A variety of Broadway's best are coming together to save West Bank Cafe and the Laurie Beechman Theatre.
In July, it was announced that the Beechman, a longtime NYC cabaret venue, would close along with the restaurant that hosts it due to financial difficulties. A number of its most passionate fans stepped in to push back against the August exit, launching a GoFundMe campaign that raised more than $100,000. Now, that same team is coming together to host a high-profile gala to raise additional funds to support the continued life of the instutions.
Held October 8, the gala will feature performances by Julie Benko (Funny Girl), Andrew Barth Feldman (No Hard Feelings), SAG winner Annie Golden (Orange Is the New Black), Tony nominee Joe Iconis (Be More Chill), Pulitzer winner Michael R. Jackson (A Strange Loop), SAG nominee Richard Kind (Mad About You), Emmy nominee Lorna Luft, Tony nominee Judy Kuhn (Fun Home), Grammy winner Eva Noblezada, Emmy nominee Randy Rainbow (Hadestown), and Tony winner Lillias White (The Life).
More performers and special guests will be announced in the coming days.
In addition to the performances, the gala will feature cocktails, small bites, and the chance to mingle with Broadway stars and other luminaries. General admission tickets start at $500, and top-tier packages include special perks like a personalized plaque in the restaurant or theatre, cementing your place in the storied legacy of the West Bank Cafe.
This event is being produced by Tony nominated Broadway producers Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora (Suffs), Tony nominated composer Joe Iconis (Be More Chill), actor Tim Guinee (Homeland), as well as owner Steve Olsen. Event sponsors include Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Bronwyn Newport, Todd Bradley, Kristy Cates (Wicked) and Greg Grozdits. Michael Lavine will serve as musical director for the evening.
Originally opened in 1983 as the West Bank Cafe Downstairs Theater Bar, the space was renamed for late Broadway and cabaret icon Laurie Beechman following her death in 1998, at the age of 44. The theatre, located at 42nd Street and 9th Avenue, has long served as one of NYC's most prominent cabaret venues, hosting play readings, concerts, and more over its long run. Notably, comedian Joan Rivers used to work out material with regular shows at the space, including the final performance she gave before her 2014 death.
For more information visit WestBankCafe.com.
