BWW Picks for Best Cabaret Shows in NYC This Week, 10/8-10/14

THE MABEL MERCER FOUNDATION'S 29TH NEW YORK CABARET CONVENTION

Four nights, dozens of performers, and one large celebration of the art of cabaret. The Mabel Mercer Foundation presents its 29th New York Cabaret Convention this week, passing the mic from one talented cabarettist to the next to honor the music of Jerry Herman, the life of Barbara Cook, the state of cabaret today, and more. Oct. 9-12 at 6:00 PM. (Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center, 10 Columbus Circle, www.jazz.org)

THE JONATHAN LARSON PROJECT

Feinstein's/54 Below celebrates a musical theatre icon with a project five years in the making. Directed and conceived by Jennifer Ashley Tepper, THE JONATHAN LARSON PROJECT presents unheard songs from the late composer, collected from never-produced work and other hidden gems. Featuring Joe Iconis, Shaina Taub, Will Roland, Anthony Rapp, Amy Spanger, and many more. Oct. 9-14 at 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. (Feinstein's/54 Below, 254 W 54th St, www.54below.com)

TAMMY FAYE: SHE COMES IN COLORS - CELEBRATING THE JAGGER-RICHARDS SONGBOOK WITH THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES REQUEST

After last year's successful tour through LET IT BLEED, STICKY FINGERS, and more of the Mick Jagger-Keith Richards songbook, Tammy Faye Starlite returns to Pangea with something old/new/strange: THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES REQUEST, the Stones's "petrochemical psychedelic studio pseudo sounds album." Where the THEIR SATANIC MAJESTIES REQUEST was once reviewed as poor and pretentious, it has since been reevaluated, and the unconventional Starlite is the perfect guide for this unconventional work. Oct. 11 at 7:00 PM. (Pangea, 178 2nd Ave, www.pangeanyc.com)

THE SHARON NEEDLES HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2018

RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE winner Sharon Needles gets into her element this week with THE SHARON NEEDLES HALLOWEEN SPECIAL 2018. The unofficial "Queen of Halloween" summons the evil but undeniably fabulous spirits to The Laurie Beechman Theatre for five hour-long shows of horror, music, and creepy comedy. Both tricks and treats alike are guaranteed with admission. Oct. 9-12 at 7:00 PM and Oct. 13 at 10:00 PM. (Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 W 42nd St, www.westbankcafe.com)

MEG FLATHER: BACK WHEN WE WERE BEAUTIFUL

Meg Flather will begin her week with a performance on Opening Night of the Cabaret Convention and will conclude it at Don't Tell Mama, returning home with a performance of her latest show, BACK WHEN WE WERE BEAUTIFUL. With Musical Director Tracy Stark, Flather takes her audience with her on a personal and timely journey through portraits and stories of women and womanhood. Flather, as always, is warm and welcoming, and the show itself is---at the moment, especially---beautifully necessary. Oct. 14 at 6:00 PM. (Don't Tell Mama, 343 W 46th St, www.donttellmamanyc.com)