Now open at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel is Beacherʼs Madhouse, a Vaudeville-inspired theater in a completely renovated space located on the lower level of the hotel. Guests enter the theater through an inconspicuous passageway, hidden behind a library bookcase. The 3,000-square-foot space holds 160 people (and also can be combined with other hotel venues Teddy’s, Tropicana, Spare Room, the lobby, or ballroom to accommodate as many as 1,200).
The venue comprises 3,000 square feet, with a mirrored passageway, a 1920s-inspired main stage, antique brass accents, and red velvet curtains. Eighteen V.I.P. banquettes of various sizes are available throughout the theater including a birdcage-style booth with seating for 20. Concessions and catering are offered to guests during performances. There's a 9- by 12-foot professional movie screen and digital projector available for private screenings and multimedia presentations.
Live entertainment includes more than a dozen variety acts nightly. Thompson Hotels co-founder Jason Pomeranc said in a release, "The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel has a longstanding history with nightlife and entertainment. We are excited to welcome Beacherʼs Madhouse. This innovative cabaret concept is sure to enhance the burgeoning creative scene in Hollywood.” Acts will include burlesque dancers, midget impersonators, live animals, acrobats, contortionists, and fire breathers.
Jeff Beacher debuted the comedy variety program BeacherĘĽs Madhouse in 2002 in New York, holding shows at both the Supper Club on Broadway and Madison Square GardenĘĽs Paramount Theater. In 2003, BeacherĘĽs Madhouse took to Las Vegas as the headliner at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Opened in March 2011 for previews throughout the summer, BeacherĘĽs Madhouse will become a members-only venue, open seven nights a week, beginning in September. The theater will host a select group of people who will have access to booking show reservations, as well as other perks like private screenings and special performances. According to the venue, the application process will only grant memberships to a limited number of guests for an intimate experience.
