Hildee’s Broadway Song List Draws a Crowd

Hildee Isaacs and Lisa Reich launched their melodious new concept, Gotta Sing Events —Broadway! on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the highly touted Reunion Kitchen/Bar in East Cobb. Seventy joyous and expressive attendees gathered at 7 p.m. to sing (karaoke style) their favorite Broadway show tunes in front of a screen with large lyrics. The Reunion rafters were shaking with favs from “Les Miserables,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Gypsy,” “Oklahoma,” and “Evita,” just to name a few. Some were performing chorus kicks and expressive wide arm movements, too.

The seed for Gotta Sing Events was planted after years of Isaacs noting how music brings people together, whether at a table, a party, or a charity event.

She said, “Lisa and I have both always loved Broadway and group experiences and realized there was a space between karaoke and concerts — a space where everyone could sing out loud together without fear of judgment. We thought: why not create a social event where the audience becomes the cast?”

The two met back in the 1990s when Hildee owned a restaurant, and Lisa worked for her. They clicked instantly and have been close friends for more than 25 years. Hildee is a lifelong lover of music and theater but is not formally trained. She grew up in New York and graduated from NYU’s Film School, later building a career in promotional marketing and experiential events — helping companies use creative branding and memorable moments. She also teaches mah jongg.

Lisa, who started as a performer, was formally trained in musical theatre at Boston Conservatory and Emerson College. She now lives in New York and has owned her own production company for 18 years, working in theatre and on Broadway. She brings performance experience, business insight, creative flair and professional polish. At the event, she donned a white Phantom mask, a red curly Annie wig, and anything else she could get her hands on. Hildee tossed feather boas to jazz the crowd.

After this first event at Reunion, the duo plans to partner with multiple restaurants, venues, and corporate teams, ideally on “off nights” when they want to fill their dining rooms with something special. Each event will have its own theme — Broadway Night, Girl’s Night Out, Yacht Rock, Country Classics, etc.

Reich said, “The ultimate goal is to make Gotta Sing Events a turnkey entertainment experience that can travel anywhere — a pop-up sing-along that’s part show, part party, and all heart. We’ve already received inquiries from across the U.S. and plan to expand nationally to fulfill these exciting opportunities. Beyond restaurants, we plan to offer paid flat-fee performances for memory care centers, 55-plus communities, country clubs, and corporate events. For these audiences, the sing-along becomes a shared experience that promotes joy, memory, and connection — something that can uplift and unite people of all ages.”

Singles, couples, friends, and co-workers were on hand at Reunion, though their events are especially designed for adults 40 and over. Hildee added, “We keep it light, fun, and completely judgment-free. There’s no microphone-hogging or solos; it’s all about the shared experience of singing together.”

This first November night had no entrance fee, but future tickets will range from $20 to $45 per person, depending on the venue and theme.

Reunion owner/hostess, Ilene Kapper Oxman, was on hand as many chose to order food and snacks to make it a real evening out. She relayed, “I’ve loved Broadway and musical theater since I was a little girl — the magic, the storytelling, the way a song can make you feel seen. Hosting a Broadway Night felt like the perfect way to share that joy with our community and celebrate the art form that has inspired me my whole life.”

Participant Amy Fineman Cohen said, “I’ve been singing show tunes with my mom, Judy, since I was 4 years old.”

Dorothy Carillo added, “Broadway songs represent magic and fantasy to me. My fav was “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” from, “Evita.”

Want to come to the cabaret, old friend? The next sing-along is Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at Red Light Café — 553-1 Amsterdam Ave.

For more information, please contact lisa@gottasingevents.com or hildee@gottasingevents.com,
or visit GottaSingEvents.com.