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WITH A LITTLE BIT OF LOX:
FROM BAT MITZVAH TO BROADWAY
Broadway's bashert Julie Benko reflects on how portraying a surprising number of Jewish leading ladies on the Great White Way—including in Funny Girl, Ragtime, Harmony, and Fiddler on the Roof—turned her into an unexpected representative for Jewish women in the musical theatre community, and in the process, reshaped her own Jewish identity. Backed by her husband, pianist and composer Jason Yeager, Benko weaves personal storytelling with songs from musicals ("I'm the Greatest Star," "Tomorrow," "If I Were A Bell"), original music ("One Step Closer"), and selections sung in Yiddish and Hebrew ("Tumbalalaika") to craft an intimate, soulful, funny, and celebratory evening. With A Little Bit of Lox offers a rich exploration of identity, artistry, and the many beautiful ways there are to be Jewish, both onstage and off.
A STAR IS BORN
Julie's new show explores life after stepping into her most challenging role yet: mom. Accompanied by award-winning jazz pianist (and her baby-daddy/spouse) Jason Yeager, Benko offers mesmerizing new interpretations of standards (“Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man,” “A Sleepin’ Bee,” "Bear Necessities"), contemporary favorites (“You’ll Be In My Heart”), musical theater classics (“Children Will Listen,” "Together Wherever We Go," "Tomorrow"), and more. Join Julie for a transcendent evening as she explores the challenges and joys of this transformational period in her life with her sterling vocals and signature humor. But be warned: You may leave with baby fever!
"Yeager's piano artistry framed Benko’s gorgeous vocals in gold.... Admittedly, listening to new mothers expound on their offspring can be tedious, but this show was a delight."
-Cabaret Scenes
"Infinitely charming... a true standout on the cabaret scene."
-Broadwayworld
STANDBY, ME
When Julie Benko first took the stage as the standby for Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, she could not have anticipated that she would take her bow as Broadway’s newest breakout star. Joined by her husband Jason Yeager on piano, Julie reflects on the journey leading to her meteoric rise, sharing songs and behind-the-scenes stories of her days understudying in Les Misérables, Fiddler on the Roof, Spring Awakening, and more. From Broadway classics (“People,” “Matchmaker”) to jazz standards (“Twisted”) to contemporary favorites (“What’s Gonna Happen,” "I Dreamed A Dream,") Standby, Me offers an evening of spectacular vocals, theatrical lore, and inspiration for all the greatest stars-to-be.
BROADWAY GOES TO THE MOVIES
Julie brings the silver screen to the cabaret stage, taking audiences on a musical trip through Hollywood's most beloved film songs, from timeless standards to unexpected surprises. Grab your popcorn (or your cocktail) and settle in for a night where Broadway meets the movies, one unforgettable song at a time.
"An evening that celebrated familiar songs while revealing just how fresh they can sound in the hands of consummate performers... She never simply delivered a familiar melody with the usual ending. She lingered over a phrase, held a note until it seemed to suspend time, or took an unexpected musical turn that made us listen anew. Whether mining a song for comedy, finding the ache beneath its sweetness, or letting a melody soar, she remained fully connected to the music and to the audience... In Broadway Goes to the Movies, Julie Benko transformed a treasure trove of cinematic favorites into something distinctly her own—playful, musically adventurous, and often deeply moving. We left with familiar tunes in our ears, smiles on our faces, (my cabaret companion with tears in her eyes), and a little more love in our hearts. What a gem of an evening."
-Gregory Bernard, BroadwayWorld
JULIE BENKO & EUPHONIC GUMBO
Julie Benko’s Euphonic Gumbo celebrates New Orleans music ranging from early jazz to Cajun and more. Joined by a six-piece band (led by her musical director and spouse Jason Yeager), she sings in English, French, Spanish, and Yiddish to honor the musical legacy of the Crescent City. Now an annual tradition to celebrate Mardi Gras at Birdland! Julie is also happy to march her second-line band out at other times of the year!