Drew Sebastian Cements Cabaret Star Status with “It Had to Be Drew”

24th July 2024 John Hernandez

With so many talented artists performing in Provincetown during the summer season it can be hard to decide which show(s) to go to, so allow us to humbly throw our endorsement behind Drew Sebastian’s offering at the Pilgrim House aptly titled It Had to Be Drew.

Word of Drew’s talents outside of the world of adult entertainment had reached our ears last year when friends on the west coast saw him perform his first show, Dad’s Cabaret, in which he performed some musical numbers and covers poking fun at his image and porn career. Fans of his other work and cabaret lovers alike were impressed with Drew’s voice, style and stage presence prompting multiple bookings at Reforma in Palm Springs. In fact, the show was such a success that he was invited to perform it for a stint at Pilgrim House in P-Town last summer and then at Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week earlier this year.

Studying the cabaret acts that came before him, Drew knew that he had to revamp his act this year for continued longevity as a performer and It Had to Be Drew definitely establishes this for him. The show is not a random collection of songs but instead a curated setlist of pop and jazz standards that come together in a way that tells Drew’s life story, or at least his career trajectory. And though the show does not shy away from Drew’s career in adult entertainment, it does not lean into it either which was a wise and purposeful choice that further defines him as a cabaret artist, separate from the porn persona he’s famous for.

Charming and handsome as ever, Drew narrates the highlights of his life and career with a winning smile and heartfelt connection to his audience. Many times throughout his set Drew descended from the stage to greet and hug members of the audience, managing to work the entire room and creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere for attendees.

He was dressed in a gorgeously tailored suit and bowtie for the show, eventually losing the jacket and tie to accommodate a performance on the saxophone and a tap dance number. His voice was strong, clear, and resonant, aptly showing off his classical voice training and his years spent performing in the theater and with choral groups around the country. His velvety timbre mentally transported listeners to the jazz clubs of old, reminiscent of crooners like Harry Connick Jr and Tim Draxl, both of whom Drew claims as influences.

In terms of the setlist, among other songs, we were treated to a Dolly Parton medley, “A Nightengale Sang in Berkely Square” which featured a sax solo from Drew, “Recipe for Love”, “Somewhere (There’s a Place For Us)” from West Side Story, a high energy rendition of “Love is in the Air” (which included audience participation) and of course “It Had to Be You” which was reworked to “It Had to be Drew”.

The songs were sang in an order and arrangement which helped detail Drew’s start as a Dollywood performer and brought us to the modern day in which he shared stories from fans about how his work in porn literally helped save their lives, or at least their sanity. The narrative was peppered with an assortment of dad jokes and anecdotes, naturally, and it all coalesced to create a fun and enjoyable evening of entertainment.

Drew put together this beautiful show with Musical Director Douglas Ladnier, Musical Arranger David Maddux and Choreographer Mark Martinez. And with this much growth between Dad’s Cabaret and It Had to Be Drew, one can only imagine what he will showcase next. He has hinted at a “Drew After Dark” type show which will feature chorus boys and perhaps more risqué material, but we will have to wait and see.

If you are visiting Provincetown this summer, do yourself a favor and check out It Had to Be Drew which is playing until September 14^th at the Pilgrim House. And be sure to stick around for hugs and photos after the show!