Bay Area Reporter :: Cabaret News

Katya Smirnoff-Skyy celebrates 18 Years at Martuni's

May 16, 2023 | by Christopher J. Beale

J. Conrad Frank's character Katya Smirnoff-Skyy was custom-made for a specific reason: to host cabaret and sing live. This week Katya celebrates 18 years hosting Katya Presents at Martuni's piano bar, a passion project that became an institution.

Spotlight on Pride at Lyon & Swan: four gay performers are featured now through June

by Jim Gladstone
May 16, 2023

To celebrate Pride month, the queer-owned Lyon & Swan supper club has booked a remarkable slate of four local gay artists, all worthy of broad attention, to play the intimate room.

Tales of Taylor: Ann Talman's musical memoir at Feinstein's

by Jim Gladstone
May 9, 2023

Ann Talman first met Elizabeth Taylor in January 1981. The writer-performer brings her musical reminiscences of La Liz, "The Shadow of Her Smile," to Feinstein's at the Nikko on Friday, May 12.

Migguel Anggelo brings "LatinXoxo" to Stanford

by Laura Moreno
Apr 25, 2023

Migguel Anggelo, the larger than life Venezuelan-born creative genius, has put together a cabaret show called "LatinXoxo" that is an "outrageously queer concert experience."

In the Spotlight: singular talents hit local stages

by Jim Gladstone
Apr 11, 2023

A breakout glam rock cabaret star; a character actress who plays a whole cast of characters; Broadway's standby success story of the year; and a show tune interpreter like you've never heard before.

Ann Hampton Callaway has the "Fever"

by Gregg Shapiro
Mar 28, 2023

More than 30 years since the release of her debut album, jazz vocalist, songwriter, and Winnetka-native Ann Hampton Callaway shows no sign of slowing down. Her new album pays homage to the late great Peggy Lee.

Wonder Dave's Safe Words: new comedy night at the SF Eagle

by Christopher J. Beale
Mar 20, 2023

Wonder Dave, the host of the new Safe Words Comedy Showcase at San Francisco's iconic leather bar The Eagle, discussed the ups and downs of working in a not-so-queer business, and how he creates LGBTQ events to counter that.

'Cockettes: Res-Erection' - Oasis musical revue recalls famed queer theater troupe

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Mar 14, 2023

Oasis will come alive with the sound of The Cockettes on March 23-25. For those who may not know, The Cockettes were a queer theater troupe that performed in San Francisco from around 1969-1972.

Catherine Russell: singing the test of time

by Jim Gladstone
Feb 21, 2023

"Before I record something," explained Catherine Russell, who plays the Fairmont Hotel's Venetian Room February 26 as part of the Bay Area Cabaret Series, "I always test them out with live audiences, just to see if they work. Luckily, they usually do."

Claybourne Elder: gay Broadway star plays two Bay Area shows

by Jim Gladstone
Feb 14, 2023

In advance of his concerts in Napa and San Francisco, Claybourne Elder, star of 'Company,' 'The Gilded Age' and more, shared a few remarkable stories of his Mormon upbringing and theatrical good fortune.

Bobby Conte: the Broadway star comes home

by Jim Gladstone
Feb 7, 2023

Before starring in 'A Bronx Tale' and other Broadway shows, Bobby Conte, who brings his solo concert "Along the Way" to A.C.T.'s Strand Theater Feb. 11, got his start in theater here in the Bay Area.

Lady Bunny - New York drag star lands at Oasis

by Jim Provenzano
Feb 3, 2023

Fans of Lady Bunny, the New York drag star known for giant wigs, can look forward to her song parodies and routines in her new show, "The Greatest Ho on Earth," at Oasis on February 10 and 11.

Carly Ozard: singer launches monthly shows at Martuni's

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Jan 24, 2023

Beginning Sunday, January 29, and continuing on the last Sunday of each month through the end of 2023, powerhouse singer Carly Ozard, accompanied by Barry Lloyd at the piano, will offer "Live at Martuni's: Carly Ozard and Friends."

Donna McKechnie: Broadway legend sings Sondheim at Feinstein's

by Jim Gladstone
Jan 17, 2023

Donna McKechnie, best known for originating, and winning a Tony for, the role of Cassie in "A Chorus Line," will honor her late colleague in her solo show, "Take Me To The World: the Songs of Stephen Sondheim," at Feinstein's at the Nikko on Jan. 19 & 20.

Marshall Forte at Lyon & Swan: two sensational debuts

by Jim Gladstone
Jan 17, 2023

Marshall Forte, a lightning bolt of charisma and musicality who, debuted as Lola in Ray of Light Theatre's production of "Kinky Boots," is now setting off sparks with his own cabaret act, "Hello My Name Is Marshall" at the new supper club Lyon & Swan.

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