Want a 60s Italian TV night? This Italian Song Night at Ellington Club feels like you walked into a 1960s variety show, with a live band up front, dancers onstage, and a touch of burlesque drama that keeps the pace moving. I also like that dinner is built in—traditional Mediterranean dishes served right before the curtain. The one thing to plan around: beverages are not included, and the dinner is a set menu, which isn’t equally loved by everyone.

If you’re into Italian pop culture history—Milleluci-era ensemble numbers, big singing moments, and theatrical stage energy—this is the kind of evening that makes you sit up. It’s also a small-group show (limited to 10), so the vibe stays intimate rather than hectic. Just know the format is entertainment-first, and the meal is part of the rhythm, not the main event.

Key highlights to watch for

• A Vera Dragone show concept built on 1960s TV variety vibes
• 9 performers onstage combining singing, dancing, and live band energy
• Dinner included (traditional Mediterranean dishes) with table seating
• Burlesque touches that add old-school glamour and suspense
• Cocktail menu available during dinner, but drinks aren’t included in the ticket

A 1960s TV variety show mood, tuned for one great night

The show takes its title from a famous Lelio Luttazzi song—Una Come Me—and uses that as the launching pad for a stage world inspired by the Italian TV variety hits of the 1960s. Think ensemble numbers, tight group choreography, and that specific brand of fun that feels more like theater than a standard concert.

I like that the concept is clear. This isn’t trying to do subtle, minimalist storytelling. Instead, it leans into classic Italian entertainment: singing and dancing first, live music driving the scene, and burlesque as the last ingredient—sensual, theatrical, and designed to land the final impression like a stage finale.

If you’re hoping for a quiet dinner-and-background-music evening, you may find it more “full show” than “soft lounge.” But if you want a night out that feels theatrical, this hits.

Ellington Club timing: dinner first, show starts late

Everything is scheduled so you’re not stuck waiting around all evening. You can enter starting at 8:00 PM, and dinner can be served from 8:30 PM onward. Then the show starts between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

Why that matters: it gives you time to settle in, get your table, and start the night with food rather than arriving just as the lights go down. It also keeps the evening from feeling rushed. You’re basically getting a full “Italian night out” block: arrive → eat → performance.

Practical tip: since the start time is always somewhere between 9:30 and 10:00, I’d plan to be comfortable sitting and chatting between dinner and the show. If you’re the type who hates waiting, you can still make it easy by grabbing your drink from the cocktail list during dinner (again, beverages aren’t included) and then just letting the atmosphere build.

Inside the show: 9 performers, live band, dance troupe, and burlesque

The heart of the experience is performance. The show features 9 artists onstage, with a live band and a dance troupe, plus singers and performers who rotate through the evening’s big moments.

The repertoire is inspired by classic ensemble-style numbers. You get the idea without needing to memorize a history lesson. The music cues and staging nod to memorable voices and performers from that era—Raffaella Carrà, Milva, Ornella Vanoni, Mina, Jula De Palma, and more—plus references that connect to Lelio Luttazzi himself. Even if you don’t know every name, you’ll recognize the style: strong vocals, rhythmic group sections, and dance that’s meant for a television-era stage.

Then comes the burlesque layer. It’s not random. It’s framed as part of the final picture—seductive, elegant, and intentionally mysterious, like the show is turning up the drama right when you think it’s already reached its peak. For me, that’s one of the reasons the night feels different from a typical tribute concert: the ending lands as a “scene,” not just a last song.

One possible consideration: the entertainment level is the big priority, and the dinner is a supporting act. One past review felt the set menu quality could be improved. So if your idea of value is mainly a gourmet dining experience, adjust your expectations. If your idea of value is a fun, well-staged show night, you’re in the right place.

Dinner at your table: traditional Mediterranean, set format

Dinner is included with your ticket, and it’s served before the performance (from 8:30 PM onward). That means you can eat without scrambling for a restaurant reservation after you buy a ticket.

What you’ll get is traditional Mediterranean dishes, served as a set menu. The set format has pros and cons. The pro is simple: you don’t have to decide or hunt for something that matches a show schedule. The con is that you don’t get to customize. One review noted that the set menu quality could be improved, so while dinner is definitely part of the experience, it may not impress everyone equally.

Still, I appreciate the structure. For a late-start show, including dinner is a real convenience. You’re paying for an evening package, not just tickets to sit in a room until dessert.

Also, drinks are not included. That’s worth remembering because it can change the total cost of the night. During dinner, you can use the time to explore the original cocktail list created by the bartenders, but you’ll want to budget for those on top of the ticket price.

Cocktails and the pre-show “warm-up” vibe

While dinner is included, beverages aren’t. That keeps the ticket price more predictable—but it also means you control your bar bill. The bar team prepares an original cocktail list, which is a nice touch if you want the night to feel like more than just a meal plus a show.

If you’re drink-inclined, this is where I’d spend a little time. Have one cocktail during dinner, then settle into the show. If you’re not a cocktail person, you can still keep it simple: water during dinner, and leave the rest of your spending for the experience itself.

Value check: $54.38 for table + dinner, then budget for drinks

At $54.38 per person, you’re buying an experience that includes both table seating and dinner. In practical terms, that can be a strong value if you’d otherwise pay separately for a dinner reservation and then a ticket to entertainment.

Where the math can shift: beverages aren’t included. So your final night cost depends on how much you drink. If you treat cocktails as a once-per-evening thing, you’ll likely stay close to the ticket price. If you plan a full bar night, the extras can add up.

The other value factor is the room size. This is a small group—limited to 10 participants. A tighter group usually means less chaotic energy and more of that “planned evening” feeling. You’re not sharing the night with a huge crowd where you constantly lose track of what’s happening.

Bottom line: I see this as good value if you want a show-night package. If you want a high-end meal as the main priority, you might want to compare expectations with what a set menu can realistically deliver.

Who should book this (and who might prefer something else)

This fits best if you:

• like Italian pop and variety-show style performances
• enjoy live band energy and choreographed dance sections
• want a dinner-included evening that starts early enough to feel civilized
• don’t mind theatrical burlesque as part of the show’s atmosphere
• enjoy small groups and a more intimate setting

You might think twice if you:

• mainly want a serious concert with minimal stage spectacle
• care most about gourmet dining quality and customization
• hate the idea of paying extra for drinks (since beverages aren’t included)

If you fall in the first group, this is the kind of night that gives you a story you’ll remember: late evenings, 60s-style performance, and a stage full of energy that’s meant to be experienced live.

Practical tips to make your night easier

• Wear something comfortable for a night out. You’ll be sitting for dinner and then watching a full performance, so choose clothing you can move in a bit.
• Arrive early enough to settle. Entry starts at 8:00 PM, and dinner begins 8:30 PM. Even if your show starts later, getting comfortable helps.
• Don’t plan a tight schedule after. The show starts between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM, and it’s a 2-hour experience. Build in a buffer for the end of the evening and getting out smoothly.
• If you want cocktails, decide when. Since drinks aren’t included, pick whether you’ll do one special drink or keep it minimal.
• Bring an open mind about burlesque. It’s presented as part of the final atmosphere—sensual and theatrical—so it’s designed to be noticed.

Is it worth booking? My take

I’d book this if you want an evening that feels like classic Italian TV glamour in a live room, with the convenience of dinner included. The best parts—based on the strongest signals from the experience itself—are the warm welcome and attentive environment, the hostess-led hosting style, and the way the show commits to 60s music and staged entertainment.

The main “watch-outs” are simple: drinks cost extra, dinner is a set menu, and the show is entertainment-forward. If you go in expecting a restaurant-first experience, you might leave a little lukewarm. If you go in expecting a fun, theatrical night built around live performance, you’ll probably have a great time.

FAQ

FAQ

Where is Italian Song Night with Una Come Me held?

It takes place in Lazio, Italy.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $54.38 per person.

How long is the experience?

The experience lasts 2 hours (check availability for starting times).

What time can I enter the club?

Entry to the club is allowed from 8:00 PM onward.

When does the show start?

The show starts at a time between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

When is dinner served?

Dinner can be served from 8:30 PM onward.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes table seating and dinner.

Are beverages included?

No. Beverages are not included.

Is this a small group experience?

Yes. It’s limited to 10 participants.

Is it wheelchair accessible, and what’s the cancellation policy?

The activity is wheelchair accessible, and it offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.