Interludes

VIEWPOINTS – Out-of-the-box theatrical curiosities that might just fit the bill: ROB LAKE MAGIC and POP UP DINNER THEATER

• By drediman
• November 14, 2025
• No Comments

As one of the indisputable hubs of the entertainment industry, New York is teeming with bespoke theatrical experiences clamoring to satisfy whatever craving — no matter how niche — you may have. Read on below for my thoughts on two out-of-the-box theatrical curiosities that may just fit the bill for what you’re looking for, if only in concept for one of them.

POP UP DINNER THEATER
Dinner Theater
Barlume Downstairs

Dinner theater has historically gotten an unfair rap — deemed more of a lightweight suburban date night activity rather than a beguiling night of theatrical catharsis. The folks at Suite 524, however, are hoping to change this widespread preconception with their latest endeavor. Simply known as Pop Up Dinner Theater (RECOMMENDED), the idea is simple — to hijack restaurants by pairing each course of their pre fixe menus with bespoke plays created specifically for each venue (in November, Suite 524 is collaborating with Barlume Downstairs in the Flatiron District, presenting the experience every Sunday evening of the month), hopefully giving both your mind and mouth something worthwhile to chew on. Although nothing out of the ordinary, the cuisine at Barlume Downstairs is more than merely solid, featuring delicious cocktails, fresh ingredients, thoughtfully prepared plates, and excellent service. I would say the same for the well-acted plays that accompanied them (The Cowboy by Michael Sharp, Peekos at Barlume by Sandi Farkas, Fine Dining by Eduardo Machado, and See the Forest by Michael Domitrovich). Even if none of them would necessarily classify as award-winning theater, they existentially dwell on themes of particularly import in our precarious times — namely authentic human connection, the blinding spell of capitalism, etc. — presenting them in intimate and relatable terms, as well as in real time, within the context of the actual dining experience. This gives Pop Up Dinner Theater a level of immersion that often makes you feel like a fly on the wall overhearing conversations. The entire evening unfolds smoothly, thanks in large part to the pacing and tone established by director Michael Domitrovich — plays weave in and out of the evening organically and nothing felt rushed, thereby allowing diners/onlookers to fully absorbing both the culinary and theatrical arts on offer.

ROB LAKE MAGIC WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE MUPPETS
Magic Show
Broadhurst Theater

Then over at the Broadhurst Theatre, there’s Rob Lake Magic with Special Guests The Muppets (SOMEWHAT RECOMMENDED), which features the odd pairing of illusionist Rob Lake (perhaps best known for his appearance on America’s Got Talent) and the lovable and beloved crew of Jim Henson’s The Muppets, marking the Broadway debuts of both parties. If you’re a fan of both, you’ll likely be intrigued enough to spring for tickets and find yourself mildly satisfied and entertained (note that due to soft box office sales, the show’s last performance will be this Sunday). But if you’re only into one (or neither) of the two, you’ll likely leave the theater feeling bewildered and shortchanged by the lack of anything substantial to emotionally and/or intellectually grasp onto. At the end of the day, this is theater, after all. As someone who has seen more than a handful of such types of magic shows, there’s little here that I haven’t seen before in terms of individual acts. Although utterly professional and efficient throughout — in addition to masterfully executing all of the trickery, both large and small — Lake holds the audience at arms length, imbuing an impersonal and transactional corporate feel to it all. This is especially glaring when comparing Lake’s spectacle to Jamie Allan’s more intimate and personal illusionist show Amaze, which continues its run Off-Broadway at New World Stages. As for The Muppets — who I suspect are the bigger draw for many Broadway audiences (indeed, Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy were met with giddy applause) — their appearance in the show is more cameo than a featured role. I wish Lake and his creative team had built them more thoroughly into the fabric of the show, maybe even having them act in the capacity of co-magicians. Unfortunately, any potential synergies here have been squandered. Luckily, the show runs only a brisk 80 minutes, and you’ll be on with your day before you can utter abracadabra!