comic series of the same title, "The Girl Who Handcuffed Houdini" follows private investigator Minky Woodcock as she uncovers secrets surrounding the final days of the world-famous escape artist. Woodcock’s investigation leads her to cross paths with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who believes Houdini is not merely a magician but has supernatural powers, and Bess Houdini, who suspects her husband is cheating on her.

Critic Reviews (3)

“von Buhler’s ‘The Girl Who Handcuffed Houdini’ combines murder mystery, film noir, and comic book genres to create a genuinely fun immersive theater experience...Many of the performances in the production resemble comic book characters come to life...’The Girl Who Handcuffed Houdini’ incorporates a remarkable amount of nudity...A sexy night of magic and mystery with a supremely talented cast of performers.”
Read more

"Plunges audiences into a stylish Jazz Age-era world of magic and mystery...Every character seems to be straight out of an old timey movie...I found it difficult to invest in Houdini as a character...I wished for more suspense and higher stakes built into the narrative as it unfolded, leading to a stronger payoff...Luckily for all of us, Daily’s performance is compelling enough to propel the piece forward.”
Read more

"It helps if you are open to just about anything; participation is encouraged but not mandatory...The transitions are ragged from the very start...At other times groups are led into locations where something is already going on, ends, and then a new scene begins, causing confusion...Regardless, it’s all still a lot of fun...Von Buhler has a great feel for the Prohibition era, and she knows how to titillate her audience, with song, dance, magic, drink, and ample nudity...A spirited evening."
Read more