Detroit Public Theatre’s ‘Holiday Cabaret’- A Sassy Seasonal Celebration
Some holiday productions aim for nostalgia, others lean into spectacle—but The Detroit Public Theatre Holiday Cabaret does something far more exciting. Conceived by Courtney Burkett and Eric Gutman, this bold, unapologetic celebration fuses powerhouse vocals, sharp comedic instincts, and genuine heart into a production that feels tailor-made for Detroit. Back by popular demand, it’s not just a crowd-pleaser—it’s quickly solidifying itself as a must-see holiday tradition.
[Warning: Please be aware that this show contains strong language, adult humor, and sexual innuendos that may not be appropriate for younger audiences. Spoilers from the Holiday Cabaret at Detroit Public Theatre are below!]
A Holiday Cabaret at Detroit Public Theatre
From its opening moments, the cabaret establishes its point of view with confidence. This is not a passive evening of polite clapping and seasonal background noise. It’s a living, breathing experience driven by artists who understand both the intimacy and the immediacy of cabaret. Burkett and Gutman’s conception is smart and intentional, creating a framework that allows individual voices to shine while building a cohesive, emotionally resonant evening. Their vision is clear: celebrate the messiness, humor, joy, and reflection that define the holiday season—without sanding off the edges.
That vision comes alive through a stellar lineup of performers, each bringing a distinct energy to the stage. Mariah Colby delivers vocals that are at once precise and emotionally generous, anchoring the evening with a warmth that feels effortless. Her ability to shift from playful to poignant gives the cabaret much of its emotional texture. There’s a grounded sincerity in her performances that makes even familiar material feel freshly lived-in.
X. Alexander Durden brings a dynamic presence that commands attention the moment he steps into the spotlight. His performances crackle with charisma, blending vocal strength with an expressive storytelling instinct that keeps the audience locked in. Whether leaning into humor or striking something deeper, Durden’s work underscores the cabaret’s refusal to play small.
Equally magnetic is Lulu Fall, whose performances land with both elegance and bite. Fall’s delivery is sharply calibrated, blending musical precision with an infectious sense of fun. There’s a knowing confidence to her stage presence—a wink that invites the audience in without ever breaking the spell of the performance. She embodies the show’s balance of sass and sophistication.
As co-conceiver and performer, Eric Gutman anchors the production in more ways than one. His onstage work reflects the same clarity and intention evident in the show’s conception. Gutman’s performances feel personal rather than performative, threading humor and vulnerability together in a way that defines the cabaret’s tonal throughline. You can feel his deep understanding of how cabaret works not just as entertainment, but as a connection.
Bryana Hall rounds out the ensemble with performances that bring both vocal power and emotional depth. Hall’s ability to inhabit a moment—letting lyrics and melodies speak without overstatement—adds a quiet authority to the evening. Her presence reinforces the idea that this cabaret trusts its performers and its audience to meet each other halfway.
Holding it all together is the ever-impressive Betty-Alexandria Pride, whose work as accompanist is nothing short of essential. Pride’s musicianship does more than support; it elevates. Her responsiveness to each performer creates a sense of spontaneity that is core to the cabaret experience, making every number feel alive and in the moment. The musical collaboration onstage feels organic, generous, and deeply engaged.
DPT finds the laughter and heart in the holiday season
What truly sets The Detroit Public Theatre’s Holiday Cabaret apart is how seamlessly laughter and sincerity coexist. The humor is sharp, often laugh-out-loud funny, rooted in real observations about the holidays rather than cheap punchlines. Yet the show also allows space for reflection, nostalgia, and emotional honesty—making the joy feel earned rather than manufactured.
By the final moments, it’s clear that this isn’t just a seasonal indulgence—it’s a statement. Detroit Public Theatre, guided by Burkett and Gutman’s vision and brought to life by an exceptional cast, has created a holiday event that feels distinctly Detroit: fearless, funny, heartfelt, and unapologetically alive.
So yes—get holly, get jolly, and absolutely get tickets. The DPT Holiday Cabaret isn’t just celebrating the season; it’s redefining it.
The DPT Holiday Cabaret runs until December 20th! Are you excited to see this show? Let us know @BoxSeatBabes on all social media!
Oh, What a Holiday Night at Greenfield Village!
