The Cabaret Queen of Alt-Comedy

Catherine Cohen has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in alternative comedy by blending cabaret, character work, and millennial anxieties into a uniquely theatrical approach. With her powerful singing voice, exaggerated persona, and willingness to explore insecurity and narcissism through song, Cohen has created a comedy style that's as entertaining as it is subversive.

Cohen's performances are characterized by their musical nature, with songs that tackle contemporary issues like dating app culture, social media anxiety, and the contradictions of modern feminism. Her delivery shifts between powerful vocal performances and vulnerable confessions, creating a style that feels both theatrical and deeply personal.

Her Netflix special "The Twist...? She's Gorgeous" showcases her unique blend of theatrical performance and contemporary commentary, representing a new direction for musical comedy in the alternative comedy scene. Cohen's approach demonstrates how traditional cabaret techniques can be reinvented to address millennial concerns, creating something that feels both classic and cutting-edge.

Background and Career

Born in 1991 in Houston, Texas, Cohen studied at Princeton University where she honed her performance skills before moving to New York City to pursue comedy and acting. Her background in musical theater and classical training is evident in her technically proficient performances that combine strong vocals with precise comic timing.

Cohen broke into the New York comedy scene through her weekly show at Alan Cumming's Club Cumming before establishing "Cabernet Cabaret," her long-running show at Joe's Pub in Manhattan. These intimate venues provided the perfect setting for her theatrical approach to comedy, allowing her to build a dedicated following through word of mouth.

Comedy Style and Influences

Cohen's comedic approach combines several distinct elements that set her apart in the alternative comedy landscape:

Musical Performance

At the core of Cohen's act is her musical talent. Unlike many musical comedians who might sacrifice vocal quality for comedic effect, Cohen delivers technically impressive performances while maintaining sharp comedic timing. Her songs feature clever wordplay, unexpected rhymes, and sudden tonal shifts that highlight both her musical training and comedic instincts.

Character Work

Cohen performs as an exaggerated version of herself—a narcissistic, anxious millennial desperate for validation yet uncomfortable with actual attention. This character allows her to explore uncomfortable truths about modern life while maintaining a layer of ironic distance. The character's contradictions (simultaneously confident and insecure, feminist and appearance-obsessed) mirror the contradictions many experience in contemporary culture.

Millennial Themes

Her material addresses distinctly millennial concerns: dating app fatigue, the performance of authenticity on social media, therapy culture, and the exhausting pressure to curate a perfect online presence. Cohen tackles these subjects with both humor and genuine insight, resonating with audiences who recognize their own experiences in her exaggerated portrayals.

"What makes Cohen's comedy revolutionary is how she transforms traditional cabaret into a vehicle for exploring contemporary anxieties. She's reinventing a classic form for a generation raised on Instagram and irony." - The New Yorker

Cohen cites influences ranging from classic musical theater performers to alternative comedians. She has mentioned Bette Midler's cabaret performances, Sandra Bernhard's blend of stand-up and singing, and contemporary performers like Rachel Bloom as inspirations. Her style also shows the influence of New York's downtown theater scene, where genre-bending performance has long been celebrated.

Notable Performances and Work

Signature Songs

Cohen has developed several signature songs that have become favorites among her audience:

• "Look At Me" - A song that simultaneously criticizes and embodies the need for constant validation
• "Boys Never Wanted to Kiss Me" - An exploration of how being overlooked as a teenager shaped her comedic voice
• "Good at Sex" - A satirical take on performative femininity and sexual confidence
• "The Anxiety Song" - A rapid-fire catalog of neurotic thoughts delivered with increasing intensity

Impact and Reception

Cohen's innovative approach to comedy has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted audience. Her Netflix special received positive reviews that highlighted her unique voice and theatrical style, with critics noting how she had created something genuinely new in the comedy landscape.

Her impact extends beyond her performances, as she represents a new wave of alternative comedians who embrace theatricality and musical elements rather than traditional stand-up formats. For many young performers, Cohen has demonstrated the viability of bringing cabaret techniques into contemporary comedy, expanding the possibilities of what alternative comedy can include.

"Cohen doesn't just break the fourth wall—she demolishes it, rebuilds it, then guides you through a tour of the construction site, all while belting show tunes about anxiety." - Vulture

As an important voice in the New York comedy scene, Cohen has helped nurture other performers through showcases and collaborations. Her success has created more space for theatrical, musical approaches to comedy that might previously have been overlooked in favor of more traditional stand-up.

Future Directions

While maintaining her comedy career, Cohen has expanded into acting roles in film and television, including appearances on "Search Party," "Broad City," and "High Maintenance." Her background in theater and performance gives her versatility across different media, suggesting a career that will likely continue to evolve across multiple creative disciplines.

Cohen continues to develop new material and tour internationally, bringing her distinctive style to audiences beyond New York. As she evolves as a performer, her work remains firmly rooted in the alternative comedy tradition while pushing the boundaries of what that tradition can include.