Project 2026: Blue Tsunami! May 7 Cabaret Variety Show Fundraiser for Democratic Congress Candidates
Schedule
Thu May 07 2026 at 07:00 pm to 08:30 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Don't Tell Mama NYC | Manhattan, NY
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PRODUCER/HOST STEPHEN HANKS REBOOTS SERIES OF CABARET VARIETY FUNDRAISING SHOWS FOR 2026 DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS CANDIDATES AS PROJECT 2026: BLUE TSUNAMI!
MAY 7 • JUNE 13 • SEPT. 1 • OCT. 20 • ALL @ 7PM AT DON’T TELL MAMA
Seven months prior to the 2018 midterm elections, long-time Cabaret Show Reviewer, Producer, Publicist, and Performer Stephen Hanks launched a series of five cabaret variety shows as fundraisers for Democratic Senate, Congress, and State Legislature candidates. The critically acclaimed CABARET CAMPAIGNS: RIDE THE BLUE WAVE 2018! at Don’t Tell Mama featured 28 different performers and raised more than $6,000 divided among 30 candidates. Election Day 2018 was indeed a “Blue Wave,” as the Democrats flipped 40 seats in Congress.
After presenting two Blue Wave Victory Shows at Don’t Tell Mama in January 2019 and one Blue Wave Greatest Hits show at Urban Stages in June 2019—all of which received rave reviews from the Cabaret press—Hanks and his “Blue Wave Group” hit the cabaret club campaign trail again in January 2020, May 2022, and May 2024 with shows that raised money to support national voting rights groups and New York Democratic Congressional candidates. In September 2024, Hanks and his “Blue Wavers” were back at Don’t Tell Mama with the 12th variety fundraising show, this time to raise money for the Presidential campaign of Vice-President Kamala Harris.
“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, Personal Freedoms, National Security, the attacks on Immigrants, and More, it is imperative that Democrats win both houses of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. Hence, the new series PROJECT 2026: BLUE TSUNAMI! I’m hoping these fundraising shows will also energize audiences to support Democratic candidates however 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 PROJECT 2026: BLUE TSUNAMI! Cabaret Variety Fundraising Series for Democratic Congress Candidates is scheduled for May 7, June 13, September 1, and October 20.
The cast for the May 7 show features: Karen Akers, Rembert Block, Lane Bradbury, Blair Alexis Brown, Alex De Suze, Goldie Dver, Nicholas King, Elizabeth Ward Land, Marissa Mulder, Sierra Rein, and Steve Schalchlin. Music Director: Michael Roberts.
The cast for the June 13 show features: April Armstrong, Peter Calo, Terri Dannenberg, Natalie Douglas, Any Engelhardt, Lauren Fox, Rosemary Loar, Sue Matsuki, Kati Neiheisel, Geri Palast. Music Director: Gregory Toroian. Casts for the Sept. 1 and Oct. 20 will be announced at a later date. All shows at 7PM at Don’t Tell Mama (343 West 46th St, New York, NY, 10036). Tickets: $30. Minimum: $20 (Must include two drinks). Cash only.
For reservations to the May 7 show, go to: https://shows.donttellmamanyc.com/9824-project-2026-blue-tsunami-5-7-26
For more information, contact Stephen Hanks at [email protected]
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Where is it happening?
Don't Tell Mama NYC, 343 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036-3810, United States, ManhattanEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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