Kym Johnson Debuts Cabaret Show at New York Venue

Australian performer Kym Johnson brought her television dance experience to the New York cabaret stage with a two-night debut at 54 Below on October 9 and 10. The performances combined musical numbers, comedy, personal stories, and choreography, drawing on her Australian upbringing and entertainment career. According to Theater Pizzazz, which reviewed the second show, Johnson performed with musical director and pianist Billy Stritch, bassist Michael O'Brien, and drummer Rob Garcia.

The review noted greater confidence in her second performance following an earlier appearance. Johnson opened with "Get Happy" before attempting an American accent to introduce "Dance: Ten; Looks: Three" from A Chorus Line. Although she initially suggested she would refrain from dancing during "I Won't Dance," she demonstrated her choreography skills during the number.

Her performance also included quieter interpretations of "What I Did for Love" from A Chorus Line and "Somewhere That's Green" from Little Shop of Horrors. She later changed costumes for "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'," incorporating movements inspired by Nancy Sinatra.

Johnson also used humor to address the physical demands of performing and the contrast between her age and how young she feels. After completing a demanding dance routine, she reflected on the effort involved. "I don't know why I did that.

I still think I'm 20." Johnson said after completing the routine.

A major dance sequence reunited Johnson with Trent Whiddon, her former partner on the Australian version of Dancing With the Stars. Appearing in a red gown, she performed "Sway" with Whiddon in an energetic routine that included a lift above his head, despite the limited stage space, according to Theater Pizzazz. The pair later reunited for "Whatever Lola Wants," with Stritch providing the vocals while the dancers performed their choreography. Director Todd Schroeder received credit from the publication for integrating Johnson's dance skills into both solo numbers and partnered performances.

Special guest Carson Kressley, a longtime friend Johnson met through Dancing With the Stars, added comedy to the show. He performed "Pour Me a Man" before joining Johnson for "Nowadays" from Chicago. Their duet included a humorous reference to Johnson's marriage to Robert Herjavec.

The couple married in 2016 after partnering on the 20th season of Dancing With the Stars and have twin boys, according to Theater Pizzazz. Johnson's mother, Barbara Johnson, also joined her daughter onstage during the finale, "Everything Old Is New Again." Barbara was visiting from Australia, and audience members participated with colorful maracas placed on their tables.

The audience included Joey Fatone, Johnson's former dance partner on the American version of Dancing With the Stars and a member of *NSYNC. The singer, actor, dancer, and television host attended part of the performance before leaving for another engagement. Marilyn Maye was also present.

In its assessment, Theater Pizzazz described Johnson as a capable singer with a pleasant vocal tone, strong comic timing, and an engaging stage presence. The review identified dance as her strongest performance skill.