Just Who Does She Think She Is?
RESERVATIONS
ABOUT THE SHOW
Backed by popular demand, Las Vegas lounge diva Trudy Carmichael is making her highly anticipated NYC cabaret debut this summer with the premiere of her explosive musical tell-all, "Trudy Carmichael: Just Who Does She Think She Is?" Directed by Lennie Watts and created and performed by award-winning vocalist and musical improviser Robin Rothman, this production comes fresh off Trudy's run as a Miss Subways Finalist and wins for both the Judges' Choice and Grand Prize at the First Annual R.E.P. Awards. This strictly limited engagement will play for two performances only at the historic cabaret venue Don't Tell Mama (343 W. 46th Street, NYC) on July 16 and 19.
In one of the most delightfully delusional debuts of the season, Trudy sets out to conquer the Big Apple cabaret scene, but as reality hits, she is forced to answer the ultimate question: Just who does she think she is? Backed by multi-MAC Award winner Tracy Stark on keys and Steve Whyte on drums, Trudy delivers a powerhouse evening of mashed-up show tunes, 80s pop anthems, and an exclusive Q&A with the audience to inspire an improvised number. By peeling back the curtain and offering a rare and chaotic glimpse into her larger-than-life persona, Trudy serves up a reminder to all to celebrate your truth and never let anyone take away your inner sparkle. Whether you're a long-time fan or meeting the diva for the first time, this is the must-see theatrical event of the summer!
Performance Details:
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When: Thursday, July 16 at 7:00pm & Sunday, July 19 at 4:00pm
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Cost: $20 ($15 MAC Member Discount) plus $20 2-drink minimum
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The Band: Tracy Stark (Keys) & Steve Whyte (Drums)
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Direction: Lennie Watts
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Trudy Carmichael has received critical acclaim and delighted audiences at dozens of comedy and Cabaret venues around the US and abroad including The Duplex, Sid Gold's, The Kraine in NYC, and Majestic Repertory Theater in Las Vegas and is an official selection of SOLOCOM, (People's Improv Theater, NYC,) Providence Improv Festival, Third Coast Improv Festival (Nashville, TN), Alaska Improv Festival, Impro Amsterdam, Downtown Las Vegas Improv Festival, LIT Fest (DC), We The People Improv Festival (Philadelphia) The 20th Annual Del Close Marathon (UCB NY), The New York International Fringe Festival, Baltimore Improv Festival, Steel City Improv Festival (Pittsburgh), Impro En Seine (Paris), Out of Bounds Comedy Festival (Austin, TX), Chicago Musical Improv Festival (iO Chicago), The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2020 (deferred), The (Virtual) New York Musical Improv Festival, Women In Comedy Festival (Boston), Minnesota Fringe Virtual Festival, FringeLiveStrem Series, Edinburgh Horror Festival, Virtual Rogue Festival (Fresno), Pittsburgh (Virtual) Fringe (Winner: Best Comedic Performer), Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022, Baltimore Improv Festival, New Orleans Improv Festival, and The PBH Fringe (Edinburgh Festival Fringe) 2026.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Trudy Carmichael
(Portrayed by Robin Rothman)
Trudy made her first NYC stage appearance in the Las Vegas-inspired musical improv revue, The Royal Flushes at The Upright Citizens Brigade in 2005.
Trudy continued to perform in both improv comedy and cabaret venues around NYC before landing a permanent gig at the Magnet Theater as the host of the Musical Magnet Mixer in 2009 for The First Annual New York Musical Improv Festival. In addition to hosting the Musical Mixer, she has served as Mistress of Ceremonies for a variety of private and charitable events including Covenant House International, Upper West Side Campaign Against Hunger, and The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Marching Band.
Ms. Carmichael can be seen frequenting any number of NYC Cabaret venues such as The Duplex Cabaret Theater, Sid Gold's Request Room, Don't Tell Mama's, The Slipper Room, and Birdland. She proudly garnered the titles of First Runner-Up in The New York Soul Sensation Competition at New World Stages and First Place winner of The Cabaret Showdown and The Cabaret Showdown All-Stars at the Kraine Theater.
Learn more about Trudy and her allure by following her across all social media platforms! @thetrudycarmichael
Tracy Stark
(Musical Director)
Tracy is an 11-time MAC Award winner, a Bistro Award winner, and a recipient of the Jean Goodman Songwriting Award. As a highly sought-after pianist, arranger, conductor, and musical director, she has graced the stages of top venues across the globe, from New York City’s finest cabaret rooms to prestigious international concert halls.
Tracy has collaborated, recorded, and performed with a dazzling array of legendary talent, including Lesley Gore, Sarah Dash (Labelle), Phoebe Snow, Karen Black, Randy Jones (Village People), and Barb Jungr, among many others. Known for her exceptional versatility, brilliant arrangements, and intuitive sensitivity at the keys, she effortlessly spans genres from classic American Songbook standards and show tunes to pop, rock, and contemporary cabaret.
A prolific composer and recording artist, Tracy’s original music has been featured in film, television, and theater, and her solo albums have garnered critical acclaim. Whether conducting a full ensemble or providing intimate accompaniment from the piano, she continues to be one of the most vibrant, respected, and influential forces on the contemporary music and cabaret scene.
Steve Whyte
(Percussion)
Steve Whyte is an NYC-based musician, a Moth GrandSlam champion, and a three-time StorySlam winner. A veteran of the Magnet Theater comedy circuit, he currently performs in their flagship show, The Armando Diaz Experience. Steve is a dynamic percussionist, drummer, and rhythm maker who has been keeping the pulse of the New York theater and comedy scenes moving for years. Known for bringing sharp comedic sensibilities, impeccable timing, and driving rhythm to live theater, he has provided improvised percussion for premier productions including Choral Rage, The Made-Up Musical, and Baby Wants Candy.
With an innate ability to elevate live performance, Steve effortlessly shifts between the structured storytelling of musical theater and the chaotic, fast-paced world of live improvisation. Whether anchoring a driving rock rhythm, texturing an intimate cabaret ballad, or translating sudden comedic shifts into perfect musical punctuation, his playing is defined by sharp instincts and a true collaborator's spirit. A staple in the NYC creative community, Steve brings infectious energy, passion, and a brilliant sense of play to every stage he hits, making him the ultimate heartbeat for any live ensemble.
Lennie Watts
(Director)
Lennie Watts is a 16-time MAC, 5-time Backstage Bistro, and 3-time Nightlife Award winner who has been a dominant force in the New York City creative community for over 30 years. Described by The Village Voice as "A one-man cabaret army," Watts has directed critically acclaimed productions, reviews, and events at prestigious venues including Symphony Space, Town Hall, BB King’s, and Sony Hall, as well as intimate cabaret rooms across the city. His theatrical directing credits span acclaimed productions of Godspell, Dames at Sea, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Phantom.
As a performer, Watts has toured nationally and internationally in The Music Man (Marcellus) and The Wizard of Oz (Cowardly Lion), and has performed at Town Hall in the Broadway Unplugged and Broadway By The Year concert series. For over a decade, Lennie served as the President of MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) and is the co-founder, Artistic Director, and CEO of Singnasium, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit vocal performance sanctuary keeping the arts alive by helping the artist thrive.
Kelly Wohlford
(Technical Director)
Kelly Wohlford is a highly skilled technical director, lighting designer, and stage manager who has been a vital force behind the scenes of the New York City theater and cabaret circuits for years. Known for an exceptional ability to blend precise technical execution with artistic sensitivity, Kelly transforms live performances into visually stunning, seamless productions.
Specializing in the unique and fast-paced demands of live cabaret, musical theater, and variety entertainment, Kelly has managed technical production at several of Manhattan's most storied nightlife venues.
Whether orchestrating intricate cue sequences, executing flawless live sound mixes, or designing dynamic lighting environments that elevate the emotional arc of a show, Kelly brings a collaborative spirit and sharp problem-solving instincts to every booth. A trusted ally to directors and performers alike, Kelly is dedicated to ensuring that the technical vision aligns perfectly with the onstage energy, creating an optimal experience for artists and audiences alike.
Sean Taylor
(Assistant Tech/Moral Support)
Sean Taylor is a versatile production crew member and dedicated pillar of moral support who plays an essential role in keeping live cabaret running smoothly from behind the scenes. Usually seen center stage soaking up the spotlight under his performance moniker, Shane Taymor, Sean is happily stepping into the wings for Trudy Carmichael: Just Who Does She Think She Is? to handle the high-stakes task of pressing "play" on a few video clips and projecting images at precisely the right moments.
When he isn’t ensuring Trudy’s multimedia cues land flawlessly from backstage, Sean serves as the ultimate sounding board, unofficial therapist, and expert handler of diva antics. Bringing a steady, reassuring energy and a sharp eye for detail to the production, Sean ensures that the tech runs smoothly and the artist onstage feels entirely supported, properly fed, and ready to shine.
On his own merit, Sean is a multi-hyphenate writer, storyteller, actor, producer, host, pizza blogger and Co-owner of the Magnet Theater, NYC who will be bringing his storytelling show, "Life of Pie" to the Edinburgh Fringe this August. Find out more at lifeofpie.com.
