Broadway Night Off, the weekly performance series at Madame George—the subterranean bar and nightspot located at 45 West 45th Street—celebrates its first anniversary October 12 beginning at 7 PM.
The weekly performances allow Broadway actors the opportunity to sing
“anything except for Broadway music—what would they never get a chance
to sing on the big stage,” Danny Lipsitz, who manages music at the club
and books its talent, previously told Playbill.
About the one-year anniversary, Lipsitz said, “Since the beginning, Broadway Night Off has been about creating a community of performers who want a safe space to make music in a less formal way from how it’s done on the Broadway stage. It’s a testament to the group of talent and friends we have built up that so many of our past performers continue to come out unannounced, sit in, and support each week. Tonight will be a shining example of that community as we celebrate one year of Broadway Night Off.”
“Every Monday, it feels like coming home to a room full of people I love, where performers get to show sides of themselves most Broadway fans never see and the audience gets a front-row seat to that and our amazing band,” adds co-director Cynthia Fung. “Getting close to artists and seeing them be real is a joy and a privilege I don’t take for granted. I’m excited to keep that energy going and make room for even more artists, musicians, and fans to show up as themselves.”
READ: Every Monday, Stage Performers Shine at Madame George’s Broadway Night Off
The Monday evening series, co-directed by Lipsitz and by Fung, features three sets of music. A first set typically highlights the house band, which includes Jack Redsecker on keyboard, Jeff Koch on bass, and Alex Raderman on drums. Two sets featuring theatre performers follow.
The October 12 first anniversary concert is scheduled to spotlight Renée Reid (Mrs. Doubtfire) and Jaquez (Bad Cinderella, Mrs. Doubtfire). They will be joined by Brit West (Hadestown, The Color Purple) with a slew of additional guests artist expected.
The Midtown venue, it should be noted, offers music six nights a week, but it’s only on Mondays when theatre lovers can see their favorite Broadway artists, as well as up-and-coming theatre performers delight.
Warning: The club is a bit hidden—with no marquee, only the name
projected onto the
sidewalk reveals its location. And visitors have to knock on the door to
gain
entrance. But the intrigue only adds to the exclusive feel. Upstairs it
may be hush hush, but downstairs, it’s positively bustling. Located
underground, Madame George overflows with warmth, from its comfortable,
plush chairs and couches to its genial booking manager, charmingly
friendly general manager, and attentive waitstaff.
Video: Watch Amber Iman, Kwame Michael Remy, More Perform on Their Broadway Night Off
Fionnan Gallagher is the general manager of Madame George with classic cocktails curated by mixologist Marshall Minaya. A menu of shareable bites is also available.
There is a $10 cover charge for Broadway Night Off. Guests
have the option to make a reservation for priority seating for an
additional fee or minimum spend. The bar also hosts a Broadway Happy
Hour nightly from 5–7 PM.
Visit MadameGeorgeNYC.com. To book reservations for Broadway Night Off, click here.