The Adela & Larry Elow American Songbook High School Competition returned for its 9th year at the Laurie Beechman Theatre on Saturday, March 21, celebrating the next generation of cabaret and Great American Songbook artists with an inspiring afternoon of talent, storytelling, and song. Hosted by The Mabel Mercer Foundation, the annual event continues its mission to encourage young performers to explore the rich legacy of American popular song, composed between 1900 and 1970.
This year’s 17 finalists delivered heartfelt performances, showcasing not only vocal ability but a deep understanding of lyric interpretation—hallmarks of the cabaret tradition. Top honors went to Madeline Joy Travis of the Professional Performing Arts School, who received the $2,500 first prize for her moving rendition of “Will He Like Me?” by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. Second place and a $1,500 prize were awarded to Reed Harris Butts for his thoughtful interpretation of “Marry Me a Little” by Stephen Sondheim, while third place honors went to Sofia Jimenez, who earned $1,000 for her dynamic performance of “I’m a Stranger Here Myself,” with music by Kurt Weill and lyrics by Ogden Nash.
The competition was evaluated by an esteemed panel of industry professionals, including Klea Blackhurst (cabaret and theater performer), Will Friedwald (author and New York Sun jazz critic), Mark Hummel (Broadway conductor, accompanist, and arranger), Stephen Mosher (BroadwayWorld contributor and author), Stephanie Pope (Broadway, television, and film performer), and Amra-Faye Wright (Broadway and cabaret performer), whose expertise and insight helped select this year’s winners. Finalists represented a wide range of New York City public performing arts programs, including Professional Performing Arts School, Edward R. Murrow High School, Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, and Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts—underscoring the remarkable depth of emerging talent across the city.
