ETHEL – A Tribute To The Great Ethel Merman Comes to The Drama Factory

Lisa Bobbert pays brilliant tribute to Broadway's original brassy broad in ETHEL, a fast, funny, and heartfelt musical cabaret celebrating the life and legacy of Ethel Merman. 

With her legendary belting mezzo-soprano voice, Merman introduced some of musical theatre's greatest hits in shows written especially for her — from Anything Goes and Gypsy to Annie Get Your Gun and Call Me Madam. Bobbert, herself a magnetic belter with comic charm, brings Merman's story and songs roaring back to life, delivering powerhouse vocals and rich storytelling. A joyful, nostalgic 50-minute celebration of one of Broadway's most iconic voices. 

Award-winning performer Lisa Bobbert brings Broadway's legendary First Lady of Musical Theatre roaring back to life in ETHEL — a high-octane, heartfelt, and hilariously camp tribute to the iconic Ethel Merman. This one-act musical cabaret blends powerhouse vocals, bold comedy, and touching storytelling into a fast-paced theatrical celebration that resonates with lifelong theatre fans and newcomers alike.

With signature songs from Merman's greatest hits — including classics from Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy, Anything Goes, and more — Bobbert channels the unmistakable brass, wit, and warmth that made Merman a Broadway institution. Using minimal props and clever projected backdrops, the show lets personality, performance, and pure vocal force take center stage. Known for her dynamic comic timing and vocal fearlessness, Bobbert weaves Merman's larger-than-life persona with her own modern perspective, creating a show that is both a tribute and a conversation across generations. ETHEL celebrates ambition, vulnerability, and the sheer joy of belting your heart out — just like the woman who defined the Broadway belt. Whether you're a devoted musical theatre buff or simply love a night of bold entertainment, ETHEL promises a cabaret experience filled with laughter, nostalgia, and show-stopping moments.

In ETHEL, award-winning performer Lisa Bobbert, herself something of a belter with a sweet, mischievous streak, ascends to a new level. She delivers a performance that is both joyously bold and deeply heartfelt, moving through a full gamut of emotions as she honours milestones from Merman's extraordinary personal and professional life. With powerhouse vocals, comic flair, and total command of the stage, Bobbert does admirable justice to beloved songs from the very shows Merman helped make legendary. A fast-paced, vibrant, and affectionate 50-minute musical cabaret, ETHEL celebrates one of Broadway's greatest voices through another performer who knows exactly how to fill a room. Whether you're a die-hard musical theatre fan or simply love a night of pure entertainment, ETHEL promises a rollicking, nostalgic, and utterly delightful experience.