Cabaret Theater Reviews

Review: REEVE CARNEY SINGS THE BEATLES Is a Knockout at Green Room 42
by Rob Lester - May 22, 2024

The versatile singer/songwriter/musician/actor Reeve Carney (Hadestown) took on The Beatles last week at the Green Room 42. The May 13th show was a rocking sensation....

Review: Betty Buckley Enchants at Joe's Pub
by Nathan Johnson - May 20, 2024

From the first notes of 'It's a Lovely Day Today,' Betty Buckley's iconic voice resonated through the intimate venue. It was the perfect start to an evening that blended new songs and beloved classics. It truly was a collage of perfection. Buckley is unparalleled when it comes to song interpretation...

Review: LOVE IS NEVER GONE Spotlights Marvin Hamlisch at Green Room 42
by Rob Lester - May 20, 2024

MARVIN HAMLISCH: LOVE IS NEVER GONE recalls the ups and downs and talents of the late man of music in advance of his 80th birthday in June. The much-admired composer and conductor's life story gets the musical biography jukebox treatment. The May 10th show shone a warm spotlight on Hamlisch, best kn...

Review: Kelly Brandeburg's MY FAVORITE BARBRA at Green Room 42 Is Epic
by Analisa Bell - May 22, 2024

The California-based singer has performed this show for a decade now. It has been seen by over 5,000 audience members across the country – and it’s not hard to see why it’s garnered such a following. This was the first time she’s performed it in New York, and hopefully not the last!...

Review: Gillian Bell Proves She's In Her Prime at Green Room 42
by Analisa Bell - May 21, 2024

Singer Gillian Bell entered Green Room 42 in a sparkly pantsuit to wild applause last Thursday evening, May 16, showcasing her big, brassy belt!...

Review: Sally Mayes Knows How To Tell A Story in NOW & THEN: THE STORIES at Green Room 42
by Analisa Bell - May 21, 2024

On Thursday, May 16, this reviewer attended the next installment in the series, “Now & Then: The Stories,” and was blown away by Mayes’ storytelling prowess....

Review: Jane Monheit & Band Bring Smokin' Hot Music to Smoke Jazz & Supper Club
by Rob Lester - May 17, 2024

You have until Sunday May 19th to make your way to catch jazz delight Jane Monheit sing with her small but very mighty band at Smoke Jazz & Supper Club. Monheit's singing is heavenly....

Review: 54 Below Brings Powerhouse Pop to the Stage
by Sharon Ellman - May 16, 2024

This reviewer says “Bravo” and looking forward to more Pop Sings 54 gala shows! The May 15th show benefitted a very good cause, namely to aid Experience Camps, the national non-profit that helps grieving children who have lost a parent, guardian or sibling, to enjoy a full life. The audience was tre...

Review: J2 Spotlight's BACK TO BEFORE at AMT Theater Is Spot-On
by Rob Lester - May 15, 2024

A cabaret night called Back To Before looked back at the numerous scores of Ahrens and Flaherty. Material from Seussical, Anastasia, Ragtime, The Glorious Ones, and more sounded glorious at the May 7th show....

Review: Linda Kahn's Splendid WAIT TILL YOU SEE WHAT'S NEXT CD Release Show at Don't Tell Mama
by Analisa Bell - May 13, 2024

There were so many beautiful songs and arrangements, that you’ll simply have to acquire the album or stream it (on Spotify and Apple Music) for yourself to hear the magic that is Linda Kahn!...

Review: Celia Berk's A DREAM AND A SONG at The Laurie Beechman Theatre is a triumph!
by Nathan Johnson - May 14, 2024

Sullivan's work is tailor-made for an instrument as pure and nuanced as Berk’s voice. The May 12th show was phenomenal....

Review: ONE OF THE GIRLS Is a Springtime Sensation at Chelsea Table + Stage
by Rob Lester - May 13, 2024

Chelsea Table + Stage continued its 'Box Set' of shows by Klea Blackhurs. With the May installment, she finds joy and pow with Jerry Herman's show tunes. Jerry Herman's lively life-affirming songs are a perfect fit for Blackhurst....

Review: Jason Robert Brown Hits the High Notes at The 92nd Street Y, New York
by Sharon Ellman - May 12, 2024

The musical genius that is composer / lyricist Jason Robert Brown took center stage for his one night only performance of An Evening with Jason Robert Brown, part of the Lyrics & Lyricists event at The 92nd Street Y, New York on May 9, 2024. This reviewer was overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring compila...

Review: BENEFIT FOR HAMPTONS SUMMER SONGBOOK BY THE SEA at Triad Theater
by Rebecca Kaplan - May 13, 2024

On Tuesday May 7th at 6 pm, Donna Rubin and Josh Gladstone presented a sampling platter of their upcoming Hamptons Summer Songbook by the Sea series, which boasts an impressive lineup of cabaret stars. The benefit, held in Manhattan, served both to provide an overture of sorts for the summer concert...

Review: Broadway Kids Take the Stage at Chelsea Table + Stage
by Rob Lester - May 10, 2024

Wondering what the kids are up to? The Broadway Kids are singing at a nightclub and training for their professional careers. BKA (Broadway Kids Auditions) hosted a talent showcase of young aspiring performers. The young folks raising their voices in song seemed at home on a stage, delivering their m...

Review: SHINING IN MISERY at 54 Below Shines!
by Nathan Johnson - May 11, 2024

The madcap adventure took us on a tour de force celebration of some of Stephen King’s most beloved characters, brimming with so many references that even the biggest King aficionado would have their work cut out for them. And it’s not only King who earns the honor of a parody—no musical theatre show...

Review: Wednesday GUITAR NIGHTS Are Wonderful at Birdland
by Rob Lester - May 09, 2024

Frank Vignola makes the guitar sing. And his May 1st GUITAR NIGHT brought singer Karrin Allyson's tones, too, along with the band and guest violinist and a varied repertoire....

Review: DRAG ME TO JOANNE'S Provides Lady Gaga-themed Fun at Joanne Trattoria
by Eliana K - May 09, 2024

Joanne Trattoria is a cozy UWS eatery that serves up traditional Italian fare alongside regular entertainment. Every Wednesday at 5:30 and 7:30 pm, they have an extra special treat: You can grab a reservation to watch Drag Me to Joanne’s, their regular drag show hosted by Jupiter Genesis, with fun d...

Review: TO LIFE: A CELEBRATION OF SHELDON HARNICK'S LEGACY ON HIS 100TH at 54 Below
by Rebecca Kaplan - May 08, 2024

54 Below honored legendary lyricist and composer Sheldon Harnick on Tuesday April 30th with two touching tribute shows. To Life: A Celebration of Sheldon Harnick’s Legacy on His 100th Birthday featured a 7 pm and 9:30 pm show, each with a completely different lineup of celebrated singers who were to...

Review: Jennifer Roberts Sings Harnick's Hidden Treasures at Green Room 42
by Rebecca Kaplan - May 06, 2024

It was wonderful watching cabaret singer Jennifer Roberts return to the work of one of her favorite lyricists, Sheldon Harnick. The Tuesday April 30th show in celebration of what would have been Harnick’s 100th birthday featured selections of some of Harnick’s most well-known songs and delightful ob...

Review: Billy Mitchell's I'M STILL FINE at Don't Tell Mama
by Analisa Bell - May 05, 2024

Despite a few teething issues, this reviewer thought I'M STILL FINE was an adventurous first step at cabaret from an established musical theater actor and looks forward to seeing what Mitchell does next....

Review: Lorna Luft's Triumphant Return to 54 Below with HOME AGAIN
by Analisa Bell - May 06, 2024

Lorna Luft captivated the audience at 54 Below on Friday night. The child of legendary performer Judy Garland and producer Sid Luft, Ms. Luft is no stranger to the stage, and she had the audience in the palm of her hand with this entertaining evening of music celebrating New York writers of Tin Pan ...

Review: Monica Passin Rocked the Night at Pangea
by Sharon Ellman - May 06, 2024

This reviewer was overwhelmed by the tornado of talent that is Monica Passin at her May 3rd show....

Review: Jaye Maynard Delivers Beautiful Blossom Dearie Tribute at Chelsea Table And Stage
by Analisa Bell - May 04, 2024

Chelsea Table and Stage was packed to the brim last Sunday evening for Jaye Maynard’s beautiful Blossom Dearie tribute show, BIRD AMONGST THE BLOSSOM. This stunning tribute served as a delicious preview to Maynard’s upcoming album, and one hopes Maynard will mount the show again to celebrate the rel...

Review: KEVIN ON THE KEYS CELEBRATES HOLLYWOOD Entertains at Green Room 42
by Analisa Bell - May 04, 2024

This reviewer has said it before and shall say it again, Kevin Winebold is a one-man orchestra! His KEVIN ON THE KEYS CELEBRATES HOLLYWOOD show on April 25, 2024 was an entertaining night out featuring masterful piano and tap dance....