After mesmerizing audiences nationwide on the hit show “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” St. Louis native Amanda Lindsey, known as Magic Amanda, is returning to her roots for a highly anticipated performance at the Duck Room at Blueberry Hill on Aug. 9. The evening promises a mix of mind-bending magic, comedy and personal storytelling — all wrapped in Lindsey’s signature charm.
“There’s just something about performing in your hometown,” Lindsey said. “I love STL. I have so much pride in this city, and getting to headline at a venue like the Duck Room — it’s like a dream.”
Lindsey, a 2005 graduate of Oakville High School, never imagined that her childhood fascination with magic would turn into a professional career. In fact, the whole journey began with a bit of mischief and a missed opportunity.
“It all started when my parents wouldn’t let me get a magic kit from the Scholastic Book Fair,” she laughed. “So naturally, I chose the most expensive hobby possible.”
Luckily, that hobby turned into much more. In 2024, Lindsey made her national TV debut on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” the CW’s long-running magic competition show where performers attempt to outwit the legendary duo. Although she didn’t manage to fool them, her appearance left a lasting impact — not just on viewers, but on Lindsey herself.
“The whole experience taught me to just be my authentic self,” Lindsey said. “Not trying to be Hollywood or Vegas — just me. That’s what I’ve carried into every show since.”
Despite the intense pace of filming, 22 acts recorded daily and dozens of performers flying in from around the globe, Amanda said the “Fool Us” crew was supportive and professional. While the magicians are kept separate from the famous hosts until the taping to avoid any bias or spoilers, Lindsey did get to meet Teller afterward.
“He was so kind. No ego at all,” she said. “I even got his autograph, which was such a cool moment for me.”
Lindsey also said her appearance on “Fool Us” reconnected her with a few old high school friends.
“After the episode aired, I had some people from Oakville reach out — one even helped me practice a trick on Zoom,” she said. “It was kind of surreal, like this whole full-circle moment.”
Though she is no stranger to packed crowds in St. Louis, Lindsey is expecting an especially enthusiastic homecoming at the Duck Room as the national spotlight now shines even brighter on her.
“We’re already expecting 40 to 50 people on the guest list alone, and I know that’ll jump on the day of,” she said. “It’s always funny, people hit ‘attending’ on Facebook like five minutes before doors open.”
Lindsey tailors her show based on the vibe of the audience, blending sharp sleight-of-hand with relatable humor. That includes a few hometown touches.
“I always sneak in some STL references,” she said. “And if it’s a younger crowd, I know better than to make jokes about ‘Days of Our Lives.’ You learn to read the room.”
In addition to the Duck Room show, Lindsey performs monthly at Magic Mini Golf on Delmar, where she entertains with close-up magic during events. She also headlines a free 21+ performance every first Friday at Luvwoo Bar, 12965 Olive Blvd., offering a more intimate and mature spin on her act.
“Each venue brings out something different in me as a performer,” Lindsey said. “But honestly, nothing beats a hometown crowd. They just get you in a way others can’t.”
And as for a return to national TV?
“I’d go back to ‘Fool Us’ in a heartbeat,” she said. “It made me a better magician, and honestly, I still want that trophy. I’m a millennial — I never got a participation trophy growing up, so I think I’m overdue!”
Whether she’s making cards disappear, connecting with fans on TikTok or charming her way through an audience interaction, Lindsey is proof that a little bit of hometown heart and a lot of hustle can make anything possible.
“I don’t come from a showbiz family. I didn’t have connections. I just had this weird little obsession with magic and a lot of support from my community,” she said. “That’s what got me here.”
With her blend of authenticity, humor and technical skill, Lindsey is not just a magician to watch — she’s a hometown hero making her city proud.
Catch Lindsey on Aug. 9 at The Duck Room at Blueberry Hill, 6504 Delmar Blvd. Tickets and details can be found at MagicAmanda.com. Lindsey can be reached through her social media, @MagicAmanda87 on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook, as well as @MagicAmanda on YouTube.