Magic in the middle of Manhattan.

This is a NYC magic show built for the whole family, staged at The Broadway Comedy Club near Times Square. You’ll see master magicians Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio mix mind-reading, hilarious comedy, big illusions, and audience participation in a room that feels made for hands-on fun.

I especially like the family range: it’s designed for ages 6 to 106, so it doesn’t turn into a kid-only show or a grown-up-only show. I also like how easy it is to slot into a day of sightseeing, with the performance starting at 2:00 pm and the venue staying close to transit. One consideration: seating can be tight and is based on first to arrive, so if you want the best view, you’ll need to show up early.

Broadway Magic Hour at Times Square: what you’re really paying for

If you’ve ever tried to keep kids entertained in winter or after a rainy day, you know the problem: you need something that’s engaging fast and doesn’t require patience. Broadway Magic Hour is that kind of plan. It’s an indoor show with a clear arc, a lively pace, and performers who pull people into the act instead of letting everyone sit and hope for the best.

For $25 per person, the value comes from three things. First, you get a full stage production feel without the long, complicated commitment of a big-ticket Broadway schedule. Second, you get both laughter and mind-bending moments, which matters when you’re traveling with mixed ages. Third, it’s in an area you’re likely already visiting anyway, so you’re not burning hours commuting across the city just to be in the right room.

The other thing I like is the reputation signal: the show earns a 4.8 rating and 92% recommendation rate based on existing feedback. That doesn’t guarantee your personal experience, but it does suggest the format works.

One note on timing: the magic show itself runs about 1 hour, while your overall experience is about 1 hour 30 minutes. That extra buffer is usually about check-in time and the finish, including time for any post-show meet-and-photos you choose to do.

Quick takeaways before you book

• Mind-reading plus comedy from Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio, built for all ages
• Audience participation means kids and adults aren’t just watching
• Times Square location keeps this from feeling like a detour
• First-come seating can reward early arrivals with better views
• Mobile ticket makes last-minute planning simpler
• Ages 6 to 106 gives you one show that fits the whole group

Inside The Broadway Comedy Club: small venue energy and seating reality

This magic show happens at The Broadway Comedy Club, right in the Times Square orbit. That location matters because it lowers the friction of a family day: you don’t need a car, long subway hops, or a complex schedule to make it work.

The room setup is part of why people tend to like it. It’s a small venue, and that changes the feel. In a big theatre, you can get lost in distance. Here, you’re close enough that the audience participation lands. If you have kids who get restless easily, that proximity helps keep their attention.

Here’s the practical part: seating is based on first to arrive, so the front row isn’t a guaranteed lottery. If you care about seeing faces clearly or watching the performers work up close, plan to arrive early rather than waiting right up until showtime. If your group is okay with a back-row view, you can be more relaxed, but early is still better for the experience.

Also, the show is listed as family-friendly with ADA Compliant Bathrooms, elevator access, and service animals allowed, which helps if someone in your party needs extra comfort or easier movement inside the venue.

Who are Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio, and what’s the show like?

Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio headline Broadway Magic Hour. What matters for you isn’t just the names, it’s the mix of styles they bring.

This isn’t one-note magic. It’s a blend of:

• Mind-reading moments that feel personal to the audience
• Hilarious comedy layered into the trick work
• Grand illusions that give the whole room something visual to react to
• Audience participation, where people become part of the show rather than passive spectators

That combination is the secret sauce for family shows. Kids usually want energy and a chance to participate. Adults often want skill and surprise. A show that hits both groups reduces the “who’s bored?” problem.

And yes, because the format is audience-centered, there are likely moments when you’ll watch for the reaction in the room as much as the trick itself. The best scenes usually happen when the performers turn the act into a shared group experience.

One more detail worth noting: the show is designed for a huge age span, from 6 to 106. That typically means the content stays within family-safe territory and isn’t built around references that only one age group understands.

The 1.5-hour experience, step by step (so you can plan your day)

You’ve got one main stop: Broadway Magic Hour at The Broadway Comedy Club. But it helps to think of it in phases, especially if you’re juggling nap schedules or pre-show hunger.

Before you take your seat

Your start time is 2:00 pm, and you’ll want to factor in arrival time. Since seating is first to arrive, treat this like a popular show, not a casual drop-in.

Your ticket is mobile, so you’ll check in with your phone. That’s a real advantage in Midtown, where you don’t want to waste time hunting for paper or dealing with last-minute printing issues.

If your day is already packed around Times Square, plan this as a natural “pause button.” You can grab a snack nearby beforehand or after, then settle in for a focused indoor block.

During the show: mind-reading, laughs, and active participation

The show is about 1 hour long. The pacing tends to be fast enough that attention stays on the stage, and the performers keep the audience engaged through participation.

That participation piece is often what turns a “magic show” into a memory. When kids get called into the moment, they don’t just watch—they help create the story. Adults usually get a kick out of watching the performers handle the live variables that come with involving real people.

Expect a mix that moves between:

• mentalism-style moments (the mind tricks)
• comedic bits that loosen the room
• bigger visual effects that reset the attention span for everyone

After the show: a few extra minutes for photos

If you want that extra souvenir feel, plan a little extra time. After the show, you can meet and take photos with the performers if you like. Giving yourself a buffer also helps if your group includes kids who need a quick bathroom stop before heading back out into Midtown.

Price and value: is $25 a smart deal in Midtown?

$25 per person can sound like a small amount or a large one, depending on how you measure value in New York City.

For me, this price works because you’re buying three practical things at once:

• a full indoor activity lasting about 1 hour of show time
• a family-friendly format built for mixed ages
• a location near Times Square, so the “getting there” part isn’t a major cost in time or effort

Also, it’s popular enough that the average booking window is about 25 days in advance. That tells you demand is real, especially on weekend afternoons. Booking earlier usually reduces stress. Even if you find availability later, you may lose the chance to pick the timing that best fits your sightseeing plans.

Finally, the ticket includes admission. You’re not paying extra just to get into the room and watch the show. If you want snacks, that’s where spending can vary, since the venue offers a kid-friendly menu and adult beverages for purchase.

Best time to fit this into your NYC day (winter, rain, and busy schedules)

This is a classic “weather or fatigue saver” plan. If it’s cold outside or rain is messing with your route, you still get a quality entertainment block without abandoning your Midtown day.

It also works as a mid-afternoon anchor because it starts at 2:00 pm. That timing is great if you’re:

• doing early sightseeing and want something structured after
• traveling with kids who need a clear schedule
• trying to avoid the late-evening chaos that can happen after a long day in Times Square

Because it’s near public transportation, you can adjust your day even if you’re walking more than planned earlier. It’s easier to pivot to a show when you don’t need a long commute.

Who should book Broadway Magic Hour, and who might want a different plan?

I’d recommend this if you want a family outing that doesn’t rely on kids sitting quietly and waiting for something interesting to happen. The participation-heavy format is built for engagement, which is exactly what works in that age range from 6 to 106.

It’s also a good choice if you’re:

• visiting during winter or a rainy stretch
• staying near Midtown and want a low-stress, indoor plan
• traveling with grandparents who still want fun, not just a child-centric activity
• looking for a show with both comedy and mind-reading, not just one style

A possible mismatch: if your group strongly prefers silent, seated theatre experiences with zero audience involvement, you may find the participation parts a little unpredictable. The show’s design is to make the audience part of the story, so it’s not meant to be detached.

Practicalities that matter on show day

A few details can make or break the flow of your afternoon.

First, seating is first to arrive, so if you’re picky about sightlines, don’t cut it close. If you’re traveling with little kids, build in time for coats, snacks, and a quick bathroom check so you’re not scrambling when people start filling in.

Second, you’ll get a mobile ticket, which is convenient for Midtown logistics. Keep your phone charged and your ticket easy to access.

Third, the venue has elevator access and ADA Compliant Bathrooms, plus service animals allowed. That’s helpful if mobility is a concern in your group. If you’re traveling with someone who needs extra time, give yourself extra minutes rather than trying to sprint into the room.

Fourth, snacks and drinks aren’t included. The venue offers a kid-friendly menu and adult beverages for purchase. That’s normal for a theatre setting, but it’s worth planning if you know your kids get hungry around showtime.

Should you book Broadway Magic Hour? My honest call

If you’re in New York with kids (or a mixed-age group) and you want an indoor activity that feels fun fast, I think Broadway Magic Hour at Times Square is an easy yes. The 92% recommendation and 4.8 rating line up with what matters for families: participation, comedy, and a performance style that keeps people watching.

Book it if you want:

• a structured afternoon plan at 2:00 pm
• mind-reading and comedy in one show
• a convenient Midtown location near transit
• a chance for your group to actually be part of the action

Skip it or consider alternatives if you hate audience involvement or you’re aiming for a show with quiet, no-interaction rules.

If you do book, I’d plan to arrive early for the best seats, since the room is small and first-come seating makes a difference.

FAQ

What is Broadway Magic Hour at Times Square?

It’s a family-friendly magic show at The Broadway Comedy Club in New York City near Times Square, featuring master magicians Jim Vines and Carl Mercurio.

How much does the ticket cost?

The price is $25.00 per person.

How long is the experience?

The show is about 1 hour, and your overall experience is listed as approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

What time does the show start?

The start time is 2:00 pm.

What ages is the show suitable for?

The show is designed for ages 6 to 106.

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes, you receive a mobile ticket.

Is seating guaranteed?

Seating is based on first to arrive, so arriving early helps if you want better views.

Is anything included with the ticket?

Your general admission ticket is included.

What about cancellation and refunds?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.

Is the venue accessible?

The venue offers elevator access and has ADA Compliant Bathrooms. Service animals are allowed as well.