The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking
Playing in an authentic New York speakeasy, 'The Imbible' sweeps audiences along a 10,000-year journey through history accompanied by craft cocktails and the vocal stylings of The Backwaiters a cappella group.
... Read moreSit back and enjoy the music and drinks while Anthony holds forth on the history and science behind alcoholic beverages, traces their economic and political impact on our cultural development, conducts live demonstrations of brewing beer and distilling spirits, and – like any good bartender – keeps his guests laughing throughout the night! Combining Anthony’s encyclopedic knowledge of beverage history and decades of bartending experience with his skills as a storyteller and entertainer, 'The Imbible' treats audiences to a completely original evening of immersive theatre.
- Official Site
- View Trailer
- 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Open run
- New World Stages / The Green Room (Midtown W)
Good deals for specific dates $39
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$39 - $59
through 2/24
from Playbill Club
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Details Includes 3 Complimentary Drinks! -$39 discount valid Mon 8pm, Thur 8pm Terms $39 discount valid Mon 8pm, Thur 8pm, $49 discount valid Fri 8pm, Sat 5pm. $59 discount valid Sat 8pm. Tickets regularly $79. All prices include a $2 facility fee. All sales are final - no refunds or exchanges. Offer subject to availability and prior sale. Not valid in combination with any other offers. Normal service charges apply to phone and internet orders. Performance schedule subject to change. Offer may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. Three complimentary drinks are served as part of the story, no substitutions or modifications can be made. No late seating. Disruptive or intoxicated guests may be refused alcohol service or asked to leave the theatre. |
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$39 - $59
from Theatermania
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Terms |
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$55 - $69
through 2/24
from BroadwayBox.com
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Details |
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Good discounts, but availability varies $20
and up Other sellers
Good seats, but price varies $99
and up
| Broadway.com |
$99
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Cast & Creatives (17)
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Reviews (108)
18 Critics' Reviews
"'The Imbible' is more than just drunk theater. It's educational theater at its finest...It's simultaneously entertaining and educational...As a writer, Caporale brings a plethora of passion and knowledge into his production, bringing the audience on a ride like no other. But the piece occasionally gets bogged down by being a few steps ahead of the slightly tipsy crowd. Though, those who are enthralled by that fact will certainly get what they came for." Full Review
"Written by and starting in this gem is bartender Caporale. One can sense his love of the craft from the very beginning...His history and chemistry lesson spans the centuries highlighting the ups and downs and origins of our favorite libation...Infused with barbershop quartet melodies and zippy little ditties about the subject matter, this show can't fail to entertain...If you're interested in booze and like to be served drinks during a show, take in an evening with the delightful cast." Full Review
“Filled with fun facts, a cappella songs, lots of laughs, and three complimentary thematically related drinks. And then lots more laughs…The wildly entertaining and affable Caporale leads us on a 10,000-year international journey…Equal parts smart and silly…From the drunkenness of Noah to the repeal of Prohibition, Caporale informs and charms with his comfortable direct-address style, formidable expertise, and inventive storytelling through words, imagery, and song.” Full Review
"In a zippy and informative 100 minutes or so, Caporale and Co. explain how primitive man must have stumbled across beer and how this must have made the Neolithic dance floor a sprightlier place...The quartet rework traditional melodies with larkish alcohol-related lyrics, act out skits, and somehow deliver at relevant points a shandy, a gin and tonic, and an Old Fashioned...'The Imbible' is chatty and loose, full of silly campus-comedy touches." Full Review
"'The Imbible' is a fantastic Off Broadway show which fast tracks through the ages of man, namely ten thousand years of; exploration, discovery and survival...Caporale's performance is the most dynamic history class you will take, be sure to pay attention as audience participate is encouraged, especially as you get in spirit." Full Review
"An entertaining evening...An in-depth review of the 10,000-year history of alcohol...This is the kind of audience participation I can agree to...I felt educated and nearly intoxicated as the evening progressed....Immersive theater at its finest. If you’re trying to decide 'shall we go to a show tonight, or just get a drink' no compromising needed here." Full Review
"By infusing Anthony’s knowledge of the cocktail, his charming personality, and an in-depth but also hilarious look at the history of alcohol, with music and a lighthearted, vaudevillian vibe, 'The Imbible' becomes a singularly unique, immersive theater experience that you will not want to miss. Plus: getting wasted is included in the price of the show!...Trust me that you will leave the Green Room educated, entertained, and buzzing with spirit!" Full Review
"The drinks are delicious, and the show is wildly entertaining, thus making the 'The Imbible‘s' value much higher than your average night at a city bar...There is an authenticity to Caporale and his crew that is truly genuine and makes the show even better...Great stories, tremendous entertainment, laugh-out-loud comedy, and delicious drinks, 'The Imbible' is a can’t-miss show for funseekers in NYC." Full Review
“May be just about the best deal in New York City...Captivates audiences with an engagingly immersive theatre experience...Creator and star Anthony Caporale takes over twenty years bartending experience to his role...and it’s clear from his enthralling performance and comprehensive knowledge of all things alcohol that Caporale’s insider scoop is advantageous. Multi-talented soprano, director, and co-producer Nicole DiMattei shines just as brightly as Caporale.” Full Review
"The multi-tasking performers sang the first song while handing out trays of beer to every person watching. I was honestly amazed. I have a hard time doing each of those things individually, I highly doubt I would be capable of combining them, but there they were, doing it with what appeared to be ease and enjoyment. Each performer was both entertaining and impressive...'The Imbible' was the perfect concoction of entertainment, education, and booze." Full Review
for a previous production "You gotta have a gimmick, and if that gimmick involves loosening up a crowd with a few potent potables, then so be it. In Manhattan, three drinks for an $18 ticket is fair enough. But when they come served with four-part harmonies, the scientific exploration of distillation, and an homage to Gloria Gaynor, the resulting deal is one of the best bets for a fun and fact-filled outing at this year’s New York International Fringe Festival...The show itself is a warm, light and often charming conc... Full Review
for a previous production "A factual journey of drinking throughout history. A solo show, but with backup singers. Anthony Caporale plays The Bartender in this amazing history lesson. Actually, it's more like a history class combined with a chemistry lesson that just happens to take place during music class...The tales he spins are all based in facts -- many of which I was not aware of -- and keep you yearning for more." Full Review
for a previous production "They all keep the show moving quickly and provide lots of visual interest. This show never turns into a dry lecture!...We hear a lot about Prohibition in American history, but the way it came about and then how the liquor industry came out of it afterwards was fascinating...'The Imbible' is a brisk and entertaining piece that will provide you with plenty of bar trivia, and really, who doesn't need more of that?" Full Review
for a previous production "It's innovative, quirky, entertaining—and you're served free alcohol...Caporle peppers his stories with whimsical asides and anachronistic illustrations, such as a cavewoman busting out with an umbrella when it starts to rain...Over the course of the 90-minute production, you're served three drinks that function as tangible examples of Caporle's subject matter. But with or without the alcohol, 'The Imbible' is an intoxicating pleasure." Full Review
for a previous production "Before you think that this show is nothing more than a dry lecture, I have to stress just how much fun a show 'The Imbible' is. Anthony Caporale is an excellent host, exactly the kind of raconteur that you want across from you at the bar. His stories are meandering without being vague, funny without being pithy, and full of enough references that you feel hip..I highly recommend that you take a trip down for what promises to be a most informative and entertaining evening." Full Review
for a previous production "As we travel through time with Caporale and his four talented a cappella cohorts, we are treated to song, and dance, and even liberal samplings of alcohol at different stages of development and evolution...'The Imbible' is educational and rip-roaring funny, with a talented and generous dose of song and dance, and three free drinks." Full Review
for a previous production "The show is both educational and entertaining. Mixing whimsy and information, Caporale makes the story of our relationship with alcohol remarkably compelling. And the show's lessons can be washed down with complimentary, thematically appropriate beverages...A must-see for anyone who enjoys free booze, which is probably nearly everyone." Full Review
for a previous production "Theater is best when it both entertains and educates. If you're very lucky, it also gets you a little drunk. 'The Imbible: A Spirited History of Drinking,' part of the 2014 New York Fringe Festival, succeeds on all three counts...Caporale wets your appetite (literally) with silly a capella music, wry comedy and yes, free drinks for the audience (one of the few examples in off-Broadway theater where the second act is more fun than the first)." Full Review
90 Members' Reviews
See it if you want an excuse to drink cocktails and don't want to make conversation, and like acapella singing, barbershop style.
Don't see it if you're expecting much story or music.
See it if You enjoy a lighthearted good time in a speakeasy learning interesting facts on drinking. You enjoy alcoholic beverages -they pour 3 for you
Don't see it if You don't like speakeasy experience
See it if You are interested in the history of alcohol, or just enjoy drinking.
Don't see it if You are expecting a large production. The show takes place in a literal bar. The drinks are also very weak, so don't expect to get slizzered
See it if You want a lecture of alcohol history with some quirky a cappella. Or, if u are already drunk.
Don't see it if You are know the process of making alcohol. Or, You know how to perform a search on Wikipedia for "beer", "old fashioned" and "gin&tonic"
See it if You enjoy drinking and want to see a creative musical and learn the history of drinking
Don't see it if You don't like alcohol or do not want to drink
See it if you enjoy unwinding with some good songs and good drinks
Don't see it if you are truly looking for an intensely meaningful experience
See it if you want an educational, entertaining lecture with some songs. A bit too scientific but the cast was engaging and the atmosphere pleasant.
Don't see it if you wouldn't like an inventive bar setting. Too much talking rather than singing. However nicely done overall.
Also All songs were acapella. It would have been nice if at least one actor... Read more Read less
See it if Want Fun evening out. Very cute- with even some education included. And the included drinks and popcorn ( albeit salty) did not hurt.
Don't see it if You dislike alcohol or alternatively, you are misguided and think ( wrongly) this could be a binge
See it if to learn how to produce your own liquor. Great fun evening.
Don't see it if you are on the wagon.
See it if you want to learn a little about alcohol and it's history, with a few songs and jokes thrown in from time to time.
Don't see it if you don't drink.. I would recommend having at least one or more drinks to start to get into the spirit of the show, even before it starts.
See it if you are looking for a show that is fun, unpretentious and doesn't take itself seriously. 3 genuine alcoholics drinks comes with the ticket.
Don't see it if you are a teetotaler or you must have an epic performance.
Also The people at this show were so nice! Some seats have backs, others cl... Read more Read less
See it if You want to learn about the history of alcoholic beverages in a entertaining environment and enjoy three "free" drinks
Don't see it if You want a traditional play
See it if you are up for the history behind alcoholic beverages told in a creative format. It's unique & will be fun for a group of friends to recall
Don't see it if Your trips to see shows are limited, & you' re not at all curious. If you don't like to have a nip now & then, this may not work for you!
See it if you want to learn a bit about cocktails in a fun way while drinking.
Don't see it if you don't drink alcohol.
See it if You want 3 drinks and a tub of popcorn with your evening out. Not really theater, probably more for tourists.
Don't see it if You don't like being lectured.
See it if you like comedies
Don't see it if you don't like comedies
See it if TED-talk style. Enjoyable and informative overall. Good value for three drinks. Fun and interactive singing cast members!
Don't see it if This is mainly for visitors and may not satisfy serious NY theater fans. A little slow at times, esp. when information is being dispensed.
See it if 1. Getting 3 free drinks is a good idea. 2. You're a barbershop quartet singing fan. 3. Learning about alcohol is better drinking alcohol.
Don't see it if If you do not like bars; if you need a structured show; if your date does not drink booze; if you need a stage. You do not like lectures!!!
See it if You want fun facts about the history of alcohol in a relaxed setting with 3 included drinks.
Don't see it if You want traditional theatre with a plot & character development. You're not OK with having drinks served during the show.
Also You don't select the drinks served during the show. You don't have to ... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see a fun, campy show. A talented cast cavorts around a bar making merry. Lighthearted levity brews up a great time.
Don't see it if you want serious theater or you are not interested in the history of alcohol.
See it if You'll enjoy the history of alcohol while having 3 alcoholic beverages and a big container of popcorn all included in the ticket price.
Don't see it if You don't drink alcohol.
See it if You wanna learn a couple neat things about alcohol -
Don't see it if You wanna learn those things without mostly tired jokes.
See it if You want a fun evening to drink and learn a bit about what you are drinking!
Don't see it if You don't drink alcohol or appreciate the bartending arts.
See it if You drink
Don't see it if You don't ever drink