About: Schedule: For tickets and more info, visit www.waitwhatcabaret.com!
Wait, what?! is a bold, genre-defying six-part solo show that blends musical theater, comedy, and underground culture, told through Seisa’s raw, personal stories. Seisa is a lively performer originally from Tokyo now thriving in NYC. Join her as she takes you on a journey through her adventures as a teen in the '90s Tokyo club scene, witnesses how the Dutch navigate their kids' relationship with drugs, and later finds her footing as she transitions from a lucrative IT career to pursuing her passion for the stage. Her story is filled with laughter, love, and life lessons, all interwoven with captivating musical numbers. Influenced by Tokyo's resilience, San Francisco's freedom, and Amsterdam's creativity, this show celebrates the challenges, growth, and joy of following one's dreams. Along the way, you'll encounter many relatable moments that will have you saying, "Wait, what?!"
How It Works:
There are six shows, and attendees are welcome to join any number—whether that's one, a few, or all of them! Each show stands alone as a unique chapter of Seisa's life. Those who catch all six will experience the complete story, but even attending just a couple will provide all the juicy "Wait, what?!" moments needed to feel like they've been there from the beginning.
So, grab a favorite drink (perhaps something a bit stronger for this one!), sit back, and join Seisa on her wild, funny, and sometimes surprisingly deep journey. Rest assured, you won't be disappointed.
Chapter 1 "From Broadway to Tokyo: My Early Years" : 1/22/25 Wed
Chapter 2 "Teenage Life in Tokyo: Madness" : 1/27/25 Mon
Chapter 3 "From Tokyo to San Francisco: A New Beginning" : 2/5/25 Wed
Chapter 4 "3.11 Tsunami and then to Amsterdam – Another new chapter " : 2/12/25 Wed
Chapter 5 "Amsterdam & Europe - Embracing Freedom" : 2/19/25 Wed
Chapter 6 "Quitting My Job to Follow My Dream" : 2/26/25 Wed
Wait, what?! - Where Musical Theater Meets Comedy x Underground at Don't tell mama NYC Schedule
Cast and Creative team for Wait, what?! - Where Musical Theater Meets Comedy x Underground at Don't tell mama NYC
Cast
Seisa Ito
Artist/Producer
Seisa is a dynamic actor, performer, and creator based in New York City, originally from Tokyo. Before pursuing her passion for the arts full-time, Seisa worked as a programmer, a background that adds a unique analytical edge to her creative work.
Her upcoming cabaret show, "Wait, What?!" – a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of her life – promises to captivate audiences with humor, honesty, and charm.
Seisa's recent credits include the Dutch premiere of Avenue Q (NL), and Disenchanted! (NL), and The Nutcracker and Marie (US). She's also performed in several cabaret shows across the U.S. and the Netherlands, tap danced in the 80th Columbus Day Parade in NYC, and appeared in a music video for David Guetta. In addition to her performing career, she serves as a co-producer for the Time Capsule Project, an organisation committed to empowering emerging theatrical leaders and promoting creative collaboration between New York and Japan.
Paolo C. Perez
Music Director/Accompanist
Following in the footsteps of the long haired rockers that came before them, Paolo has been performing and teaching in musical theater and rock n roll for the last 15 years. From playing around the world on board Celebrity cruise ships, to teaching at schools such as the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, and Brooklyn Children’s Theater, they have always brought a certain level of energy to the musical stories they lend their talents to. A frequent collaborator with Second City Improv, you can often find them in various cabarets and bars letting that long hair down and jamming with the best this city has to offer.
Recent Musical Direction credits include Urinetown at RTC, Anna Roisman’s Jewish American Prodigy, and various TheaterWorks shows. @TheRealPCP on all socials.
SUBMIT UPDATES
Don't tell mama NYC Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Don't tell mama NYC is at 343 W 46 St New York, NY 10036 (between 8th & 9th ave), New York, NY.
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