Billy Stritch, Marilyn Maye & More to Help New York's Metropolitan Room Set Guinness World Record

New York's Metropolitan Room will shock the entertainment world with an unprecedented, pull-out-the-stops programming initiative to kick off 2015. For three days -- Thursday January 1 at 7pm to Sunday January 4 at 7am -- the intimate concert venue will stage its first "Marathon Variety Show," with continuous entertainment for 60 hours straight. The marathon, which is eligible to become a Guinness World Records record-holder for longest variety show ever, will feature up to 100 Metropolitan Room artists -- from its most prominent stars to its most promising emerging talents.

On two nights of the marathon (Fri & Sat at 7pm) the legendary Marilyn Maye dazzles with her fourth annual "By Request" holiday party-show, coming right after she rings out 2014 with back-to-back shows on New Year's Eve. Joining the preternaturally young Maye on her 15th Metropolitan Room engagement (seven shows fromFriday January 2 through Sunday January 10) are her nimble trio consiting of pianist/conductor Billy Stritch, bassist Tom Hubbard, and drummer Ray Marchica. (Separate ticket purchase necessary.)

"Having Marilyn smack in the middle of this three-day variety show signals that this marathon is much more than an endurance test," says Bernie Furshpan, the Metropolitan Room's kinetically charged managing partner. "We are going to celebrate the range of shows at the Metropolitan Room and program the best and most original... it's this impressive mix that makes our club truly one of a kind." Since taking over the daily management of the Metropolitan Room in 2011 from his partners Chris and Steven Mazzilli (of Gotham Comedy Club fame), Furshpan has inserted carefully chosen comedy, burlesque, and magic acts to diversify the Metropolitan Room's entertainment ecosystem. Peter Leavy is the club's talkative silent partner. Joseph Macchia serves as booking manager.

Starting at 7pm on Thursday January 1 and playing continuously for 60 hours until 7am on Sunday January 4, the Metropolitan Room's "Marathon Variety Show" will feature full and partial sets by a non-stop procession of talents. Webcast for a worldwide audience, the marathon will also feature several comedians, magicians, novelty performers and masters of ceremony who will make sure that the entertainment is continuous, with absolutely no breaks, giving new meaning to the adage "the show must go on!" Complimentary breakfast will be served on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Customers who attend the longest -- either for unbroken stretches of time or for combined attendance recorded over three days by the club's reservationists -- will win special prizes and be entered in the official record of the event. Sleeping will not be permitted in the showroom.

A complete line-up of the participating artists -- anticipated to number 100 -- will be announced on December 1. This is an official Guinness World Record-eligible event.

Day passes cost $25 per person, or $60 for a three-day pass. The club offers a complimentary beverage with each ticket purchased. There will be no food or beverage minimums throughout the marathon except for Marilyn Maye, whose "By Request" requires a separate ticket purchase ($35 plus a two drink minimum). For reservations call 212/206-0440 or to order online visit www.metropolitanroom.com

The Nightlife and Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, has been keeping kids off the streets and adults from spending too much time watching television since 2006.

THE FULL LINEUP AND SCHEDULE OF THE PARTICIPATING CELEBRITIES AND LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ANNOUNCED LAST WEEK OF NOVEMBER, 2014

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