Urban Stages is thrilled to present the 17th annual Winter Rhythms music festival. Every December, Winter Rhythms connects the Off-Broadway theater community to legendary and up-and-coming music artists with an eclectic mix of shows. This year, over 150 artists will cross our stage in 21 shows, performing cabaret, musical theatre, jazz, classical, the Great American Songbook, pop, rock, and more. All proceeds will fund Urban Stages’ Outreach Program, which tours free educational multilingual art workshops, plays, and events to libraries in all five boroughs of New York City. In our 2024–25 season, Outreach held over 1,000 events, reaching tens of thousands of New Yorkers, especially those in areas with little to no funding for the arts.
All shows are $35 (Except for the Opening Night Gala).
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
7:00pm | Champagne and Wine Pre-Curtain Reception
7:30pm | Eddie Bruce in “The Magic & Music of Tony Bennett”
Acclaimed vocal artist and cabaret performer Eddie Bruce’s homage to the legendary crooner Tony Bennett has delighted audiences of all ages up and down the East Coast in venues that range from concert halls to jazz clubs, and even, given Bennett’s diverse audience, a rock club or two. Eddie’s passionate interpretation of the patented Bennett style is authentic, heartfelt, swinging, touching, captivating, and encompasses all the qualities that made Bennett the icon that he was. Philly Pops Conductor Emeritus Michael Krajewski described “The Magic and Music of Tony Bennett” simply, as “second to none.” Famed jazz broadcaster Bob Perkins called this tribute, “the best there is.” This singular celebration, which features backing from a world class jazz trio, takes the audience on a musical journey by way of the Bennett hits; the little-known gems that helped define the Bennett style, and Eddie’s first-person back stories about the man and his music. Musical Director/Piano: Dean Schneider, Bass: Kevin MacConnell and Percussion: Lew Leabman.
Tickets are $60 for this special event - TICKETS HERE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
7:00pm | “Ron Drotos & Friends”
Starring: Juliet Ewing, Susan Mack, and Leslee Warren
9:00pm | Alara Magritte & Daniel Rosen in “Snowed in with the Abominable Magritte & Rosen”
Grab some cocoa and get out your magnifying glasses! Musical theatre writing duo and rumored cryptozoologists Alara Magritte and Daniel Rosen emerge from hibernation for one night only to present a cozy cabaret of their award-winning original repertoire. Known for “their gift for scoring harmony and pushing the boundaries of subject matter in musical theater,” the pair’s catchy, genre-bending, and femme-centric work has been well received from coast to coast. With spectacular vocals and wonderful original songs, this was one of most popular shows in Winter Rhythms last year so we’re bringing them back! Music direction by Allison Kraus. Special Guests to be announced soon..
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
7:00pm | Michael Colby presents “Cast of Characters” – Part 1
The Romantic Cyclops! The Adorable Mei-Ling Moscowitz! Young Ludlow Ladd, An Orphan Born on Christmas Eve! See them all as lyricist and Winter Rhythms favorite Michael Colby presents a two-part line-up of stars embodying “character songs” from his musicals. An illuminating overview of this special type of musical theatre creation. Featuring: Nikita Burshtyn • Eddie Korbich • John LaLonde • Taylor Moy • N’Kenge • T. Oliver Reid • Jane Seaman • Megan Styrna & MORE. Hosted by Michael Colby. Musical Director: Joe Baker. Directed by: Sara Louise Lazarus.
9:00pm | Joan Crowe & Gretchen Reinhagen in “Laughing Matters”
“Laughing Matters” is a music and stand-up comedy journey where queen-diva storytelling meets stand-up confession. Melding two multi-award winning singers turned stand ups, Joan Crowe and Gretchen Reinhagen, this evening will offer fun AND great singing! Joan serves up a cocktail of music, mayhem, and mid-life rebellion as she skewers family, love, tech meltdowns, and her own queen-sized ego before landing where we all secretly live: in desperate need of a laugh. Gretchen shares some of her favorite music mixed in with her tales of love, loss, life at the office, cat psychics, and her continued rant on how the Universe is constantly trying to give her new material. Not suitable for children or cats. “Laughing Matters” reminds us why, these days, laughter matters most of all. Musical Director: Tracy Stark.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
3:00pm | Ritt Henn & Beth Falcone present “The 10th Annual Holiday Survival Kit
Beth Falcone & Ritt Henn first brought their joyous and soulful seasonal offering to Winter Rhythms in 2016. This year marks their 10th anniversary; to celebrate, they’ll be joined by their good friends, HSK alumni Roosevelt André Credit (Met Opera/Broadway) and Christine de Frece (BroadwayWorld Award Winner). Together, they serve up original and originally-arranged songs and stories from around the globe, honoring the winter solstice and the return to light. Let them sing you safely through the season, from Diwali to Lunar New Year and all that’s in between, including Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa, with songs in French, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), German, Sanskrit, merry olde English and more! The HSK team just recorded 12 tracks that they’ll be releasing as part of the celebration, and after the show there will be a Nog-&-Grog party, with joviality provided by Bibi the Elf. Happy DiwanukKwanzmas to one and all!
7:00pm | Deborah Stone & Sean Harkness in “Good Stuff”
Coming off of their highly acclaimed show, “String Theory”, these two spectacular talents, Deborah Stone and Sean Harkness, each super stars in own right, join forces for one night of music. What a wonderfully eclectic night of music it will be! From American Songbook to Harold Arlen to Bonnie Raitt to Peggy Lee to Amanda McBroom to Charlie Parker…it’s ALL good! “Ms. Stone inhabited the stage with captivating ease and total command and delighted the audience with an inspired and impressive variety of material.” – Gerry Geddes, The Bistro Awards. Sean is one of the most sought-after guitar players but, in this show, he and Deborah share the stage each featuring their unmeasured talents….it’s just “Good Stuff”! “String Theory”
Sizzle Reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s90v_UD_q20
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
3:00pm | Sara Louise Lazarus presents “Circle in the Square’s Broadway Blockbusters II”
Once again, another wonderful evening of some of Broadway’s most famous show stoppers performed by the remarkable young talents of Circle in the Square’s Theatre School’s Musical Theatre graduating class. This show has become one of Winter Rhythms’ favorite residency acts because it’s always a huge crowd pleaser and usually sells out quickly so get your ticket soon. Directed by MAC and Bistro Award winner Sara Louise Lazarus. Musical Director: Joe Baker. The cast to be announced soon.
7:00pm | Tom Toce presents “The N.Y. Songwriters Alliance”
The New York Songwriters Alliance was founded by Tom Toce in 2016. Tom is currently the President of the Board of Directors at Urban Stages. The Alliance is a group of professional songwriters who meet twice a month to share songs, success stories, industry opportunities, and creative energy. In this show, a group of current regular attendees will showcase their songs. The show will feature new songs by Michael Colby, Beth Falcone, John Forster, Ned Ginsburg, Ritt Henn, Randy Klein, Eva Margolies, Hillary Rollins, Paul Rolnick, Steve Sieck, Ethan Tarasov, Tom Toce, and Steve Young. Their songs will be showcased by some of the best vocal talent in NY cabaret.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
7:00pm | “Scott Barbarino & The Bev Naps”
Show details coming soon.
9:00pm | Steve Schlchlin in “Living in the Bonus Round”
What does it mean to be a survivor? In his new show, "Living in the Bonus Round," Steve Schalchlin shares his powerful, life-affirming story. Weaving together his life-changing music with the incredible tale of a miracle. This show is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Joining him will be his celebrated circle of musical friends including: Blake Lee Zolfo, Bill Goffi, Brian Krinsky, The Rebel Nerds, and more. The evening will include selections from his award-winning Off-Broadway musicals. The New York Times called his work "triumphant and very touching," Featuring: The Bonus Round Band.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
7:00pm | Kathy Kaefer in “Kiss Me Once: Stories from the Homefront”
Kathy Kaefer’s Backstage Bistro Award-winning show Kiss Me Once: Stories from the Homefront pays tribute to the brave men and women of The Greatest Generation in a heartfelt celebration of the songs that carried them through wartime. Drawing on deeply personal interviews with veterans, their families, and even her own grandmothers—who shared their experiences as young women on the Homefront - Kathy weaves their stories into a moving narrative brought vividly to life with music with beloved hits of the 1940s. With her insightful storytelling and a soaring voice, Kathy brings the music of wartime back to life in a performance that honors resilience, hope, and the enduring power of love and music.
9:00pm | Meg Flather & Lisa Viggiano in “#realjoy 2025”
Cabaret award-winning singers and close friends, Meg Flather and Lisa Viggiano join forces to perform their holiday show entitled #realjoy2025. Inspired by Tracey Thorn’s lyric, “It’s because of the dark, we see the beauty in the spark,” Meg and Lisa celebrate the grit and the glow of the holiday season. These two voices blend and harmonize as they offer a variety of folk, rock, holiday classics, and beloved musical theater favorites. Their multi-winning team includes: Director, Lennie Watts and Musical Director, Tracy Stark. Join them for some real joy!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
7:00pm | Rose Mary Loar in “Jesus Before Mary (Conklin)”
Rosemary Loar, no stranger to Urban Stages or “Winter Rhythms”, brings her newest show: “Jesus Before Mary (Conklin)” to us this year. She will be joined by her world class elves/trio: Frank Ponzio - piano/music direction / Tom Hubbard - bass / Vito Lesczak - drums. The show will include songs and stories about Ms. Loar’s passion for the music, (with her own jazz twist on the carols) and merriment of the season, including her role as Grandma Grinch in the Grinch Who Stole Christmas at Madison Square Garden. She will scat and jingle with an original song as well as other hidden gems AND your favorites.
Vimeo Link : https://vimeo.com/1118791338?fl=pl&fe=sh
9:00pm | Mary Foster Conklin in “Mirrors Revisited – 50th Anniversary”
A special encore performance of “Mirrors Revisited” by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, whose legendary rock and roll hits overshadowed a unique catalog of dark art songs first recorded by Peggy Lee in 1975 after winning a Grammy for "Is That All There Is?" October 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the original “Mirrors” release, Featuring: Mary Foster Conklin-vocals / John DiMartino - piano / Yoshi Waki - bass / Vince Cherico - drums / Sara Caswell – violin. " A one woman show sung with boldness and imagination” (Washington Post) - “A hip, transcendental hour …Conklin never tried to mimic Lee vocally, yet she perfectly captured the essence of the late jazz lady with the sexy voice.” (Backstage).
Video Clip to “Some Cats Know” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0YS4H-fgJU
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
7:00pm | Ruby Rims in “Christmas is a Drag!”
Please join us for a very special evening featuring one of New York's own longest living legendary Drag Queens, Ruby Rims! Ruby. who sings in her own voice, will bring us a holiday show unlike any other with her tour de force performances of old and new holiday and seasonal tunes in her own inimitable way...FABULOUSLY! Ruby is a multi-award winner, the 2018 MAC Lifetime Achievement Award Winner and has appeared on Phil Donahue and in the city's benefit for AIDS/HIV "Legends of Drag". When you meet and hear Ruby...you never will forget her! Musical Director: Henco Espag.
9:00pm | The Taxi Cab Comedy Improv Troup presents “Movie Theater”
Show details coming soon.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13
3:00pm | Michael Colby presents “Cast of Characters” - Part 2
The Girl of a Thousand Sounds! The Definitive Broadway Belter! TheOutmoded Elevator Man! See them all as lyricist and Winter Rhythms favorite Michael Colby presents a two-part line-up of stars embodying “character songs” from his musicals. An illuminating overview of this special type of musical theatre creation. Featuring: Bethe Austin • Stephen Berger • Joel Blum • Nat Chandler • Gina D’Acciaro • Leah Hocking • John LaLonde • Heather MacRae • Michael McCormick • Jill Paice • Sam Primack • Jane Seaman • Megan Styrna • Stuart Zagnit & MORE! Hosted by Michael Colby. Musical Director: Joe Baker. Directed by: Sara Louise Lazarus.
7:00pm | Eden Casteel in “Kahn Artist: Madeline & Me”
Eden Casteel’s side-splitting, song-filled adventure dives headfirst into her lifelong obsession with the one and only Madeline Kahn—Mel Brooks’ comedic genius from Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and High Anxiety. The moment teenage Eden saw Madeline Kahn in a Michelob beer commercial, she had one thought: “I want to be her when I grow up”. From that point on, Eden dreamed of becoming as beautiful, witty, and ridiculously talented as Kahn—and maybe scoring a beer commercial or two. Directed by: Tony Award winner Faith Prince. Co-written with Rod Ferguson. This show mixes laugh-out-loud stories to moments of pure ridiculousness. With musical arrangements by: Jim Rice and Bobby Peaco. Musical Director: John M. Cook.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
3:00pm | Amy Engelhardt presents “Do You Her What I Her?”
Show details coming soon.
7:00pm | Tom Toce presents “Songs of Hope VIII”
Urban Stages Board President Tom Toce will close the 2025 Winter Rhythms festival with the eighth edition of Songs of Hope. This show will feature some of the best performers working in NYC cabaret, including singer-songwriters D.C. Anderson and Amy Engelhardt. We always need hopeful songs, now more than ever. More performers will be announced as the date approaches.