Cabaret Theater Reviews

Review: Alexis Cole Celebrated New York City at 54 Below
by Rebecca Kaplan - May 28, 2024

On Tuesday May 21st at at 7 pm, Alexis Cole took us on a journey of songs celebrating New York City at 54 Below. I’LL TAKE NEW YORK: GREAT SONGS OF A GREAT CITY was a smooth, polished evening of intimate cabaret as Cole bounced from song to song, giving us a taste of classic songs performed expertly...

Review: Carolyn Montgomery Connects to Rosemary Clooney at 54 Below
by Rob Lester - May 26, 2024

Rosemary Clooney's lifetime of music is explored in Carolyn Montgomery's thought-provoking, memory-stoking act GIRLSINGER, directed by Sally Mayes. Its second NYC presentation on May 22nd is updated and expanded from its opening night in January. It will be followed by bookings in Florida plus LA, C...

Review: FINDING WORDS FOR SPRING Finds Steve Ross in Fine Form at Birdland
by Rob Lester - May 25, 2024

Finding words for FINDING WORDS FOR SPRING with veteran singer-pianist Steve Ross could result in adjectives such as 'lovely' and 'savvy' and 'charming.' Ross, the ultimate class act and champion of classic songs, makes us appreciate them anew, blossoming one more time, like the annual spring flower...

Review: 4 MUSICAL TENORS Make Heavenly Harmonizing at Carnegie Hall
by Sharon Ellman - May 25, 2024

The Czech-Slovak vocalists who compose the 4 Musical Tenors - Michael Bragagnolo, Janm Kriz, Pavel Vitek, and Marian Vojtko - each hails from an extensive background in musical theater or opera productions performed throughout Europe. This reviewer was completely overwhelmed by the powerful and inte...

Review: Grace McLean Celebrates Her MY LOVELY ENEMY Album Release at Joe's Pub
by Maya Gengozian - May 23, 2024

Grace McLean (Suffs, Bad Cinderella) is proving to be a force both on and off Broadway. On May 10th, she released her first album, My Lovely Enemy. She celebrated the album’s release with a concert at Joe’s Pub on May 6th. In her night off from starring as President Woodrow Wilson in Suffs, she shar...

Review: FABLES IN CONCERT at Green Room 42 Is Fun-Filled & Loaded with Lessons
by Rob Lester - May 23, 2024

The Green Room 42 celebrated Mother's Day with a family-friendly musical inspired by centuries-old fables. The messages and life lessons come through in force and in song when Aesop's characters are the characters in a musical. ...

Review: Adrienne Haan Brings the Fire of Weimar Berlin to NYC
by Sharon Ellman - May 23, 2024

Haan mesmerized this reviewer and the filled-to-capacity audience at the Triad Theater on May 21st with her intense and belting vocals....

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...