Executive Overview
In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, hidden behind an unmarked door at 45 West 45th Street, a musical revolution takes place every single week. Far away from the blinding marquee lights and rigid constraints of the Great White Way, some of Broadway’s most celebrated talents gather underground to do the unthinkable: sing everything except Broadway music.
This is the premise of Broadway Night Off, a weekly performance series hosted at Madame George, a subterranean bar and nightspot that has rapidly become one of New York City’s worst-kept secrets. Co-directed by Danny Lipsitz and Cynthia Fung, the series offers a rare, unfiltered look at musical theatre performers in their element. Here, Tony nominees and rising stage stars alike strip away the character interpretations, the vocal scores, and the theatrical expectations of their day jobs to belt out soul, R&B, pop, and jazz standards—material they would never otherwise get a chance to perform on a commercial stage.
The September 14 edition of the series set a new benchmark for the mid-week residency, featuring stellar headlining sets from Tony nominee Amber Iman (Lempicka, Hadestown) and powerhouse vocalist Kwame Michael Remy (Goodspeed’s Dreamgirls, Transcendence’s Ain’t Too Proud). Guided by charismatic host Diva LaMarr and backed by an exceptional house band, the evening encapsulated everything that makes Broadway Night Off a vital addition to the New York nightlife ecosystem: intimacy, unbridled vocal artistry, and a palpable sense of community among artists and audiences alike.
As the series continues to draw capacity crowds, it stands as a testament to the versatility of stage performers and the enduring appeal of live, unscripted musical experiences in an increasingly corporate entertainment landscape.
Detailed Chronology: A Night of Genre-Bending Performances
The September 14 installment of Broadway Night Off unfolded across three meticulously curated sets, blending instrumental jazz standards, soulful throwbacks, pop anthems, and spontaneous musical camaraderie.
Set One: Establishing the Groove
The evening commenced with the house band taking center stage to establish the venue’s sultry, vintage-infused atmosphere. Comprising Jack Redsecker on keyboard, PJ Roberts on bass, and Alex Raderman on drums—with series music manager Danny Lipsitz frequently stepping in on various instruments and vocals—the trio delivered a vibrant instrumental and vocal opening.
The house band warmed up the room with sophisticated interpretations of jazz and soul classics, including "My Shining Hour," the timeless standard "Till There Was You," Bill Withers’ feel-good anthem "Lovely Day," and the swinging energy of "Kansas City." This opening block immediately grounded the audience in a listening-room environment, setting a high musical bar for the performers to follow.
Set Two: Vocal Fireworks and Genre Shifts
Host Diva LaMarr, who anchors the evening with comedic timing and insightful artist interviews, kicked off the second set with a high-energy rendition of "Hot, Hot, Hot." LaMarr then welcomed Kwame Michael Remy to the floor. Remy captivated the room with deeply emotional and technically pristine deliveries of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly’s "Before I Let Go" and Stevie Wonder’s intricate classic "If It’s Magic."
The momentum continued with a surprise appearance by special guest Darnell White, who brought down the house with a sophisticated, jazz-infused take on the Rodgers and Hart classic "I Didn’t Know What Time It Was."
Closing out the second set was Tony nominee Amber Iman. Stepping up to the microphone, Iman demonstrated the staggering versatility that has made her a force on Broadway. She delivered a raw, arresting rendition of Nina Simone’s "Be My Husband," followed by a soaring, emotionally resonant take on Chappell Roan’s contemporary pop hit "Pink Pony Club," proving her ability to seamlessly bridge generational and stylistic divides.
Set Three: The Grand Finale and Communal Harmony
Diva LaMarr opened the third and final set with a rousing performance of Louis Jordan’s "Let The Good Times Roll." Kwame Michael Remy returned to the stage for an ambitious block of covers, showcasing his vocal agility across Michael Jackson’s "Rock with You," Common and John Legend’s inspiring "If You’re Out There," and a hauntingly faithful tribute to Sinéad O’Connor’s "Nothing Compares 2 U."
A revolving door of special guests followed, each bringing their own distinct flavor to the Madame George stage:
- Aisha Jackson delivered a blistering, brassy take on "Orange Colored Sky."
- Richard Baskin Jr. offered a soulful, deeply romantic reading of the Bee Gees’ "How Deep Is Your Love."
- Brian Vox charmed the audience with Bobby Caldwell’s smooth-jazz classic "What You Won’t Do for Love."
- Kyng brought timeless elegance to the room with Frank Sinatra’s signature "Fly Me to the Moon."
Amber Iman then returned for the evening’s emotional crescendo, treating the audience to Otis Redding’s "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay" and a breathtaking, roof-raising performance of Beyoncé’s "Love on Top."
In true Broadway Night Off fashion, the night concluded as a communal celebration. All the evening’s performers gathered on and around the stage to join their voices in a rousing, roof-shaking group rendition of 4 Non Blondes’ 90s rock anthem "What’s Up (What’s Going On)?," leaving the subterranean audience cheering for an encore.
Supporting Context & Metrics: The Anatomy of a Hidden Gem
While the talent on stage is undeniably the primary draw, the physical and operational infrastructure of Madame George plays a critical role in creating the series’ unique atmosphere.
The Venue Experience
Located at 45 West 45th Street in Midtown Manhattan, Madame George embraces the clandestine aesthetic of a true speakeasy. The venue features no prominent street-side marquee; instead, its name is subtly projected onto the pavement, and visitors must knock on the door to gain entrance. This deliberate lack of commercial flash fosters an immediate sense of exclusivity and discovery.
Once inside, patrons descend into an underground sanctuary that sharply contrasts with the frantic energy of Midtown streets. The space is engineered for comfort and intimacy:
- Decor & Seating: Plush chairs, deep couches, and warm, amber lighting create a cozy living-room vibe.
- Hospitality: General Manager Fionnan Gallagher oversees a front-of-house team known for its warmth, attentiveness, and genial demeanor, ensuring that every guest feels like an insider.
- Libations & Fare: Mixologist Marshall Minaya curates a menu of classic cocktails with a modern twist, complemented by an array of shareable culinary bites designed to encourage leisurely evening dining.
Operational Metrics & Accessibility
Despite its exclusive feel, Madame George maintains an accessible pricing model for theatre lovers and casual nightlife seekers alike:
- Frequency: While Madame George hosts live music six nights a week, Mondays are exclusively reserved for Broadway Night Off.
- Cover Charge: A modest $10 cover charge grants entry to the performance series.
- Seating Options: Guests can secure general admission or upgrade to priority seating via reservation platforms for an additional fee or minimum spend.
- Happy Hour: For those looking to extend their evening, the venue hosts a Broadway Happy Hour nightly from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Official Statements and Industry Insights
The philosophy underpinning Broadway Night Off is rooted in the psychological and artistic needs of professional stage performers. In previous statements to Playbill, music manager and talent booker Danny Lipsitz articulated the core mission of the residency:
"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.’"
In an industry where actors are frequently typecast or bound to the rigid vocal books of their respective shows, this creative outlet serves as both a pressure valve and a playground. For artists who spend eight shows a week inhabiting fictional characters in pre-determined historical or fantastical worlds (such as Hadestown or Lempicka), Madame George offers a rare space for unmasked, authentic musical self-expression.
Industry observers note that this dynamic benefits both the performer and the audience. Theatre fans, accustomed to seeing their favorite stars filtered through the lens of a director’s vision, get to witness the raw, unfiltered musical tastes of the artists they admire.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Broadway Night Off
With the momentum generated by performers like Amber Iman and Kwame Michael Remy, Broadway Night Off shows no signs of slowing down. The curatorial team has announced a stellar lineup of upcoming talent for the fall season, ensuring that the residency remains a cornerstone of Manhattan’s early-week cultural calendar:
- September 21: Rebecca Larkin and Aisha Jackson
- September 28: Rachel Webb
- October 5: Zurin Villanueva and Max Chernin
As word continues to spread through the tight-knit Broadway community and among discerning New York nightlife enthusiasts, securing a seat at Madame George on a Monday night is rapidly becoming one of the city’s most competitive tickets. By honoring the boundary-pushing vocal talents of stage performers in an environment that prioritizes warmth, community, and unvarnished artistry, Broadway Night Off has successfully redefined what a cabaret residency can be.
For tickets, reservations, and further information on upcoming lineups, visitors can explore MadameGeorgeNYC.com or book via OpenTable.
