Broadway Opening Night Parties

I've been to a bunch. Duration depends on where they are. Parties at the Marriot (NEVER GONNA DANCE, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES) and at the restaurant under the 59th St. Bridge - I can't place the name - (GYPSY, BROOKLYN, SWEET CHARITY) - tend to get a out a lot earlier - maybe 11:30-12:30 range, where as parties at Tavern on the Green (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, WICKED, DEMOCRACY, etc) last a pretty long time - pretty much until people leave, as well as The Copacabana (THE BOY FROM OZ, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS) - which run pretty late. Roseland Ballroom also throws nice parties that last a while - especially for HAIRSPRAY and SPAMALOT.

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I could be mistaken, but I'm fairly sure that they're invitation only.

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Yes, I've been to several opening night performances, but never the party. Separate set of tickets. The cast usually only gets two tickets to the party. Most tickets are given to "VIP's." Often, performers from other shows are invited to the parties (which usually begin late enough so that they may attend).

I had a wonderful time at a party for a smaller show that was held in a club down in Chelsea. Lots of food, music, dancing, schmoozing. It was still going strong when I left in the wee, small hours of the morning. They had just brought out the top tier food then too. (lots of delicious caviar that had been in hiding till midnight!) I think the more informal ones probably do last longer.

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