Interview: Lindy Keefe And Various Performers of QUEER MOON CABARET at Susquehanna Stage

If you’re looking for an evening of fun, entertainment, and the chance to support a wonderful cause, look no further than the Queer Moon Cabaret! The Queer Moon Cabaret, co-founded by Lindy Keefe and Wilder Ingemi and co-directed Lindy Keefe and producer J’aime Elizabeth, raises funds to support Camp Fruit Fly. Camp Fruit Fly, as described on its website, “is a labor of love and overnight 2SLGBTQIA+ summer camp hosted at The Y at Watson Woods in upstate New York. Camp Fruit Fly is a mix of pure queer magic, nerding out in nature + all of the camp classics with LGBTQIA+ flair. We’re passionate about spaces of belonging and bliss for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth in rural communities and curate this camp to nurture that” (https://www.soflxpride.org/camp-fruit-fly). This year The Queer Moon Cabaret will take place during Pride Month on June 6th at Susquehanna Stage in Marietta. The fun starts with Mingle Hour at 6:30pm, followed by an inspiring, uplifting, and affirming performance beginning at 7:30pm. Producer J’aime Elizabeth arranged for us to learn more about this fantastic event from co-founder/co-director Lindy Keefe and some of the performers!

“The Queer Moon Cabaret is fun, everyone is encouraging and accepting, and it is all for a great cause!” –Performer Jason Genise-Gdula

BWW: How did the Queer Moon Cabaret come to be/Tell us a little about its history.

Keefe: I co-founded Queer Moon Cabaret with Wilder Ingemi. We met in 2014 and worked together for a global, youth-focused non-profit. We continued to collaborate together and decided to create a LGBTQIA+ focused fundraiser in Central PA in 2023. The following year, Camp Fruit Fly opened and became the clear choice for the fundraiser!

“My favorite thing about the Queer Moon Cabaret is the collaborative effort between local allies and queer artists, with the common goal of raising support for our next generation of queer youth.” –Performer Abigail Simiele

BWW: Where did the name Queer Moon Cabaret come from?

Keefe: I worked at an all-girls’ summer camp in 2011 and 2012 that had a magical tradition called a Moon Party. I adapted that tradition and brought to a leadership camp I worked for and co-directed 2015-2017. A Moon Party is a beautiful, special celebration, and I wanted to bring that feeling to the fundraiser. In its first year, the fundraiser was called the Queer Moon Party. “Party” was swapped out for “Cabaret” to ensure folks knew they were coming to an incredible performance!

“Several friends of mine have performed in the cabaret in the past and have all had great things to say about it and the people who organize it. After seeing highlights from past performances in recent years, I jumped at the chance to audition when I knew I'd be able to participate.” –Performer Cody Flory-Miller

BWW: How has the Queer Moon Cabaret grown and changed over the years?

Keefe: In its first year, the Queer Moon Cabaret was created with the help of my local performer friends agreeing to donate their time! A very special little show was created from the kindness of friends. As we’ve continued, more and more people have reached out and are interested in performing, donating, and volunteering, and we’ve met so many folks who wanted to contribute to a special cause in their area!

“I love the environment. It’s a space where people are free to be themselves and celebrate everything that makes us who we are. I’ve never felt as much collective love from a group of people as I do at the Queer Moon Cabaret.”—Performer Chloe Braden

BWW: I understand the Cabaret is taking place in a new location this year. Can you tell us about how the set-up will be and what folks can look forward to at the new location?

Keefe: Yes! This year, the Queer Moon Cabaret will take place at Susquehanna Stage in Marietta, PA. We are so excited to be working with this theatre! They approached us last summer to open the discussion of bringing our show to Lancaster County, and we’ve worked together to ensure the show will be better than ever before! The Mingle Hour will still be held an hour before the performance throughout the lobby and the Gallery, with the opportunity to take photos, buy raffle tickets and concessions, and get the party vibe started! Then, the cabaret itself will take place in the Gallery.

“One of my favorite parts of the Queer Moon Cabaret is always the lobby decorations and photos with our queens!”—Performer Adria McGarry

BWW: What kind of acts are part of the Cabaret this spring?

Keefe: The show will actually take place during Pride Month this year, on June 6th, which is a dream-come-true! We have an emphasis on upbeat, celebratory songs this year, but we still have performances that span the range of the queer human experience. We have group numbers, solos, a hilarious duet, interspersed with poems and audience callbacks and raffles. It will be a fun, magical experience for all who attend!

“I love the true sense of community you feel. Everyone is so supportive and fun to be around. It's amazing seeing so many performers that want to help a worthy cause.”—Performer Alanis Moresex

BWW: Now, a lot of people think of a cabaret as a singing performance. However, I understand you’d love to have it as more of a variety show that encompasses the performing arts as a whole. What are some of the acts you would love to see in future years?

Keefe: YES! In the past, we have had drag performances, dance performances, poetry readings, and singing. We would love to see more of this in the future, along with spoken word, comedy, contortionists, juggling, improv, sword swallowing (??)?! Hahaha we are open to the range of talents and special interests that people want to showcase!

“I had a great time last year, and I’m excited to get the opportunity to work with a bunch of talented people in the area again.”—Performer Marcus Weaver

BWW: What are the various ways folks can support Camp Fruit Fly through the Queer Moon Cabaret?

Keefe: There are several options to support Camp Fruit Fly: first, a large portion of every ticket purchased will be directly donated to Camp Fruit Fly. Additionally, all raffle ticket proceeds are donated directly to Camp Fruit Fly, and we will have ways for folks to donate directly to Camp Fruit Fly via several fundraising platforms posted both at the theatre and online!

“It supports a good cause and is going to be a good time!”—Performer Aspen Thompson

BWW: How does the raffle work?

Keefe: We reach out to Central PA businesses (ranging from Harrisburg to Lancaster to York to Hanover, and everywhere in between!) and online businesses, and they decide if and what they’d like to donate. We have had donations from beloved coffee shops and bookstores, local theatres, artists and authors, service providers (hair stylists, yoga studios, petsitters), and so many others! We also have had folks create beautiful raffle baskets with their favorite things! The raffle is 100% donation-fueled and all proceeds go directly to Camp Fruit Fly.

“I'm excited to raise money for Camp Fruit Fly. I'm an ally - I have a lot of friends and family in the community that I love, so I think it's important to show support when you can, and this is a fun opportunity!”—Performer Vicki Schneider

BWW: For those who might be interested in participating in the Cabaret in the future, how can they find information about future auditions?

Keefe: You can now follow the Queer Moon Cabaret on Instagram (@queer_moon_cabaret), as well as following co-founder and co-director Lindy Keefe on Instagram (@thereallinderellak) and Facebook, and co-director and producer J’aime Elizabeth on Instagram (@jaimeperforms) and Facebook. In addition, the theatre we are performing at that year will always post an audition notice beforehand. Finally, you can directly email the Queer Moon Cabaret for information at qmcabaret@gmail.com with any inquiries!

“I accompanied someone just once before for the Queer Moon Cabaret a few years ago! I really enjoyed the display of talent and joy. It’s been a long time since I’ve sang on a stage for anything. So I’m just kind of living my best Norma Desmond fantasy.”—Performer Ryan Dean Schoening

BWW: Other than performing, what are some other ways in which folks can volunteer to help with this event?

Keefe: We are always looking for day-of volunteers (ushers, backstage support, raffle table support, etc.), raffle basket creators, and volunteers to pick up donation items for us. Please reach out to qmcabaret@gmail.com if you would like to help!

“I think people should see the Queer Moon Cabaret because it’s going to be a fun night of different types of music. It’s also a great way to support youth in the LGBTQ+ community!!”—Performer Morghan Norcott

BWW: If someone cannot attend or volunteer for the Cabaret, what are some other opportunities to help support this event specifically and/or Camp Fruit Fly more generally?

Keefe: We always welcome raffle donations! In addition, folks can also contribute to Camp Fruit Fly’s item wishlist, to make this summer an incredible success :https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2PCDZNMGKB97X?ref_=wl_share Finally, closer to the event, we will be posting ways that folks can directly contribute to Camp Fruit Fly, but there is always information available at https://www.soflxpride.org/camp-fruit-fly.

“There is so much happening in the world that queer artists are currently addressing, and I really valued the experience I had last year.”—Performer Gabrielle Lynch

BWW: As co-founder/co-director of the Queer Moon Cabaret, what does this event mean to you?

Keefe: This event is a beautiful example of community-building, joy, and resilience. It is a magical creation of queer-affirming space, where performers showcase what they feel most proud of, and attendees validate and celebrate in the most beautiful way! We hope the Queer Moon Cabaret feels like a warm, fun, welcoming space for ALL for years to come, if the community will have us!

“People should come to the Queer Moon Cabaret to feel an innate sense of community, stellar performances by local talent, and to support a cause that quite literally provides life-saving support for LGBTQIA+ youth.” –Performer Cody Messersmith

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Book of a Musical - Top 3

1. David Hornsby, Chris Hoch, David Hornsby, Chris Hoch - The Lost Boys

34.2% of votes

2. Jim Barne, Kit Buchan - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

26.4% of votes

3. Cinco Paul - Schmigadoon!

22.6% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats