Took a bunch of friends to The Cutting Room to see the Shake Rattle & Roll Dueling Pianos show… and it was glorious! A perfect way to spend a Saturday night, especially if you are a music fan and enjoy a good laugh.
The Cutting Room itself is super cool- a humungous chandelier made of electric guitars descends majestically from the ceiling, the bar is ultra-swanky, and the show room has a big stage, with good viewing from virtually all angles. We sat just left of center, about 20 feet from the lip of the stage. Staff was on point, and food/drinks were surprisingly good- particularly in comparison to the typical “live music” venue.
And the show itself? Well, it is pretty incredible. Two pianists/vocalists (accompanied by a drummer), who for three hours straight perform anything the crowd requests. And I mean ANYTHING. There are request slips on the tables- you write down any song you want to hear, bring it up to the stage (along with some cash to sweeten the deal)… and your song WILL be played. You can also make your requests by Venmo, which is convenient if a) you don’t carry cash, or b) as the “master of ceremonies” Mark said, you are “a lazy bastard or love your drink too much to part from it”, LOL.
Go crazy with your requests. “Bohemian Rhapsody”? They can do it. “Devil Went Down to Georgia”? Done… complete with FIDDLE!!! (which was played with virtuosic talent by Mark’s piano partner, Sean). Billy Joel and Elton John? All “piano men” are covered. “Gin & Juice”? Yup. Even rap is on the menu. Of course, if you make crazy requests, be ready for some gentle (or not so gentle) roasting by your piano hosts, who will question your musical taste and perhaps your sanity… but it still won’t stop them from performing your tunes. Mark was hilarious, and quick on his feet with the jokes, and had the entire room in the palm of his hand. I was amazed at how much energy these guys had- three hours-plus, and they were still bringing it fiercely. It was most impressive.
The show was described to us as “a human jukebox”. That was a very apt analogy. Put your coin in the machine and press the button (or in this case, put your request slip and $ on the pianos), and groove to your favorite song. Pretty simple. NYC is known for its live music scene, and this Dueling Pianos show would have to be right at the top. A fantastic option if you’re in town…