In the 1920's Hollywood's counterpart was the Kaufman Astoria Studios. The historic movie studio produced silent films as well as the first "talkies". The Astor Room which sits "Below" the sound stages was the original studio commissary and it has been lovingly preserved in all it's glory.... complete with the same Mason & Hamlin 1923 Grand Piano used by the musicians of the day. Where Rudolph Valentino dined with other silent film stars, studio executives, and extras you can now also enjoy a great meal while being entertained every Wednesday by host Michael Mott and his group of talented friends. This weeks guest vocalists were Morgan Assante (Les Miserables), Josh Tolle (Kinky Boots), and Haley Swindal ) Jekyll & Hyde). Composer, Lyricist, singer Michael Mott is a bit like Astoria's answer to Seth Rudtsky and it's one of the few places where prices are probably lower than in the 1920's. There's no cover or minimum. Seeing new talent in this historic setting is a bit like going back to the future.
Brent Frederick is music director at the 1923 Mason & Hamlin for the evening.
Photo Credit: Stephen Sorokoff
Haley Swindal, Morgan Assante, Michael Mott, Josh Tolle, Brent Frederick
Rudolph Valentino & wife Natacha Rambova in the Kaufman Studios Commissary
The Astor Room
Eda Sorokoff, Jamie deRoy, Michael Mott, Gjovalin Nikci
Eda Sorokoff & Jennifer Swindal
1923 Mason & Hamlin
Film Stars & Studio Executives , The Kaufman Studios Commissary
The Astor Room
The Astor Room at Kaufman Astoria Studios
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