March Is Cabaret Month – Where Is the Mainstream Coverage?
Cabaret: A Thriving but Overlooked Feature of Cultural Life
By Craig Pomranz
March is Cabaret Month, not just in New York, but across the nation! So why does it receive so little recognition in the mainstream media? In New York City alone, thousands of individuals are employed in this art form, and its influence extends far beyond, shaping communities nationwide. There are many venues presenting shows across the city every night of the week.
Cabaret’s absence from The New York Times Arts & Leisure section is a terrible loss. Despite its rich cultural history and ongoing contributions in New York City to the performing arts, cabaret and cabaret music venues were completely absent from The Times’ Fall, Spring, and Summer Arts & Leisure preview sections this year. This glaring omission raises questions about the media’s coverage of this vibrant and enduring art form. Cabaret remains an important space for storytelling, musical innovation, and intimate performances—so why is it being ignored? It’s time to shine a spotlight on the stages that keep this tradition alive.
Cabaret has long served as a platform for progressive politics, as seen in the fictional Kit Kat Club in the musical Cabaret, and its role remains vital and sorely needed in today’s political climate. It can be serious, hilarious, and heartbreaking at the same time. Occasionally it is lampooned, as in Broadway’s Oh Mary, but it is rarely treated with the respect it deserves. Cabaret is more than mere entertainment; it reflects our cultural diversity, history, and artistic spirit.
New York City is a global hub for cabaret, home to renowned venues such as Café Carlyle, 54 Below, and Joe’s Pub. Historically, there were Feinstein’s at the Regency, the Rainbow Room, the Persian Room, and so many more. Equally vital are the more intimate venues such as Pangea, Don’t Tell Mama, The Green Room 42, the Triad Theater, and the soon-to-be-renovated Laurie Beechman Theatre. These spaces provide artists with a platform to showcase their skills and attract audiences from around the world, further cementing New York’s reputation as a cultural hub.
Every night across the Tri-State area, cabaret is being performed. Even with limited media coverage, its continued importance in our cultural tapestry is undeniable. Cabaret performances bring people together night after night—but where is the press coverage?
Beyond its artistic contributions, cabaret also has a significant economic impact on New York City. These venues are not just stages; they are small businesses that support a diverse workforce that includes performers, musicians, technicians, along with as food and beverage staff. Their success and survival are essential to the city’s broader economic health. Additionally, cabaret admission prices are far more affordable than traditional theater tickets, making it an accessible entertainment option for eager audiences, both New Yorkers and tourists. Press support, through listings, photos, and reviews would help preserve a vital part of New York’s artistic identity and ensure its recovery and growth. Cabaret is a testament to the creativity, the resilience, and the enduring power of live performance. It deserves to be celebrated, supported, and given the recognition it rightfully commands. These spaces provide a stage for performers and attract audiences from around the world, thereby reinforcing New York’s reputation as a cultural capital. The mainstream media should consider dedicating more coverage to this essential art form.
(Craig Pomranz is the president of the American Songbook Association as well as an internationally known actor, song-stylist, and author of the children’s book Made by Raffi.)
