New York – After more than two decades on Wall Street, Stacy Polley has shifted her focus from fixed income sales at Goldman Sachs to intimate performances that blend song, storytelling and reflection. Her latest cabaret, scheduled for this week at Sony Hall, draws directly from her own life and raises funds for Alzheimer’s research in memory of her late father. The move marks a return to a passion she set aside early in her career.
A Career Built on Wall Street
Polley spent 25 years at Goldman Sachs, rising to become a partner who led the firm’s fixed income sales efforts. Colleagues and clients knew her as a high performer in a demanding environment that left little room for outside pursuits. Yet the pull toward performance never fully faded. She grew up in Queens as the daughter of two New York City public school teachers, with a musician father who encouraged her early interest in the stage. By her late 30s she had built a family and a substantial career, but the desire to perform remained.
Personal Stories on Stage
Polley began creating cabaret shows in 2008 to mark her 40th birthday. Each production takes roughly nine months to develop and centers on a clear message drawn from her experiences. Previous shows addressed topics such as divorce, while the current one explores what happens after achieving professional success yet still feeling driven to chase more. The program, titled “I Can’t Stand Still,” mixes contemporary Broadway numbers from productions like “Hamilton” and “Footloose” with rock classics and an original composition. Four backup singers and a 13-piece band accompany her through the evening, which frames its themes around a fictional wellness retreat. Humor and personal anecdotes connect the songs, inviting audiences to consider contentment and purpose.
Honoring Family and Raising Awareness
This year’s performance carries added weight. Polley’s father, who accompanied her on piano during an earlier show shortly after his 2016 Alzheimer’s diagnosis, died in August. The cabaret is dedicated to him and to caregivers, including her mother. Proceeds benefit the Fork It Fund, which Polley co-founded with Daryl and Irwin Simon through the Alzheimer’s Association. The fund has already contributed more than $4 million to research, with another $1 million expected by year’s end. Polley, now 57, has learned that audiences respond most strongly to moments of vulnerability. She hopes viewers leave entertained while also reflecting on their own definitions of success and fulfillment. The show continues a pattern of using the stage to connect with others who may share similar questions about life after checking every conventional box.
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