Cabaret is set in the infamous Kit Kat Klub in Berlin, Germany (Nazi Germany). This particular club is the getaway of choice for locals and visitors alike.
In this story we find American, Clifford Bradshaw, a writer who came to Berlin to seek motivation for his book. The Emcee (who reminded me of The Joker from Suicide Squad) was the host and narrator of the musical. He was very interactive with the audience (which was a surprise) but it went over well with everyone.
The main attraction at the club was Sally Bowles, a British woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind and dreamt of stardom and riches. After she crosses paths with Cliff, he takes a serious liking to her and they begin to form a relationship. This musical has great song numbers and Sally and Cliff both have quite the stage presence.
The only problems I found with Cabaret was that it definitely was not a musical for the family. This newer, updated version was a far reach from its original with Liza Minnelli. The sexual innuendo was far too much and the majority of it came from The Emcee (who was the host/narrator of the story, so as often as you saw him, you more than likely saw or heard something sexual). I saw children in the audience and this is definitely not suitable for children.
Photo by Joan Marcus.
The other problem which I found with the last production I saw at The Fox Theatre (If/Then the Musical), the show was too long and you could feel it. Act I didn’t end until a little after 9pm, which meant a majority 65+ crowd had to sit for 90 minutes straight until intermission. I saw a few people leave during the first act but when intermission came around, I saw a large drove head for the exits.
There was a huge disparity in the audience. If I had to weather an educated guess, I’d say it was probably 70% seniors, 30% young people, and like I said, I saw young children as well (who definitely shouldn’t have been there).
Innuendo and time length aside, it’s a marvelous production. If you have time this weekend, open-minded, mature adults, should go check this out. I give Cabaret a 7 out of 10.
Sally Bowles – Alison Ewing
Emcee – Randy Harrison
Clifford Bradshaw – Benjamin Eakeley
-Jon J.