Premiere of The Dysmorphic Diva a Confessional Cabaret
A Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Love
Life is often said to be a cabaret, but for veteran performer Karen Macarah, it is also a deeply personal journey toward self-acceptance. This June, Macarah will premiere her “confessional cabaret,” The Dysmorphic Diva, a one-woman show that promises to dazzle and disarm audiences at the Hudson Guild Theatre as part of the Hollywood Fringe 2026.
Macarah, a writer and performer known for her roles in major motion pictures like Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and The Disaster Artist, is no stranger to the stage. She has previously garnered acclaim for her solo work, including the Encore Award-winning musical song cycle Five and her one-woman show Wine Time With Roni. While she has inhabited iconic roles such as Mama Rose in Gypsy and the dual roles of Edith and Young Edie in Grey Gardens, The Dysmorphic Diva marks a shift toward her most vulnerable role yet: herself.
The production is described as an uplifting exploration of one woman’s path from self-deprecation to self-love. Macarah weaves together humorous personal stories with a variety of comedic characters and multimedia elements. The narrative is anchored by a soundtrack of beloved Broadway classics from the mid-twentieth century to the modern day, featuring songs from hit musicals like Cabaret, Falsettos, The Band’s Visit, and Merrily We Roll Along.
A Powerhouse Creative Collaboration
Behind the scenes, Macarah has collaborated with Jessica Lynn Johnson, the founder and CEO of Soaring Solo LLC. Johnson, an internationally recognized solo artist and director, has co-created over 75 solo shows and brings a wealth of expertise in developing deeply personal, award-winning narratives for the stage.
The show’s four-performance run includes a special “gala” performance on Sunday, June 28, which carries a mission beyond the theater. All proceeds from this performance will benefit the St. Baldrick’s Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, with every dollar raised being matched to support the cause.
Details, showtimes, ticketing
The Dysmorphic Diva is set for four performances at the Hudson Guild Theatre at 6539 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles 90038. Shows will be Tuesday, June 9, 8:30 PM; Tuesday, June 16, 6:45 PM; Saturday, June 27, 3:15 PM and the finale gala benefit performance Sunday, June 28 at 7:30 PM.
Tickets go on Sale May 1st and are available at HollywoodFringe.org. If you cannot attend the gala performance you may still donate the St. Baldrick’s Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation HERE.
