Magician Sparks Grandparents' Day Magic

Grandparents’ Day at The Birches Assisted Living in Clarendon Hills is always fun, but for the past two years it has also been magical thanks to a visit from Jeanette Andrews.

Andrews is a 24 year old magician who complements The Birches’ annual Grandparents’ Day buffet with her entrancing tricks as she roams from table to table.

Although being a magician is an unusual profession, it did not take Andrews long to discover that magic was her life’s calling. After watching a Siegfried and Roy special at the age of four, Andrews became enthralled with magic and performed her first magic show for her preschool class.

A couple of years later, at the age of six, Andrews began performing professionally and has not looked back since.

“This is the only job I’ve ever had, and it has been a really great ride,” said Andrews.

Andrews specializes in two different types of magic. Her “parlor magic” is choreographed to music and involves some audience participation. The magic she performs at The Birches, however, is more intimate, personalized, up-close magic that she performs right at the dinner table.

“It’s 100 percent participatory and it’s me really collaborating with my audience so we can make the magic happen together,” said Andrews.

Andrews avoids clichés in her magic instead focusing on magic that is modern, elegant, and anything but stereotypical. She aims for tricks that will visually entertain, surprise, and delight her audience.

Although she performs for audiences of all ages, she has a special place in her heart for seniors and has performed at senior communities for many years. As a child, Andrews’s mom worked as a graphic designer for several senior communities and was able to open doors for her as a performer.

“I’ve done a lot of performing at senior communities over the course of my life. As an adult, I’ve maintained a lot of those connections my mom helped me make as a kid,” said Andrews.

After two years, Andrews is quickly becoming one of The Birches’ favorite performers.

“Everyone loved Jeanette’s performance last year, and begged for her to come back,” said Birches’ Activities Director Katie Klitchman. “She has such a passion for magic and her enthusiasm is contagious.”

According to Andrews, the feeling is mutual; she loves performing at The Birches and looks forward to returning.

“We always have a really great time together. I think the residents enjoy seeing someone who is young like myself, who is excited about what they’re doing, and who has a lot of fun doing it,” said Andrews.

Andrews’s performance is just one event The Birches is hosting to celebrate “The Magic of Music” for National Assisted Living Week, which takes place from September 7 to 13. Other events include a talent show, a session with Dance Movement Therapist Gail Ann Bradshaw, a “Name that Tune” activity, and a presentation on “The Power of Music.”