Speakeasy Dollhouse – Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic
“Take a trip to Paris and witness the murder or suicide of Olive Thomas, each time you visit the room the act will be slightly different.”
“For example in the interval go one floor up and behind the stage, there you will find Paris, where mayhem and mystery is waiting for you.”
“Robyn Adele Anderson (of Postmodern Jukebox fame) blew me away with her vocals, and Delysia LaChatte killed it as Josephine Baker!”
Speakeasy Dollhouse – Ziegfeld’s Midnight Frolic
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$$$ Price range Above $61
7 reviews
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What FUN! (Don't forget to have fun and dress up!)
My friend surprised me with tickets to this, which was awesome. I know there are sometimes a Groupon or Living Social deal so check that out before getting your tickets.
I recommend definitely eating a hefty meal before hand in case you have to run around. Also, if you want to dine here, you have to make reservations ahead of time.
They give you directions, which are pretty clear and from there on, you're on an ADVENTURE.
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking around (if you want) and if you don't have have a reserved table, you're on your feet. The show is amazing and the talent is great. The cast is fun.
When you come in, they give you a passport with a mission. When I went to do my mission, I seemed to have surprised the actress, like she didn't really know what I was talking about. Which threw me off also.
The cast is awesome though. And if you go upstairs, there are seating areas so rest your feet if needed.
I want to become a chandelier girl so badly. What beautiful dancing and singing.
Drinks are a bit pricey, which is expected and not particularly strong.
I just wished it were a little bigger and even more exploring to do! I just couldn't get enough!
In A Nutshell:
-I felt like I was in another world!
-You feel like you are zapped back into time and partake in how people were entertained in that era.
-I was a young, ambitious Al Capone looking to partner up and start my own legendary crime reign!
-The actors/actresses were awesome. Great personalities (minus the balloon girl) and some great Cirque du Soleil type athleticism.
-Make sure you get there early bc the Liberty Diner is right smack in busy Times Square.
Overall, immersion theatre is really fun and you get to walk around and explore the venue where you'll be a critical part of the story no matter where you are 🙂
As I'm writing this review I'm torn because I really want me to looooove it. But think my expectation walking in was too high after all this raving review. We were, 4 girls, dressed the part and ready to "immerse" into the play. However, it wasn't so "easy" todo so…however still a fun experience. Wear comfy shoes, a lot of standing 2.5 hrs.
1. Venue: venue was pretty, small old theater, the play uses front of the theater, small stage area for performances, such as dance/acrobat etc, and the back of the theater, for more interactive play. You can enter the back part by going up there stairs next to the stage; it's "Paris" there, and hence your paper "passport" given. however, we had no idea where paris was, since no signs or anything, it was so crowded that maybe the front people got "instructions or explanation" that the back of the theater was paris, but we were at the tail of he crowd and had no idea.
There are different scenes and "areas" but not that extensive, Paris n Paris hotel, balconies, and main theater. Glass encased room inside Paris hotel is where the "act" happens, but too many people so couldn't see some of the acts.
I'm not sure if the venue was appropriate for this kind of play, or maybe it wasn't coordinated right, but it was hard to try to figure out what was happening, bc we were not informed where something was happening.
2. is it a dinner theater or just theater?: so we were trying to find out if food was available? They said it's available through out the show, however this is not what u think, it's not like they have a bar and u order food thru out the show. It's table served, tables are reserved, front of the play, and they own that table for the entirety of the play seems like. So if you want to have some seating get table n order food, at least you would have a place to sit. Standing in heels for entire show, which is like 2.5 hours, is extremely hard. think if we had some seats, we wouldn't have been so tired and enjoyed more.
3. Performance: the actors and dancers are good, can see that they are professional and passionate. and it's kinda cool since they perform next to you, sometimes talking to you asking question, kissing your hand like you just met at a bar flirting, sitting next to you and other actors play, telling you stories etc. unlike huge Broadway production where you are restricted to seat and kinda far out watching , having the chandelier dancers in your FACe, performing is super cool.
All in all its a really fun and neat concept, not to mention having excuse to dress up like flapper and experiencing little of roaring 20s. But think could have been executed so much better. This location and theme is pretty new so I'm thinking maybe learning curve? but a general "map" of what everything is n where it will take place would be good. General summary of what will happen and what things to look for wold be good too, without giving details. like what "guests" should look for in this act, or general as the play.
There were numerous songs and performance but we couldnt figure out how it relates to the play.
And, everyone coming should "dress" the part…like sleep no more everyone is given a mask. To have that Massive immersive ambiance. maybe they should give out feathered headbands n fake bead necklace to ladies and those plastic hat gentlemen, and require a jacket, to have that effect. patrons can return them after the show or something.
I had been wanting to attend this show for a very long time and finally got the opportunity a few weeks ago. This is an interactive performance. Audience members move between the main room of "New York" and the upstairs which is "Paris." There is a hotel set up in Paris as well to explore. I think it would be easier if I separate this list into pros and cons:
Pros:
– The Roaring 20's is a really hot theme lately. The 20's is one time period I would love to visit and this show did an INCREDIBLE job of re-creating the 20's
– The scenery was outstanding. The space was utilized in the most incredible way, and I truly felt transported in every area which I stood. New York – The actual show on stage was amazing and definitely felt authentic., costumes and dances were incredible. Easily entertaining and an incredible, unique, performance for sure. Paris Hotel – The glass room where you watch the exchange between Olive Thomas and her husband was great, this is was interactive theater is all about. I felt like I was in the hotel room with them, this was better than watching a movie and better than watching a show! Paris Outside of Hotel – Awe inspiring and jaw dropping. An INCREDIBLE set up, with very high ceilings, a dancer hanging off of a half moon set up, French actors putting on "street performances" Again, authentic. If you have always wanted to visit Paris in the 1920's you would have the opportunity here!
Acrobats and Aerial artists- Incredible! Some of the best I've ever seen! The silks performers were outstanding. The chandelier acrobats were my favorite, simply gorgeous and this was definitely a unique feat!
Cons: Unfortunately, too many.
– "Immersive" Theater? I think not. At least at shows like Queen of the Night, you are given a specific task and the actors do things with you and to you. At QOTN it was very clear what you were supposed to be doing at all times. Here? Not one person had a clue. You are given a card with a role on it. For example, I was supposed to find some blonde, bimbo, Marilyn Monore wannabe, and ask her how to "break out" into the cinema experience. I was SO excited that I got a role, only to find out that nothing actually happens. When I played my role to her, she genuinely seemed bothered like she had no idea what I was talking about. She told me to sleep with lots of actors, then pushed me towards the stage and told me she was busy. When my boyfriend played his role, "Ask ____ if she is being abused and ask her to marry you" she simply was like, "Aww, no thanks." So stupid. There was no mission, no point in even being there. You aimlessely walk back and forth between Paris and NY, doing nothing except watching the stage performance or the glass box performance at the hotel in Paris. Nothing to figure out, no special mission to go on, truly aimless. Most people just sat around on the steps or in seats looking confused, disappointed, and straight up bored. They could have done so much more, and got people so much more involved if it were truly immersive. You're given your role and no further instructions. I, and most people spent the entire night confused and bored. The story line is happening all around you, leaving everyone to have no idea what was going on. This play tried to do what Sleep No More Does (following one character around and having a possibility of many different experiences) and failed at it.
– Your actors need an attitude adjustment. I understand the big shot actress with the blonde wig has TOTALLY hit the pinnacle of her career by being in this mediocre performance, but chill with the attitude. My boyfriend who is usually very naive in these matters even called out the fact that she was not nice at all to say the least. I know her role was to be somewhat of a primadonna, but on a few occasions when she saw us she would make a snide remark that was off script and out of character. "You're in my way, you're in the way, MOVE! GO OUT THERE, GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!" was uncalled for. A fair number of the actors seemed to have a condescending attitude when working with the audience. Something is mentally wrong with that actress, her overcompensation was showing.
Great storyline, great potential, incredible use of space and ability to transport the guests to an amazing world. Unfortunately, too confusing and messy of a follow through. Enjoyed it, but also felt very uncomfortable and confused many times.
this show is a STEAL on groupon for ~$40 *without dinner*.
it's a theater wrapped up in a speakeasy.
you time travel back to the 20's into a "who done it" interactive musical /play.
be sure to dress UP and do bring comfy shoes to walk around in.
be sure to be open to interacting with the scenes/ actors.
the set design is amazing and the actors are so talented.
don't pay attention to other reviews that say the execution is poor – you actually have to pay attention and figure out the story / mystery. that means listening to the lyrics/songs which tell you WHERE TO GO. you have to remember clues to piece things together (admittedly, difficult when inebriated. XD)
GO SEE IT.
Severely awkward experience. The idea sounds awesome on paper, but fails tremendously in reality. People are just standing around watching a bunch of different things going on – which feels like you're in the mind of a person with ADHD. Also – drinks are SEVERELY expensive. Prepare to spend $42 on two liquor drinks. Plan accordingly.
If you are into dressing up in vintage attire and fancy escaping into another world and era; time periods you may sometimes wondering about: "How would it been like living in Berlin or Paris in the 1920's ? When these two Cities were the metropolis of the world…..
Being entertained by Anita Berber: Weimar Berlin's Priestess of Debauchery, or Marlene Dietrich singing to you at the Blue Angel. What a night out !!!
Well just come and indulge in Ziegfeld's Midnight Frolic, and I promise you these fantastic performers will dazzle and travel with you in this time machine.
Just make sure you will explore the whole venue, show and all the different stories which are going on several floors and rooms.
For example in the interval go one floor up and behind the stage, there you will find Paris, where mayhem and mystery is waiting for you. I met Diana who carries roses spiked with wannabe cocaine, in Weimar times it was real in our time its baby powder……. we can't even smoke on the street…..
BUT "the divine signature cocktails" created at the Paris bar will compensate you; the names alone for each cocktail deserves an oscar: naming a drink syphilis, that is naughty !!! All cocktails are made with fresh herbs, flowers and seductive ingredients. You must try one !!!
Be prepared to walk around get involved and be curious! Simply don't be shy.
Because you are walking around the fun as well is meeting other people in the audience, which you cannot do in an ordinary show where you are bound to your seat from start to finish.
"Ziegfeld is a big party of decadence."
You will have so much fun, and so you must as the tickets are ranging from $80 to $280; the $280 ticket is VIP which includes reception, VIP balcony, dinner, drinks and this stimulating seductive show. It may sound pricy but it is not at all as it is an unforgettable experience and totally justifies the entrance fee.
I soooooo recommend this show for special occasions like birthdays, engagement parties, double/single dates, group of friends, dressing up peeps, vintage lovers and just anyone who appreciates quality time.
Sorry guys no pictures for this review, just go and see it for yourself…… I don't want to spoil your fun.