By Matthew Guhit, AsAmNews Contributor
At the cafeteria of his high school, David Kwong performed his first magic trick.
“I remember trying those card tricks for the first time, astonishing people and astonishing myself that I was actually pulling them off,” he said to AsAmNews.
The magician has since consulted for many television shows and movies such as Now You See Me. Tomorrow he will open his show, The Enigmatist, at New York City’s High Line Hotel.
Other credits for the 38-year-old Harvard-trained illusionist and crossword puzzle constructor for the New York Times include working as a consultant for NBC’s Blindspot and a producer for ABC’s Deception.
“I think I always knew I would be in entertainment and media in some form,” Kwong said, whose parents both worked as professors while he grew up. “I’ve worked in Hollywood for years before giving into my childhood hobby and becoming a full-time magician.”
All that work landed him a job producing the ABC show, Deception, which is about a former magician turned FBI consultant who helps solve odd crimes.
“A year ago, I had to pinch myself because my TV show for ABC, Deception, was filming across the street from where I used to sit,” he said. “It only lasted one season, but I’m very proud of it.”
A few weeks ago, Kwong moved out of Los Angeles, his primary residence, and made his way to New York City to tackle his newest gig: The Enigmatist.
The Enigmatist, managed by the team at Baseline Theatrical, whose projects most notably include Hamilton, also explores cryptology and invites audience members to solve riddles and puzzles.
When asked how the show was born, Kwong said the lightbulb turned on for him eight years ago. He realized that he could combine magic and puzzles into one. “All magic tricks are puzzles,” he said.
The show is a culmination of all the tricks he developed over the years, he said. The show, presented by Greg Berlanti and Robbie Rogers, offers performances every Friday and Saturday in January.
Kwong hopes to bring the show to audiences around the country. He’ll also continue to do what he does best: speaking about the science of illusion, performing for companies and private parties. But regardless, magic and puzzles will always be a part of his life.
“After working in Hollywood for so long, I still have a love for film and television,” he said. “I can imagine going back to producing. But every project I touch will have to be about magic, deception, con games, bank heists, or mystery. It’s in my DNA now.”
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