The Rrazz Room dazzles during its opening weeks

The Rrazz Room is back. After a hiatus, The Rrazz Room has come back better than ever before.
It was in town for years at two different locations. At first, it was at the legendary Raven in The Oak Room and then at The Clarion (formerly The Ramada). Now it is at a new venue at The Centre Bridge Inn and the experience of this room and the talent there is most reminiscent of Odette’s in its glory days.
The reason is the quality of the performers booked by The Razz Room that is headed up by Rory Paull and Robert Kotonly and the ambiance created by Steve Lau, owner of the inn, and his team. There was a soft opening of the room on Oct. 29 with Billy Gilman, Grammy-nominated country artist.
When I went, I saw John Davidson, a singer who had his own tv show in the 70s and was host of “Hollywood Squares.” He was captivating, singing original songs while engaging constantly with the audience.
I was with friends in their 20s who enjoyed the show as much as those over twice their age. The point being that the bookings are amazingly solid and have a general appeal, no matter what your age or background.
Coming up will be Fred Mann White, Suede, Susan Westenhoffer, Amanda McBroom, Karen Mason and Judy Gold. It is hard to imagine a stronger list of singers and comics.

The atmosphere is the best so far that I have seen for a cabaret. Most of us who can remember the old Odette’s wonderful combination of country inn and city chic will be pleased to find the same warmth and sophistication at The Rrazz Room at Centre Bridge Inn.
Steve Lau and crew have created a special sophisticated elegance inside a historic inn. The room itself is filled with dark red and burgundy that makes you think of the old cabaret spot, The Grand Finale in New York, or for another reference, an updated Harmonia Gardens.
The red leather banquettes are the same red leather as the elegant restaurant Balthazar in Soho in the city. With golden long-armed chandeliers holding red glass shades, it hearkens to a bohemian European vibe. Round table with a small lamp all aglow. The perfect setting for cabaret. It is an intimate space with a good stage that has good audience sightlines.
Still putting on finishing touches, I was told that they will be adding a special cabaret menu to serve their guests and are waiting for the arrival of an elegant wallpaper that will be applied to a back wall, that will only add to the current opulence. If you saw on Broadway, the show “Pierre, Natasha and The Great Comet of 1812,” the feel of that set is the feel of this room. Rich, vibrant and elegant.
Taking a line from another Broadway show, “Come to the cabaret!” The Rrazz Room and The Centre Bridge Inn make it worth your while.

---

Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.