BWW Picks for Best Cabaret Shows in NYC This Week, 7/17 to 7/23

Published every Monday, BroadwayWorld Cabaret writers will pick their top recommendations for shows throughout NYC during the upcoming week.

SUSAN MURPHY: LADYLIKE

Being a woman, especially in the current political climate, is an act of protest, and the movement has a song in its heart. But what is the song? An expert in "performance memoir," a unique combination of comedy, theatre, music, and performance art, Susan Murphy comes to Pangea with a collection of work written exclusively by women: Laura Nyro, Lavern Baker, and Joan Baez, just to name a few. It's a portrait about the perspective of women and not necessarily protest pieces... though, at the moment, who's to say those things are any different? Monday, 7/17 at 7:30 PM, Pangea. - Ashley Steves

MEOW MEOW

She sings. She dances. She crawls on the floor. She beautifully turns cabaret on his head. This week for two performances only, see Meow Meow at Joe's Pub. From Brecht, to Radiohead, to original gems, be mesmerized by her hypnotic voice, heartened by her hilarity, and slightly terrified by her boundless (and boundary-less) talent. Expect sequins, satire, the enviable Lance Horne on piano, and possibly even the splits. Expect to have an amazing time with Meow Meow. Monday, July 17 and Tuesday, July 18 at 9:30 PM, Joe's Pub. - Jamara Wakefield

KARRIN ALLYSON

There aren't many performers as eclectic and thrilling as Karrin Allyson. She has five Grammy nominations, sings in five languages, and reaches across many, many more genres, from jazz and bebop, to samba and bossa nova. Are 10 shows at Birdland even enough to cover all of that versatility? With her blazing alacrity and an exceptional band beside her (Miro Sprague on piano/Rhodes, Jeff Johnson on bass, and Jerome Jennings on drums), God knows she's willing to take on the challenge. Starts 7/18 at 8:30 and 11:00 PM, Birdland. - Ashley Steves

TAMMY MCCANN: HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN

Featuring unique themes each show and guest performances from the inimitable Karen Mason and Nicolas King, HOT FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN, Tammy McCann's month-long residency at Pangea, has been a reprieve from the sweltering New York heat. But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. McCann rounds off her residency with a bang: the penultimate performance, a tribute to "The Divine One," Sarah Vaughan, this coming Thursday (7/20), and a sentimental journey of love songs and stories to close the run (7/27). Thursday, July 20 at 7:00 PM, Pangea. - Ashley Steves

SAMANTHA BARKS

There was a lot to take away from 2012's film adaptation of LES MISÉRABLES, mainly that continuous close-ups don't do anyone or anything justice. But one of the few, specific great things? Samantha Barks, who, following her excellent performance in the West End, played Eponine on screen, to much acclaim (and relief). Now, Barks embarks on a new journey: her New York cabaret debut. Under the musical direction of Billy Stritch, the actress takes the stage at Feinstein's/54 Below on her own to dive into her new album, filled with theatre classics, Disney hits, and, of course, that certain Schönberg/Boublil musical. Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22 at 7:00 PM, Feinstein's/54 Below. - Ashley Steves

Ashley Steves is BroadwayWorld's Cabaret Editor and an arts and entertainment writer based in New York. Follow her on Twitter @NoThisIsAshley.

Jamara Wakefield is a performing arts and culture writer based in New York City. Follow her on Twitter @JamaraNYC.

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