Written By: Gemma Smith, Host and Producer of Catbaret & Tails and Tassels Podcast
If you’ve ever wanted to experience an evening filled with comedy, live music, and burlesque (purr-lesque, to be exact)—all with a feline twist—then Catbaret is the show for you! I’ve had the joy of curating this cat-themed cabaret since 2018, and it’s been an absolute blast growing our community of cat lovers at Caveat on the Lower East Side.
What’s Catbaret All About?
Catbaret is a one-of-a-kind variety show that combines stand-up comedy, live music, burlesque, and more, all with a cheeky cat theme. With four themed shows a year—like Meowloween, a Galentine’s Day Paw-ty, and Meowy Christmas & Happy Hanukkats—there’s always a reason to gather with fellow cat lovers for a night of fun, community and creativity.
Each show features a purrfectly curated lineup of comedy, music, sometimes magic and, of course, purr-lesque. The night wouldn’t be complete without some raffle prizes, FREE cat ears for all guests, an audience contest and spotlighting adoptable cats from our partners at Koneko Cat Cafe and Rescue NYC.
Catbaret has been featured in Time Out New York, Cattitude Podcast, and Broadway World, a testament to its growing popularity in NYC’s entertainment scene. It’s the go-to spot for anyone who loves a good laugh, nightlife, and cats!
Catbaret’s Mission
Our mission is to bring cat lovers together—performers and audiences alike—to celebrate creativity, inclusivity, and all things feline! Whether you’re a die-hard cat person or just love fun, quirky shows, we’re all about creating a space where everyone can feel like part of the Catbaret com-mew-nity.
When is the next show?
The next show, Just Kitten Around, will be on April 24th, 2025 at Caveat in New York City! It’s going to be a paws-itively purrfect evening, celebrating spring and kitten season.
The lineup features burlesque performances by fan favorite NYC performers Lady Mabuhay and Cashlee Banks, dazzling vocals by The Randy Andys—a post-modern Broadway musical revue putting a feline twist on classic pop hits—and comedy by Alison Leiby, a writer and producer for Life & Beth, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Teenage Euthanasia. She also executive produced Ilana Glazer’s The Planet is Burning and Comedy Time Capsule (Comedy Central).
Drag artist Throb Fosse, co-host of Theater Camp at Culture Lab After Dark, will take the stage. Bitsy Brulée, a multi-talented performer known for her work with Hotsy Totsy Burlesque and her quarterly Harlem show Bitsy’s Bits, will be performing a special piece in the upcoming show in tribute to her own kitty. Plus, don’t forget the audience contest, raffle prizes, and FREE cat ears for all!
Get your tickets now and join us for a night of feline fun! [Ticket Link]
Use promo code VIPKITTY for $10 off!
FAQ
Where is the show held?
The event is hosted at Caveat, located at 21A Clinton St, New York, NY 10002.
How can I get tickets for the event?
Tickets are available on Caveat’s website. Be sure to grab them before the show sells out!
Is there an age restriction for the event?
Yes, Catbaret is a 21+ event. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend, so bring your ID and be ready to have a pawsome time with fellow cat lovers.
Can I watch the show online?
If you can’t make it to the venue in person, don’t worry! We offer a livestream ticket for just $10. It’s available for up to 7 days after the show, so you can catch all the action from the comfort of your own home.
Is there anything else I should know?
No actual cats will be present at the event, but we’re all about supporting adoptable kitties. Catbaret partners with Koneko Cat Cafe and Rescue NYC to raise awareness and support for adoptable cats in the area. We also proudly donate ad space to the Cat Museum of New York City.
In closing, bringing together performers and audiences to celebrate creativity, inclusivity, and our shared love of cats is one of the greatest joys of my career. Whether you’re a longtime Catbaret fan or attending for the first time, I hope you feel the warmth, humor, and community that make these shows so special.
If you love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from performers, be sure to check out my podcast, Tails and Tassels, where I chat with artists about their creative journeys, their love for cats, and everything in between. You can find it wherever you listen to podcasts!
About Gemma Smith:
Gemma Smith works by day for a national animal welfare non-profit, making live broadcast appearances—with kittens!—to inspire others to make a difference in the lives of animals. She’s been hosting Catbaret since 2018.
She’s also a burlesque performer under the stage name Gemma Stone and produces Reali-Tease Burlesque. In her podcast, Tails and Tassels, she interviews performers about their craft, their cats, and how the two worlds collide.