Rob Lester, native New Yorker, has been covering entertainment for more than 15 years for various outlets and has recently returned to Broadway World writing staff. His involvement in cabaret has also led to involvement with the genre's awards as a voting judge and, pre-pandemic, he helped to curate the Artists In Partnership (AIP) Cabaret Festival. As far as musical theatre, he loves attending, researching, reviewing, directing, writing songs and scripts, as well as being a dramaturg. He also worked with author Deb Berman on her book for kids about what happens before birth called "9 Months in The Play Womb: The Inside Story." He personally hails from the womb of a mother who loves the Great American Songbook and its singers, instilling that appreciation in him.
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May 18, 2026
A cabaret night celebrating the music of Bob Merrill in conjunction with J2 Spotlight Musical Theater Co.'s production of CARNIVAL. THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD is currently playing through May 24.
May 11, 2026
THE BEST OF TIMES was a fine celebration of the songs of Jerry Herman by J2 Spotlight with its alumni and others. Their spring season continues with THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD opening 5/14
May 6, 2026
Don't think that the words 'Lecture Series' means something dry or preachy. J2 Spotlight's 'Behind the Spotlight' series emphasizes fun facts and insiders' perspectives. These go along with the mood of the varied post-show events after the bows at most performances of fully staged full-length musicals, with Carnival! playing now, followed by The Mystery of Edwin Drood.
June 2, 2025
Lyrics & Lyricists celebrate and examine Kander & Ebb's work with one final performance June 2 at 7 pm. This production deserves to move. Its talent is full of that quality the team wrote about as in their score for Chicago: CLASS!
April 21, 2025
Up-and-coming songwriter Ethan Carlson's songs had a turn in the spotlight at the NEW WRITERS AT 54 showcase on 3/25, showing off some of his songs with a bevy of performers including Liz Callaway.
April 1, 2025
THE LEADING LADY CONCERT at 54 Below on March 22 featured lots of talent and more than just bravura belting--with some surprises. An annual concert for Women's History Month is strong and stylish.
March 21, 2025
With two sets a night through Saturday 3/22, Cyrille Aimée and her Guitar Heroes may be your jazz heroes this week with their strong show at Birdland.
March 17, 2025
Dionne Warwick reigned at New York's Westbury Music Fair. Fans shouted that they loved her, and she returned the love with her love songs and smiles. The show was a love-fest of nostalgia with good songs, fans and family
March 7, 2025
Dorian Harewood and company revisit the '50s and '60s pop songs born in the legendary Brill Building in NYC. It was a radiant, rollicking night that also helped raise money for those affected by the L.A.-area fires.
March 4, 2025
LOUDER THAN WORDS was a lively, dramatic set of Larson material, shining a spotlight on the lyrics of Jonathan Larson and the work his lyrical legacy inspired in the next generation of songwriters.
February 25, 2025
Jennifer Simard & Christopher Sieber play the titular characters in the spoofy, goofy, satirical miracle of mirth. The DEATH BECOMES HER co-stars have great chemistry. PETE 'N' KEELY is full of side-splitting comedy with a musical punch.
February 19, 2025
Songwriters of Smash, Some Like It Hot & Hairspray, Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman get the annual Howard Ashman Award at a starry fundraiser that also raised awareness and spirits for the GMHC.
February 17, 2025
12 EASY SONGS came to Joe's Pub in Manhattan, source of much of its 'found' material. A list of street names becomes a lyric. So do overheard conversations, subway warnings, street signs, and graffiti. Theo Bleckmann is one-of-a-kind.
February 11, 2025
Marissa Mulder's THIS IS 40 at Green Room 42 was an eclectic, sweet, smart set. It’s been rewarding watching singer Marissa Mulder’s career from her neophyte cabaret experiences to her flourishing career.
February 8, 2025
JUST IN TIME FOR JULE STYNE at Dizzy's was another 'Songbook Sundays' soiree celebrating a Great American Songbook writer. A night of Jule Styne's music curated by Deborah Grace Winer 'makes someone happy.'
February 1, 2025
Every month, Broadway World's cabaret section offers a quiz saluting notable music-related people born in that month. February's edition is ready for you now. Put on your thinking cap. The clues should help.
February 1, 2025
That bundle of Broadway-centric bubbliness, Klea Blackhurst banished the winter blues at Birdland. Her thrillingly big voice and selection of joyful showtunes provided a firecracker evening of entertainment on 1/27.
January 23, 2025
The new, true-blue generation of jazz lands at Birdland: singer June Cavlan is a winner at Birdland. Special guest singers, a fantastic band and Cavlan herself made this show one for the ages.
January 19, 2025
With a quartet led by Billy Stritch, dynamic Linda Eder is in her comfort zone at 54 Below. She returns to the venue on 2/24 and 3/15. If skill, musical chops, and charm were measured in fluid ounces, this star has it in gallons.
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