Brie Austin

Copacabana Reopens In Grand Style

Harriet Wright, John Julliano, Paula Lamont

New York City was electric tonight with the rebirth of the legendary Copacabana Nightclub at it’s new location on the corner of 34th Street and 11th Ave.

The original club founded by Monte Prosner, in 1940, was referred to as the “Great American Nightclub.”

The new club, owned and operated by John Juliano and Peter Dorn, boasts 50,000 square feet on three levels – with a disco and lounge downstairs, the main ballroom — complete with a stage for any occasion on the main level — and a private party and VIP room on the third level.

The invitation only grand opening hosted 3,000 people including dignitaries and the press. The new Copa girls got the opportunity to meet and talk with Harriet Wright, who was a Copa girl in the original 1940 chorus line, and Paula LaMont who was part of the 1960’s line. When the moment came for the new Copa girls to show their stuff, they sizzled and the crowd went wild.

As the band then played the dance floor filled up with couples strutting their stuff to the Latin beat. The energy level is high, and

Toni Senecal of WB-11 interviews Harriet, a Copa chorusline dancer from 1940

this new venue should draw steady crowds.

The new club brings back an era of people getting dressed up for a night on the town.

The cover is $20 on Friday and Saturday nights and $10 on Tuesday nights. Men have to be 25 and girls 23 to get in, and don’t even think about jeans, sneakers or t-shirts. This club has style, so wear your coolest suit, and girls put on those sexy disco dresses and step out to be seen. Call ahead for changes.

About Brie Austin

Co-author of I'd Do It Again, he is a columnist/reporter for a variety of magazines in the areas of music, lifestyle, nightlife, travel and business. He also writes business documents and creates copy for websites.