Every year, Creative Cauldron hosts a festive Holiday Cabaret Series produced by Associate Artistic Director Matt Conner. This year’s features five performances from December 10 to 19, and I attended the first, Bayla Whitten’s cabaret entitled “All for Anita.” The show was an homage to her beloved “Bubbie” Anita Turk, and the packed, sold-out performance was a testament to her grandmother’s influence. After all, “I didn’t sell out this show,” Bayla stated with a smile, “Bubbie did.” Candlelit tables make the small blackbox venue even more intimate, and while I’m sure the dimly lit atmosphere was meant to be cozy, I would say that it was full beyond the point of comfort — people who enjoy ample breathing room would not have enjoyed themselves. However, that is my only gripe for the evening, and it is an issue that is soon fixed, as Creative Cauldron is gearing up to move to a new location in 2025. Anita Turk and Bayla Whitten. Photo courtesy of the artist. Bayla opened the cabaret with a bold choice: Barbra Streisand’s showstopper “Don’t Rain on My Parade.” She explained that this number was the last song that her Bubbie saw her perform, and each following song was chosen with thoughtful purpose, from Irvin Berlin’s “What’ll I Do,” which came out the year her Bubbie was born, to George and Ira Gershwin’s “Embraceable You,” which was her grandparents’ wedding song. The set list was full of enjoyable classics, with pictures of her grandmother’s life projected throughout and peppered with sweet and funny anecdotes by Bayla in between numbers. Bayla’s vocals are a pure powerhouse, full of richness and impressive range. She was accompanied by a live band, and the trio did a fantastic job with the material. The night continued with more beloved songs, including Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” and Frank Sinatra’s “You Make Me Feel So Young.” A particularly touching moment happened when Bayla invited two of her Bubbie’s great-grandchildren onstage with her to sing “L-O-V-E,” and had the audience bust into a fit of giggles when they all whipped out kazoos to accompany the band. The show was full of vulnerability, and love radiated throughout the room. Bayla ended the evening with “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” by The Mamas and the Papas, and then thanked the audience for “coming to my therapy session.” The evening was personal and poignant, filled with lovely renditions of classics that are perfect for honoring a loved one’s memory. The inspired closeness and comfort made this a perfect evening of entertainment for the holiday season, and I thank Ms. Whitten for sharing her grandmother’s touching tribute with us all! The 2024 Holiday Cabaret Series plays though December 19, 2024, at Creative Cauldron 410 South Maple Avenue, Retail 116, Falls Church, VA. See below for list of upcoming shows, all of which can be live-streamed. Tickets (tier 1 tickets, $30; tier 2 tickets, $25; VIP tables with wine: for 2, $90, for 4: $180; live stream, $15) can be purchased online or by calling 703-436-9948.click here. Tuesday, December 17: Sally Imbriano in “Together for Christmas” Wednesday, December 18: Spyros Koliavasilis presents “Songs of the Sea and Carols of Greece” Thursday, December 19: “A Christmas Pageant” fundraiser presented by Tula & Regina Events COVID Safety: Creative Cauldron is a mask-optional environment.​ Creative Cauldron’s COVID-19 Theater Protocol is available here.