JULY 22 - AUGUST 1, 2026
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.
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SEATING CHART
*The number in the center of the circle indicates the number of seats per table. The color indicates the pricing category per table. For more information on ticketing, please email boxoffice@theoneill.org.
Look out, we’re back! It’s our Opening Variety Show! featuring the fabulous 2026 Cabaret and Performance Conference Guest Artists—and a few O’Neill surprises, too. Admission is free and open to the public, so don’t miss the chance to reserve your spot at this exciting one-of-kind performance!
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 22 8:00pm
No understanding of American popular song is complete without the legendary Mabel Mercer and her influence on lyric interpretation. Her perfect diction inspired many of America’s iconic singers—including Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, and Tony Bennett—to emulate her style. With Mark Hartman at the keys, award-winning vocalist and recording artist Phillip Officer will make you feel like he’s singing each song to you alone!
July 24 8:00pm
Tonight we’ll pay tribute to Thomas Z. Shepard, the great 12-time Grammy Award-winning producer of countless classic Original Broadway Cast Recordings. Thomas will recount amazing tales from his storied career and share songs by surprise guest stars that highlight some of his favorite recordings—including Company, Sweeney Todd, Ain’t Misbehavin’, and more!
July 25 8:00pm
O’Neill favorite and 14-time MAC Award-winner Natalie Douglas will wow our audience with her critically acclaimed celebration of the iconic Dr. Nina Simone! A pivotal artist of the 20th century and one of Natalie’s principal influences, Natalie will share her early musical memories with the dignity, grace, and fierce emotional power of Nina herself. With Natalie’s longtime music director Mark Hartman at the piano, this will surely be an evening to remember!
July 26 8:00pm
Don’t miss the iconic Tony Award-nominated actor, playwright, and cabaret entertainer Charles Busch in this critically acclaimed show devoted to the leading ladies who have inspired him! A two-time MAC Award winner and a Bistro Award honoree for his work in cabaret, Charles is also a new inductee into the American Theater Hall of Fame. Accompanied by Jono Mainelli, this eclectic songbook will include the best of Harold Arlen, Kurt Weill, Stephen Sondheim, Joni Mitchell, and more.
July 28 8:00pm
Reimagining and remixing Broadway favorites from Tin Pan Alley to the Golden Age, the 2026 Junior Fellows will give their regards to Broadway with these iconic hits! Directed by Jeremiah Downes, this original evening is a tribute to beloved music theater classics developed in collaboration with and performed by our terrific students—and is sure to thrill!
July 29 8:00pm
Join our fantastic Fellows as they showcase their unique talents! Highlighting the work they’ve done throughout the conference, this show will feature electric cabaret performances spanning a range of styles, genres, and themes. Directed by cabaret legends and teaching artists Natalie Douglas and Lennie Watts, you don’t want to miss this evening with the fellows!
July 30 8:00pm
Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael R. Jackson presents an intimate concert with a mix of his Broadway hits, songs that inspire him, and a special look at original new songs—or “uncovers.” With Sean Patrick Cameron at the piano, this show will give an audience a singular look into the thoughts, feelings, and artistic journey of this theater legend!
July 31 8:00pm
