CABARET at the Kit Kat Club (2024) Opening Night Critics' Reviews — Page 14

Emcee Squared: Joel Grey and Eddie Redmayne on ‘Cabaret’



https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/15/theater/joel-grey-eddie-redmayne-cabaret.html?unlocked_article_code=1.sE0.cV3F.bg_eYQoOov2q

Eddie Redmayne on the staying power of Broadway’s ‘Cabaret’ - Gothamist



https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/eddie-redmayne-on-the-staying-power-of-broadways-cabaret

Updated On: 5/21/24 at 06:18 PM

I do wonder if the tides are shifting for Gayle. I saw it in previews & thought she was very strong. Friends that have gone recently hav said that she has blossomed in the role. I think she may be more in the mix than we think.

Cabaret is already up at TKTS for the matinee. 30% off $80.00-$150.00

New York audiences are really not into this production. I think the missing ingredient is Jessie Buckley, because this show (and Eddie) was the toast of London in the winter of 21/22.

Tonight’s show paused after So What for an “emergency in the house” and actors were asked to leave the stage. It probably held for like 10 minutes before resuming. I could an area with flashlights before and then that row was empty

My sister and I saw the show Saturday night as I’d saved the prime time for this because I love Cabaret so much. Well to say I was disappointed is an understatement. I didn’t like it at all. I’m all for Revivals taking liberty with the book and song arrangements but this Show did it and it didn’t work for me. Most of Sally’s songs were unrecognizable and I thought she screamed more than sang, and Eddie Redmayne was just ok but I compare him to Neil Patrick Harris and Alan Cumming so that’s on me. Steven Skybell and Bebe Neuwirth were the highlights of the show for me . And don’t get me started on those costumes lol and that anticlimactic ending lol I’m glad I saw it but it was definitely at the bottom of the 9 Show trip. Merrily, Appropriate and Mother Play at the top.

Word on the street is that the next Emcee this fall will be commanding even higher ticket prices than Redmayne.

We saw this last evening. Cabaret is one of my favorite shows. From professional productions to community players, I love the story. That said, I did not care for this revival at all.

Possible Spoilers: Granted it was MY decision to experience the table package and join for the pre-show prior to curtain. Walking down the alleyway, up and down steps to go back to the main lobby, where the “pre-show” waits you.. anticlimactic. The cast is talented on the platform they perform but I felt forced to stand there, waiting to be let back up into the theatre, as I felt like I was at the Olive Garden. Beautiful velvet curtains are draped everywhere, with some unique art on the walls before entering to your seat. We were encouraged to explore all levels but how many times do I need to see a bar drenched in red lighting? It did not set the tone for the evening as it’s an excuse to pay more for the gimmick (if you choose).

The reconstruction of the theatre is beautiful including the added mezzanine that overhangs on the west side of what used to be the original proscenium. They did fabulous work. The rounded stage and minimal set does work for this (or any) production in my opinion. Unfortunately, the in-house renovations were the star of the show.

Redmayne is giving a good performance but is overshadowed by his costumes. He’s also blurred out by all around him when not solo on stage. Though I found similar threads to that of Joel Gray. His interpretation is distracted by the above mentioned and garbled diction, is both difficult to understand in spoken and song form. I was the second table in from the stage, that’s a problem.

Neuwirth was serviceable and her cool demeanor suits the part, at times. There were flecks of vulnerability and fear but I never felt she was stretching much for the role. She and Skybell had a descent chemistry together and he is the strongest of the two. The staging works very well for their big number but I didn’t have much of a connection for their struggle. I kept excepting Neuwirth to crack a line from Frasier and leave him with the pineapple and dry wit.

Blankson-Wood as Cliff. A talented man who was giving 100% thought it felt he was in an entirely different production than everyone else. I understand the the characters sexuality and all that is implied for the times. I didn’t feel he was attracted to Sally for two seconds let alone would even want to room with her. I didn’t get the sense he would even go out with her for happy hour let alone want to relocate to save their baby and lives. He and Rankin were trying but he was completely miscast for this. I would have preferred to see his take on the Emcee actually.

Gayle Rankin: ”Maybe This Time” was her strongest number. It was layered and her choices were clear and driven. Truly beautiful work. She had many layered moments. I think she is perfectly cast for this role and really creating an original take on the part, all her own. Her finale number is compelling but it falls prey to the production around it. She’s miscast with Cliff which didn’t lead me to care about her journey. The direction of their final number (about the doctor, baby, etc) is directed nicely but left me cold. Rankin was spinning her wheels but I didn’t feel she came from somewhere or had room to go further.

Rankin is left to pick up the pieces and steer her own ship. I’d like to see her give this performance in a different production whizzing around her. If that makes any sense. The Kit Kat Club, the room and board situation, and her relationship with Cliff all were not as grounded as she was. Nothing helped to enhance her journey or explain it. The final moments of the show left me extremely cold and were abrupt.

The KKC chorus: Talented yes, but why must I watch whisks and baguettes being pulled out of a persons backside or handled inappropriately? I have a sense of humor and get that this is supposed to be a raucous club in a sexy setting. The chorus woman with her “hands down her pants” was not amusing or charming. The same could be said for the pant-less sailors, though that works in the scripts favor.

I understand there was plenty that was considered to be risqué and full out sexual about the Mendes production. But in regards to my previous comments about whisks, baguettes, and touching of one’s self - it’s as in your face as Madonna making out with Britney Spears.

it’s neither shocking in todays world or necessary to the script. Neither is the killer clown outfit. This entire production is screaming for attention from the pre show to the props, and vulgarity that isn’t going to save a misguided production. Rankings title number was very solid but wasn’t earned at all by the story line we were directed to follow.

Don’t get me started on the microphone Redmayne uses for the opening acts (at times). I understand they had microphones back then but talk about taking me out of 1930’s Berlin and into a Hanson Brothers concert.

The orchestra is wonderful! Unfortunately, this entire “experience” is the epitome of meaningless connections with over the top sparkle to try and make an extra buck. The same could be said for most of Broadway these days, but this production proves that you can push a gimmick just to get those prices.

Neon hallways and velvet curtains are not saving this Cabaret.


Please excuse any typo’s …

Updated On: 6/4/24 at 11:23 AM

Does anyone of if Neuwirth or Skybell have any time off coming? I'd like to see the show for them.

No sets? Few props? No problem, says Bebe Neuwirth on 'deconstructed' 'Cabaret' revival | AP News



https://apnews.com/article/bebe-neuwirth-cabaret-tony-awards-84eab89700e7dfa17107751234017a42