4.5 out of 5 stars

A scene stealer in HBO’s “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” Ilia Isorelýs Paulino got deserved time in the musical spotlight with her recent NYC concert debut at 54 Below. She has an undeniable star quality as a cabaret performer, shifting effortlessly between songs by Sondheim and Latin artist Mon Laferte and transitioning just as easily from a sultry, soft head voice to a hearty, earthshaking belting one. Plus, she brings touches of Eartha Kitt’s sensuality and humor as well as Heather Headley’s church-imbued gravitas. It seems only a matter of time before Paulino is treading the boards on Broadway. — Justin McCallum

At 54 Below on July 8, 2026; 54below.org. (Review date: July 9, 2026)