The Twenty-Sided Tavern is an off-Broadway production that brings Dungeons & Dragons, improvisation, and lots of laughs to audiences. We were lucky enough to attend the show, and the experience was one not soon to be forgotten.
The Twenty-Sided Tavern
At The Twenty-Sided Tavern, the audience is not just a viewer but the fourth player. Throughout gameplay, the audience influences key decisions via Gamiotics, a browser-based software that allows you to vote on where the story will go. Some options available to the audience include what characters appear, what experiences they explore, and much more. With a cast of five actors and over 30 playable characters, audiences will experience an expansive fantasy world set in the Forgotten Realms, and face riddles, puzzles, combat, and more, to help shape the story. Laughter flows like ale and with the audience in full control and exciting reveals around every corner, no two shows are alike!
For those seeking a more daring experience, there are opportunities to join the action onstage and test your strength (or dexterity, or wisdom, or charisma) through a variety of rollicking games, including trivia, charades, and the ever-popular Fantasy Beer Pong.
Excitingly, the team at Twenty-Sided Tavern just announced that Felicia Day, Erika Ishii, and Aabria Iyengar will be joining the cast for a limited time each.
Jenna’s Experience and Review
I was born and raised on Long Island; only 60 miles from Manhattan. I have grown up with the privilege of attending multiple Broadway shows over the years. Though I have seen countless Broadway musicals, The Twenty-Sided Tavern was by far the best experience I’ve ever had at a show. I hesitate to call Twenty-Sided Tavern a “play” because it is so much more than that: it is an immersive experience.
The Atmosphere
Walking into the street level lobby sets the tone immediately. A huge tapestry of a fantasy world sprawls along the full length of a wall. Banners reminiscent of Game of Thrones adorn the rafters. But when you make your way upstairs to the main lobby, it is all the more magical. A giant Mimic sits with piles of D20s in its mouth for guests to take as keepsakes. There is a bench with a massive D20 that serves as a great photo-op for groups. The bar serves special drinks that are themed to the show and quite delicious!
The Players
On the night of our particular show, the cast included Diego F. Salinas (Trickster), RJ Christian (Warrior), Madelyn Murphy (Mage), Connor Marx (Dungeon Master), and Alex Stompoly (Tavern Keeper). When we recieved our Playbills, each contained a different sticker that aligned with one of the classes (Mage, Warrior, or Trickster). That alignment determined which audience members voted on which activities and decision for their corresponding represented character. The audience also had the power to choose which race the Warrior, Trickster, or Mage would play.
The first thing the Dungeon Master clarified was that the audience members did not need any prior knowledge of D&D. He proceeded to give a very simplistic and understandable breakdown basic rules that everyone could easily follow along with.
The players were stellar and quick witted, while Dungeon Master had me in stitches. But even more amusing was the Tavern Master, played by Alex Stompoly. His quips were perfectly timed and out-of-pocket in the best of ways. The Tavern Master is also oftentimes played by Sarah Davis Reynolds, who is the game designer for the entire production. Sarah’s visionary talent managed to bring the popular TTRPG game to life before our very eyes.
I found myself not wanting the show to end. When it did, the first thing I thought was “when can I go see this again?” Whether you’re an experienced D&D player or know absolutely nothing about the game, you will surely have the time of your life at the Twenty-Sided Tavern.
Where to Find More Information About The Twenty-Sided Tavern
You can follow The Twenty sided tavern on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. You can also join their Discord server. Tickets are avaible on their website, where you will find a unique twist on choosing your seats.
The Twenty-Sided Tavern is now playing at Stage 42 in Manhattan and will soon begin a national tour. Sign up for their newsletter for updates.
