The 37th New York Cabaret Convention: Once in a Blue Moon—A Tribute to Mabel Mercer

Rose Theater, NYC, October 13, 2026

Reviewed by Alix Cohen

Photos by Richard Termine

Mabel Mercer’s intimate, impeccably phrased interpretations of songs transformed the art of singing a lyric into an act of storytelling. Revered by generations, she left an indelible mark on the Great American Songbook.

In 1985, Donald Smith established a foundation to honor the icon, who was his friend and client, and to preserve the art of cabaret. Some of us have seen 37 years’ worth of Conventions. The first was in 1989.

There we were again—performers, fans and friends—gathered for live music, carrying the torch. A multitude of hugs and air kisses resembled backstage at the Tonys.

Hosts Andrea Marcovicci and Jeff Harnar (their 13th year) welcomed us and honored the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s namesake with a lighthearted rendition of “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” (Paul Simon). “Our North Star tonight has been to create a roster of storytellers,” Harnar noted.

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Behind the Scenes at the 37th Annual CABARET CONVENTION: Day One at JALC's Rose Hall

Rose Theater, NYC, October 13, 2026

Article and photos by Stephen Sorokoff

In 2008, Eda and I booked a themed cruise, “Sail with Cabaret Performers,” hosted by Donald F. Smith, founder of the Mabel Mercer Foundation. Since photography had long been a hobby of mine, I brought my camera along to capture the sights along the way, including Barcelona’s magnificent architecture. I also found myself taking plenty of candid shots of the performers as they relaxed and mingled during our days at sea.

When I showed the photographs to Donald, he said, “These are so great, you should come to the Cabaret Convention and do this backstage.”

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The Mabel Mercer Foundation's Opening Night Tribute to Mabel Mercer

Rose Theater, NYC, October 13, 2026

Reviewed by Andrew Poretz

Photos by Richard Termine & Andrew Poretz

When you name your foundation after a long-gone, legendary performer whose actual work is largely unknown to those not of a certain age, it’s a good idea to periodically honor that person by playing their music. For the first night of the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s 37th Annual Cabaret Convention, held at the Frederick P. Rose Theater at Jazz at Lincoln Center, they did just that with “Once In a Blue Moon” A Tribute to Mabel Mercer, with some of the best performers in cabaret performing songs associated with Mabel Mercer (with a few exceptions). Mercer, who passed in 1984 at the age of 84, was known as a “singer’s singer,” a performer who influenced countless performers, notably Frank Sinatra (who credited Mercer for influencing his phrasing), Leontyne Price, Tony Bennett, Billie Holiday, Bobby Short, and many more.

Though Mercer had a fine, trained voice when younger, in her later years she spoke many of her lyrics with a regal British accent, utilizing unparalleled storytelling skills.

There were many pianists accompanying the artists, with Jon Weber the musical director for the evening. Ritt Henn and Sherrie Maricle provided bass and drums, respectively, for all of the performers except where indicated.

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My View: Backstage at the Cabaret Convention: OPENING NIGHT

Rose Theater, NYC, October 13, 2026

Article and photos by Stephen Sorokoff

For me, it has always been to witness and capture “how the magic happens.” Backstage, rehearsals, sound checks, invited dress rehearsals, active hallways…all of it! Those are the real excitement for me. It probably began when my first piano teacher, Dave Roberts, who was a staff musician at CBS and NBC, invited this 13-year-old student to tag along and watch some TV musical show rehearsals in the ‘50s.

At 16, I landed a summer job at ABC delivering “teletype” messages to the executives. The job had its perks. It also gave me opportunities to sneak into rehearsals and watch the creation unfold.  The ‘60s found me one night at the Copacabana, backstage, with my musical hero Buddy Greco. During the summers and college vacations, I worked as a pianist in the Borscht Belt, located in the Catskills, where my living quarter was a small room tucked away backstage. Touring entertainers often asked to use my modest space as a place to change before their performances. After all, these hotels had nothing resembling the dressing rooms we associate with show business today.

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The 37th Annual Cabaret Convention — Sammy: All The Way and Then Some: The Songs of Sammy Davis Jr.

Rose Theater, NYC, October 14, 2026

Reviewed by Alix Cohen

Photos by Richard Termine

Sammy Davis Jr. left behind a dazzling legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century: a singer, dancer, actor, and master impressionist. From unforgettable performances to his courageous fight against discrimination, the artist was more than a star—he was a trailblazer. 

Opening with a luscious “Begin the Beguine” (Cole Porter), enthusiastic host Natalie Douglas calls Davis, Jr., “the most talented person to live ever, ever ever. Douglas has invited many artists rarely seen on a cabaret stage.

As Director of Education at The Mabel Mercer Foundation, the host introduces: Reed Harris Butts whose “Birth of the Blues” (Buddy DeSylva & Lew Brown/Ray Henderson) shows not only talent and personality, but unusual poise for a debut.

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Review: A Cornucopia of Entertainment Closes out CABARET CONVENTION 2026 at Rose Hall

With A Song In My Heart brings fan favorites and new talent to the Mabel Mercer Foundation's 37th convention.

Rose Theater, NYC, October 15, 2026

Article and photos by Stephen Mosher

Yesterday saw the closing night of the 37th Annual Mabel Mercer Foundation’s New York Cabaret Convention, and the fine folks at the MMF took us out with class, in style, and in sublime celebration of both the art of cabaret and the Great American Songbook, including a discreet mention of the songs originating in the British Isles from Julie Wilson Award recipient Sam Jewison, who wished to honor the compositions coming out of his homeland and ours. The whole event was one replete with storytelling, music, and the beautiful artists who make Cabaret and Concert what it is. I don’t get to go to the Cabaret Convention every year because it is difficult to commit to three nights of anything, (and other BroadwayWorld Cabaret correspondents want to join in the fun, too), but when MMF Artistic Director KT Sullivan told me her night of hosting would feature seven (7!) Cabaret Convention debuts, my interest was definitely piqued, so I took the night off work and got my pad and pen ready to write… and, boy, was I happy that I did. 

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Photos: BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE 37TH ANNUAL CABARAET CONVENTION DAYS 2 & 3 at Rose Hall

Rose Theater, NYC, October 14-15, 2026

Article and photos by Stephen Sorokoff

Backstage! The very word had always held a special fascination for me. So, without hesitation, I happily traded my seat in the audience for a place behind the scenes.

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The Cabaret Convention Cornucopia of Entertainment!

Rose Theater, NYC, October 15, 2026

Reviewed by Andrew Poretz

Photos by Stephen Mosher & Andrew Poretz

With a Song in My Heart: A Cornucopia of Entertainment, the third and final night of the 37th New York Cabaret Convention, was KT Sullivan’s night. Sullivan, a singer and actress and the Mabel Mercer Foundation’s artistic director, has kept the spirit and focus of the Foundation at the forefront of the cabaret world since Donald Smith’s passing in 2012. For this night, the theme, “A Cornucopia of Entertainment,” would be realized with a seemingly endless supply of talented performers.

KT, sporting a top hat, cold-opened the show sitting at the piano (a talent she picked up during the pandemic) to perform a somewhat subdued medley of “Give My Regards to Broadway” (George M. Cohan), “Take Me Back to Manhattan” (Cole Porter) and “I Happen to Like New York” (Cole Porter)

Pianist Jon Weber, bassist Steve Doyle and drummer Ray Marchica were the accompanists throughout the evening, except where indicated.

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My View: Backstage at the Cabaret Convention

Rose Theater, NYC, October 15, 2026

Article and photos by Stephen Sorokoff

For the young me, the excitement was dizzying. I found myself chatting with some of the biggest stars of the day as they dressed and prepared to take the stage. Those backstage encounters were unforgettable— Billy Eckstine once even borrowed my tie and Jackie Mason would ask me what jokes the comic who appeared the previous night had told!

Today, and many cameras later, I’m delighted, and proud, to share with you a glimpse of the magic unfolding behind the scenes at this year’s 37th New York Cabaret Convention.

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