Trudy Carmichael: Just Who Does She Think She Is?
Don't Tell Mama343 West 46th Street, New York 10036
Trudy Carmichael brings Just Who Does She Think She Is? to Don’t Tell Mama: a one-woman, musically improvised cabaret built around a fictional Las Vegas lounge diva making her bid for New York. Directed by Lennie Watts, the show mixes mashed-up show tunes with ’80s pop anthems, takes audience suggestions and live comments, and includes a Q&A. Tracy Stark provides musical direction and plays keys, with Steve Whyte, also known as Stevie Skins, on drums. The evening follows Trudy as she confronts the question in its title, with a stated invitation to celebrate your truth and protect your inner sparkle.
Trudy Carmichael is the creation of New York-based vocalist and musical improviser Robin Rothman, an actor, singer-songwriter, and improviser. Rothman has brought the character to venues and festivals in the United States and abroad, including the Edinburgh Fringe. Trudy is billed as a Las Vegas lounge legend, a larger-than-life performer whose act joins powerhouse singing with comic improvisation and song mash-ups. Reviewers have singled out her “big personality and impeccable voice,” calling the show “hysterical” and “often moving.” One wrote that she was “melting the hypothetical wallpaper” in a torch-song turn; another called her “a force of nature.”
Don't Tell Mama offers a distinctive cabaret experience with four separate spaces including a piano bar and two cabaret showrooms, where bartenders and servers often perform live music themselves. The venue features Mediterranean cuisine alongside a full bar, with a cash-only policy for food and drinks. Seating is limited and first come, first served, so arriving early is wise to secure a spot. Shows typically start in the evening with a 2-drink minimum and ticketed entry, often featuring multiple sets and a mix of seasoned headliners and rising talent. The room’s walls and layout create a close connection between performers and audience, making it a place to truly listen and engage with the music. Located on Restaurant Row in the Theater District, it blends dining and entertainment in a lively yet focused setting.