Detroit: A Night of Music, Love, and Hope
On a beautiful night at Franklin Hills Country Club in Detroit, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as over 100 arts supporters gathered for a special event. The star of the evening? None other than the incredibly talented Julie Benko, a Broadway sensation, and her husband, Jason Yeager, a gifted pianist-composer. This dynamic duo was putting on a concert for the Cabaret 313 donors, marking the kickoff of the organization’s 12th season. And while the evening was brimming with entertainment, there was an extra sprinkle of joy in the air—Julie and Jason are expecting their first child in November!
A Magical Musical Journey
As the crowd settled in, they were treated to an unforgettable performance that blended Julie’s powerful vocals with Jason’s skillful piano accompaniment. Julie shared her personal journey through music, recounting how her love for the stage blossomed in her teen years. At just 14, she earned her first big break playing a role in Fiddler on the Roof at the Jewish Community Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut. With each song she performed, she took the audience on a heartfelt journey that included stories of her challenges and triumphs on Broadway.
One of the highlights of Julie’s career came when she was named the 2022 Breakout Star for Theater by the New York Times. This recognition followed her amazing performance as Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl. But the excitement didn’t stop there—Julie recently made waves again by originating the role of Ruth Stern in Harmony, a Broadway musical composed by the legendary Barry Manilow.
Sharing Stories Through Song
Throughout the evening, Julie and Jason captivated the audience with a blend of anecdotes and song, creating an intimate atmosphere that felt both special and welcoming. Julie’s stories highlighted her experience as an understudy and alternate in both Les Miserables and Fiddler on the Roof, along with her journey through off-Broadway and regional theater productions like Our Town, Once, and The Fantasticks. The way she delved into her past made for an emotional yet inspiring experience, reminding everyone present of the power of dreams and hard work.
A Commitment to the Arts
The Cabaret 313 organization, co-founded by Allan Nachman and Sandi Reitelman, aims to bring Broadway flair to Detroit while supporting emerging artists. Over its history, Cabaret 313 has welcomed around 45 Broadway and Cabaret performers to various venues across the city and conducted a total of 26 master classes for students at renowned institutions like Wayne State, University of Michigan, and Oakland University.
As part of the evening’s festivities, attendees were also treated to announcements about upcoming performances, including:
- Matt Doyle on Nov. 9, 2024, at The Cube at DSO
- University of Michigan Musical Theatre Seniors on Jan. 25, 2025, at the Detroit Opera Black Box
- Catherine Russell on March 22, 2025, at The Cube at DSO
- Michael Maliakel and Sonya Balsara on April 26, 2025, at The Cube at DSO
To find out more about Cabaret 313 and to purchase tickets, patrons can visit www.cabaret313.org or reach out to them at info@cabaret313.org. This concert was not just a celebration of talent, but a testament to the vibrant arts community in Detroit, fueled by love and passion, especially as Julie and Jason prepare for their next exciting chapter as parents.
