July 16-26
About the Conference
The Cabaret & Performance Conference, led by Grammy & Emmy Award winner John McDaniel, brings some of the biggest names in cabaret theater to perform at the O’Neill each summer. During its two weeks, it also offers intensive, hands-on artistic guidance and instruction for select up-and-coming performers on the cabaret scene and students, who work with the renowned Conference faculty as well as the many talented guest artists in the Cabaret Fellows and Junior Fellows programs. Previous Conference artists include: Judy Kuhn, Tonya Pinkins, Norm Lewis, Marilyn Maye, Ken Page, Molly Pope, Melissa Manchester, Karen Mason, Christina Bianco, Joyce Breach, Brad Simmons, Matt Baker, Eric Yves Garcia, Mark Hartman, Brian Nash, Natalie Douglas, The Skivvies, Nick Adams, Shirley Jones, Jim Caruso, Billy Stritch, Mimi Hines, Susie Mosher, Betty Buckley, and Tommy Tune.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
We are back! It’s our Opening Variety Show! with the fabulous 2025 O’Neill guest artists as well as some campus surprises. Don’t miss this exciting and unique performance which is free to the public!
Tickets can be reserved online for free. If tickets run out online, a standby line will be used to fill any additional open seats!
July 16 8:00pm
One of Broadway’s favorites, Tony Award-nominee Eden Espinosa takes the stage in An Intimate Evening with Eden Espinosa, filled with song favorites and career highlights. Eden is widely known as one of the very first Elphabas in Wicked and for her two titular Broadway roles in Brooklyn and Lempicka. This show, with our own John McDaniel on piano, is not to be missed!
July 17 8:00pm
Steve Ross stars in An Evening of Cole Porter and Beyond! The “Crown Prince of New York Cabaret” (New York Times) and legendary bon vivant performs the music of this spirited composer and more. The evening includes Cole Porter's brilliant and sometimes racy list songs, “You're The Top” and “Let’s Do It”, as well as his bitter-sweet, passionate ballads including “What Is This Thing Called Love?” and "I Concentrate on You.” The New York Times has called Mr. Ross “the suavest of all male cabaret performers,” and the London Times proclaimed “he’s the smoothest cabaret act in the world”!
July 18 8:00pm
Tonight, we are excited to present John Lloyd Young in Concert! John won the Tony Award for his performance in the original Jersey Boys, and he reprised his role of Frankie Valli in the Clint Eastwood film version. He continues to delight audiences from coast to coast, and tonight he’ll be accompanied by John McDaniel.
July 19 8:00pm
O’Neill favorite and 14-time MAC Award winner, Natalie Douglas returns again this year with All Dolled Up: The Music of Dolly Parton. This dynamic show features original Parton compositions including “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” & “9 to 5.” Natalie will be joined by singer/songwriter and indie darling, Shanna Sharp on guitar and vocals.
July 20 8:00pm
From RuPaul’s Drag Race & All Stars, we are thrilled to welcome to the stage the one and only, Latrice Royale, for an evening of merriment and song: Terms & Conditions (May Vary). Lots of surprises are in store, so don’t wait to get your tickets! She will be joined by her husband, the terrific Christopher Hamblin, on the piano.
July 22 8:00pm
The wonderful Tony Award-nominee Karen Akers joins us in the Dina for her intimate cabaret, Feels Like Home. Known predominantly for her work on Broadway in Nine and Grand Hotel and in cabarets worldwide, Karen brings her unique style and singular voice. She makes her O’Neill debut with the wonderful Alex Rybeck on the piano.
July 25 8:00pm
