Lionel R. Shockness: Awakening(s)…Mixologist to Psychologist

Lionel R. Shockness returns to Don’t Tell Mama with his new solo show Awakening(s)…Mixologist to Psychologist on Thursday, September 24 at 7 PM; Sunday, September 27 at 4 PM; Wednesday, October 7 at 7 PM. Featuring the music of Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, David Shire, Johnny Mercer and more, Shockness is joined by Musical Director and Arranger Gregory Toroian on piano, Tom Hubbard on bass, and David Silliman on drums. Directed by Lina Koutrakos.

Awakening(s)…Mixologist to Psychologist is an evening of music, storytelling, laughter, and heartfelt reflection inspired by more than three decades of helping people navigate love, loss, conflict, reconciliation, and the lifelong journey of becoming whole. Through unforgettable stories and songs, Shockness shares how counseling hundreds of couples transformed not only the lives of his clients, but his own—making him a better husband, father, and compassionate activist. Along the way, he invites audiences to laugh, reflect, and perhaps recognize pieces of their own lives in his.

Experience an intimate evening with a performer whose rich, soulful voice has been described as a blend of Barry White and Luther Vandross, in a show that reminds us that the most profound relationships are often the ones that awaken us to ourselves.

“Thirty-plus years of counseling couples taught me that love isn’t something we find—it’s something we practice. Join me for an evening of music, laughter, and reflections from a life spent helping people love each other a little better. Relationships transform the people who are willing to learn from them.” ~ Lionel R. Shockness

New York City native Lionel R. Shockness, a longtime fixture on the city's cabaret scene, has appeared at Sweetwater's, The Duplex, Pangea, and Don't Tell Mama, where he presented three solo shows directed by Helen Baldassare with musical direction by Gregory Toroian: Here’s to Life!, Both Sides Now, and Being Here and Keeping It Real.