The Improvisation was founded in New York City by Broadway producer Budd Friedman. Budd hoped for a place where Broadway performers could meet after their shows in an intimate setting where performers could simply eat, drink coffee (the Improvisation did not yet have a liquor license) and, most importantly, sing. The Improvisation quickly gained attention as the gathering spot where young Broadway artists would hold sing-alongs into the wee hours. Budd has a very vivid memory of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli singing, accompanied at the piano by Peter Allen.
Our iconic brick wall started in the New York club as well, almost by accident. Budd ripped down the red wall panels and mirrorsleft by the previous tenant,a Vietnamese restaurant, and discovered a fantastic red brick wall. Since he knew nothing about dry walling (and couldn’t have afforded it anyway), he simply left the brick in place, which soon grew to be its signature.
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