4 out of 5 stars

Jeff Harnar’s “Blame It on My Youth,” which is playing this month at theater-district haunt Don’t Tell Mama, serves as a trip down memory lane for the cabaret veteran and his accompanist Alex Rybeck. And it’s a long trip, weaving stories of the duo's early 80’s start with songs they performed at the venue in 1987. The set list mixes recognizable theater names (Sondheim, Rodgers, Schwartz, Kander and Ebb) with popular artists (Lennon, Joel). While the show might especially be of interest to the cabaret-loving crowd who know Harnar and the material, the performer’s magnetic presence should appeal to all. – Ryan Kinkade

At Don’t Tell Mama, through Feb. 26, 2026; donttellmamanyc.com. (Review date: Feb. 22, 2026)