Celebrating Abrons’ First 100 Years
By Chelsea Jupin
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The Abrons Arts Center celebrated the 100th anniversary of its Playhouse with a Centennial Birthday Bash on February 12th that was the talk of the neighborhood and arts community.
The party – held exactly 100 years after the Playhouse first opened its doors – began with a performance of the Playhouse’s current smash-hit, The Civilians’ Pretty Filthy. After the final curtain call, legendary downtown performance artist Penny Arcade, who was the evening’s hostess, gave a stirring speech about Henry Street and Abrons Arts Center’s rich history. “There are not many institutions that have maintained the integrity and purpose of their founder’s vision for over 100 years as Henry Street Settlement has!” she said.
Penny Arcade, joined onstage performance artist Jack Ferver, led a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” before leading the audience to the Experimental Theater and gallery space for the Centennial Birthday Bash. The party featured music from Jonathan E. Jacobs aka The Vintage DJ, and performances by Jack Ferver, Basil Twist and Erin Markey.
