SKIN IN THE GAME

Tony nominee Emily Skinner brings
powerhouse vocals, incisive storytelling,
and irresistible humor to
CV Rep’s Summer Cabaret Series

There is a rare tier of theatrical royalty that doesn’t just sing a song—they dismantle it, unearth its emotional marrow, and reconstruct it before your eyes. Coachella Valley audiences experienced exactly that kind of artistry when Tony nominee Emily Skinner took the stage for CV Rep’s 2026 Summer Cabaret Series.

Accompanied by Johnathan Fischer at the piano, Skinner delivered an intimate, magical evening that reminded audiences why she remains one of Broadway’s most versatile and captivating performers.

From the moment she stepped onstage, Skinner had the audience in the palm of her hand. Opening with “When You’re Good to Mama,” she established an evening of brassy confidence and charisma. While her powerful belt effortlessly filled the theater, it was her razor-sharp comic timing that turned numbers like “Bacon” and “Schadenfreude” into hilarious showstoppers.

Emily Skinner (previous cabaret photo by Maryann Lopinto)

Skinner then traversed an astonishing emotional landscape, pivoting effortlessly from comedy to heartbreaking drama. She good-naturedly restarted Stephen Sondheim‘s “Could I Leave You?” three times after momentarily blanking on the opening lyric, but once underway, her interpretation became a stunning study in simmering, tightly controlled rage. She followed it with a touchingly tender, deeply lived-in rendition of “Send in the Clowns,” then brought the house down with a delightfully hilarious “When We Stumble Along” from The Drowsy Chaperone.

Fischer proved far more than an accompanist. His elegant arrangements and expressive piano playing were indispensable partners in the evening’s success. Whether underscoring Skinner’s soaring high notes or reducing the accompaniment to an intimate whisper for Fred Rogers‘ “It’s You I Like,” his musicianship elevated every performance.

Skinner’s appearance at CV Rep served as a vivid reminder of what exceptional cabaret can be. Raw yet polished, deeply personal yet theatrically expansive, the evening showcased an artist at the height of her powers. For one unforgettable night, the desert felt like the brightest room on Broadway.

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Emily Skinner
Coachella Valley Repertory on July 9, 2026
CV Rep Playhouse, 68510 E. Palm Canyon Dr. in Cathedral City
Summer Cabaret Series ends on July 30, 2026
Tues and Thurs at 7
for more shows ($65), call 760.296.2966 or visit CV Rep

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