Alex de Suze: Nina & Sarah & Aretha & Alex
Don't Tell Mama343 West 46th Street, New York 10036
Alexandra, known as Alex de Suze, brings Nina & Sarah & Aretha & Alex to Don’t Tell Mama for a cabaret set built around Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan and Aretha Franklin. The performance is framed as a solo vocal tribute, approaching their work through inspiration, imitation and de Suze’s stated love of these singers’ catalogues. No accompanying musicians or additional performers are listed for this date, so the focus is squarely on de Suze’s interpretations and her own voice alongside those three touchstone artists.
A New York City cabaret singer and actress, de Suze has performed material that ranges, in one reviewer’s account, “from Broadway to The Met.” Sharon Fogarty describes her as “both a modest and generous performer, spectacular to hear and comfortable to watch,” and praises a “unique voice that cannot be pigeon-holed.” Another endorsement characterizes her vocal range as stretching “from dirty blues to opera” and calls her “an incredible storyteller.” Her earlier show Late Bloomer included musical director and pianist Tracy Stark, bass, drums, backing vocalists Sierra Rein, Julie Reyburn and Goldie Dver, plus guest Richard Binder, though none of that lineup is confirmed for this appearance.
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.