When Robert Kotonly and Rory Paull first named their entertainment business in 2001, they chose a name to capture them and their vibe. The name “Rrazz” Room uses a double “R” at its onset, an homage to their first names, and finishes with the energy of the word jazz to evoke the atmosphere of a cabaret room, their signature space.
After 10 years in the industry as concert promoters and club owners operating in San Francisco and hosting legendary names like Bea Arthur and Joan Rivers, Kotonly and Paull, both East Coast natives, decided it was time to move closer to home. “Being from the area, we knew there was always a history of great entertainment in New Hope with places like the Bucks County Playhouse and Odette’s,” said Kotonly. “To this day, we are proud to be part of it.”
As they sought a space to host their events, they found an unused, cabaret-style room to hold approximately 100 guests at what was then a Ramada Inn.
While the hotel itself has changed its name several times over the years — it’s now New Hope Inn & Suites — the charm and arrangement of this room remained intact.
“We came to New Hope to host our roster of legendary and up-and-coming talent in a cabaret-style venue,” Kotonly said. “This room is beautiful, and the hotel offers complimentary and plentiful parking for our guests.”
For three years, The Rrazz Room hosted concerts at the Ramada, featuring acclaimed artists like actor/comedian Leslie Gordon, singer Rhonda Ross (daughter of Diana Ross), comedian/civil rights activist Dick Gregory, actress/singer Linda Lavin, Broadway star Adam Pascal and country music legends Ty Herndon and Chely Wright.
In 2016, Kotonly and Paull were approached by the owners of The Raven, who wanted to build their own theater and bring Rrazz Entertainment into the new space. The build, anticipated to take less than a year, never came to fruition due to financial concerns.
Thus began a series of successful partnerships for The Rrazz Room with other venues in the New Hope area. Highlights from this time include a show, Nobody Does It Like Me, featuring television and Broadway star Michele Lee at the Bucks County Playhouse and a series of live concerts in Peddler’s Village and the Center Bridge Inn in Stockton.
Kotonly explained that while they had great success with these collaborations, they were compelled to return The Rrazz Room to its original space, the cabaret room, at the New Hope Inn & Suites.
“What is unique about this space is its intimacy,” Kotonly said. “Guests get to be up close with our world-renowned artists, many of whom will shake their hand and chat with them after the show.”
The Rrazz Room’s official return to the New Hope Inn & Suites began April 8 with America’s favorite Dragapella Beautyshop Quartet, the Kinsey Sicks. Its next show on July 22 features seasoned comic Vickie Shaw, a beloved New Hope regular, known for her ability to connect with varied audiences as she shares her humorous reflections on everyday life.
The Rrazz Room’s Saturday concerts open for seating beginning at 7 p.m. under the direction of maître d’ Aimee Miller. The show starts at 8 p.m.
Programs typically run for 75 to 90 minutes. The Rrazz Room’s show-runners hope to hold events about twice per month through the fall and into the holiday season. Information: https://www.therrazzroom.com/.
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