The Zipper Factory Theater, located in midtown Manhattan, is a renovated Factory with a unique and intimate feel. The audience seating is comprised of recycled car and theater seats, holding at capacity 240, and that is just the beginning of the unique personality of the space. The Zipper presents an eclectic lineup of theatrical events, music, cabaret, comedy, variety and burlesque. Since opening in 2001, the theater has become known as one of the city's preeminent entertainment destinations and a desired venue for the city's most gifted artists, both renowned and up-and-coming. Past engagements include Margaret Cho's The Sensuous Woman; Bebe Neuwirth in Here Lies Jenny; Alan Cumming in Elle; Lypsinka in The Passion of the Crawford; BETTY in BETTY Rules; and Henry Rollins in Caught in the Zipper. The comedians who have graced The Zipper's stage include Joy Behar, Sarah Silverman in Jesus is Magic, Barry Humphries, Judy Gold, Lewis Black, Murray Hill, and Dean Obeidallah. Past music acts include The Last Town Chorus, Jay Brannan, Antony and the Johnsons, Scott Matthew, Marshall Crenshaw, Old Spring Pike, GrooveLily, Zen For Primates, Ute Lemper, Audra McDonald, Idina Menzel, Sherie Rene Scott, Euan Morton, Tom Wopat and Michael Cerveris, as well as the Scissor Sisters, who filmed their controversial Filthy/Gorgeous music video at The Zipper (directed by John Cameron Mitchell). Upcoming artists include Nellie McKay, Creation Nation, Megan Mullally and Supreme Music Program, The Main Squeeze Orchestra and a workshop-in-residence with Magnetic Fields.

The Zipper Factory Tavern, recently added to the complex, is directly accessible to/from the theatre space. Inspired by London’s growing trend of mixing pub culture with playhouse art, The Zipper opened its tavern in April 2007. The tavern’s kitchen is run by renowned chef Larry Kolar (Bolivar, Sign of the Dove, Camino Sur). The tavern features a seasonal menu with an eclectic lineup, serving haute cuisine to comfort food with a dramatic flair. The factory’s bars feature seasonal specialty cocktails, beers, whiskeys and a new Quarters menu (and, as always, drinks are allowed into the theater). The Zipper Factory Tavern and lounge is open for lunch, and from happy hour to pre-theater, through theater and into late night.

Check Out: The Scissor Sister's Filthy Gorgeous video shot at The Zipper Factory (dir: John Cameron Mitchell)