Marilyn Maye

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Marilyn Maye

54 Below, NYC, April 14, 2026

Reviewed by Jacqueline Parker

Marilyn Maye

Although I have referred to her in the past as the High Priestess of Cabaret, in her purple sequined pantsuit she looked more like royalty; perhaps it’s time to crown her the Queen of Cabaret. The only form of jewelry that was not present was a tiara, or in this case, a crown. Earrings, brooch, bracelets, and rings all added to the glitter, and there is only one person who qualifies for such a glowing introduction, and, of course, it’s the beloved singer Marilyn Maye.

The occasion was to celebrate—over several performances—her birthday. She’s another Aries songstress, and true to form, she is bold, ambitious, and energetic. She is a belter for sure but can revert to heartwarming tenderness in a split second, as she did with “Lazy Afternoon” (Jerome Moross/John Latouche) and “Misty” (Erroll Garner/Johnny Burke). In these numbers, her voice became a most comforting sound, rather like a grandmother comforting a child when it falls.

Her take on Frank Loesser’s “Joey, Joey Joey” was absolutely mesmerizing. Maye is a singer who, perhaps unintentionally, subtly reveals the poetry in a lyric. Her delivery gently demanded attention.

Maye addressed her audience frequently throughout the show, saying often how glad she was that we were all there. True Aries that she is, she playfully interacted with her musicians as well (Tedd Firth on piano, Tom Hubbard on bass, and Mark McLean on drums) much the way Johnny Carson did with his band.

A particular highlight was a medley of songs about New York. Some of the usual suspects were ignored and replaced with the tunes “There’s a Boat Dat’s Leavin’ Soon for New York” (George and Ira Gershwin/DuBose Heyward from Porgy and Bess) and “My Personal Property” (Cy Coleman/Dorothy Fields).

The evening ended with Jerry Herman’s rousing “It’s Today,” which aroused a standing ovation of rapturous applause of gratitude. And in case anyone is wondering, yes, she’s still kicking, literally and figuratively, which brought even more applause.

Anyone who takes the American Songbook seriously must witness Marilyn Maye to understand how great a performer she is. It must be exhausting to keep holding that bar of excellence so high. How she still has the energy to give us a high kick at the end of a show is a marvel. Brava, Marilyn!

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Jacqueline Parker

Like Ethel Merman, lifelong New Yorker Jacqueline Parker began her career as a stenographer. She spent more than two decades at the city's premier public agency, progressing through positions of increased responsibility after earning her BA in English from New York University (3.5 GPA/Dean’s List). She won national awards for her work in public relations and communication and had the privilege of working in the House of Commons for Stephen Ross, later Lord Ross of Newport. In the second half of her career, Jacqueline brought her innate organizational skills and creative talents to a variety of positions. While distinguishing herself in executive search, she also gave her talents to publishing, politics, writing, radio broadcasting and Delmonico's Restaurant. Most recently, she hosted Anything Goes! a radio show that paid homage to Cole Porter and by extension the world of Broadway musicals and the Great American Songbook. Other features of the show were New York living, classical music, books, restaurants, architecture and politics. This show highlighted the current Broadway scene, both in New York and around the country through performances and interviews with luminaries including Len Cariou, Charles Strouse, Laura Osnes, Steve Ross and Joan Copeland. Her pandemic project was immersion into the life, times and work of Alfred Hitchcock, about whom she has written a soon-to-be-published article. Jacqueline has been involved in a myriad of charitable causes, most notably the Walt Frazier Youth Foundation, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Sisters of Life, York Theatre, and the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival. She is a proud Founder of Hidden Water. Her greatest accomplishment is the parenting of her son, a lawyer specializing in mediation. She has many pretend grandchildren, nieces and nephews, on whom she dotes shamelessly, as well as a large circle of friends to whom she is devoted. Her interests in addition to theater and cabaret are cooking, entertaining, reading, and spending time on Queen Mary 2.