It's impressive pedigree along Chrystie Street combines a fabled depression-era building and owner-Simon Hammerstein, a familiar celebrity elbow-rubber and NYC socialite and descendant of Oscar Hammerstein. But this modern-day vaudeville theater, restaurant and social club is by no means the fruit of nepotism and family favors. A stage director by trade, Hammerstein recreates the '20s NYC lounge show with hard work and artistic chops. The Box's cutting edge vibe is derived from refurbished antiques and recycled industrial wares from local prisons and insane asylum. The club itself can feel a bit crazy, even criminally good at times, in the upper level lounge with private booths that cost upwards of $1200 per night abd look like they were plucked from Mae West's dressing room. The main floor stage is home to nightly shows that range from insanely good cabaret to Cirque du Soleil-style spectacles with live band or orchestra.
Tips
Quite easy on the eyes, Hammerstein recruits a sexy contingent of nightlife revelers looking to not only be entertained but sometime be part of the entrainment at a Lower East Side mainstay worth its weight in sequin and stilettos.
Last Word
The Box maintains a distinguished roster of board members like Jude Law, Rachel Weisz, and Josh Lucas who help bring top-notch entertainment in an independent cabaret setting where on occasion they can be seen in the upstairs lounge or even in a hush-hush midnight act.
