From Wall Street to the Stage: Stacy Polley’s New Chapter

After spending 25 years in the finance world, former Goldman Sachs partner Stacy Polley has made quite a shift. Transitioning from a successful banking career to a vibrant stage presence, she has been captivating audiences with her personal cabaret shows.

Her upcoming performance at Sony Hall on Thursday holds a particular significance. Polley aims to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research, a cause close to her heart after losing her father to the disease in August.

“I Can’t Stand Still,” the name of the show, is a reflective mix of songs, dances, and humor. Polley describes it as a contemplation of life’s demands and the often unfulfilled pursuit of success. “It really makes you think about what happens when you check every box but still feel restless,” she shared.

This cabaret is not only a tribute to her late father, a musician who used to accompany her performances, but also honors caregivers like her mother, who took care of him.

The lineup features an eclectic collection of contemporary Broadway hits alongside pop and rock classics, with noteworthy songs such as Meat Loaf’s “Paradise By the Dashboard Light” and a mashup from Billy Joel. Polley promises that all of it integrates with storytelling from her own life, enhanced by four backup singers and a 13-piece band.

At the heart of the show’s message is finding contentment in stillness. Polley emphasizes that there’s humor intermixed with deeper reflections on what fulfillment looks like as we navigate life’s challenges.

Reflecting on her childhood dreams, Polley expresses how her father, who played piano, fueled her passion for performance. “Performing was always something I loved,” she reminisced, though a career in high finance took precedence, leading her to a significant role at Goldman Sachs.

Nonetheless, the urge to perform never faded. Her cabaret journey began in 2008, coinciding with her 40th birthday, covering various themes like divorce in a relatable and entertaining format.

“Each show takes about nine months to create,” she explained. “It starts with figuring out what I want the audience to feel—what’s the central truth they can relate to?”

Polley’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016, and she recalls a poignant moment when he performed with her on stage that same year. “It was his last hurrah with me, and I realized we had to move forward with the diagnosis,” she reflected.

Having grown up in Queens to educators, Polley aspires to use her shows not just for entertainment, but as a platform for awareness. “It’s impressive how much people don’t know about the disease, even those who seem informed,” she observed.

She has performed for many influential figures from her past profession, which adds a unique layer to her performances. This year, the show aims to support the Fork It Fund, co-founded by Polley, which has contributed over $4 million to Alzheimer’s research, with more expected by year’s end.

The passing of her father makes this performance especially poignant for her, as she shifts the spotlight to often-overlooked caregivers, such as her mother. “I want to acknowledge those of us in the sandwich generation, balancing care for both our parents and our children,” she explained.

Polley emphasizes that despite the upbeat nature of her shows, the real connections come from moments of vulnerability, sharing her life experiences that resonate with her audience. “I hope they leave feeling entertained yet also reflecting on their own journeys,” she said.