Theater News

Cabaret Impresario Donald Smith Has Died

Donald Smith
Donald Smith

Donald Smith, the noted cabaret impresario, has died at age 79 of congestive heart failure.


Smith founded the Mabel Mercer Foundation in 1985, and created the annual New York Cabaret Convention, as well as similar conventions in London, Chicago, and San Francisco, among other cities. The conventions showcased and honored some of the finest performers from around the world.


Smith produced all the engagements for the Algonquin Hotel’s Oak Room for a ten-year period beginning in 1981. He was also the Artistic Director of the hugely successful “Cabaret Comes to Carnegie” series at Weill Recital Hall, the Executive Producer of the popular “Cabaret at The Russian Tea Room” series, and booked talent for London’s celebrated Pizza On the Park.

In addition to working with Mercer, Smith managed, promoted, and nurtured the careers of such performers as Andrea Marcovicci, Michael Feinstein, Steve Ross, Julie Wilson, Margaret Whiting, KT Sullivan, Craig Rubano, and Jeff Harnar.