Interludes

2014’s Best in Cabaret

• By drediman
• December 10, 2014
• No Comments

2014 was another wonderful year in cabaret. New York continued to demonstrate why it is the cabaret capital of the world with the sheer quantity and variety (and most of the time, quality) of cabaret options available to fans every night of the week. Out of the approximately 60 cabaret or cabaret-like shows I attended this year, the following entertainers rose to the top of my list through the sheer force of their personalities and the loving craft of their shows.

1. ANNALEIGH ASHFORD

Annaleigh Ashford first brought her delightfully eclectic “Lost in the Stars” show to 54 Below in February. At the performance I attended, she was completely inspired, hilariously pushing the comedy to the brink of absurdity with her unmistakable brand of humor. Since then, Ms. Ashford’s profile has risen (she’s been singled out in the current starry revival of “You Can’t Take It With You” and is a sure bet for a Tony nomination, if not her first win). She returns to 54 Below with the same show this December even higher in the stars.

2. LILLIAS WHITE

Tony-winning “The Life” and “Fela!” star Lillias White brought her sassy cabaret show entitled “The Lillias White Effect” to 54 Below in May. The performance featured some larger-than-life renditions of classics from shows like “Mame” and “Gypsy”. What sets the sultry and regal Ms. White apart from her big-voiced colleagues is her gutsy vocal choices and her willingness to go to darker places as an actress for the sake of the song. The results are searing. Mr. Producer, let’s please get her back on Broadway soon.

3. JESSICA MOLASKEY & JOHN PIZZARELLI

The husband and wife team of Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli struck an image of a happy, handsome couple up on the storied stage of the Café Carlyle last month. But those who leaned in and really listened to their movingly transparent performances in their newest show “Grown Up Songs” got the sense that these two have lived the songs they were crooning. Although easy on the ears, these songs (which were exquisitely arranged) were ultimately wistful portals back to emotions that are all too real.

4. BARB JUNGR

The quirky Barb Jungr was a sensation in her recent run at 59E59 in November. This time around, she’s assembled a heartfelt show comprised of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen songs called “Hard Rain”. Ms. Jungr was a marvel as she navigated every word and nuance of these treasured songs. Indeed, watching her perform was like watching a master monologist eagerly rip into some ripe material. Although the songs here were by Dylan and Cohen, Ms. Jungr made them totally her own.

5. BETTY BUCKLEY

What a thrill it was to see the one-and-only Betty Buckley back doing cabaret since I saw her last at the now defunct Feinstein’s at the Regency back in 2011. Her new show at Joe’s Pub in October featured songs from her latest album “Ghostlight”. Although some of the new material is a bit too jazz-light for my taste, Ms. Buckley’s unmistakable steely sound still sent chills down my spine.