Cabaret may be back on Broadway this year—in an acclaimed immersive reimagining, no less—but there’s no question the place to “taste the wine” and “hear the band” in NYC will be Rooftop at Pier 17 on Sunday, September 8th. That's when the Darren Criss-helmed Elsie Fest, whose name is derived from the Kander & Ebb lyric, makes its long-awaited return to the pantheon of beloved music festivals across the city.
That’s right, after a two-year hiatus, the stage-centric music bash, known for fusing the best of Broadway with current contemporary pop, has been resurrected. And they’re coming back with a bang.
Swept Away. Photo by Julieta Cervantes.
A stellar roster of Main Stem headliners is slated to perform, including Rachel Zegler (the upcoming Romeo + Juliet), Jordan Fisher (Hadestown), Will Butler (Arcade Fire, composer of Stereophonic), John Gallagher, Jr. (the upcoming Swept Away) and Joy Woods (The Notebook). This year’s concert will also feature tunes from global touring artist Lizzy McAlpine (poised to premiere an exclusive Broadway set) and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars standout Alaska Thunderf*ck (star and scribe of her own upcoming Drag: The Musical at New World Stages), as well as sneak peeks at the upcoming Death Becomes Her, Swept Away, Maybe Happy Ending (the latter coincidentally starring Criss), and a performance from the Amazon Prime Video animated musical series Hazbin Hotel.
As in years past, Criss will also be on hand, both to perform in, and accompany, certain sets. And, as is tradition, the performer promises more than a few surprise guests popping in throughout the show.
Meanwhile, piano bar (and Elsie linchpin) Marie’s Crisis Cafe will once again keep attendees imbibing throughout the evening, while also serving as the destination for the inevitable—nay, obligatory—showtunes singalong. Beer, food, and wine will be aplenty throughout the night.
Originally conceived by Darren Criss, along with talent manager Ricky Rollins, producer extraordinaire Jordan Roth, and fellow Glee alum Lea Michele, the festival’s 2024 incarnation will mark its seventh recurrence.
And what a “perfectly marvelous” operation it is! What good is sitting alone in your room anyway? Why not take in the crisp autumn air, fair winds, and calming waves aboard the pier and blow your horn—start celebrating!—amongst a bevy of Broadway friends and fans?! After all, your table’s waiting…
Jordan Fisher of Hadestown. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Elsie Fest 2024 will kick off at the Seaport's Rooftop at Pier 17 on Sunday, September 8th at 6pm; doors open at 5pm. For tickets and more information, visit elsiefest.com.
