Cabaret Theater Reviews: Best Shows & Critic Recommendations

Review: The New York Pops' MERRY AND BRIGHT ft. Jessica Vosk at Carnegie Hall Is a Holiday Treat
by Rebecca Kaplan - December 25, 2024

The New York Pops are always a delight to watch and this year’s holiday show, Merry and Bright, featuring guest vocalist Jessica Vosk, was no exception. The 12/20 and 12/21 show at Carnegie Hall continued the Pops' annual holiday tradition....

Review: Carole J. Bufford Brings The Jolly To 54 Below With YULETIDE CAROLE
by Stephen Mosher - December 23, 2024

NOW it's Christmas! Thanks to Carole J. Bufford's unique, one-of-a-kind Yuletide show....

Review: Norm Lewis' THE BEST OF CHRISTMAS Was Exactly That!
by Analisa Bell - December 24, 2024

Norm Lewis brought his signature charisma and warmth to 54 Below in a performance that left the audience thoroughly enchanted. This show was a true gift, one that will undoubtedly be remembered by everyone lucky enough to witness it!...

Review: Becca Kidwell's LOVE SONGS Reminds Us What The World Needs at Don't Tell Mama
by Analisa Bell - December 25, 2024

Kidwell is a storyteller with an extraordinary ability to capture the full spectrum of human emotion. Through her powerful vocals, thoughtful selections, and deeply personal reflections, her performance was as moving as it was memorable....

Review: THE RANDY ANDYS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR at The Green Room 42 Offers Cheer
by Rebecca Kaplan - December 23, 2024

There was plenty of old-fashioned fun at the Randy Andy’s Holiday Spectacular. The trio’s 12/19 show featured plenty of special guests, song, dance and enough laughter and holiday cheer to keep you warm all through New Year’s....

Review: HARMONY FOR THE HOLIDAY WITH DUCHESS Is a Delight at Birdland
by Rob Lester - December 23, 2024

Duchess, the four-member female harmony group made one night during the week before Christmas full of comfort (zone) and joy with songs from their EP and their retro fun songs....

Review: LOSER'S LOUNGE TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOWIE at Joe's Pub Is Lovely
by Lydia Singer - December 21, 2024

Joe McGinty and the Loser’s Lounge put together a lovely tribute to David Bowie, capturing the celebrated singer-songwriter’s many facets. Songs from throughout his career were performed by a wide variety of singers....

Review: THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE-ISH Was a Delightful Romp at 53 Above
by Analisa Bell - December 18, 2024

Jason Ellis’ THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE-ISH, an adaptation of the Gilbert and Sullivan work, delivered a raucous, fun-filled Saturday afternoon on December 14th....

Review: Gian Raffaele DiCostanzo's CONNECTING THE DOTS – An Entertaining Debut at Don't Tell Mama
by Analisa Bell - December 17, 2024

This Don't Tell Mama technician stepped out of the booth and onto the stage with great aplomb! Overall, this was a very strong debut, with great song choices and entertaining patter, masterfully directed by Lennie Watts....

Review: Lena Moy-Borgen's Brilliant VERY JEWISH CHRISTMAS STORY at Don't Tell Mama
by Analisa Bell - December 17, 2024

Lena Moy-Borgen is one very talented, very funny lady! On Friday, December 13, the sold-out crowd at Don’t Tell Mama was treated to her latest show, a tour-de-force entitled “A Very Jewish Christmas Story” and this reviewer thinks it is one of the best cabarets I’ve seen all year!...

Review: Mary Stallings Spins Classic Jazz With Style & Substance at Dizzy's
by Rob Lester - December 16, 2024

The captivating veteran singer Mary Stallings is a stylist with flair. Her run, 12/12 to 12/15, was a hot ticket and she brings a warm glow to Dizzy's (Jazz at Lincoln Center)....

Review: James Barbour's THE HOLIDAY CONCERT Is an Annual Tradition at Birdland
by Rob Lester - December 18, 2024

A song-packed 12/12 Christmas event helmed by baritone James Barbour (PHANTOM, JANE EYRE) helped celebrate the season and raise money to help others. Alternately earnest, chatty, cheery, or electrifying, Barbour's event was a night to remember....

Review: Jane Monheit's THE MERRIEST Is a Seasonal Splash at Birdland
by Rob Lester - December 13, 2024

You have until Saturday to make Merry with THE MERRIEST and make your way to Birdland Jazz Club for Jane Monheit's Christmas tour stop, with sets at 8:30 and 10:30 pm. It's a recommended treat....

Review: Ute Lemper Connects Epochs at Joe's Pub
by Chloe Yang - December 13, 2024

Ute Lemper traces Kurt Weill's journey from Weimar Berlin through Paris exile to America at Joe's Pub, connecting his music to modern politics through performances spanning three pivotal eras....

Review: STORM LARGE 'HOLIDAY ORDEAL' AT 54 BELOW IS THE REAL DEAL
by Stephen Sorokoff - December 12, 2024

Storm Large, one of the most uniquely multitalented individuals we have come across in our cabaret adventures opened at 54 Below last night with her annual show titled Holiday Ordeal.  ...

Review: Nicole Henry Lifts Spirits With MY FAVORITE THINGS at 54 Below
by Stephen Mosher - December 12, 2024

It's a gift, any time Nicole Henry plays New York City, and her latest Christmas show at 54 Below was no exception....

Review: KT Sullivan's CARPET RIDE at the Laurie Beechman Is a Glorious Glide
by Rob Lester - December 15, 2024

No, the Laurie Beechman Theatre/ West Bank Cafe will not be disappearing forever as feared. KT Sullivan was one of the last booked artists before the hiatus and re-opening. Her show was a pleasure....

Review: Paul Muldoon and Rogue Oliphant Forge Poetry at Joe's Pub
by Chloe Yang - December 13, 2024

Paul Muldoon and Rogue Oliphant blend literary depth with rock energy at Joe's Pub, previewing their new album 'Visible from Space,' and proving maturity enhances rather than dims artistry....

Review: Sublime and Special SPENDING CHRISTMAS WITH ALICIA WITT Plays 54 Below
by Stephen Mosher - December 10, 2024

One of the most thoughtful and poetic songwriters on the scene today, Alicia Witt has turned her attention to Christmas music, and why not? After all, how many Hallmark Christmas movies has she made? Yeah, that's right....

Review: Songbook Sundays Dives Into Cole Porter's Oeuvre at Dizzy's
by Rob Lester - December 11, 2024

Songbook Sundays, a series celebrating songwriters, is a treat of tradition. Deborah Grace Winer and co. closed out the year singing Cole Porter's praises in HAPPEN TO LIKE COLE PORTER....

Review: REBEL WITH A CAUSE Is a Triumphant Tribute to Nina Simone at 92NY
by Rob Lester - December 10, 2024

The legacy of iconic Nina Simone is in good hands with the admiring Amber Iman (Lempicka). The captivating star takes on more of the repertoire with impressive skills and love....

Review: Michael Colby's HOLIDAY REGARDS at Urban Stages Is a Lovely Treat
by Rob Lester - December 08, 2024

HOLIDAY REGARDS at Urban Stages, a collection of Michael Colby's songs sung by a fine company repeats 12/8 & 12/16. Part of a mega-series of shows with over 100 performers total (cabaret, theatre, jazz, more) at Urban Stages in Manhattan....

Review: Old Hollywood Joined Broadway in Lorna Luft & Andrea McArdle's Show at 54 Below
by Sharon Ellman - December 07, 2024

This reviewer was overwhelmed at such amazing talent on one stage....

Feature: December's Birthday Tributee Is A Class Act
by Rob Lester - December 07, 2024

Read our interview with a long-time, long admired cabaret star who celebrates born in the same month (different year) as one of his idols (Noel Coward). It's our monthly Birthday Tribute feature....

Review: Tim Connell Makes Green Room 42 Debut With 'TIS THE SEASON
by Stephen Mosher - December 06, 2024

There's nothing twee, only Tim....