The Best of CabaretFest

The mission of the Provincetown CabaretFest is to “train, educate, and coach students interested in preserving the art of cabaret performance.” The performances and master classes on tap at this year’s CabaretFest — which will take place in person Wednesday, June 23rd through Sunday, June 27th — show that it is far from a dying art.

Kicking it off is a master class with Angela Bacari, former vocal coach to Liza Minelli, on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Room at Gabriel’s. This will be followed by “30 Minutes to Broadway,” Chris Brooke’s debut performance at CabaretFest, from 7 to 8 p.m.

First thing on Thursday is a master class with sought-after coach Sidney Myer from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your burning questions (and an empty stomach) to a pizza party and panel discussion with CabaretFest faculty from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Shelley Taylor-Boyd performs “Razzle Dazzle ’Em!” from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Then, stick around from 9 to 11 for an open mic hosted by Michael McAssey. Grab a cocktail, sing a song, and maybe even get discovered.

The winner of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award is Steve Ross, known as the “Crown Prince of Cabaret,” who performed at the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel for many years. He teaches a master class on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jo Brisbane sings “Salty Airs” from 4 to 5 p.m. That night, from 7:30 to 10, is a variety show in the Red Room at Velvet.

Cookie Schillawski will teach you how to “Dress for the Stage” on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by performances by Mary Callanan, Richard White, and Roderick Ferguson. This all leads up to a Saturday night gala, from 8 to 10:30 at the Red Room, honoring Steve Ross and headlined by Sidney Myer. Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. is a blowout celebration at the Brasswood Inn with food, drink, and student performances.

A V.I.P. pass is $200 at provincetowncabaretfest.com. Master classes are $50, while performances range from $30 to $45.