Kym Johnson Brings Dance and Comedy to Her Cabaret Debut

Known for her ballroom performances on television, Kym Johnson expanded her stage career with a cabaret debut at 54 Below in New York on October 9 and 10. The Australian dancer, author, host and actress combined musical theater, comedy and choreography in a show that drew on her personal life and professional experiences, according to Theater Pizzazz, which attended the second performance.

Johnson was accompanied by musical director and pianist Billy Stritch, bassist Michael O’Brien and drummer Rob Garcia. Although this was her first cabaret engagement, she appeared more confident on the second night, building on her experience while incorporating dance routines into several musical numbers.

The performance followed a traditional cabaret format, with Johnson sharing stories about growing up in Australia and developing her entertainment career. She also addressed personal and professional challenges, bringing humor and self-deprecation to a show that balanced autobiographical material with musical performances.

During a demanding dance sequence, Johnson joked about the physical effort involved in the routine.

“I don’t know why I did that. I still think I’m 20,” Johnson said.

The program opened with “Get Happy,” written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler. Johnson followed with “Dance: Ten; Looks: Three” from “A Chorus Line,” using a deliberately comedic attempt at an American accent to introduce the number. She also performed “I Won’t Dance,” during which she demonstrated her choreography despite initially suggesting she would not dance.

Her more restrained performances included “What I Did for Love” from “A Chorus Line” and “Somewhere That’s Green” from “Little Shop of Horrors.” Johnson also brought a different visual style to “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” using a tambourine and movements inspired by Nancy Sinatra.

Dance remained central to the production, particularly when Johnson reunited with Trent Whiddon, her former partner from the Australian version of “Dancing With the Stars.” Wearing a red gown, she performed “Sway” with Whiddon in one of the evening’s highlights. The routine included an overhead lift despite the limited space onstage.

Whiddon and Johnson later performed “Whatever Lola Wants,” with Stritch taking over the vocals while the dancers presented another choreographed sequence.

Johnson's longtime friend Carson Kressley also joined the show as a special guest. Kressley, whom she met while competing on “Dancing With the Stars,” performed “Pour Me a Man,” a comedic and risqué number that added another theatrical element to the evening.

The pair subsequently performed “Nowadays” from “Chicago,” incorporating comedic lyrics that referenced Johnson's marriage to businessman Robert Herjavec. Johnson and Herjavec married in 2016 and have eight-year-old twin boys, according to Theater Pizzazz.

The finale brought Johnson's mother, Barbara Johnson, onto the stage during “Everything Old Is New Again.” Visiting from Australia, Barbara joined the closing number as audience members used colorful maracas placed on their tables.

The audience included longtime fans of Johnson and “Dancing With the Stars,” as well as singer, actor and television host Joey Fatone, her former dance partner on the American series. Fatone, known for his time with *NSYNC, attended part of the evening before leaving for another engagement and posed for photographs with fans. Performer Marilyn Maye was also present.

Theater Pizzazz praised director Todd Schroeder for integrating Johnson's dancing into the musical arrangements and described her as charming, funny and effective in comedic moments. The review noted that singing was not her strongest skill but highlighted her pleasant vocal tone, familiarity with the material and ability to use movement to strengthen the performance.