London Bar Launches Musical Singalong Program
March 11, 2010 By: Jena Tesse Fox
London is arguably the biggest theater city in the world, with a show to cater to every kind of taste. But after the curtain is down, some fans may not be ready to let the limelight fade just yet.
Fortunately for them, Cafe Koha (right behind Wyndham's Theatre in Covent Garden) has started presenting a piano bar event called Show Off!, inspired by the popular bars in New York City. Show Off! features classic and contemporary musical theatre songs, from standards to little-known gems. Each evening is shaped by its participants, especially by the song requests performances of those who get up and sing on a given night. Yes, you read that right: Rather like live karaoke (with a real person playing a real piano rather than bad music from a machine), audience members are encouraged to join in by singing a song or two. Those who love Marie's Crisis, the Duplex or the Laurie Beechman Theater in Manhattan will feel right at home here—and that's no accident. The program was created by former New Yorker Sue Knox, who recently moved to London to produce theater with her company This Stage. Aspiring singers will be in good hands: Experienced cabaret performer Nathan Martin acts as musical director, with West End veteran Marissa Dunlop hosting each evening.
Sadly, Show Off! isn't a nightly or even weekly event (yet), but several more "performances" (would "gatherings" be a more appropriate word?) are scheduled for the coming months. The next three dates for Show Off! will be Saturday March 27, Friday April 16 and Saturday May 29. The doors open at 8 p.m. each night, with the live music starting at 9 p.m. Food and drink will be available from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. each night.
Show Off! costs approximately $15 (£10) per person at the door. Reservations can be made via e-mail to reservations@showoffpianobar.com or by completing the form at www.showoffpianobar.com/reservations.
