IMPACT REPORT 2024-2025
Our Mission
Cabaret 313 brings world-class cabaret to Detroit, enhancing the city’s cultural fabric and fostering the art form’s growth through master classes and educational programs.
Celebrating Cabaret in Detroit!
PamelaAyres PamelaAyres
As Board Chair of Cabaret 313, I am honored to champion an organization that brings world-class artistry to the heart of Detroit. My commitment to this work is rooted in a deep belief in the transformative power of live performance—and in the role the arts play in shaping a vibrant, connected, and inspired community.
Cabaret 313 is more than a performance series; it’s a celebration of intimacy, excellence, and the unique spirit of Detroit. We create space for
artists to connect deeply with audiences and for audiences to experience something rare and beautiful in their own city. I am proud to be part of a team that elevates this art form, supports exceptional talent, and makes meaningful contributions to Detroit’s cultural renaissance.
I care deeply about this city—I live in Detroit, I believe in Detroit, and I’ve seen firsthand the power of the arts to heal, unite, and energize our community. My professional work as President of FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation, where we use the arts to support individuals with disabilities, reflects this same passion. Whether it’s through a Master Class at Cabaret 313 or a music therapy session at FAR, I’ve witnessed the way creative expression builds confidence, connection, and hope.
I am especially passionate about nurturing the next generation of artists. That’s why Cabaret 313’s Master Classes—offering young people in Detroit the chance to learn directly from celebrated performers—are such a vital part of our mission. These moments of mentorship and inspiration can change a young artist’s life.
Through Cabaret 313, I am committed to keeping the arts alive, accessible, and thriving here— for the love of music, for the joy of storytelling, and for the heartbeat of this city.
Pamela Ayres Board Chair, Cabaret 313
Community Impact Since We Began in 2013
13,000+
AUDIENCE MEMBERS
have experienced the live art form of cabaret by world-class performers
CABARET 313 SHOWS performed in venues throughout Detroit, enhancing the energy a vibrancy in the city
29
120
DONATIONS
have been collected t support this artform an educate the next generation of perform
MASTERCLASSES
have fostered the growth of the cabaret art form by presenting influential and life-changing sessions to
$1.5 MILLION SINCE INCEPTION IN 2013
Past Artists
ChristineAndreas
FarahAlvin&RyanKnowles
JulieBenko
The Carr Center
The Crystal Ballroom at the Masonic Temple
The CUBE at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Detroit Opera | Detroit Public Theatre
The Detroit Institute of Arts |The Garden Theater Music Hall | The Madison Building
The Marlene Boll Theatre | MOCAD
The Players’ Club Playhouse | Shinola Hotel
The Willis Showbar
24/25REVIEW
Tome,cabaretisaformof entertainmentthatreallyincludesthe audience.Itgivesyouthechancetosee performersyoumighthaveseenina scriptedproduction playinga character stepoutandshareamore personalside.Whiletheymaystilltake onvariousrolesduringacabaret performance,you'realsoseeingthem asthemselves.It’sauniqueopportunity toconnectandgettoknowthemina deeperway.
–ReeveCarney
Celebrating Cabarets Range
An Evening with Eva Noblezada & Reeve Carney
October5,2024
TheCUBEattheDSO In Concert
Matt Doyle
November9,2024
TheCUBEattheDSO
Lost in Ann Arbor: Detroit Edition UofM Musical Theatre Students
January25,2025
TheBlackBoxattheDetroitOpera Swing, Soul and Stories
Catherine Russell
March22,2025
TheCUBEattheDSO
Season Finale with Michael Maliakel & Sonya Balsara
April26,2025
TheCUBEattheDSO
ReeveCarney ReeveCarney
Master Class Education
At Cabaret 313, we believe the future of cabaret depends on the next generation of performers —and we’re helping shape that future today.
Through our master class education program, celebrated artists offer invaluable mentorship to students and emerging talent, providing insight, inspiration, and real-world experience that can transform a young artist’s path. Since 2014, Cabaret 313 has partnered with leading arts institutions to present these intimate, hands-on sessions:
Wayne State University Department of Music
University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Oakland University School of Music, Theatre & Dance
Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit
In the 2024–25 season, Julie Benko, Matt Doyle, and Catherine Russell each led master classes— bringing their Broadway experience and personal artistry directly to Detroit-area students.
Thanks to your support, these life-changing opportunities will continue to grow—ensuring that the legacy of cabaret lives on in a new generation of performers.
CatherineRussellwithMosaicYouthTheatremasterclassstudents
Wayne State University
I had such an incredible experience working with Julie Benko and Cabaret 313 this past Saturday. It was such an alive and hands-on workshop one that I won’t soon forget. The thoughtful and playful way Julie worked with the singers, myself included, helped us find new discoveries in our songs and assisted us in creating a beautiful and clear piece of art. I want to extend the sincerest thank you to both Julie and Cabaret 313 for allowing us to have this amazing experience.
- Quinn Jacob
Oakland University
Matt was very knowledgeable and had a lot of good advice on what to improve while being complimentary about what he liked. He helped me work on spontaneity and having a new thought for each beat of my piece. I loved working with Matt it was a great experience!
- Calleigh Wilson
Mosaic Youth Theatre
I personally have a passion for musical theatre and hope to one day pursue it as a career. Before this class, I saw musical theatre as something fun that could ever so often make you feel something but it never truly carried any emotional weight, at least for me Seeing my peers perform their hearts out while being coached on how to connect with the pieces they choose was an eye-opener, at one point I was almost moved to tears because of how powerful their performances were.
- Naomi, 11th Grade
Elaine Stritch Society
An iconic bridge from Detroit to Broadway and back again.
The Elaine Stritch Society was established in 2021 in dedication of her iconic bridge between Detroit and Broadway. The Society provides Cabaret 313 financial security while working on our strategic vision for the next 10 years.
Born in Detroit, Elaine lived in New York City for 71 years until her return to the city of Birmingham where she passed away in 2014 at the age of 89. She was a “brilliant force of nature” and a “national treasure,” fondly remembered for her dynamic cabaret performances in her black tights, floppy hat, and white shirt, belting Sondheim’s “The Ladies Who Lunch” and other signature songs.
She appeared in numerous stage plays, musicals, feature films, and television series as well as receiving four Tony nominations and several Emmys. Her one-woman show, Elaine Stritch at Liberty won a Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event.
For many years she resided at the Carlyle Hotel in New York where she performed at the renowned Café Carlyle. Her continued presence was as well-known as Eloise at the Plaza. Loved by her fellow performers, her talent and spunk were memorialized by Broadway on the day of her death when all theatre lights were dimmed in her honor.
ElaineStritch
Our Generous Donors
Special thanks to our Donors from the 24-25 season:
PERFORMANCE SPONSORS
Nancy Bechek Bluth & Larry Bluth
Peggy Daitch & Peter Remington
Joanne Danto & Arnold Weingarden
Anna & Yale Levin
Marcie & Rob Orley
Sandra Seligman
Ruthie & Martin Seltzer
Gary L Wasserman & Charles A Kashner
ELAINE STRITCH SOCIETY
($5,000+/year for 3+ years)
Nancy Bechek Bluth & Larry Bluth
Joanne Danto & Arnold Weingarden
Judy & Irwin Elson
Margo & James Farber
Lynn & Bharat Gandhi
Sue & Alan Kaufman
Mary L Kramer & William Volz
Rebecca & Jack McNaughton
Joy & Allan Nachman
Marcie & Rob Orley
Bluma Schechter
Sandra Seligman
Andrea & Lawrence Wolfe
Kevin Dennis & Jeremy Zeltzer
DIRECTORS
($3,500+)
Doreen Hermelin
Sally Orley
Lori & Maurice Pogoda
Alan Schwartz
Mr & Mrs Joel Tauber
PRODUCERS
($2,500+)
Susan Collins
Thomas & Linda Ditkoff
Edward A Eickhoff & Michael Hisala
Erica & Ralph Gerson
Hazel & Robert Karbel
Judith & David Karp
Donna & Michael Maddin
Rissa & Sheldon Winkelman
Esther & Neal Zalenko
THANK YOU TO OUR FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Clarence and Jack Himmel Foundation
Michigan Arts & Culture Council
SUSTAINERS
($1,500+)
Lisa Applebaum
Pamela Ayres
Mari & Kenneth Barnett
Jan & John Boyd
Gerald Brody
Gayle & Richard Burstein
Andrew Camden
Luisa Di Lorenzo
Margie Dunn & Mark Davidoff
Trayce & Randy Fenton
Barbara & Alfred J. Fisher
Aviva & Dean Friedman
Lynda & Conrad Giles
Linda Goodman
Denise Jacob
Judith & Frank Jonna
Paulette & Bob Koffron
Barbara & Michael Kratchman
Melissa & Lawrence Lax
Bridjet & Barton Morris
Sandi and Claude Reitelman
Peter Remington
Patricia Isacson Sabee
Donald Schenk
Barbara & Laurence Schiff
Peter Schwartz
Sandra Seligman
Lois & Mark Shaevsky
Nancy & Sam Shamie
Ellen & Les Siegel
Jay Siefman
Linda Sircus
George Williams
Linda Zlotoff
LuluFall LuluFall
News & Events
Lulu Fall, our new Executive Director
Cabaret 313 welcomes Lulu Fall as Executive Director. A professional singer, Broadway and TV actor, songwriter, and visual artist, Lulu brings a deep belief in the power of the performing arts to inspire and uplift She looks forward to strengthening connections with local neighborhoods, youth arts institutions, and community programs, while advancing Cabaret 313’s mission to enrich Detroit’s artistic landscape through captivating performances and impactful educational programming.
RuthieSeltzer,Boardmember, RuthieSeltzer,Boardmember, andMartinSeltzer andMartinSeltzer
Welcome our new Board Members
JulieBenkoandJasonYager JulieBenkoandJasonYager performingat2024Soirée performingat2024Soirée
Cabaret 313 is delighted to welcome four new members to its Board of Directors: Sharlan Douglas, Tyler Driskill, Denise Fleckenstein, and Ruthie Seltzer. Each brings a unique blend of talent, experience, and passion for the arts, further strengthening the board’s leadership and vision. Their diverse perspectives and shared commitment to Cabaret 313’s mission will help guide the organization as it continues to inspire audiences, support artists, and enrich Detroit’s vibrant cultural community.
Annual Soirée
Each year, we produce an annual Soirée: a fundraiser and celebration of our supporters and live cabaret! This September, we will kick off our 13th Season with the Marion Hayden and Alvin Waddles Quartet at the Franklin Hills Country Club.
Detroit’s own Marion Hayden, 2025 Kresge Eminent Artist, and acclaimed pianist and vocalist Alvin Waddles will bring Fats Waller’s timeless songs to life with warmth, humor, and style. The soirée will feature classics like Honeysuckle Rose, Jitterbug Waltz, and Ain’t Misbehavin’.
Leadership in Action
LuluFall,ExecutiveDirectorand PamelaAyres,President
Allan Nachman Co-Founder & Artistic Director
Lawrence N. Bluth Board Member
Cabaret 313 proudly welcomes Lulu Fall as Executive Director and Pamela Ayres as Board Chair, joining Artistic Director and Co-Founder Allan Nachman and the Board of Directors to lead the organization forward
United by a passion for live performance and community impact, this leadership team combines creative vision, deep Detroit roots, and a shared commitment to Cabaret 313’s mission: inspiring audiences, nurturing young artists, and enriching Detroit’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Sharlan Douglas Board Member*
Mary Kramer Vice President & Secretary
Barton Morris Treasurer
Tyler Driskill Board Member*
Denise Fleckenstein Board Member*
Joy Nachman Board Member
Ruthie Seltzer Board Member*
Irwin L. Elson Board Member
Sandi Reitelman Co-Founder & Board Emeritus
Celebrating 13 Years of Cabaret
The Cube @ the DSO
MELISSA ERRICO
Tony-nominated Broadway star, concert artist, and New York Times writer OCTOBER11,2025
Award-winningBroadway,television, andliveconcertperformancestar NOVEMBER15,2025
TheCube@theDSO BRANDONVICTORDIXON
JANUARY24,2026 The Garden Theater, Midtown
U of M Musical Theatre Seniors showcase their favorite songs UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MUSICAL THEATRE SENIORS
Dynamic vocalist blending pop, theatre, and powerful storytelling FEBRUARY14,2026 MAXINE LINEHAN
The Cube @ the DSO
The Cube @ the DSO
World-renowned guitarist reviving the Great American Songbook classics APRIL11,2026 JOHN PIZZARELLI
Support the Spotlight. Make an Impact.
Join the community of supporters who make Cabaret 313’s unforgettable performances and lifechanging educational programs possible. Whether you’re an individual donor or a business, there are many ways to get involved—and every gift helps keep the spotlight shining bright.
Cabaret 313 offers a variety of giving options to match your passion and philanthropic goals, including the Elaine Stritch Society, and Producer, Sustainer and Spotlight levels.
We also offer custom sponsorship opportunities such as: Corporate Sponsorships that elevate your brand and engage your clients Candy Sponsorships that add delight to every performance
Masterclass Sponsorships that help foster the next generation of performers
Presenting Sponsorships for marquee support of an individual show Media Partnerships that connect your message to our devoted audience
Sponsors and major donors enjoy a range of benefits, including recognition from the stage, logo placement on print and digital materials, access to exclusive events, premium tickets, and opportunities to meet artists and attend masterclasses.
Whether you're celebrating Detroit’s cultural vibrancy or investing in the future of the arts, your support brings world-class cabaret to our city and ensures it thrives for years to come.
Do you have a birthday or a special occasion you would like to celebrate with us? Group ticket discounts are available!
To learn more, reach out to our Executive Director, Lulu Fall, by emailing Fall@art-ops.org or calling the office at 313-405-5061.
CABARET 313
24901 Northwestern Hwy. Suite 312
Southfield, MI 48075
Phone 313-405-5061
Email info@cabaret313.org Website www.cabaret313.org
Cabaret 313 is a 501(c) (3) organization. Non-profit Tax Exempt #35-2463620