Candace Bushnell, author and creator of the iconic, Sex And The City returned to Café Carlyle to perform her one-woman show titled, True Tales of Sex, Success and SEX AND THE CITY, April 23 – 27.  KDHampton’s NYC contributor Brittany Eger attended to see the real life Carrie Bradshaw helm the stage.

Guests were sitting pretty at Café Carlyle eagerly awaiting Bushnell to appear for the show’s opening night while sipping on martini’s and enjoying a special 3 course dinner.

As the international best-seller of ten books entered the room, her infectious energy filled the air as she blew kisses to the audience and stepped under the spotlight in a feather-y purple frock. Bushnell began by taking us back in time to the start of her career when she had twenty dollars in her pocket and a suitcase in her hand with a dream to become a writer.

She continued by telling the tales of her (very blurry) adventures at Studio 54, her friendships with her own versions of Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda and of course the various boyfriends, one-night stands and husbands that gave her plenty of pages to write about.

From setting the record straight on what parts of the show were actually based off her real-life experiences to revealing the inspiration behind many of the most controversial storylines– Bushnell answered all the hard-hitting questions. Just as the words in her books, Bushnell captivated the audience with her refreshing candor, witty humor and sex talk.

In addition to Sex and The City, Bushnell’s portfolio of book titles includes, Is There Still Sex in the City, Summer and the City, The Carrie Diaries, One Fifth Avenue, Lipstick Jungle, Trading Up, Killing Monica and Four Blondes. Her book Sex and the City was the basis for the HBO hit series and two subsequent blockbuster movies.

Bushnell’s work has influenced and defined more than two generations of women empowering them to challenge out-dated gender stereotypes. Through her writing, she has helped shape a new narrative for women in today’s society inviting them to create a purposeful life that doesn’t center around a husband and to celebrate their independence, wants, dreams and desires– whatever they may look like.

For fans of the show perhaps one of her most moving quotes of the night was, “At some point, I realized I didn’t want to be with Mr. Big, I wanted to be Mr. Big.”

Café Carlyle is located in The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel (35 East 76th Street, at Madison Avenue).

For more information and updates on these exciting events, follow Café Carlyle on Instagram @cafecarlyle.

Continue reading for a list of upcoming shows at Café Carlyle and ticket information:

John Lloyd Young

Shows will be held Tuesday, May 14, Wednesday, May 15, Thursday, May 16, Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18,Tickets are available online via Tock—General Seating $125 per person / Premium Seating $175 / Bar Seating $100.

Bettye LaVette

Shows will be held Tuesday, May 21, Wednesday, May 22, and Thursday, May 23.Tickets are available online via Tock—General Seating $120 per person / Premium Seating $170/ Bar Seating $95

John Brancy & Peter Dugan

Shows will be held on Friday, May 24th and Saturday, May 25th. Tickets are available online via Tock — General Seating $95 per person / Premium Seating $145/ Bar Seating $70

Ethan Slater

Shows will be held Tuesday, May 28, Wednesday, May 29, Thursday, May 30, Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1. Tickets are available online via Tock—General Seating $140 per person / Premium Seating $190/ Bar Seating $100

Earl Rose & Friends

Café Carlyle is proud to announce the return of Earl Rose & Friends for a special one-afternoon-only residency on Sunday, June 9, 2024. The highly anticipated performance promises an unforgettable experience of music and entertainment, featuring the remarkable talents of Amanda Forsyth, with a special cameo appearance by Pinchas Zukerman. Danny Zeilbor will be featured on piano. Tickets are available online via Tock and are $85 per person.

– by, Brittany Eger