Natasha Castillo: Darin to be Different...The Not So Splish-Splashy Side of Bobby Darin show poster

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Natasha Castillo: Darin to be Different...The Not So Splish-Splashy Side of Bobby Darin at Don't Tell Mama

Dates: 9/27/2026

at 7:00 PM

📍 Theatre: Don't Tell Mama

343 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036

Phone: (212) 757-0788

Tickets: $20 cover ($15 MAC Members) + $20 minimum (must include 2 drinks) per person

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Natasha Castillo presents a new show about American singer, songwriter, and actor, Bobby Darin, premiering Sunday, September 27th, 7PM at Don’t Tell Mama. Darin to be Different...The Not So Splish-Splashy Side of Bobby Darin is directed by Lennie Watts, with musical director Ted Stafford on guitar, George Rush on bass, Don Kelly on percussion, and Evelyn Sullivan on back-up vocals.

Everyone knows the hits. Few know the whole story. Through inventive new arrangements and engaging storytelling, Castillo, a 2026 MAC Award-nominee for Best Female Vocalist, explores the lesser-known life and music of Bobby Darin. Come discover the restless artist, passionate thinker, and fearless innovator behind the fame. Discover the surprises, struggles, and triumphs that shaped one of America's most versatile performers in an evening that goes far beyond "Splish Splash.”

“Her voice is always remarkably unblemished, with great clarity. “ ~ Jed Ryan, Lavender After Dark

"Always adorable and completely lovable.” ~ Stephen Mosher, BroadwayWorld

American singer, songwriter, and actor Bobby Darin, shot to international fame in 1958, with his self-penned hit "Splish Splash," performed on Dick Clark's American Bandstand. Born in the Bronx in 1936, Darin overcame severe childhood rheumatic fever to become a powerhouse entertainer, known for legendary hits "Mack the Knife," "Beyond the Sea," and more. The early 60’s saw Darin perform to sellout crowds at the most prestigious nightclubs in the country, from the Copa in New York to the Flamingo in Las Vegas. In 1960, he met his future wife Sandra Dee on the set of Come September, filmed in Italy. He garnered a best supporting Oscar nominationHis role in the for his role in the 1963 film Captain Newman M.D., with Gregory Peck. On December 20th, 1973, Darin died hours just after heart surgery. He left an indelible mark on the music industry and world of entertainment in his brief 37 years.

Sunday, September 27th, 7PM (Doors Open at 6:15pm)

https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/show/natasha-castillo-darin-to-be-different/

Sunday, October 11th, 4PM (Doors Open at 3:15pm)

https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/show/natasha-castillo-darin-to-be-different-2/

Saturday, October 24th, 7PM (Doors Open at 6:15pm)

https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/show/natasha-castillo-darin-to-be-different-3/

Photo: Helane Blumfield; Design: Hector Coris

Photo: Helane Blumfield

Cast and Creative Team for Natasha Castillo: Darin to be Different...The Not So Splish-Splashy Side of Bobby Darin at Don't Tell Mama

Cast

Natasha Castillo

Vocalist

Natasha Castillo, a MAC Award-nominated best female vocalist for 2026, is the daughter of the late superstar in Southeast Asia, Dai Ling Chuang. Natasha began her musical career in elementary school and went on to make her Lincoln Center debut with her high school Acapella chorus. She later became the lead singer of an alternative rock band and the Wedding band Eternity. Currently, Natasha serves on the Board of Directors for MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabaret) and has produced and emceed the multi-MAC Award-nominated recurring series “Spotlight on YOU Open Mic”. She is a videographer of cabaret shows (was the main videographer at the Friars Club) and a lead photographer for Nitelife Exchange. She co-hosted the Singers Forum bi-weekly open mic from 2013-2014, participated in the longest running show at the Metropolitan Room that is now in the Guinness Book of Records, as well as multiple variety shows hosted by MAC award-winning emcees Bobbie Horowitz and the late Dana Lorge.

Ted Stafford

Mjusical Director / Guitartist

Ted Stafford is a musical director, arranger, guitarist, bassist, vocalist, and educator. He is a two-time MAC Award-winner for his work on the Ted & Lo Show with Lorinda Lisitza, and has been part of the creative team for Cabaret Boot Camp with Lennie Watts. Stafford is a full-time music teacher at Saint Saviour Catholic Academy in Brooklyn, New York. He teaches general music to elementary and middle school students and conducts two concert bands and two choruses. He recently completed the 3-year certification course at the Summer Kodály Institute at NYU.

Evelyn Sullivan

Back-up Vocals

Evelyn “Ev” Sullivan is a MAC Award-winner, two-time BroadwayWorld nominee, and the 2024 Grand Prize Winner of Mama’s Next BIG Act! An actor, cabaret performer and ukulelist, she is known for her love of the unexpected; from hair metal to the Great American Songbook, her performances blend storytelling, humor and music. Most recently, the Ev Sullivan Show, performed at Don’t Tell Mama in 2025 and 2026, was directed by Jason Ellis, with musical direction by guitarist Ted Stafford.

George Rush

Bassist

George Rush is a Schenectady-raised, Brooklyn-based musician known for his mastery of the upright/electric bass and the tuba. He is best recognized for his work as the tuba and bass player in the acclaimed Brooklyn Balkan-jazz and cabaret-punk band Guignol. His extensive musical background includes playing upright and electric bass for the indie-folk chamber pop band Hem. He is also a frequent collaborator with singer-songwriter Franz Nicolay (of The Hold Steady and Against Me!), having anchored the rhythm section for Nicolay's solo albums and toured widely.

Don Kelly

Percussionist

Don Kelly is a highly regarded, versatile New York-based session drummer and percussionist with over 30 years of experience. He is well-known for his regular work in off-Broadway theater productions and cabaret performances, as well as his teaching career in the city. He is frequently found supporting musical directors and vocalists at prominent NY venues like Don't Tell Mama and Birdland. Throughout his long career in New York, his percussion talents have been featured in well-received musical productions such as Tim Tuttle's 44 Lights, Natasha Castillo's That's My Music, and Sarah Carson's England and America. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music (graduating magna cum laude from Hunter College).

Creative Team

Lennie Watts

Director

Lennie Watts is a 21-time MAC, 5-time Backstage Bistro, and 3-time Nightlife Award-winner. Recognized as an outstanding vocalist, director, producer, and booking manager, he has been active in the New York cabaret scene for over 30 years. In addition to directing in small cabaret venues, he has directed events at Symphony Space, Town Hall, BB King’s, and Sony Hall. As an actor, he has toured nationally and internationally with productions of The Music Man (Marcellus) and The Wizard Of Oz (Lion). Other roles: Man in Chair (The Drowsy Chaperone) Pseudolus (A Funny Thing...), Herod (Jesus Christ Superstar), Nicely Nicely Johnson (Guys and Dolls), Jinx (Forever Plaid), Crumpet (Santaland Diaries). He has performed at Town Hall in several concerts, including Broadway Unplugged and Broadway By The Year, 1949, and can be heard on the cast recordings of both shows. As a theater director, he has directed productions of Godspell, Dames at Sea, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Phantom. Watts is the creator and Artistic Director of Singnasium, a nonprofit vocal school in New York City. He is an Adjunct Professor at Marymount Manhattan College, and has been a Master Teacher at The Eugene O’Neill Theater Center for the last 10 years. David Finkle of The Village Voice calls him "A one man cabaret army!" He appeared on The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and released his debut CD I Want...You Want, in 2000. He served as the President of MAC for 11 years, and is currently on the advisory board. He was recently named one of “The 50 Most Influential People in New York Cabaret” by Nightlife Exchange. Singnasium.org

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About the Theatre

Don't Tell Mama

343 West 46th Street
New York, NY 10036

Phone: (212) 757-0788

Don't Tell Mama Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ

Where is Don't Tell Mama located?

Don't Tell Mama is at 343 West 46th Street, New York, NY.

What shows have played recently at Don't Tell Mama?

Sentimental Journey (03/31/26-03/31/26)

What shows are coming up next at Don't Tell Mama?

Project 2026: Blue Tsunami! (09/01/26-09/01/26)
Natasha Castillo: Darin to be Different...The Not So Splish-Splashy Side of Bobby Darin (10/11/26-10/11/26)
Project 2026: Blue Tsunami! (10/20/26-10/20/26)
Natasha Castillo: Darin to be Different...The Not So Splish-Splashy Side of Bobby Darin (10/24/26-10/24/26)

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