Reclamation, Part 2: A Boogie Down Bronx Tale

In January 2024, I wrote a post about reclaiming a part of me that had once dreamed of performing on Broadway. This Thursday – June 4^th – I will be making my cabaret solo show debut at The Green Room 42 in New York City, presenting A Boogie Down Bronx Tale.

When I pause and reflect on all the pieces that had to fall in place for me to be here, I am awestruck. Without time, finances, and access to folks in the cabaret industry, this show would have never seen the light of day. Time afforded me the ability to attend workshops, rehearsals, and practice over the last two years. Time also created space for me to do the behind-the-scenes work, including, but not limited to scheduling rehearsal and practice sessions, securing the venue, communicating with the venue team, creating show materials, and advertising the show across my network. Finances allowed me to pay the venue and everyone who is playing a role in my show. Access allowed me to forge relationships with all the folks who have made my show possible.

A solo cabaret show usually features a performer telling a story through song in an intimate venue with musicians. For my show, I will be telling the story about where I am from, my life’s journey, and my relationship to music. As I prepare to share my story, I honor those whose stories are ignored and erased and hope that in hearing my story, audience members get curious about who gets to tell their own stories and the reasons why.

Reflection Questions:

1. What role does privilege and oppression play in whose stories are told and how they are told?

2. What is one thing you can do to start exposing yourself to stories told by people who you rarely hear from?

   
   

For those interested in learning more about my show, please check out this YouTube interview I did with NYC cabaret titan Sue Matsuki, interview with BroadwayWorld, and podcast conversation with Richard Skipper. Tickets are still available for both my shows on June 4^th @ 7pm ET and June 20^th @ 1pm ET – including livestreaming – so please join me!