Interview: Lisa Donahey headlines TWO FOR THE SHOW! at The Velvet Martini Lounge inside Vitello's

Lisa Donahey is an established and proven top draw for Los Angeles, Orange County, Palms Springs and Las Vegas Cabaret. She took ten minutes to answer ten questions for Broadway World LA about carving out a niche for a successful Cabaret singer when she's not in the recording studio or performing on ABC’s General Hospital as Nurse Lisa Myers.

What inspired you to pursue performing arts? 

Ever since I was a little girl, I was fearless. I had some amazing people and mentors in my life who helped me discover and develop my talent for singing and performing. I loved “studying” people who moved me in some way. From legacy singers like Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt and Melissa Manchester to singers of today like Paula Cole and Trisha Yearwood. Although, I am uniquely me, I can’t help to think how all of these amazing women and their talent inspired who I am both as a performer and singer today. 

Who are your biggest artistic influences and how have they shaped your style? 

I find beauty and inspiration from all types of artists across many mediums like Streisand, who could just interpret a lyric with emotional perfection.  I also find inspiration in visual artists, A perfect example is one of my favorite musicals, Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park with George” which features George Seurat’s piece “A Sunday Afternoon on the island of Le Grande Jatte.” The music, lyrics, the art and story are a perfect storm of confluences. When I hear the title song “Sunday”, I am moved to tears each time. The music and lyrics resonate so deeply within me that they unlock emotions I didn’t even realize were waiting to surface. It’s as if every note and every word were crafted just for this moment, speaking directly to my soul.  It is our measure  to find our unique gift in life then find our purpose in sharing our gifts.

Can you describe your creative process when preparing for a performance? 

I love the creative process. I love the beautiful, unknown, uncomfortable, and eventually satisfying space and outcome it can bring. When I start laying out a new show, I start with determining the theme and then look for specific songs which will help further the theme and deliver on my theme. I have a wall in my home, when I’m preparing for a show, I put up sticky notes with the song titles, so I can see what the flow is manifesting in front of me.  Sometimes, I stand in front of the wall and move the sticky notes around as many times until it feels right to me.

What is your favorite aspect of performing live in LA?

Performing live is such a thrill for me and can capture the energy and emotions so perfectly!  In the pocket and it’s just the audience and myself. I have an intentional community there to experience whatever it is about to unfold. I’m always tickled when I perform, because I’m excited to share something with people something unexpected but entertaining.  I like to challenge my audience and sing a song which makes me so vulnerable, they catch a bit of a glimpse into my soul and see me for who I really am in this world. I think those moments help us develop empathy, compassion and insight as to what it is to be human, now. 

Is there a difference between the New York and LA cabaret scene?

In New York, there seems to be an expectation, a respect and appreciation of deeply rooted traditions with Cabaret since Broadway is there too and it’s a concentrated area in a theatre loving  town. NY Cabaret is about a documented history and prestige. When you go to New York, live entertainment is a part of this town’s DNA so New Yorkers are mentally funded to see an homage to the great legacy of their Broadway. 

In LA, it’s a different vibe, Cabaret is very much alive here, but co-exists with so many other music genres since the music industry relocated to Hollywood in the early 70s.  LA is also largely known for being a TV and film town. LA doesn't have the same centralized theater presence like Manhattan does in Cabaret. Los Angeles is such a larger footprint so there is no Cabaret district like Hell’s Kitchen or Greenwich Village.  I love the variety, but without a built-in NY theater audience, Cab singers have to work much harder to market our shows more relevant to the West  Coast which forces us to make our shows feel like a one night only must see “event.”  People who love Cabaret in LA will of course find the venues, communities and artists they love and support them, but LA Cabaret singers definitely recognize how different New York and LA Cabaret scenes are through their different location challenges but also their unique relevance to live entertainment. 

How do you handle stage fright and anxiety? 

I only feel nervous about a show when I don’t feel prepared in time. Fear is enough to motivate me to make sure I am always prepared and it’s so much easier with new technology of iPad foot pedals and back wall prompters. If I feel anxious before a set, I just have a conversation with myself and say “Lisa, you know this material better than most and you have a unique voice which needs to be heard!”.  The best advice to novices is just be in the moment and go with the flow of imperfections and perfection peacefully co-existing with an audience and your will find your voice and its audience.

What is your favorite song you’ve performed with whom and why?

My favorite song can change from hour-to-hour based on the mood that I’m in or what I may be experiencing in my life at this time. If I had to pick one highlighted performance, it would be the moment I was given to sing an original song written by uber composers, Allan Rich and Steven Bliss, called “Be the Light” which is on my fourth studio album “Dream Me Home for Christmas.”  I was able to share the stage with a woman who I’ve loved and respected for years, Debby Boone. The message in "Be The Light"  is about real hope and how we can lead by example no matter what are the dire straits a culture or country may be facing today.  It’s just such a beautifully composed song with a message for our truly uncertain times. My being able to sing it with Debby Boone was such an added thrill for me. She’s quite possibly one of the most gracious, talented and lovely people you could meet. I love it when I meet people who have influenced me as an artist and yet they go beyond my fan girl expectations.

Do you have any pre-show rituals or superstitions? 

I don’t have any superstitions leading up to a performance. I just always think, “Here we are...we’re going do the best show and give our best in the next few hours for this present audience.” I’ve had to let go of perfection, and this doesn’t mean I am settling for any mediocrity. When I have other performers like the amazing Cortés Alexander with top shelf musicians backing me up, it’s important for me to foster a healthy creative environment so we all can go out feeling good, proud of the material and do our best. I co-produce my concerts with my musician husband, Dexter Warren, and in this role it’s our job to make sure we set everybody up for success and a big part of that is making sure they feel valued, foster a fun and creative space to play and that they are a part of something special tonight. 

People who know me well always hear me say “No jerks allowed!”

How do you incorporate audience feedback at your performances? 

I am so lucky to have an incredibly loyal and engaged fan base. I’m always open to feedback and appreciate it when it’s constructive criticism.  I’m always willing to take this information in and find value in feedback. At the end of the day, you can’t please everybody and you can only do your best you. I want to deliver a music product people truly enjoy because they relate to me but feedback to tweak the show and my performances is an open door.

What top of LA venue have you not performed at that you want to? 

I feel very fortunate to have performed at pivotal Cabaret venues around So Cal like the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, on the top of the hill at Vibrato, my residency at the Velvet Martini Lounge upstairs at Vitello’s, The Write-Off Room, as well as Campus Jax in Orange County and Oscar’s in Palm Springs. My goal this year is to perform at the classic Hollywood Bowl which is every singer’s figurative box to check.

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