THE CUTTING ROOM, NYC
Gaslight Café: The John Mitchell Story
A thrilling theatrical experience transports you to the beatnik 60’s where musical icons & poets Bob Dylan, Dave Van Ronk, Jack Kerouac & more got their start.
Our Premier Performance at The Cutting Room in New York City, NY
Master of Ceremonies Terri Thal
We are honored to announce that Greenwich Village Icon, Terri Thal was our Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Don’t miss the opportunity to read all about this Village legend by reading her new book “My Greenwich Village, Dave, Bob, and Me.”
Testimonial: “Gaslight Café, The John Mitchell Story is a wonderful portrayal of the home of Folk music in Greenwich Village in the 1960’s.”
Beautiful & Unforgettable Times
Bob Dylan
John Mitchell
Carolyn and Maria
Anthony, John, and Gino
Dave Van Ronk
Mitch Blank et al
The Cutting Room
The Cutting Room 2
The Cutting Room Bar
Terri Thal and Ross Wylde
Terri Thal
Cast with John Mitchell
Julia Mitchell as Angel
Len Chandler
John and Isabella
The Cutting Room 3
Lynda Schneider Exec Producer
TESTIMONIALS
Cathy Chesley
“Gaslight Cafe: The John Mitchell Story is a creatively staged musical drama inspired by the artistic and cultural expression endemic to New York City’s Greenwich Village in the 1960’s. The piece follows the struggle of the Gaslight Cafe owner, John Mitchell, in his attempts to keep the Gaslight’s doors open while being hounded by mafia thugs and corrupt city code enforcers. Mitchell’s commitment to the “kids” and their message of the times, attracted iconic America poets, musicians and performance artists of the beat-folk era. With a music direction by six-time Grammy winner Jimmy Hoyson, and a cast of talented actors and vocalists representing Jack Kerouac, Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Johnny Cash, Pete Seeger, Peter, Paul and Mary, Len Chandler, Mama Cass Eliot, Maria Muldaur and Dave Van Ronk, the play uplifts the audience with the music and message of a time of broad cultural and social upheaval nationwide during the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Liberation, Gay Rights Advocacy, and the Viet Nam War. Executive Producer, Lynda Schneider has been with this production since its inception and has involved the Granddaughter of John Mitchell, Julia Mitchell-Conley as both an actor and a Producer. Gaslight Cafe: the John Mitchell Story captures an important piece of American artistic and historical heritage which, beyond it’s New York debut in 2024, deserves the attention of the nation.”
Cathy Chesley, J.D., Ed.D., Human Rights Advocate; Presenter, The Algorithms of Creative Genius: Bob Dylan, 2023 World of Bob Dylan Conference, Tulsa OK
Steve Walter
Owner, The Cutting Room
“The show is too good not to do it again at The Cutting Room. It is one of my favorite shows”.
Mark Godfrey
President - Parker Madison Brand Studio
The rich history of Greenwich Village’s folk music revival in the early 1960s came alive at The Cutting Room in Gaslight Café: The John Mitchell Story. This musical masterfully wove the story of the legendary venue, a cornerstone of the vibrant folk scene, with the music and voices of the era that defined it.
Through dramatically acted scenes and electrifying performances, the cast embodied icons like Dave Van Ronk, Bob Dylan, Len Chandler, and Etta James, delivering a full-throated homage to a pivotal cultural moment. Unlike the cinematic glimpse offered by the hit movie A Complete Unknown, this live production provided an immersive experience. Each musical number captured the raw energy and soulful artistry of the era, paying tribute to the folk tradition’s enduring power and influence.
With meticulous attention to detail, the production’s sound, staging, and atmosphere transported the audience back to the Gaslight Café’s intimate, groundbreaking performances. Under the creative vision of Lynda Schneider, the show celebrated the venue’s historical and cultural significance while serving up damn good music that resonated deeply with the packed house.
With notable attendees like Terri Thal and Mitch Blank, this unforgettable evening underscored the timeless allure of folk music, proving its resonance for new generations.
