Local Brothers Headline Halloween Shows at Brumder Mansion

Chad and Jeff Orr are back in Milwaukee for their annual Halloween variety show. The brothers will perform two shows each night at the Brumder Mansion this Friday and Saturday, October 30 and 31. Performances begin at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are currently available for purchase.

The pair has been touring nationally for nearly two decades. They describe their act as the only mind reading routine where the readers cannot read the audience's minds, only each other's. They have appeared at corporate events, colleges, clubs, and festivals across the country.

Jeff Orr serves as the magician, while Chad Orr brings a comedy background. The act began on July 7, 2007, at Venice Beach in Los Angeles. The brothers lived in California at the time while working in the film industry. Jeff estimated it took them about three years to fully construct the current performance style.

Their routine relies on mentalism and improvisation. Jeff asks audience members to perform tasks such as drawing on paper or selecting cards. He collects an item from a volunteer while Chad remains blindfolded. Chad then guesses the item's identity. The brothers increase the difficulty of the predictions as the show progresses. They often end the routine with one brother out of the room to prevent suspected cheating.

Jeff Orr noted that the show's format allows for a small production footprint. He stated that the entire act fits in a briefcase. He credited the organic growth of their local fan base to word of mouth, saying that returning audiences often bring friends to see their reactions.

This year marked a milestone for the duo. They appeared as guests on the television show Masters of Illusion earlier this year. They were the first Wisconsin-based magicians featured on the program. Their segment is scheduled to air during the show's thirteenth season. Chad Orr called the experience a dream come true.

Over the summer, the brothers spent several weeks performing aboard the MS American Patriot. The ship operated on the Great Lakes for its inaugural season. American Cruise Lines hired them after reviewing their promotional video. The company plans to quadruple their bookings next year. The Orr brothers will perform on multiple new ships as they expand their schedule. They also maintain a recurring monthly performance at The Laughing Tap on the third Thursday of every month.

The brothers grew up between Milwaukee and Chicago. They continue to perform seasonal shows for Christmas and Valentine's Day in addition to their Halloween event. Interested parties can reach the duo via their website or by email.