Dinner and a show takes on a new meaning with the Rittenhouse Grill’s new cabaret experience titled, “An Evening with Me,” produced by Randy Swartz. Modeled after the famed events at New York’s Café Carlyle, the inaugural event from the Center City establishment will kick off on Monday, Dec. 11, with Tony Award and Drama Desk nominee and Astaire Award winner Tony Yazbeck headlining the first show.
Throughout his career, Yazbeck has starred in 11 Broadway shows, including roles as Gabe in the revival of “On the Town,” Billy Flynn in “Chicago,” J.M. Barrie in “Finding Neverland,” and Cary Grant in “Flying Over Sunset,” according to a news release. And while listening to Yazbeck’s signature song and dance style tied in with some holiday favorites, Philadelphians will also be able to indulge in a three-course prix-fixe dinner to add to the excitement.
If you can’t nab tickets to the December performance, however, ‘An Evening with Me’ will continue into the new year. The series will take place again on Monday, Feb. 12, with a performance by Tony nominee and Theatre World Award winner for “Nine,” Karen Akers. Akers will headline a special Valentine’s Day-themed event for the showcase, showing off her acclaimed pop, jazz, and blues vocal styles as one of the world’s “quintessential cabaret stars,” the release says.
Next up, “An Evening with Me” will continue into the spring with Tony-award nominee Andrea McArdle, who is known around the city and the country for her roles as Annie in ‘Annie,” Ashley in ‘Starlight Express,” Margy in ‘State Fair,” Belle in “Beauty and the Beast” and as Fantine in “Les Miserables.” McArdle will be at the Rittenhouse Grill on Monday, April 15.
The series will then come to a close on May 20 with Tony and Grammy winner John Lloyd Young, known for his role as Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys.” Young also went on to win Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, and Theatre World Awards, becoming the only American actor in history to win all four Leading Actor awards for a Broadway debut.
During “An Evening with Me,” a three-course prix fixe dinner is included in the VIP and standard tickets before the performance. The menu offers patrons a choice of roast prime rib, 1⁄2 rack of lamb, Iberico pork chops, a fillet of salmon, and an appetizer including clams casino, roasted tomato soup, two salads, and then one of the four house-made desserts completing the dining experience (tax and gratuity are included in the price of each ticket).
The venue is nestled on the first floor of the Warwick Rittenhouse Square Hotel (though it’s not affiliated), and some may remember the space as the Prime Rib Philadelphia. However, Rittenhouse Grill has made a name for itself on its own, as an award-winning venue serving celebrities, athletes, and, of course, those with an affinity for delicious food just looking for a great time — especially with this new series.
Ticket opportunities include a $200 VIP Experience which spans the three-course dinner, premium show seating, and a post-show meet and greet. Or, there is a $180 standard ticket option that includes the three-course prix fixe dinner and show, or a $75 Bar Ticket option (limited bar seating) with a two-drink minimum. Seating for ticket holders begins at 7:45 p.m. on each date scheduled.
Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Rittenhouse Grill (1701 Locust St.) or by phone (215- 772-1701) Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.
For more information on everything the Rittenhouse Grill has to offer, visit rittenhousegrill.com.
