The magical Marc Salem performs in N.Y.C.

Theater can be magical. It can also be amazing. Mentalist Marc Salem has returned to New York in his new limited-run show, “Mind over Manhattan,” in which he uses his highly developed observational and intuitive skills to amaze and delight the audience at the Concert Hall at the New York Society for Ethical Culture

The unprepossessing Salem, who has a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, assures his audience that there’s nothing supernatural or occult in what he does. Undoubtedly, many in the audience, including yours truly, had seen him previously in his show “Mind Games” and were already fans. Salem even explains some of his “tricks.” When he has five people make simple drawings, he’s able to determine who made which drawing just by noting eye contact or lack thereof and slight facial movements. Those who were fans of the now-cancelled television show “Lie to Me” will find some of the techniques familiar. Later he uses verbal clues, like how fast someone says a word, to determine which card an audience member has chosen.

Using psychological techniques and finely honed perception, Salem entertains the rapt audience for 90 minutes. His humor is nonstop and some of it is self-directed.

The show involves a great deal of audience participation, but he’s gentle, assuring the audience that he will never humiliate anyone. His patience was best evidenced when his ‘helpers’ were two young ten-year-old boys who seemed to have no clue what to do.

Even though Salem explains some routines, there were the ones that seemed inexplicable - almost magical. With his eyes securely closed with coins and tape and a bandana, he was able to ‘detect’ items volunteered by audience members like a suede yarmulke and a boa. More incredible was when he was able to ‘see’ the serial numbers on a dog tag and the letters on a hospital I.D.

Was it magic? Maybe not, but it was magical. Unlike some, I don’t want to know how it was done. I just want to be amazed and Salem does that. The show’s a very limited run with Saturday performances slated through March 10th.