A night like this moves fast. You get the classic Italian variety-show feel of the 1960s, rebuilt on stage with 9 performers and Vera Dragone’s Una Come Me, plus a real dinner before the curtain.

I especially love how the show borrows the look and sound of famous TV ensemble numbers, with a live band and a dance troupe. I also like the value angle: your ticket includes table and dinner, so you’re not scrambling for food while the music starts.

One thing to consider: beverages aren’t included. If you want wine or cocktails, you’ll likely pay extra, and one note I took from the experience is that the set-menu dinner quality can be a bit uneven.

Key things to know before you go

• Una Come Me by Vera Dragone: a 1960s Italian TV variety-show homage built around ensemble performances
• 9 artists on stage: live band, singer, and dancers, plus burlesque that frames the finale
• Dinner at a set seating setup: table and dinner are included, with dinner starting from 8:30 PM
• Original cocktails menu: you can order drinks separately since beverages aren’t included
• Small group limit of 10: you’ll feel less lost than in a huge auditorium
• Showtime range: plan around the show starting between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM

A 1960s Italian TV-style show, rebuilt around Vera Dragone

Una Come Me is not a quiet dinner concert. It’s theater with timing, spectacle, and a strong sense of what the Italian TV variety circuit used to feel like—especially the kind of ensemble numbers that made names like Raffaella Carrà, Milva, Ornella Vanoni, Mina, Jula De Palma, and even Lelio Luttazzi part of the cultural soundtrack.

Vera Dragone’s concept centers on the idea that the best variety shows were never just about one singer. They were about group energy: synchronized choreography, big musical arrangements, and a stage that feels like it has its own rhythm. Here, you get that through 9 performers—dancers, a singer, and a live band—with a finale shaped by burlesque.

That burlesque element is worth understanding in plain terms. It’s described as sensual and elegant, arriving as the show leans into mystery and seduction. If you’re the type who likes entertainment that knows it’s entertainment, you’ll probably enjoy it. If you’re hoping for a straightforward classical concert tone, this isn’t that.

Timing in Lazio: entry from 8:00, dinner from 8:30, show between 9:30 and 10

This experience is easy to plan if you follow the clock they give you.

• The club allows entry starting at 8:00 PM.
• Dinner can be served from 8:30 PM.
• The show always begins somewhere between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

So your evening likely works like this: you arrive early enough to settle in, you eat while the room warms up, then you shift your attention fully to the stage. With a listed duration of about 2 hours, I’d treat the total visit as a compact night out where dinner isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the pacing.

Practical tip: since the show start time has a window, don’t plan tight connections after the performance. Build in a buffer so you don’t feel rushed while people are still finishing the final numbers and any post-show flow.

Dinner and table service: what’s included in your ticket

Here’s the simple win: your ticket includes table and dinner. That means you can show up and count on having food without paying separate cover charges for seating.

The dinner is described as traditional Mediterranean dishes. That matters because it fits the vibe of the night: this isn’t a rushed snack; it’s meant to be part of the evening’s atmosphere. Also, the setting is positioned as refined, and at least one strongly positive note mentions a refined environment and attentive service.

Now the honest caution. One note from a lower rating highlights that the set-menu dinner quality could be improved. I’d take that as a reminder that a fixed set menu is still a set menu. It can be perfectly fine, but it may not satisfy people who are picky about food quality or variety.

Cocktails and drinks: what you can add, and what costs extra

Beverages are not included. That means if you want a drink with dinner, you’ll need to pay separately.

The good news: the venue provides a list of original cocktails made by their bartenders. So even though drinks cost extra, you’ll likely have some creative options rather than only basic choices.

If you’re budgeting, I’d decide early whether you want one drink or two. Variety-show nights are fun, but drink math adds up fast once the show ramps into a lively mood.

The show itself: live band, dancers, and burlesque finale

The backbone of the evening is the live performance structure: live band plus a dance troupe, with singing and ensemble numbers pulling from that 1960s TV variety style.

You should expect a mix of:

• staged ensemble energy, not just one-person performance
• choreography-led moments that echo the big group performances associated with that era
• a live band that drives the tempo instead of prerecorded tracks
• a burlesque framing device that comes in near the end to add sensuality and theater

The “framing the final picture” line is key. It suggests the burlesque isn’t the whole show; it’s part of the crescendo, used to send the night out with an extra layer of drama. One of the more enthusiastic notes also credits the hostess and artistic staff for making the 60s music land in a way that felt personal and engaging.

Also, because this show repurposes the setting and sounds of old-school Italian TV variety, it’s not trying to be historically museum-quiet. It’s meant to recreate the feeling—sometimes playful, sometimes elegant, sometimes dramatic.

The small-group advantage: why a 10-person limit matters

Most “dinner and show” experiences can feel like you’re stuck in a crowd. This one is different on paper: it’s limited to 10 participants.

That smaller size tends to change the vibe in three ways:

1. You’re more likely to feel involved in the room rather than anonymous.
2. Service and attention can be more responsive.
3. Seating and table flow can feel more intentional.

If you hate fighting for a good sightline or prefer a more controlled atmosphere, this is a strong match. If you love big-group, chaotic night energy, you might find this more intimate than you expected—but that’s usually what makes it feel special.

Who should book Una Come Me, and who might not enjoy it

This is best for people who want an entertaining night out in Italy that’s built around performance—not just background music.

You’ll probably enjoy it if:

• you like 1960s Italian pop culture references and ensemble variety-show style
• you want a live band night with dance and a confident stage presentation
• you’re open to burlesque as part of the show’s finale tone
• you want dinner included, with table seating and a compact schedule

You might skip it if:

• you prefer a strictly family-friendly, low-seduction entertainment format
• you’re hoping for a ticket that includes drinks
• you’re very food-fussy about set-menu dinners and don’t want any variability

And if you just want an easy plan for an evening in Lazio—arrive early, eat, then watch something theatrical—this fits that goal neatly.

Value check: is $54.38 worth it?

At $54.38 per person, the value comes from what’s included: table and dinner. Since beverages aren’t included, you have a lever to manage your budget. If you keep drinks simple, the ticket feels like a straightforward deal for a full evening experience.

Also, the show is built on multiple live elements—live band, dancers, singer, and burlesque—which means you’re paying for more than one category of entertainment. The small group size (limited to 10) adds extra comfort value, even if you never think about it until you’re seated.

My practical rule: if you like the concept, don’t treat this as a substitute for a sit-down upscale restaurant. Treat it as a night show with dinner built in. If you compare it to a generic concert ticket with no food, it looks much better on paper.

Practical tips for a smooth night at Ellington Club

• Plan to arrive before 8:00 PM entry if you can, or at least be ready right at opening time so dinner runs without stress.
• Give yourself time to settle before dinner service begins at 8:30 PM.
• Expect the show to begin between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM, not at an exact minute.
• The host or greeter speaks Italian and English, which helps if you want quick answers about what happens next.
• The venue is wheelchair accessible, which is useful to know ahead of time.
• If you’re planning around cancellation risk, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep your schedule flexible.

Should you book Italian Song Night with Una Come Me?

I’d book it if you want a fun, theatrical evening that feels Italian in presentation, with dinner included and a live variety-show format. The strongest draw is the combination of Vera Dragone’s 1960s TV-style concept, a live band and dancers, and that burlesque finale touch—plus the fact that you’re in a small group instead of a faceless crowd.

I would hesitate only if you’re drink-dependent for your budget or you’re highly sensitive to set-menu dinner quality. In that case, consider limiting add-ons like cocktails and go in expecting a fixed dinner rather than a restaurant menu.

If your goal is a memorable night out in Lazio that mixes music, theater, and a little glamour, this is a solid choice.

FAQ

Where is Italian Song Night with Una Come Me held?

It takes place in Lazio, Italy.

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $54.38 per person.

How long is the show?

The duration is listed as 2 hours.

What time does the show start?

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

When can I enter the club and when is dinner served?

You can enter from 8:00 PM onwards. Dinner can be served starting from 8:30 PM.

Is dinner included in the ticket price?

Yes. The ticket includes table and dinner.

Are beverages included?

No. Beverages are not included.

How big is the group?

It’s a small group, limited to 10 participants.

Is it wheelchair accessible, and what languages are used?

Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible. The host or greeter is available in Italian and English.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.