by Michael Buzzelli
The 2025-2026 Trust Cabaret series went out with a bang on Monday, May 11, with Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson.
The show started with an overture of sorts, a repertoire of 70s television theme songs. Songs, Jackson claimed, had molded him. The ditties included “Charlie’s Angels,” “Little House on the Prairie,” and, of course, “Wonder Woman.” The Grammy and Emmy-nominated actor really, really, really loved Lynda Carter’s “Wonder Woman.”
Jackson, known for his roles in “Xanadu,” “Damn Yankees,” “Once Upon A Mattress,’ and many more, is currently on Broadway in “Oh, Mary!” The congenial star spent three years on a Fox sitcom, “Call Me Kat.”
Last night, he owned the Cabaret stage (currently dressed for City Theatre’s production of “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”).
Jackson’s cabaret act was not just an act; it was a musical memoir. He shared deeply personal stories with comedic flair, belted out Broadway ballads, and sang an Elvis tune.
Note: Jackson won a Theatre World Award for his portrayal of Elvis in “All Shook Up.”
The Broadway crooner also sang an original song, “OK,” a powerful, personal tale about the moment Jackson came out to his father while watching a high school football game. The song is a poignant and moving tribute to his dad.
There were two other tributes; one was a duet with Gavin Creel (featuring a recording of the late actor’s voice), and the other was a cute story about Jackson’s “Call Me Kat” costar, Leslie Jordan, complete with an astonishing imitation of Jordan’s distinct voice (known best for his guest-starring role on “Will & Grace” and his own one-man-show, “Like a Dog on Linoleum”).
In a moment of sheer joy, Jackson sang “That’s Life” while reading his own bad theatre reviews, which revealed rude sentiments from his harshest critics.
Note: Sadly, this review will not make the cut for his next cabaret because it is overly positive.
Jackson ended the show by belting out “I am what I am” from “La Cage.” It was, literally and figuratively, a showstopper, garnering Jackson a standing O.
The Trust Arts Cabaret series will be back next year with Jennifer Simard, CMU grad Christian Borle, Cassie Levy, Lorna Courtney, and the long-awaited Jeremy Jordan (who was bumped from this year to next because of scheduling conflicts).
-MB
Learn more about the Trust Arts Cabaret series by clicking here.
