It's been 25 years and 75, 512 pounds of pasta since Tony n' Tina's Wedding defined the genre of dinner theater for a generation of tourists. Visitors to NYC are still "toasting the happy couple" off-Broadway, but if you're looking for a subtler rendition of the style, there are several upcoming performances that will satisfying your cravings for both fine culture and fine cuisine.
The Eat My Heart Out Supper Club, a combination storytelling session and feast, began a year ago this month with a five-course vegetarian dinner and storytelling sets from novelists, comedians and musicians. On April 1st they return for their third Brooklyn incarnation at DUMBO's Winkel Studio with a new lineup of performers, including comedian and filmmaker Seaton Smith, writer and photographer Blaise Kearsley, comedian and author Dave Hill and a few other orators. Chef Luke Davin is creating the accompanying, fish-heavy menu that's themed around Poisson d'Avril, the French version of April Fool's Day. For a taste of what's in store, check out this video from the last dinner. Tickets run $75 - $90 for the evening's feasting and festivities.
Also on April 1st, ISA in Williamsburg presents an encore presentation of The Three Stages of Murgatroyd, a three-act musical chronicling the "tale of a strange, sweet 18th-century boy whom the world turns into a dirty old perv." Along with the campy tale, a three-course dinner of rustic Mediterranean cuisine is served, which includes a Wild Arugula, Fennel and Castelvetrano Olive Salad; House-made Cavatelli with Herb Roasted Mushrooms or Heritage Pork Stew; and finishes with a Chocolate Budino. A complimentary glass of bubbly is included in the $65 ticket price, but nobody should pass up on the "Endless Wine" supplement for just $23 more. Only 30 seats are available, so make a reservation at [email protected] ASAP.
Beaumarchais' ongoing burlesque series Nuit Blanche celebrated their 1st anniversary last Wednesday and next Wednesday, March 27th they'll be welcoming the new season with their "Spring Serenade." Expect the same decadent and exotic burlesque performances from Dances of Vice but even more floral and colorful. Three sets of cabaret performances unfold over the evening, during which patrons can order a la carte dishes from the restaurant's updated spring menu. The French-centric spring offerings include Côtelettes d'Ageneau Grillée ($33), lamb chops with eggplant Cannelloni filled with tomato confit and goat cheese with chipea panisse and Homard Pocheé aux Palourdes ($38), Lobster and Manila clams steamed in bear. Afterwards, stick around for a bacchanalian all night dance party. The performances are free of charge—though you pay for any dinner and drinks, obviously—and reservations are recommended by emailing [email protected] or calling 212-675-2400.
