Interview: Brenda Liz Henry Shares A BOOGIE DOWN BRONX TALE at The Green Room 42
The singer makes her solo cabaret debut on 6/4 and 6/20 with a show celebrating the musical genres that inspired Brenda growing up, including Hip Hop
On June 4th and June 20th, the Green Room 42 will present Brenda Liz Henry in her solo cabaret show debut with A Boogie Down Bronx Tale. Brenda will tell the story behind her musical journey and music's role in her life. The show features an intimate band led by Gregory Toroian and a variety of musical genres that inspired Brenda growing up, including the genre that was born in her borough - Hip Hop. Audiences will learn not only about the role that music played in Brenda's life, but also how she found her way to the cabaret stage. Brenda hopes audiences will come away connecting to the universal elements of her personal story.
We spoke with Brenda about her path to this exciting debut show.
What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming solo cabaret show debut at the Green Room 42?
I look forward to having a communal experience with the audience, while sharing my story and reclaiming a part of me that I have kept hidden for so long.
How did you initially discover cabaret and realize it was something you wanted to do?
I was introduced to cabaret by a former colleague who is a cabaret performer (Kati Neiheisel). The emphasis on storytelling through song grabbed me instantly. I love how the same song performed by 10 different cabaret performers has the power to move me in various ways because of each person’s unique story.
What was the process of crafting this show like?
I decided in January 2024 that I wanted to do a solo show. I knew it would be a memoir-style show and immediately wrote my patter and selected songs that I thought fit the story I wanted to tell. Although I originally thought I would do the show in 2025, I was also mindful about not putting too much pressure on myself to stage the show by a specific deadline.
As I started working with my musical director, Gregory Toroian, I realized several of the original songs I selected really did not fit and I started to refine the themes and overall arc of the show. During this time, Gregory encouraged me to work with a director and introduced me to Lina Koutrakos, who is my director. By the time I connected with Lina, I had already reworked my original January 2024 show, where only two of the original 15 songs remained.
I previewed the show to Lina in June 2025, and she confirmed that I indeed had a show and suggested that I make additional adjustments. In addition, given the various musical styles and genres, we all agreed that a trio (piano, bass, and drums) would provide the best musical experience. Gregory and I worked together to incorporate Lina’s suggestions and in December 2025, we regrouped and decided that the show was in a good enough place to find a venue and set a date. As for venue, it was important for me to find a budget-friendly option that also provided live-streaming for those in my network who cannot attend in-person. The Green Room 42 immediately came to my mind and Lina reached out to Ben Rimalour, Director of Programming, to book my show.
All in all, the process was one of trial and error and following wherever the oath unfolded, trusting my intuition while staying true to the story I want to share with audiences.
Aside from getting ready for the show, what have you been filling your time with lately?
I have been attending cabaret shows to support others in the community and overall, trying my best to engage in other artforms and do the best I can within my power to contribute to making our world a better place. I have also been actively working to fundraise for NYC Kids Rise, which sets up scholarship accounts for all NYC public school students in kindergarten through fourth grade.
Are you working on any other upcoming shows or projects you'd like to tell us about?
I am not currently working on anything else, though I can say that I am looking forward to taking a break after my shows in June.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the NYC cabaret community and look forward to continuing to deepen my own creative expression within the artform. Also, I would encourage anyone who either used to perform or has always been curious about performing to enroll in a cabaret performance workshop. As a group class, it lessens the pressure and provides a welcoming space to share your story.
Thank you BroadwayWorld for the opportunity to share my story!
Brenda Liz Henry in “A Boogie Down Bronx Tale” plays at The Green Room 42 on Thursday, June 4th at 7 pm and Saturday, June 20th at 1 pm. Tickets start at $19, with no food or beverage minimum. Tickets and more information are available at www.thegreenroom42.com.
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