Move over Broadway - there’s a new (or rather, a few) name in town. Things can get a little overwhelming when choosing the best stage acts New York’s got to offer. But if you look beyond 42nd Street, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find unique performances you never knew existed. Perhaps witty comedians on a mission to make you laugh ‘til you’ve got stitches is your idea of a Saturday well spent. Or if you’re into the avant-garde, there’s the riveting tale of twin sisters told simply through shadows, paper cut outs, and overhead projectors. Because old Gotham is a playground for creativity, it’s only fair to shine it’s brightest lights on such talents. Sit back and enjoy the show with YPlan.
QUEEN OF THE NIGHT WITH DINNER, ONE COCKTAIL + WINE
Only an event this over-the-top and glam could get the swing-era Diamond Horseshoe Club to open its doors after 60 years. Dreamt up by one of the producers of Sleep No More, loosely based on Mozart's The Magic Flute, and helmed by a Tony-Award winning creative team, Queen Of The Night is a glorious fusion of performance, cuisine, nightlife, with a full sit-down dinner. Best of all, you can enjoy one cocktail, set decanters of wine, and dinner feast while all the magic goes down.
The epic stage performance gets dramatic with YPlan at the Paramount Hotel starting July 26th; $140 [includes dinner, one cocktail, and wine].
BATSU!
Passersby would never know that discreetly tucked away in the basement of Jebon Sushi lives BATSU!, the devilishly funny take on Japanese game shows that blurs the lines between comedy and pain. Kinda like a live version of MXC or Wipeout, in BATSU!, winning is key. Losers are faced with hysterically cringeworthy punishments like electric shocks, paintballs, and even a giant egg-smashing chicken. A full menu and bar is available for the show, and the gutsiest audience members are encouraged to participate.
Get in touch with the Far East with YPlan starting on July 23rd at Jebon Sushi and Noodle; $20.50 [food and drink menu available].
THE BACHELORETTE SHOW
It's time to play matchmaker. Adriana Orlando has just broken up with her high school sweetheart of eight years and is desperate for love. She puts her fate in the hands of the Bachelorette Show, where she meets highly desirable men; but it's not up to her to decide, it's up to you. Join this interactive play as you mix, mingle, and dance to tracks by guest DJs as each bachelor vies for your vote. Only one lucky guy will steal her heart, the others are up for grabs.
Husband hunting season kicks off with YPlan starting from July 25th in Midtown West; $39.99.
DRUNK SHAKESPEARE
Even if Shakespeare isn't your jam, it's hard to deny the imagination and talent that went into Drunk Shakespeare. Four professional actors will perform the familiar Elizabethan roles…with a caveat. Each night, a different one of them will be totally plastered. Why hasn't anyone done this before? Genius.
Thy favorite app YPlan and the Bard get drunketh starting from July 20th at The Lounge at Roy Arias Stages; $35 [ticket price does not include drinks].
I WAS A SIXTH GRADE BIGFOOT
Cyndi Freeman is a two-time NY Fringe Festival award winning storyteller. If that doesn't speak for itself, then this show will. Freeman weaves Bigfoot trivia with dark tales about a hoax committed against her at age 11. What Backstage is calling this performance "charged with electricity," I Was A Sixth Grade Bigfoot masterfully crafts a story about surviving your childhood years.
All the mythical on-goings begins with YPlan in the East Village July 27th; $15 [wine and beer available for purchase].
TZIPORELA THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS: ODD BIRDZ
Award-winning Israeli theatre troupe Tziporela are back for a second bout of laughter in the states. Music, movement, comedy, and physical theatre come together in this unique performance that cuts through the barriers of culture, language, and age - only to leave you laughing all night. Come find out if there is a method to this nine-man troupe's madness.
Crying-induced laughter takes center stage with YPlan starting on July 24th at The Players Theatre; $45.
DJ QUESTLOVE PRESENTS: BOWL TRAIN
All aboard the soul train. Questlove is back at Brooklyn Bowl for the next chapter of his Thursday night residency. The purveyor of old school grooves is packing the mother of all record bags, crammed with everything from hip-hop to house. Expect something old, something rare, and something laced with the phattest bassline when Questlove starts working the wax.
The icon graces you with his groovy presence thanks to YPlan on July 23rd; $9.79.
COMEDY OUTLIERS: DOPE COMEDY + NO DRINK MINIMUM
Comedy Outliers sees a host of TV standups take turns rocking the mic. With MTV and Letterman appearances to their name, Matteo Lane, Chris Cotton, Sabrina Jalees, and Dave Smith are the real deal. Look out for a few special guests joining in with the comedy masterclass.
YPlan is getting its funny bone tickled and so should you on July 25th in Tribeca’s Lily O’Brien’s; $10 [no drink minimum required].
AVA|ADA
With her twin sister gone, Ada mourns the loss and passes her remaining years as best she can. When a traveling carnival shows up, however, the septuagenarian is plunged into a mirror maze on a fantastical journey through life and death. Clever multimedia and inspired storytelling make AVA|ADA a spellbinding experience.
A chilling tale is unfolded through YPlan starting July 25th in Financial District; $24.
HARD KNOCK LAUGHS
Standup has a pretty simple setup: a guy/girl and a mic, but that doesn't mean it's easy. And sure, blockbusters have been known to roll through this Upper West Side comedy club, but look out for ripe, new talent for laughs. Jeffrey Hernandez, the always charming comedian and producer, has been hosting this show since 2008 and he always rounds up the very best up-and-comers. Be prepared to make it your regular hangout - it's that good.
It’s about to get real funny real quick with YPlan starting on July 24th at Stand Up New York; $10 [there is a two drink minimum not included in ticket price].
This post is brought to you by YPlan.
