Psst. Pass this note to Talia.
In a darkened hallway of the Diamond Horseshoe, in the Paramount Hotel, a scantily clad bellboy slips a folded paper to a guest, whispers instructions and disappears. Another bellboy approaches two female guests with a tray of hors d’oeuvres and slyly coos with a smile.
Have you tried my balls?
Welcome to Queen of the Night, an immersive-theater dinner show loosely based on Shakespeare’s “The Magic Flute.” Produced by some of the creative minds behind The Box and Sleep No More, Queen of the Night embraces the same seductive and mysterious ambience, aiming to remove guests far from their comfort zone. The rules? Say yes to everything.
Upon arrival, guests are encouraged to explore every room of the theater and interact with as many bellboys, or cast members, as possible, before taking their seats for the performance. Amongst these rooms, guests can find a cheetah decadently draped in jewels, a secret bar, acrobatic performers, intimate interactions and hushed conversation between actors and of course, the centerpiece to the entire space, the Queen. Masked and standing on stage, overlooking the main room, the Queen watches as the crowd mingles at the bar.
For pulsd ticket-holders, flirtatious bartenders serve unlimited beer, wine and Mad Distillery cocktails, including the bourbon-based Willing Gentleman and vodka-based Queen’s Bush.
The show commences as guests are ushered to large, group dinner tables surrounding the stage. What to expect during the performance? A Queen, virgin, handsome suitors, knives, whips, dancing, contortionists, aerial artistry, and acrobatics… but that’s just a teaser… here’s what you’ll need to know:
1. Dress to please the Queen.
Rumor has it that Queen Elizabeth frowns upon Kate Middleton’s rising hemlines. Our Queen encourages sequined hot pants. Be sure to stand out in the crowd, just remember, no denim or tee shirts.
2. Don’t be shy.
The audience is as much a part of Queen of the Night as the cast; guests are called on stage to participate in exhilarating, and sometimes unusual, theatrics.
3. Germophobes need not apply.
Lingering touches and endless flirtations are only the start…
4. Bartering is a must.
Each table will receive one of the following: birdcages filled with lobster, full suckling pigs or carving boards topped with short rib and bone marrow. Grab a plate, head to neighboring tables, and start trading. EVERYTHING is a must try. But save room for dessert. Ever wanted to be spoon-fed? Let’s leave it at that…
5. Prepare to hobnob.
Then after the show it’s the after party, a nightlife experience like no other. Think more guests, mingling actors, body painting, tarot card readings, dancing, drinking… This sexy setting more than lends to conversation with strangers… It’s the perfect environment to make friends, trade business cards, forge new romances…
Intrigued? Start passing notes here.
By Lily Rouff