Show Tunes at Marie's Crisis

Marie's Crisis is a basement piano bar at 59 Grove Street, on the site where Thomas Paine, author of The American Crisis, died. The bar has been a refuge for the gay community since long before that was accepted, and today it is the city's most famous show-tune sing-along. There are no microphones. A pianist plays from the standard Broadway songbook and the whole room sings, with Broadway performers and fans side by side, often in harmony.

No reservations, no cover; you walk in, find a spot, and tip the pianist, especially if you want to request a song. Cash is the easy way to pay. Early evenings are calmer and good for people who want to listen first; later, and especially after Broadway curtains come down, it gets loud and packed. Know at least the chorus of a few big numbers, and do not try to outsing the room.