Who should do a cabaret act?
That was a question posed in a recent ticket giveaway contest for the cabaret 54 Below. Here are some of the responses, listed alphabetically by performer, followed by two innovative ideas for group shows, with the argument for why they should do it. (I’m betting some of these have already done a cabaret show, but in that case, listen to the voice of the people: We want to see you again!)
Norbert Leo Butz
He is such a dynamic, vibrant performer, and I have loved watching him act and sing in various roles. I would love him take that energy to a set of songs that he personally chooses. I have listed to the live recording of Norbert at 54 Below and he seems like such a great cabaret performer! That would be a dream to witness in person.- Paul J. Hernandez
Adam Chanler-Berat.
Though I’ve seen him make appearances as a special guest, as well as his duo show with “Next to Normal” co-star Jennifer Damiano, I think a solo cabaret would be a great chance for him and us, the audience, to revisit his many shows over the past decade. I’ve seen him in almost a dozen different roles during that time and I’m sure he has the best anecdotes to include between numbers. I’ve been wanting this since his run in “Rent” back in 2011, so hopefully one day. – Nicole Wright
Beanie Feldstein
I think she’s so talented and funny, and I love to get a sneak preview of what we might get to hear from her in the Merrily movie. There’s a video of her singing “Meadowlark” on YouTube, and I think it shows what a great musical storyteller she is. – Meaghan
Brian d’Arcy James
His voice captivated me as a teen and a cabaret show would provide such depth and variety to let it shine, plus allowing a chance to see insight into his own influences. The idea of seeing him sing for a good 90 minutes or so is an ultimate dream! – Katie Lee
Lin-Manuel Miranda
I think it would be incredible to sing songs from his shows, especially ones that he didn’t sing while performing in those shows as well as the songs that influenced him as a musical theater writer to demonstrate how he got to where he is now. And he’s also such a charming personality that he could just talk about anything he wanted and I’m sure the audience would be enthralled. – Christine Chen
Jessie Mueller
She has such a unique voice and can sing such a wide variety of material, a cabaret show showcasing her range would be perfect! – Katherine
Eva Noblezada
I’ve seen her in Miss Saigon and in Hadestown and I just think she has all the chops for having a great cabaret performance! I could listen to her sing a phonebook! – Francesca DiCillo
Lea Salonga
She has been one of my fave female vocalists ever since ‘Miss Saigon’; I adore her voice and would happily listen to her sing absolutely anything and everything for hours!! — Sarah Packard
Sarah Stiles
I would love to see this Tootsie (and HBO Billions) star (with Friends?) do a cabaret act! Sarah’s act would combine the best of musical theater with terrific comedy (as she demonstrated in “What’s Gonna Happen.”) She is spontaneous, sings well, and is a comedic genius. From “Kate Monster/Avenue Q”, to “Sandy/Tootsie”, to “Bonnie Barella/Billions”, I’m sure Sarah would also have many great stories to tell — Alan Ashkinaze
I would love to see a reunion concert with the original Broadway cast of Next to Normal. It’s been 10 years since the show opened on Broadway so a reunion concert is long overdue and 54 Below would be the perfect intimate space for it! – Katherine
I would love to see a show called Seize The Davey, featuring the four actors who played Davey in Newsies on Broadway (Ben F, Jeremy G) and tour (Jacob K, Stephen L). Three of them have performed at 54 before but I do not believe Jacob has, and I would love to see him make his debut there – “BroadwaySloths”
