Cabaret Review - A Not So Silent Night (Play Me Off Music)
Stage Review - A Not So Silent Night
Presented By: Play Me Off @ Dukesbay Theatre - Tacoma, WA
Show Run: December 28 - December 30, 2025
Date Reviewed: Sunday, December 28, 2025
Run Time: 90 Minutes (including a 15-minute intermission)
Reviewed By: Greg Heilman
It’s been said that, especially for children, Christmas is one of those things that takes forever to arrive—and then, once it does, it’s over in a blink. That feeling, it turns out, doesn’t fade with age. The holiday season still carries with it a slower pace of life, more smiles, and reunions with friends and family not seen for a year or more. And yet, once December 25 passes, we’re often right back at the grind, smack dab in the middle of the winter doldrums. For those who aren’t quite ready to let go of the season—or who wish it could linger just a little longer—the latest collaboration between the incomparable Sharry O’Hare and music director Zachary Kellogg is exactly the right prescription.
The last time audiences saw this pair together, they were sharing the stage in Have I Told You This Story, Sharry’s career retrospective that ran at Lakewood Playhouse a few months back—an evening of songs and stories spanning a long, vibrant career that is, thankfully, still going strong. A Not So Silent Night, presented by Play Me Off Music, picks up where that collaboration left off. On stage at Dukesbay Theatre in Tacoma, and having closed on December 30, this holiday cabaret demonstrates what happens when two artists with deep trust and chemistry come together. The ease between them makes it feel as though they’ve been performing side by side for years.
The cabaret itself is filled with laughs and love, familiar holiday hits alongside lesser-known gems, all set to Zachary’s thoughtful and often playful arrangements. It’s short, sweet, and joyful—everything a holiday show should be. Musically, Zachary’s work at the piano anchors the evening with sensitivity and flair, punctuated by expressive solos and some genuinely delightful flute work. His musicianship never calls attention to itself unnecessarily, instead serving the storytelling and the performer at the center of it all.
That center, of course, is Sharry. With more than sixty years of performing behind her, she carries herself with a confidence and presence that can’t be taught—only earned. Knowing Sharry and her energy, it makes perfect sense that this show bears the title A Not So Silent Night. Her voice, her humor, and her ability to connect directly with an audience make the room feel intimate and alive. And while the singing is a pleasure, this evening is just as much about the stories. The narrative thread is simple, but it’s one that supports both the humor and the heart of the show, allowing the audience to feel like they’re being welcomed into a shared holiday memory rather than watching a formal performance.
Supporting that sense of warmth is Bethany Bevier, whose guitar and percussion accompaniment complements the musical texture beautifully, adding color without ever overpowering the vocal storytelling. Rounding out the group is Michael O’Hara, who wears multiple hats throughout the evening—nosy neighbor, electrician, Irishman, Santa—each delivered with an easy charm that keeps the audience laughing and engaged. His contributions add another layer of humor and affection, reinforcing the communal spirit of the cabaret.
Interestingly, A Not So Silent Night was originally intended to be presented before Christmas, but a scheduling shift pushed the performance to after the holiday itself. In practice, that change works entirely in the show’s favor. For those who aren’t quite ready to pack away the decorations or let the season slip quietly into memory, this cabaret offers a gentle extension of holiday cheer—a reminder that joy, music, and connection don’t need to end when the calendar turns.
In a time of year when the lights often dim too quickly, A Not So Silent Night serves as a welcome encore to the season, led by performers who understand that sometimes the best way to celebrate the holidays is simply to keep singing a little longer.
A Not So Silent Night, the new Christmas cabaret featuring Sharry O’Hare and Zachary Kellogg has closed. To keep up on the latest news, including upcoming productions, visit https://www.playmeoffmusic.com/.
Photo credit: Kamryn Kellogg, Michael O’Hara, Hannah Gilman
