Sober Curious cabaret opens in New York with 12-step recovery theme

By AI, Created 5:31 PM UTC, May 29, 2026, /AGP/ – Sober Curious: The AA Cabar-AA opens with a free preview June 1 at St. Bart’s Church in Manhattan and begins a six-night run July 13. The cabaret blends 16 original songs with recovery themes, aiming to make 12-step recovery feel more accessible and engaging.

Why it matters: - The show uses cabaret and original music to frame 12-step recovery as something communal, emotional and accessible. - The production is aimed at audiences in recovery and people who are sober curious, a sign of growing interest in alcohol-free culture and recovery-themed storytelling.

What happened: - Sober Curious: The AA Cabar-AA opened with a free preview on June 1 at 7 p.m. at St. Bart’s Church, 109 East 50th Street in Manhattan. - The show officially opens July 13 and runs six consecutive Monday nights through August 17. - Tickets are priced at $25 and are available through Eventbrite. - The production is performed at St. Bart’s Church in New York City.

The details: - The cabaret features 16 songs from Sober Songs. - New York Times bestselling author and ghostwriter Michael Levin wrote and composed the music. - Levin said the goal is to carry the message of 12-step recovery in song. - Levin said the show is meant to demystify 12-step recovery and address loneliness and disconnection. - The rotating cast includes Henry Ryeder, Keegan Smith, Jake Kleve, Shannon Connolly, Merrill Mitchell, Melani Carrié, Lennie Disanto, Bernard Holcomb and Nicholas B. Cloutier. - Most of the rotating cast appeared in Sober Songs last fall at Theatre Row on West 42nd Street. - The music spans ballads, blues, a cappella, rock anthems and love songs. - Melani Carrié directs the production. - Devin Wong serves as musical director. - Levin said the show is meant to show that recovery can be fun, exciting and life-changing. - The production includes the tagline idea, “Believe in the possibility of change.” - Reviewers and audiences praised Sober Songs for humor, honesty and heart, calling it a deeply human portrait of recovery and resilience.

Between the lines: - The production mixes a recovery message with entertainment value, which can broaden its appeal beyond a traditional theater audience. - The emphasis on loneliness and connection suggests the show is positioning sobriety as a social and emotional reset, not just a clinical or moral issue.

What’s next: - Sober Curious continues with six Monday-night performances beginning July 13 at 7 p.m. - The production is expected to use its run at St. Bart’s Church to build interest through live attendance and Instagram updates from @sobercuriouslive. - More information is available by calling 617-543-3747. - The show’s run closes August 17.