Interview: Donna Rubin Talks HAMPTONS SUMMER SONGBOOK BY THE SEA 'Friendraiser' at The Triad

Masters of the art of cabaret will gather at Triad Theater on May 5 for the third annual NYC “friendraiser” in support of LTV, local television in Easthampton, NY, and the upcoming season of Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea. Raise a glass with these fine vocal interpreters in NYC before heading East for a summer of melodic fun!

Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea hosts a roster of the world's best cabaret and Broadway artists. Many of this season’s artists, including Eric Yves Garcia, Maria Abous, KT Sullivan, Mark Nadler, Stephanie Pope, Pamela Morgan, Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock will make an advance appearance at the Triad on May 5, in this musical salute to the new season. (Artists subject to change.)

Produced by Donna Rubin and LTV's Creative Director Josh Gladstone, Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea, is presented in the unique environs of LTV's intimate Studio Three Theater in Wainscott, NY. The recently announced 2026 season runs from June 28 through August 29.

Read a conversation with Rubin about the series.

Looking back now that you're in your third year, what have been the most rewarding parts of putting together your Hamptons Summer Songbook By the Sea series?

The most rewarding part of putting together the third summer season is choosing who we will invite. Each year, we have been fortunate enough to present some of the most celebrated cabaret stars. Last year, we opened with Marilyn Maye, and this year, we are opening with Norm Lewis.

Is there anything you're especially excited about for this upcoming season?

I am really excited about opening night with Norm Lewis. I have a special connection with him because I played Meg Giry in the original cast of Phantom of the Opera with Colm Wilkinson as the Phantom. Now I get to hire Norm Lewis, the first Black Phantom, and I even got to bring my son backstage to meet him.

What has it been like putting together your NYC preview show at the Triad on May 5?

I love putting together the kickoff performance at the Triad because it builds excitement for the upcoming summer season and signals that tickets for the series are available for purchase. It is also a time when many of the performers can be together, and we celebrate after the show.

Aside from putting together this series, what else have you been filling your time with lately?

I am in the middle of an exciting project. I am preparing to launch my “I Love Cabaret” social media campaign, and I am currently editing my documentary about the cabaret world. I am also excited to help bring the new play, Mr. Halston, to Bay Street Theater as an associate producer. The show opens on June 6, with Donna Karan on board as executive producer.

Header photo of Norm Lewis by Stephen Sorokoff.

Learn more about Donna Rubin at Donnarubin.com

Tickets for the new season, including Norm Lewis on Sunday, June 28, Ann Hampton Callaway on Saturday, July 11, and Klea Blackhurst and Billy Stritch on Saturday, July 18, will be available for purchase soon at ltveh.org. 

LTV is a tax-exempt 501c(3) organization and donations are deductible as defined by IRS regulations.

Tickets for the May 5 friendraiser show at the Triad are $100 plus a two-drink minimum per person. They’re available here.