The cabaret venue known as The Rrazz Room is bringing its unique sense of entertainment flair to Philadelphia.
After establishing itself in San Francisco, South Florida and New Hope, the nightclub is setting up shop at the Prince Music Theatre in Philadelphia Sept. 18. It will host a number of shows featuring cabaret acts, Broadway stars and comedians, with an announced lineup that includes Linda Lavin, Paul Mooney, Dick Gregory, Storm Large and Well Strung.
Robert Kotonly, who co-owns The Rrazz Room with life partner Rory Paull, said their aim was always to bring The Rrazz Room to different locations.
“The goal has always been, since we started way back in 2001 in San Francisco, to do more venues and bring the brand to different markets,” he said. “That’s always been something we wanted to do, and a space came up in Philadelphia. I think Philadelphia is a fantastic city but doesn’t offer what The Rrazz Room is going to be offering the area. It was a perfect match to us.”
The 156-seat space in Philadelphia will give patrons an up-close and personal experience with the performers, and many shows will offer post-show meet-and-greets.
Kotonly said that while the venue will have the cozy feel of the New Hope location, he expects Philadelphians will create a more upscale atmosphere at the Prince.
“We’re in a country kind of area in New Hope, which is very charming, laidback and casual,” he said. “I believe in the city. We’ve done this before in San Francisco. Because it’s in the city, people dress up a little more than they do in the country. Will it be formal and stuffy? Our rooms are never formal and stuffy but we like to call it a casual elegance. That’s what I perceive the new space to be.”
Kotonly added that fans of the New Hope location need not worry about the Philadelphia venue stealing any of their entertainment thunder.
“They will both be separately run with their own personalities,” he said. “I definitely do not see New Hope suffering because we have a club in Philadelphia. They will both continue to have their own personalities. There will be some crossover every once in a while. In a city like Philadelphia, I think we will have a wider audience and a larger venue, so the booking will be quite different.”
The Rrazz Room at the Prince, 1412 Chestnut St., opens 8 p.m. Sept. 18 with a performance by Karen Mason. For more information, visit http://princetheater.org/therrazzroom or call 215-422-4580.