Celebrating 10 Years of Magic Thread Cabaret | Featuring Hampton Callaway

In this episode of On the Aisle, host Tom Alvarez sits down with longtime collaborator Dustin Klein to celebrate a major milestone—10 years of Magic Thread Cabaret. The two reflect on how their creative partnership began with the original musical Calder the Musical, inspired by the life of artist Alexander Calder. After the show’s success at the Indianapolis Fringe Festival, they realized that producing a full-scale musical beyond the local stage required resources they didn’t have. Instead, they channeled their passion for the Great American Songbook and intimate performance into a new venture—Magic Thread Cabaret—dedicated to producing original cabaret shows and nurturing emerging talent.

Over the past decade, Magic Thread Cabaret has produced more than 20 shows and worked with hundreds of performers and musicians, building a reputation for blending artistic excellence with mentorship. Their productions celebrate diversity and storytelling through music, giving local and rising artists opportunities to perform in professional settings while honoring the rich traditions of cabaret and the American Songbook.

The conversation also highlights a special March 20 benefit concert in Indianapolis, featuring acclaimed singer-pianist Ann Hampton Callaway. The performance will take place at The Cabaret and will showcase music by legendary songwriter Cole Porter. The evening will also honor the memory of Indianapolis arts supporter Ben Solomon and feature rising performers from Magic Thread Cabaret. In addition to Callaway’s performance, audiences will hear selections from the upcoming production Cabaret Latino: Songs of the Americas, celebrating the influence of Latin American music on American culture.

Looking ahead, Alvarez and Klein share exciting plans for the future. In 2026 they will present an expanded version of Cabaret Latino, and in 2027 they hope to revisit their original work Calder the Musical in a concert format with a live orchestra at the Tobey Theater at Newfields.

In the second half of the episode, Alvarez welcomes acclaimed Indianapolis jazz pianist Sean Baker, known as “Sean Baker the Music Maker.” Baker discusses his role leading the trio that will accompany Callaway for the benefit concert. A respected pianist, songwriter, and arranger, Baker explains how his deep knowledge of jazz and the Great American Songbook makes him a natural musical partner for Callaway’s performances.

Together, the conversations highlight the power of collaboration, mentorship, and live music—showcasing how a small arts organization can create lasting cultural impact while celebrating both emerging artists and world-class performers.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.