Jackdonkey Productions: Misfits Cabaret
This past Saturday my friend and I attended The Misfits Cabaret by Jackdoney Productions, held at the cozy Minneapolis Cider Company, and it was an absolute delight. The concept—a "miscast" cabaret where performers take on roles they wouldn’t typically be cast in—was both refreshing and entertaining.
Alex Church served as the hilarious emcee for the evening, setting the tone with witty and clever connections as he introduced each act. The cabaret featured an impressive lineup of rising stars from the Twin Cities' theatre scene, showcasing their immense talent in nontraditional roles.
Hawken Paul, who I had the pleasure of seeing as Bobby Strong in Urinetown at Lakeshore Players Theatre earlier this past year, once again proved his talent with his performance. His crystal-clear voice and diction made his performances a joy to listen to, and his ability to blend beautifully with his duet partners was on full display in the relatable and humorous "Fine" with Janely Rodriguez and again as the part of Mary in "Old Friends." His natural stage presence and musicality made him a standout in a very impressive lineup.
Grace Hillmyer, who charmed audiences as Lauren in Kinky Boots at Lyric Arts this summer, brought her signature humor to the evening. However, she also showcased emotional depth with her performance of "Being Alive" from Company. The song allowed Grace to highlight her ability to convey vulnerability. Her balance of humor in lighter moments and heartfelt sincerity in this piece displayed her impressive versatility as a performer, solidifying her place as a favorite among local audiences.
Janely Rodriguez, the Twin Cities icon delivered a stunning rendition of "Leave" from Once, showcasing her powerful vocals and emotional resonance. She also shone in the duet "Fine," where her dynamic chemistry with Hawken brought the story to life with authenticity. Her ability to combine expressive storytelling with incredible vocal technique was a true highlight of the evening.
Emma Schuld showcased her comedic brilliance in a gender-swapped performance of The Confrontation from Les Misérables alongside Grace Hillmyer. She then returned to the stage with a delightful take on one of my favorites "Grow For Me" from Little Shop of Horrors, further displaying her range and humor.
Noah Hynick delivered a series of standout performances that showcased his incredible range as both a vocalist and a performer. His rendition of "Poor Unfortunate Souls" was a perfect blend commanding the stage with his dynamic presence and impressive belting. Later, he reminded us of his silliness in "I Decided to Marry You," from A Gentleman's Guide To Love & Murder, which despite me not having been previously familiar with, I quickly caught onto what a hilarious choice it was. Noah’s ability to balance technical precision with a natural sense of fun made him a joy to watch. Each of his performances left a lasting impression, and "I Decided to Marry You" was so delightful that I immediately added it to my theatre playlist.
Brendan Nelson Finn demonstrated incredible versatility with his performance of "This is the Moment" which was delivered with remarkable strength, capturing the audience with its intensity. In contrast, he brought humor and charm to "Bosom Buddies," showcasing his sharp comedic timing. Brendan’s ability to bring something fresh to each performance made him a highlight of the night. I’m looking forward to seeing future performances he’ll bring to the stage in 2025.
Nick Erickson added a delightful touch of humor and energy to the cabaret, particularly with his performance of "Bad Idea" as Jenna. His deep, resonant voice brought a rich, grounded quality, making his performance even more engaging. He also stood out in “I Decided to Marry You”, where his playful dynamic with Noah and Janely contributed to the fun I mentioned. Nick’s ability to seamlessly blend his deep voice with humor and warmth made him an entertaining presence throughout the night, and I’m excited to see what else he brings to the stage in the future.
Caiti Fallon made a lasting impression with her beautiful voice and heartfelt performance. She absolutely crushed as Frank in "Old Friends," where her rich vocal tone and delivery truly shone. Caiti also brought a playful and energetic spark to the evening when she soloed in "Freak Flag" from Shrek as Gingy, adding the perfect ending to this misfit-themed show. Her whimsical approach to the song made it the ideal, fun-filled ending to the night. She was definitely a standout, and it’s clear she has a bright future ahead in the local theatre scene.
And of course, shout out to the brilliant minds behind this night and the effort that went into the making of it. Zach Christensen: Jack Donkey’s Founding Artistic Director, Bradley Beahen the music director and man on the keys!
The Misfits Cabaret was not just a celebration of theatre but also a showcase of the boundless creativity and talent in the Twin Cities. It was an evening of humor, heart, and sheer joy that left me and my friend with much to talk about on the ride home. Kudos to Jackdonkey Productions for such a memorable night—here’s their 2025 season which I can bet I’ll be writing about soon enough.
