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PROJECT 2026: BLUE TSUNAMI PRODUCER/HOST STEPHEN HANKS ANNOUNCES CAST FOR SECOND OF FOUR CABARET VARIETY FUNDRAISING SHOWS FOR DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS CANDIDATES, JUNE 13 @ 7PM @ DON’T TELL MAMA
After producing on May 7 what by all accounts was a passionate and provocative cabaret variety show fundraiser for 2026 Midterm Democratic Congress candidates, Stephen Hanks announces the captivating cast for the second of four PROJECT 2026: BLUE TSUNAMI shows. The next event at Don’t Tell Mama (343 West 46th St, New York, NY, 10036) will be on June 13 at 7 PM and will feature this lineup of great performers: April Armstrong, Peter Calo, Terri Dannenberg, Natalie Douglas, Any Engelhardt, Lauren Fox, Rosemary Loar, Sue Matsuki, Kati Neiheisel, Geri Palast and Can Yasar. Music Director: Gregory Toroian. Tickets: $30. Minimum: $20 (must include two drinks). Cash only. For reservations to the June 13 show, go to: https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/9825-project-2026-blue-tsunami-fundraiser-6-13-26
In her review of the May 7 fundraiser on TheaterPizzazz.com, Alix Cohen wrote: “These fervent concerts buoy community. Volunteer artists and a loyal audience feel they’re doing something to help. Collective frustration and despair [about the current political climate] diminishes among like-minded, like-hearted people. Thoughts fly . . . arms hug . . . AND it’s entertaining.”
Since producing five “Blue Wave” cabaret variety shows as fundraisers for Democratic Senate, Congress, and State Legislature candidates prior to the 2018 midterm elections, overall over the past eight years Hanks has produced and hosted 13 critically-acclaimed shows featuring more than 40 performers and music directors. The shows have raised nearly $15,000.
“I was hoping that after the 2024 Presidential election, I wouldn’t need to produce these shows again,” Hanks admits. “But given the current dangers to our First-Amendment Rights, Voting Rights, Health Care, National Security, the attacks on Immigrants, Women, Minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and more, it is imperative that Democrats win both houses of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. I’m hoping this new series of fundraising shows will energize audiences to support Democratic candidates however and wherever they can. As in times past, the cabaret art form is an ideal vehicle to get this important message out, while at the same time also supporting those on the front lines of the fight.”
The next shows in PROJECT 2026: BLUE TSUNAMI! Cabaret Variety Fundraising Series for Democratic Congress Candidates are scheduled for September 1 and October 20.
The cast for the September 1 show features: D.C. Anderson, Bruce Clough, Mary Sue Daniels, Dawn Derow, Lianne Marie Dobbs, Sean Harkness, Karen Oberlin, Julie Reyburn, David Sabella, Gerrilyn Sohn, Ty Stephens, and Vanessa Trouble, with Music Director Ian Herman. The cast for the October 20 show includes: Sandra Bargman, Raissa Katona Bennett, Meg Flather, Kenneth Gartman, Janice Hall, Joe Iconis, Laurie Krauz, Ann Kittredge, Lorinda Lositza, Lauren Marcus, Adam B. Shapiro, Sierra Rein, Liora Michelle, and Lisa Viggiano, with Music Director Tracy Stark.
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Event Venue
Don't Tell Mama NYC, 343 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036-3810, United States, Manhattan
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