Nights at Studio 54

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Following the spectacular success of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” co-presented by Felix at The Peninsula Hong Kong and Secret Theatre in 2021, the entertainment group returns this autumn for the global premiere of an immersive theatrical production, “Nights at Studio 54.” This dazzling disco dinner show at Felix recalls the heyday of Studio 54, the iconic Manhattan club that transformed New York City nightlife. Written and directed by acclaimed Artistic Director Richard Crawford, “Nights at Studio 54” at Felix will commence at 7pm every Thursday to Sunday from 6 October to 10 December 2022 (blackout dates apply).

On 26 April 1977, a nightclub opened at the former CBS soundstage at 254, West 54th Street in New York City. From its opening night until its final curtain in 1986, Studio 54 was the epicentre of nightlife in Manhattan. More than four decades later, Studio 54 is revered as arguably the most famous nightclub in the world. Tales of what went on behind the velvet rope have become modern myths and the legend lives on.

Studio 54 was not just the place to see and be seen. It was a pioneering dance club renowned for its high-profile celebrity guest lists, strict entry policies and flamboyant themed parties. Those who made it through the doors danced to music by Donna Summer, Chic, Blondie, Grace Jones, Diana Ross and Sylvester, and rubbed shoulders with A-list artists and celebrities, such as Andy Warhol, Jack Nicholson, Jerry Hall, Bianca Jagger and Karl Lagerfeld.

The Peninsula Hong Kong has proud disco credentials. Hong Kong’s first discotheque, The Scene, was in the basement of the hotel. It opened way back in 1966 and became a roaring success.

About the Performance
The highly anticipated recreation of Studio 54 at Felix begins this autumn. Following the unprecedented success of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, co-presented by Felix and Secret Theatre in 2021, the entertainment group returns to welcome guests to a dazzling party night at New York’s fabled club. Written and directed by Richard Crawford, “Nights at Studio 54” makes its global premiere at The Peninsula Hong Kong. The immersive production will give the audience a taste of the legendary Studio 54, where the world’s most famous stars rubbed shoulders with politicians, drag queens, uptown girls and downtown boys at a nightclub that defined an era. The secrets and stories of Elton John, Yoko Ono, Bianca Jagger, Freddie Mercury, Andy Warhol, Diana Ross, Blondie and infamous club owner Steve Rubell will set the stage alight complemented by Studio 54’s famous resident DJ Nicky Siano. Guests can also enjoy a divine dinner and sip fabulous cocktails while immersing in the atmosphere under the disco lights.

VIP guests might even get an invite to Freddie Mercury’s secret birthday party in one of the hidden rooms or join forces with Bianca Jagger and Yoko Ono as they look for ways to save the club.

The nightclub requests all revellers aged 16 or above to dress in their most glamorous 1970s-inspired attire in homage to the New York nightclub scene. The stars always like finding new individuals to join their entourage – and Bianca Jagger even has a prize for the hottest new look to join her gang!

Since opening in 1994, Felix at The Peninsula Hong Kong continues to be loved and patronised for its flamboyant atmosphere, in the same vein as was Studio 54, which is underscored by Philippe Starck’s iconic and timeless avant-garde design.

Taking the stage every Thursday to Sunday at 7pm from 6 October to 10 December 2022 (blackout dates apply), the “Nights at Studio 54” immersive dining experience at Felix is priced at HK$ 2,388* per person, including a glass of welcome Champagne, a three-course dinner and the “Nights at Studio 54” theatrical performance. Guests also enjoy an after-party cocktail to continue the night with a Studio 54 DJ performance.

Upgrade the experience with a Champagne Ticket, priced at HK$ 2,888* per person, to enjoy a 2-hour free flow of Champagne, or purchase the Studio 54 VIP Experience with a 2-hour free flow of Champagne and an exclusive meet-and-greet with the stars in the VIP area at HK$ 3,100* per person. For a table of six or above, receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne for a standard ticket, or a complimentary Oyster Platter for a Champagne Ticket or Studio 54 VIP Experience.

For an ultimate indulgence, spend a night in the grandeur of the Grande Dame and enjoy an exclusive 40% off the Peninsula Premier Rate or “Value the Experience” staycation package when reserving the “Nights at Studio 54” tickets.

The “Nights at Studio 54” experience at Felix is available for reservation at https://gift.peninsula.com/hongkong/phk/studio54, and private and corporate charter is available upon request. For enquiries, please contact Felix by phone at +852 2696 6778 or by email at studio54@peninsula.com.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Secret Theatre is one of the world’s biggest innovators in the immersive theatrical world. Started in New York in 2009 by pioneer Artistic Director Richard Crawford, with a production of Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands, the site-specific theatre company have dazzled audiences with critically acclaimed immersive shows, in truly unique settings, in over eight cities around the world.

Richard Crawford is a British theatre director, actor and writer known for the Secret Theatre Projects. He is most noted for his site specific and immersive productions, adapting and directing the world stage premier of Edward Scissorhands in New York, the London premier of Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and introducing immersive theatrical productions to Hong Kong. He was born in Scotland and performed in many Edinburgh festival plays and musicals where he won best breakthrough actor at the Fringe Festival at the age of 18. Having started his career in the UK as an actor, Crawford is based between London and New York where among his other performing ventures he is a member of New York's Actors Studio after being accepted into the prestigious studio in 2011. He is also a previous student and performer at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.