Cabaret Theater Reviews

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: 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....

Review: Backstage Babble Uncovers Broadway Flop History at 54 Below
by Rob Lester - May 05, 2024

Not every Broadway show is a smash. A focus on 14 hidden gems from shows that disappeared too quickly fueled an entertaining evening at 54 Below last Sunday on April 29th. Hosted by Charles Kirsch of Backstage Babble podcast and Robert W. Schneider, the evening was a success....

Review: Luke Islam LIVE IN CONCERT at The Cutting Room
by Rebecca Kaplan - May 03, 2024

For his age, Luke Islam has incredible vocal control, range, and awareness of what he wants. Islam’s solo show at the Cutting Room on Sunday April 28th at 7 pm featured a mix of the Broadway classics he grew up on, and R&B classics....

Review: Take 6 Takes the Cake at Birdland
by Rob Lester - May 03, 2024

Take note: Take 6 is at Birdland Jazz Club through Saturday. They take the art of vocal harmony singing to impressive heights. Their opening show on Wednesday May 1 was a smash....

Review: SONGBOOK SUNDAYS Delights Once More at Dizzy's
by Rob Lester - April 29, 2024

The 'Songbook Sundays' makes the second day of a weekend a first-rate experience. Rodgers & Hammerstein were on tap on April 21 in a season that included a focus on Frank Loesser, with Johnny Mercer's turn coming up in June....

Review: MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY: Cabarets Are Happy Partner Projects for J2 ...at AMT Theater
by Rob Lester - April 28, 2024

J2 Spotlight Musical Theater is finishing its run of 'Do Re Mi' this weekend, but set aside a night to have a cabaret evening on the stage at their home base, the AMT Theater on West 45 Street....

Review: Unforgettable Music Of Nat King Cole Thrills Audience at Dizzy's Club
by Sharon Ellman - April 27, 2024

“Unforgettable” is the only way for this reviewer to describe the sold-out one night performance of The Music Of Nat King Cole on April 25, 2024 at Dizzy’s Club (Jazz At Lincoln Center). The performance showcased a smattering of Cole’s vast repertoire of songs that we all know and love....

Review: Cyrille Aimée & Band Make Their Gig a Party at Birdland
by Rob Lester - April 25, 2024

Through April 27, Aimée and a six-piece band bring jazz flavors and smiles (theirs and the audience's) to Birdland with energy galore. Celebrating a new recording, and adding in some other material, Cyrille Aimée and band take command in a grand way this week at midtown Manhattan's home for jazz....

Review: Natasha Castillo Charms Crowd at Don't Tell Mama with THAT'S MY MUSIC
by Analisa Bell - April 24, 2024

Overall, this is a well-paced, charming show with both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, and a whole lot of love for the Carpenters....

Review: A CELEBRATION OF TONY BENNETT Was a Starry Night at Jazz at Lincoln Center
by Rob Lester - April 23, 2024

This year's Jazz at Lincoln Center gala featured a host of star-studded performers including Kristin Chenoweth, Bernadette Peters, Josh Groban, and many more. A small sample of the hundreds of songs superstar Tony Bennett recorded and sang in concerts sparkled in this one-night-only concert on April...

Review: AUTUMN IN NEW YORK: VERNON DUKE'S BROADWAY Is a Crowd-Pleaser at Chelsea Table + Stage
by Rob Lester - April 21, 2024

At Chelsea Table + Stage, Klea Blackhurst 'Box Set' shows are continuing to draw crowds and bring smiles. Songs of Vernon Duke were on the bill in April, and May 5 will find her saluting Jerry Herman....