A Cabaret of Legends

Unless you were lucky enough to catch it at past Fringes, you might not have heard about this show. "A Cabaret of Legends", co-created by Tymisha Harris (performer) and Michael Marinaccio (director, designer, stage manager), was a late stage edition to this year's Fringe festival, only barely sneaking in after another show dropped out. The show is not in any programs, but that does not mean you should look past it. Despite its secret status, this is a cabaret everyone should know about.

"A Cabaret of Legends" is a musical journey through pioneering black women in a variety of genres, from jazz, to soul, to rock. The cabaret includes tributes to Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, and many more music icons through the years, all performed by Tymisha Harris.

This was my second time experiencing this show, after luckily grabbing a ticket at the nearly sold out 2025 Fringe run. This show was a little different, as Marinaccio came out before the show (then running ten minutes late) to inform the audience that Harris was under the weather and would be performing a seated, more subdued version of the show. However, if it wasn't for this announcement, and the fact that I'd already seen the show, it is doubtful that anyone would have guessed something was wrong. Even while not feeling her best, Harris gave a world class vocal and storytelling performance, keeping her signature charm throughout. One particular standout moment was her performance of "Mississippi Goddam" by Nina Simone, which she performed with show-stopping vocals and oodles of personality,

While her vocals are awe-inspiring, the most compelling aspect of this cabaret are the personal touches. There are many Fringe shows where talented singers sing difficult songs, but Cabaret of Legends infuses each song with a history lesson or personal anecdote from Harris' life which makes the numbers feel emotionally significant, in addition to being well-performed. This separates the show from other cabarets and makes it feel truly one of a kind.

For a secret show, tickets are going fast, and it's no surprise. Tymisha Harris owns every inch of the stage, and the cabaret is incredibly well written and designed. It won't be a secret for long, I'm sure.

CABARET OF LEGENDS AT THE WESTBURY THEATRE, TWO MORE PERFORMANCES

A review by Andrea Noga, Alberta Youth Theatre Collective.

I got a free ticket to this show and almost didn't go to this 9pm show after a busy day.

In part, that was because I thought this might just be a tribute show, not much different than going to see some cover artist at the local casino or whatever.

I'm glad I went because I was absolutely blown away by this show - the performer was sexy, sassy and seriously talented.

She used the history of female black artists to tell the story of black America - from segregation to the civil rights movement to the use of a Beyonce song by the ground-breaking Kamala Harris campaign for Presidency of the United States.

But the show is not just a lecture or a revue. The song choices are inspired and you're not just hearing "the hits" but songs that help tell the story.

Perhaps surprisingly, a unique take on a Bob Dylan classic is a highlight as is the blending of Dolly Parton's gentleness leading into Whitney Houston's power for an incredible performance of one of the most successful songs of all-time, "I Will Always Love You".

I could go on and on but there's plenty of other moments that will surprise and delight you and you'll have to see this show for yourself to find out!

Amazed by the talented Tymisha and her phenomenal voice! What a powerhouse of a singer ❤️ I watched the show twice already and may go see another time!

The performers crushed those classic numbers and the whole vibe felt like a proper old-school cabaret, energy never dipped. Easy 5 stars, would happily go again.

Beautiful, sexy, forward thinking. Combining history, comedy, music and activism drew every single audience member in. So much talent!

Tymisha Harris gives a stunning performance vocally, physically and in her interaction with the crowd, through a setlist meaningfully curated for our times.

The most polished Fringe show ever! A delightful and hugely talented woman covering the best black women singers in America. Don't miss it.

This is not just an inspiring performance - it is an act of resistance against white supremacy or at least white hegemony. Tymisha Harris energetically celebrates and uplifts numerous black women singers, some well known and some perhaps lesser known. Great voice! Outstanding show in the right venue. I highly recommend!

great performer, great voice. must see for music history buffs as i learned quite a bit about black women singers and the struggles they had to endure in order to introduce their voices to the world. must see

A must-see! polished powerhouse, you’re sure to enjoy 🎶

A living legend singing songs of legends now sadly gone. Jokes, costume changes, music history lessons, and an incredible voice. I did not want the show to end! So much talent.

Tymisha Harris owned the stage. It is always exciting to see a performer win over an audience which she did with humor, a great personality, stage presence, ad libs and a knowledge of jazz and pop women vocalists.

With great respect and maximum energy she channeled Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Billie Holliday, Josephine Baker, Tina Turner and Beyoncé to the t.

Tymisha Harris is a sparkling, powerhouse; a living legend in her own right! Her voice is incredible, clear and strong. I found myself wanting more after the 60 minute show. This show truly is a shining example of black excellence!

Peak experience. Really. Tymisha Harris’s A Cabaret of Legends had me in tears.

Harris’s voice is so rich and pitch-perfect, it feels surreal sometimes that she’s singing live.

A celebration of Black female singers, A Cabaret of Legends overflows with substance. Harris sings — and contextualizes — Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” and Nina Simone’s “Mississippi Goddam”. And she frames Bob Dylan’s “The Time’s They are A-Changin’”, which Josephine Baker sang at Carnegie Hall, as a tribute to those killed in gun violence, including the dead from the attack on Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, where Harris lives.

As a performer, Harris is glamorous — satin, rhinestones, extravagant flowers in her hair. And she’s completely embodied, the music flowing through her and making itself elegantly visible in her arms, hands, legs.

Harris honours her subjects rather than imitating them, but that honouring includes musical playfulness, sensuality, and raucous celebration — because there’s Ella Fitzgerald, Beyoncé, and Tina Turner.

Opportunities to witness this kind of excellence are rare. Don’t miss it.

What a voice! And engaging.

I have been so lucky to see this show from it's 1st dress rehearsal in Orlando and multiple times on the circuit in Calgary, Edmonton and now Vancouver. The show only gets better. Tymisha is a STAR as are all the great legends she pays the most respectful homage towards. Directing, tech and costumes all come together with this powerhouse QUEEN to make for a magical and highly entertaining and heartfelt time at the theatre!

A Cabaret of Legends was breathtaking. Tymisha Harris pulled us right into the heart of this act of resistance and protest, using the voices and stories of icons like Billie, Tina, Whitney, and Beyoncé to show how their artistry shaped history and continues to inspire today.

The simplicity of the set and visuals gave her performance even more power. Nothing distracted from the strength of her storytelling and her voice, and every moment felt intentional and resonant.

What truly made this show unforgettable was Tymisha’s emotional connection and relationship with the audience. She filled the room with a kind of energy that cannot be replicated anywhere else, an energy that came directly from her presence and approach.

This was not just a performance, it was a call to remember and to honor, and Tymisha delivered it with brilliance, heart, and fire.

We went to Cabaret of Legends last night. Best Fringe play EVER! Do yourself a favour and catch it in #yegfringe holdovers!

Plus Josephine, a burlesque cabaret dream play (same amazing artist) coming to Saint Albert in February!!!

Both plays are an amazing singer entertaining us while telling us stories of black women in history.  From program: “Tymisha Harris (Josephine, Josie & Grace) sings us through the generations of some of the most iconic performers, sharing stories of these Legends and their impact on her personal journey. Featuring songs from legends like Billie, Tina, Whitney and Beyonce.”

yeg #fringe #beautiful #protest #amazing

The most amazing cabaret. Talented, amazing, engaging, and educational of black music legends. Cannot wait to see more from this creator.

Such a wonderful performance. Tymisha Harris is a strong and beautiful performer. Through the message of powerful songs , comedy, personal journey and common connections, Harris offers hope for the future… oh and does she sparkle!

Tymisha Harris is a LEGEND herself!

A Cabaret of Legends Review by Andrea Noga

If you need any urging to see this show, thought I doubt you will, let this be it.

In an almost sold-out Westbury theatre, Tymisha Harris (you may know her better as Josephine Baker from a past show) sings the audience through a history of black female music legends who have not always fairly been given their due as legends. Mixing history lessons and smooth vocals, Harris gives a star performance that is both educational and entertaining.

Crafted by Tymisha Harris (performer, co-playwright,) and Michael Marinaccio (co-playwright, director, designer, stage-manager), A Cabaret of Legends is a tour-de-force cabaret. Walking us through the legacy of black women giants in the music industry such as Ella Fitzgerald, Tina Turner, and, of course, Josephine Baker, the songs are as well picked as they are performed. A particularly stunning number was the inclusion of “The Times They Are a-Changin”, written by Bob Dylan and chosen in reference to Josephine Baker. The song, performed in tribute to victims of gun violence, felt incredibly relevant, in addition to being beautifully performed.

From the moment Tymisha Harris came onto the stage, performing a rendition of Rodgers and Hart’s “My Funny Valentine” in reference to Ella Fitzgerald, I knew I was in for a special show. Her voice carried beautifully throughout the theatre, and her charisma made us all fall instantly in love with her. However, what separates this show from other cabarets was the important historical and personal elements. Learning about the phenomenal women Harris sang about, and the struggles they went through without recognition, was as fascinating as her voice. As well, her vulnerability in opening up and sharing her personal experiences with the audience connected us to her. Harris knows how to work an audience, and we never left her side.

You do not need to know about the musical history Harris sings about to enjoy this show, in fact even strong music fans might learn a thing or too. Harris’ love letter to black female artists is poignant, especially now as she relates the music of the past to the politics of the present. Her voice is extraordinary, and she sings to the very back of the room– trust me, there are no bad seats at a Tymisha Harris cabaret. However, the passionate care which went into the creation of this project is really what makes it sing. Check this one out, you will get range, you will get history, you will get phenomenal vocals, and absolutely, you will get your money’s worth.

Tamysha Harris is everything! Her voice is so angelic and she will take you on an amazing journey with some of the best legends the world has seen.

Tymisha Harris is a delightful talent and WOW can she ever sing!! Her show was glamorous and captivating from start to finish.

Tymisha Harris delivers a stellar performance in Cabaret of Legends, a compelling and educational tribute to influential Black women vocalists throughout history. The production is both enlightening and entertaining—a truly unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.

Tamishya Harris is a treasure! And stellar in this production. She appears to have endless energy and an amazing vocal range. honestly, the woman should be on Broadway. this show will make you think and have you riveted the whole time. Do yourself a favour and get a ticket. 11/10

Tymisha Harris is an accomplished international performer and a repeat guest at the Edmonton Fringe. Her rendition of Josephine Baker (singer, spy and mother) is a classic and last year's production of Cabaret of Legends was a history of black women singers from Lady Day to Whitney Houston that rocked the third floor at Cite Francophone. This year's production was emotionally more fraugt; Strange Fruit and Mississippi God Damn reflected darker times in her native USA. Her rally through Tina Turner to Whitney and Beyonce sent us home recharged. What an amazing voice and stage presence.