Shaye Cabaret of Joy Obvious Brings Warmth and Laughter to Andes

Garth Kravitz of Delaware County Performance Arts was tremendous as always.

ANDES — On a cold and rainy Saturday evening, the barn at Wayside Cider in Andes filled with laughter, music, and a welcome sense of release from a long Catskills winter during this spring delivering wonky weather. Chez Shaye Cabaret presented her latest installment, Joy Obvious, an eclectic variety show that blended comedy, music, burlesque, and improvisational charm into a lively communal experience. The crowd arrived bundled against the damp chill outside, yet inside the second floor of the barn venue there was an unmistakable current of warmth, anticipation, and shared delight.

Host, producer, and performer Shaye Troha guided the evening with a confident and playful presence. Her cabaret has developed a reputation across the region for its spontaneity and inclusiveness, and this performance continued that tradition. Troha explained after the show that the format remains consistent even as the performers change. 

“The show was the same as far as the concept, the opening and closing songs and what I bring to the show,” she said. “Every show features different artists locally and from abroad. The show is never scripted and is always organic in nature.” 

That organic spirit was evident from the opening moments. Troha’s rapport with co-host and pianist Garth Kravitz established the tone for the evening. Kravitz, a seasoned performer with an extensive background on Broadway and television, proved to be a shining vocal presence while also serving as a nimble comedic partner. His timing and improvisational banter with Troha kept the audience engaged between acts, creating a sense of continuity that allowed the wide range of performances to flow naturally. 

Troha expressed clear enthusiasm about the collaboration. “Garth was a flawless addition to the show, and I’m thrilled to say that he’s going to come back for future shows,” she noted. 

The evening featured a lively roster of performers, each bringing a distinctive voice to the stage. The Brooklyn based duo of Ashley Perez Flanagan and Andrew Bancroft delivered a spirited set filled with witty lyrics and playful humor. Their performance drew frequent laughter and demonstrated the kind of creative camaraderie that defines the cabaret format.

Grammy nominated songwriter and musician Terry Radigan brought both musical polish and storytelling warmth. Now based in nearby New Kingston, Radigan connected easily with the audience as she joked about her affectionate nickname among neighbors. Her songs carried a sense of lived experience, blending humor with emotional depth and reinforcing the strong ties between the regional arts community and the broader creative world. 

Singer Claire Wellin, accompanied by bassist Jamie Mohamdein, offered one of the evening’s most musically refined sets. Wellin is preparing to release new material in the coming months, yet her performance conveyed a striking level of assurance. Her opening song, “Madison,” set a reflective tone, while a subsequent piece celebrated confidence and womanhood with lyrics that resonated strongly with listeners. A third selection focused on themes of healing, delivered with clarity and emotional balance that held the room in attentive silence.

Comedy also played a central role in the night’s success. Mia Jackson, known nationally for her work on tour, delivered a twenty minute set that energized the crowd. Her sharp observations and expressive delivery produced waves of laughter that echoed throughout the barn’s wooden rafters. Troha later reflected on Jackson’s impact with clear admiration, describing her as “an incredible comedian” who brought the house down.

One of the most memorable elements of the cabaret was the recurring segment known as Trumpet Therapy. In this playful interlude, Troha addressed everyday frustrations through the exaggerated wail of her trumpet. During this performance, she joked about a persistent problem with a leaky sunroom before unleashing a dramatic burst of sound that drew cheers and laughter from the audience. The humor was spontaneous and self aware, inviting the crowd to share in the cathartic release. 

The evening also featured surprise appearances, a hallmark of the cabaret’s structure. Troha explained that these unannounced guests are among her favorite aspects of the show. “Shane Perry from Mutsi was a total surprise, as is every Wild Card in the show,” she said. “That’s why the Wild Card in the show is so special. It’s a surprise to all of us, including me. Sometimes it’s the most magical part of the show.” 

Additional performances included a cameo by singer songwriter Julian Fleisher, who introduced a new disco inspired song with humorous self awareness before launching into an energetic performance that quickly won over the audience. Local musician James Vincent contributed a gentle and ethereal composition accompanied by guitar and backing track, offering a quieter moment of reflection within the evening’s lively rhythm.

The show concluded with a burst of theatrical flair as lasso artist Joy Rides delivered a high energy routine that combined skillful rope work with comedic audience participation. At one point, she invited a volunteer onstage, dressed him in a playful costume, and guided him through a series of dance moves and lighthearted acrobatics. The sequence produced sustained laughter and underscored the sense of shared fun that defined the night. 

For Troha, the enthusiastic response from the community carried deep personal meaning. She spoke openly about the emotional lift provided by the gathering. “I’m overflowing with gratitude for the community loving and supporting the show,” she said. “It is an incredible feeling that the love I’m putting out wants to be and is received. We all need it. Winter was rough.”

Looking ahead, she confirmed that the cabaret will return later in the year. “There will be another cabaret in the fall, but the date is to be determined,” she said. “I try to do one per fall, winter and spring.” As the final notes of the closing song, “I’ll Be Seeing You,” drifted through the barn, the audience lingered in conversation, reluctant to leave the warm glow of the evening. Troha summed up her feelings with characteristic enthusiasm. “I’m floating on Cloud 9 since the show,” she said.

That sense of uplift was reinforced by the technical artistry behind the scenes. Sound engineer Jason Samonik ensured that each voice and instrument carried clearly throughout the room, while lighting designer Gabriel Faure Brac crafted a visual atmosphere that enhanced the theatrical spirit of the performance. With carefully placed lights and a shimmering glitter ball casting reflections across the wooden beams, the entire audience seemed momentarily transported into another dimension of obvious joy.

Shaye Troha kicking off her latest smash hit cabaret show at Wayside Cider.

Terry Radigan lighting up the stage

The amazing Shane Perry as a wildcard performer who delivered an amazing performance.

The evening for ‘Joy Obvious’ Cabaret was a smashing hit!