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A Showstopper on 42nd Street: Lacy Miller’s “Stupid Cupid” Soars
- Feb 19
- 2 min read
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, jazz vocalist Lacy Miller brought romance, wit, and powerhouse vocals to her headline performance of Stupid Cupid at the iconic Laurie Beechman Theatre on February 13th. Nestled on 42nd Street in the heart of New York City, the cabaret hotspot set the perfect mood for an evening devoted to love and legendary heartbreak.
From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary jazz show. The evening opened with Miller’s husband, comedian Jonathan Dickson, serving as emcee. His sharp timing and playful charm warmed up the crowd with laugh-out-loud observations about marriage, romance, and the perils of Cupid’s aim. The chemistry between Dickson and Miller added a personal touch to the night—an authentic love story framing an evening about love stories.
When Miller took the stage, she did so with effortless glamour and commanding presence. Backed by a stellar ensemble—pianist Steve Einerson, Dan Parra on bass, Augie Haas on trumpet, and Ben Cliness holding down the beat—the music soared from the first note.
The setlist was a Valentine’s dream. Classics like “All of Me,” “At Last,” and “Fever” shimmered with fresh interpretation while honoring their storied legacies. Miller’s take on “All of Me” was playful yet poignant, while “At Last” unfolded with warmth and sincerity building to one of Miller's signature long belt notes. “Fever” smoldered with understated allure, punctuated by Parra's smoky bass accents.
But the undeniable showstopper of the evening was “Cry Me A River.” Miller delivered the torch song with a slow-burn intensity that held the room in rapt silence before unleashing its emotional crescendo. It was a masterclass in control and storytelling—heartbreak rendered in velvet and steel.
Indeed, storytelling is where Miller truly shines. Between songs, she shared captivating backstories about the artists who made these hits famous—their romances, their betrayals, and the real-life dramas that gave birth to the music. Her commentary added layers of meaning, reminding the audience that jazz standards aren’t just melodies; they’re lived experiences, shaped by love and loss.
Stupid Cupid was more than a cabaret show—it was an evening of connection. Miller’s rapport with her band, her husband, and her audience created an atmosphere that felt both polished and deeply personal. As couples leaned closer and friends clinked glasses, the room buzzed with the kind of warmth only live music can inspire.
By the time the final notes faded and the applause echoed through the Beechman Theatre, it was clear that Lacy Miller had delivered the perfect pre-Valentine’s celebration: equal parts humor, heartbreak, and head-over-heels romance. Cupid may be “stupid,” but on February 13th in Midtown Manhattan, love—and jazz—hit the mark.
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