Cathedral City, CA
It takes a rare gift to enter a room full of strangers and, within minutes, make them feel like friends. Jason Mannino brings exactly that magic to his The Roost Revue cabaret nights at The Roost Lounge in Cathedral City. On a recent Wednesday, I had the pleasure of seeing Jason, Paul Crane, and Francesca Amari share the stage under the theme “Seasons of Love.”The mix of Broadway and pop, laughter and confession, created a warm, electric space where audience and performer felt deeply connected.
Mannino is not just host—he’s curator, emcee, and performer all at once. His name leads the marquee: The Roost Revue, curated and hosted by acclaimed local performer Jason Mannino, promises evenings where art meets intimacy, and community is built in cabaret lighting. He launched the series this summer as a monthly fixture through the end of the year, in part inspired by his experience with Cabaret Riot. In his own words, “Cabaret is about the relationship between the performer and the audience… we create a space where that magic can happen.”
That evening’s lineup was generous: Jason opened with his own set, weaving stories, musical transitions, and humor, then handed the spotlight to his fellow artists. Paul Crane delivered a clever, playful take on “All About That Bass”, infusing it with theatrical flair. Francesca Amari followed with a whimsically self-deprecating “Dance 10”, showing she knows how to use wit and vulnerability in equal measure. Underneath it all was the musical direction and accompaniment of Julie Adams, who tied the performances together with sensitivity and steady hands.
What stood out most was how seamless the transitions felt—every set felt part of a narrative arc, every performer’s story resonated through their song choices, and the audience sang along in shared delight. The Roost Revue is emerging as a hidden gem in the Coachella Valley cabaret scene, bridging local talents and guest artists under one roof.
A few years back, Mannino previewed another cabaret project called “Activist by Heart” in the context of Cabaret Riot, following his debut solo cabaret Return to Joy. Those forays contributed to the artistry he now brings to The Roost Revue—his return to cabaret not as a newcomer, but as a seasoned guide, learning and leading again in live performance.
If you’ve ever wondered whether cabaret still matters in a streaming world, come to The Roost on a Wednesday night. See how a room of strangers becomes a community, how a song can open a heart, and how the stories behind the voices deepen the music. Don’t miss it—these nights are rare, and when they click, they glow long after we leave. For events at The Roost, tickets can be purchases through ticketbud.com