Yale Cabaret - New Haven, Connecticut

Gabriel Cuestas

Es re cope te atienden re piola

Alma TM

Excelentes obras de teatro

Jeremy Edmunds

In an era where theater often defaults to safe commercial fare, the Yale Cabaret Theater remains a defiant sanctuary of artistic experimentation, where the sacred and profane dance a nightly pas de deux. This intimate black box space, nestled in New Haven's cultural corridor, presents itself as both crucible and playground for Yale School of Drama's finest.

The conceit is deliciously meta: MFA candidates transition seamlessly from waiting tables to treading boards, their journey from server to sovereign of the stage marking the evening's first transformation. It's a reminder that even Broadway legends once balanced plates before they balanced soliloquies.

The programming zigzags between genres with gleeful abandon. One evening might offer a searing adaptation of Sartre, while the next presents an avant-garde movement piece that would make Pina Bausch raise an approving eyebrow. Occasionally, the performances skirt the boundaries of propriety – though nothing that would shock the ghosts of Greenwich Village's more colorful past.

The venue's ephemeral programming strategy – shows vanish as quickly as the wine they serve – creates an air of urgency. Miss a weekend, and you might find yourself the cultural equivalent of Gatsby's boat against the current, borne back ceaselessly into FOMO.

The dining experience, served promptly at 8 PM, proves surprisingly accomplished for a theater where the kitchen staff's true ambitions lie in Shakespearean soliloquies rather than soufflés. The wine list, while not encyclopedic, offers enough variety to fuel post-show debates about whether that experimental piece was brilliantly subversive or merely sophomore-year sublime.

In an age where streaming platforms have made audiences increasingly passive, Yale Cabaret Theater remains gloriously, sometimes garishly, alive. It's the theatrical equivalent of a triple shot espresso – not always smooth, occasionally bitter, but guaranteed to keep you awake and engaged.

For those seeking safe harbor in conventional theater, look elsewhere. But for the adventurous soul yearning to glimpse tomorrow's theatrical vanguard today – while enjoying a decent cabernet – Yale Cabaret Theater beckons. Just remember: unlike the students who serve you, these productions don't do encores. Book accordingly.

Lucy Wang

This is the best theater in New Haven. Experimental shows by talented students. Also, Yale School of drama students act as servers and provide excellent service

Anne Wyllie

Finally discovered this wee gem. Great, central location. Small, cosy venue. Great performance - from the writers to the actors. Good wine list. Food available. Curious to see the different layouts.

Dan .Theman

The student written productions can be hit or miss but when they hit their great!

Mario Feola

Very strange but overall a fun and engaging atmosphere. I came with no foreknowledge or expectations, and what I got was a beautiful dinner with a nice house wine pairing, and some freaky performance art and live music show. The artists do a great job engaging with the audience and drawing them into the show/après show discussion. Normally not really my thing but the food was great, wine was flowing and I got to see some weird art.

Ilana Falcão de Arruda

Seating is so tight, it can be uncomfortable if you’re big. Getting a table seemed great. Decent prices on the wines.