JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL AT 701WEST
Contributor - Jack Bartholet | Head of Events & Experiences • 11/20/25
New Yorkers link John Cameron Mitchell to several influential projects. Some know him from the cult impact of Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Others know his direction of Rabbit Hole, which earned wide critical respect. Many remember his turn as Gabe on Hulu’s Shrill. Many listeners also follow his musical podcast Anthem, Homunculus, which brought together an impressive group of artists and built a loyal following.
His upcoming appearance at 701West is significant for anyone who follows his body of work or tracks singular cultural moments in New York. For two nights, 701West at The Times Square EDITION will open for a holiday pop-up experience built around Special Tony Award-winning Mitchell, his long-time artistic collaborator Amber Martin, and a curated dinner by Chef John Fraser. The setting pairs performance with dining in a format that feels rare in today’s nightlife environment.
As Head of Events and Experiences at Four Hundred, I review long lists of cultural and hospitality programming every week. You need strong filters to sort through the noise. This program stands out. It offers a complete night in one location with quality across every touchpoint.
Our team often builds nights that split between two venues. We book a pre-theater dinner in one neighborhood and a performance in another. Still, there is an advantage when a single venue offers the level of food, service, and cultural value our members expect.
Chef John Fraser supports the evening with a three-course menu that gives you strong structure and flavor. Fraser holds three stars from The New York Times and has held Michelin stars across several projects. His previous restaurants, including Dovetail and NIX, shaped important chapters in modern New York dining. The menu for these December shows draws from American brasserie traditions. Expect Wagyu beef tartare, handmade pastas, and vegetables sourced from trusted regional farmers. The approach highlights quality through technique and restraint.
The beverage program at 701West shows the same level of focus. Beverage Director and Advanced Sommelier Amy Racine builds lists with a clear point of view. You get structured martinis, wines from Long Island estates, and a set of bottles that pair well with the richness and freshness of Fraser’s food. A Champagne pour accompanies the menu, which adds to the sense of occasion.
701West itself deserves mention. The Times Square EDITION describes it as their hidden jewel, which feels accurate when you step inside. The dining room offsets the visual noise from the street with green tones, softer lines, and an indoor garden setting. New Yorkers who tend to avoid Times Square often feel surprised when they see how calm the space feels. It is quiet, refined, and comfortable.
Mitchell appears with Amber Martin, his long-time collaborator and a downtown fixture with strong vocals and sharp instincts. Martin mixes cabaret, rock, and performance elements with precision. Her recording projects include work with Jake Shears and Rufus Wainwright. Over the past year she has performed across several countries with the Scissor Sisters during the group’s twentieth anniversary tour. The band for the December shows includes Justin Craig and Sean Liljequist of The Silver Tongues, both seasoned musicians with established ties to Mitchell.
Their concerts often include Bowie material, which anchors the night with recognizable hooks and strong emotional pull. Mitchell and Martin built a devoted audience with their show Cassette Roulette, which toured widely and received rave reviews. They bring sharp humor, strong musical focus, and a high level of rapport. These shows at 701West will lean into Bowie while leaving space for stories, personal material, and the spontaneous moments they are known for.
This event falls at an ideal spot in the seasonal calendar. New York enters its holiday cycle early and soundtracks the season with the same few songs. This program gives you a break before the full wave of December music arrives. You get a night with strong vocals, strong musicianship, and material that carries weight for several generations of listeners. You also get a setting that feels more intimate than many venues that host artists of this stature.
When you combine the location, menu, talent, and ease of structure, you get a night that won’t soon forget. You can stay in the hotel, meet friends for drinks before the seating, or pair the experience with a larger holiday itinerary. Four Hundred can assist with everything.
Dates:
December 12th and 13th
Times:
Two seatings each night:
6:30 PM dinner and 7:30 PM show
9:00 PM dinner and 10:00 PM show
Pricing:
Premium: $195 plus $110 food and beverage minimum
Standard: $155 plus $110 food and beverage minimum
Bar seats: $55 with a one-drink minimum and partial view. These seats are limited.
Contributor — Jack Bartholet | Head of Events & Experiences
Jack effortlessly transitions from the entertainment industry to the world of luxury hospitality and travel, bringing a rich background of collaboration with celebrated artists and extensive personal travel experiences. When not consulting, he can be seen onstage with cabaret and theatre performances. Jack's enduring passion centers on fostering a sense of belonging for LGBTQ travelers wherever their journey takes them.
