Broadway Magic with Sue Matsuki: A Cabaret Rollercoaster of Emotions

Last night, the Casa Karma Cabaret Red Room at Act 2 PV theater hosted an unforgettable evening of music, humor, and heartfelt storytelling led by the incomparable Sue Matsuki. A true cabaret star with a flair for connection, Sue delivered a Broadway-inspired show that was equal parts dazzling and deeply personal—a masterclass in how to blend music and narrative into a seamless, captivating experience.

Dressed in an elegant all-black ensemble adorned with sparkles, Sue immediately set the tone for an intimate yet theatrical evening. From the moment the spotlight hit her, it was clear: nothing else mattered except the story she was about to share, a tale of love, laughter, and the triumphs of a life steeped in music.

The show was a Broadway lover’s dream, infused with wit and warmth. Sue, a self-proclaimed “busy caberjazz gal,” sprinkled the performance with clever Broadway jokes, including a tongue-in-cheek jab about the Tony Awards, while dedicating her art to the theater world she so deeply adores. With a voice that conveyed both power and vulnerability, she brought each song to life, including her opening number, “Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets,” which was punctuated by a hilarious anecdote about her cat—now happily retired on her sister-in-law’s farm.

In a poignant moment, Sue shared a touching love story about her husband. From his marriage proposal (“Let’s go get married today!”) to his allergic reaction to the family cat, these personal tales added layers of warmth and humor to the performance. Sue used these anecdotes masterfully to shift the mood, transitioning from laughter to heartfelt ballads with ease.

Musical highlights included a spine-tingling performance of Sweeney Todd’s “Swing Your Razor High,” a duet with her “Cate Valcic” singing Cinderella’s “Why Would a Fella Want a Girl Like Her?”, and a stunning piano solo by the talented David Miocco. Sue’s emotional depth shone through in her renditions of “When I Look in Your Eyes” and a heartbreaking breakup song that left the audience in awe. The evening’s most unexpected twist came when she tied four perfectly chosen songs to an anonymous letter she’d received, creating a deeply personal moment that resonated with everyone in the room.

Sue didn’t shy away from humor either. A playful “Alzheimer’s joke about a Scotchman” had the audience roaring, and her cabaret twist on Wicked’s “Popular” was both hilarious and touching—a nod to her admiration for Stephen Schwartz. She also poked fun at herself, calling herself a “chicken” for not pursuing her Broadway dreams earlier, though her MAC Awards clearly prove she’s carved her own stellar path.

The night ended on a high note with a joyous medley celebrating resilience and happiness, leaving the audience uplifted. As Sue brought us through a rollercoaster of emotions, she managed to make us feel like old friends, intimately sharing her journey.

Sue Matsuki’s show was a triumph—a perfect blend of Broadway brilliance and personal storytelling. Her ability to make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply connected is unparalleled. For those lucky enough to witness her magic last night, it was an evening to treasure. Sue Matsuki doesn’t just perform; she invites you into her world, and it’s one you’ll never want to leave.