CABARET at the Kit Kat Club Previews- Page 5

[somecheapfrenchthing]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 12:51pm

Can someone who was there give some more detailed thoughts on/reactions to the production itself and the performances??

[Bette's Turban]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 12:53pm

Jordan Catalano said: "While I gather my thoughts from tonight (and I have a lot of them), I will just say that if you’re seeing this you absolutely will want to get there early. Not just to see what’s going on inside (and there’s a little bit, nothing amazing) but it takes forever to be let in and even longer if you want a drink at the bar. Only 4 people in front of us and it still took almost 15 minutes for them to get their drinks - i can’t imagine many people behind us got served by the time they had to get to their seats. These are things that I’m sure will smooth themselves out in time but for right now if you’re going soon be sure to give yourself plenty of time."

Girl, what time are those thoughts  being  gathered? I keep re-hitting this thread. I want to know what you thought.  And I’m not just talking the space. 

Updated On: 4/2/24 at 12:53 PM

[wish i were here2]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 12:56pm

gibsons2 said: "If anyone purchased a seat in Mezz 4 and seeing the show soon, please report on the views."

Sat in Mezz 4 last night and honestly they were absolutely perfect! Sat in Row D, and the rake was perfection. There was never a moment where you felt you were craning your neck losing down and there was never any moment where it felt like you were trying to dodge heads to look around to see the stage, like it was a constant full view of the action. 

The best part, in my opinion, was it felt super close to the stage. When the first pic came out during invited dress, there are some curtains and things above the stage, and I was afraid it would hinder any views of the stage. I am happy to report that the curtains never blocked any view of the show, but what it did was block the view of the other big mezzanine on the other side of the theatre, so it truly felt you were in this small intimate seedy nightclub, and honestly it was amazing!

Side note: I was lucky enough to see this show in London, last year, and my biggest gripe was it always felt they were performing for the bigger audience side (like 65% of the show played to bigger side vs 35% of the show played to smaller side), idk what they did and if they did any minor updates to the staging, but the Broadway version def felt more cohesive in the round staging and it never felt like they were performing for the other side more. Idk, maybe that's just my opinion.

All in all - I would def recommend everyone to sit in Mezz 4!

[east side story]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:08pm

Oh come on, someone who attended please tell us about Gayle’s performance, please!

[somecheapfrenchthing]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:29pm

east side story said: "Oh come on, someone who attended please tell us about Gayle’s performance, please!"

Truly astonished by the amount of detail we have about seating at this point with barely any info about the performances. 

[inception]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:29pm

Bette's Turban said: "
Girl, what time are those thoughtsbeing gathered? I keep re-hitting this thread. I want to know what you thought. And I’m not just talking the space."

God forbid someone has work commitments. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:38pm

Having seen this 8 times in London I can very safely say that besides a few costume changes, this is an identical production in every single way. If I missed something that's changed, someone please tell me. 

For decades, I've said I believe Sally Bowles to be the best written role for a woman in musical theater. It's written so that an actress can do really anything they want and make Sally their own and right or wrong, it's always fascinating to see. I've seen her done almost every way you can imagine (as I'm sure many here have) and I'm always excited to see someone new and their take on it. But with Gayle I got nothing. She has a few moments that she comes alive in the role but I just felt like I was watching someone pick up the script for the first time and "try stuff out" in the moment, very little of which I felt actually worked. That's not saying she's "bad" - it's saying she's serviceable. She knew the lines and sounded good singing (save for a few bizarre moments that she made a couple odd vocal choices) but as a friend of mine said, it's as if she's so concerned about not emulating anyone else who's played the role that she just has no character at all. 

Now, before everyone jumps on me with "It was only the first preview!", trust me I know. I was there. I'm writing my thoughts based on that first preview (that cost 1/4 cost of my rent, so they're absolutely open to criticism) and the hope she's able to grow in the role, but getting to this point and not having any idea of who she is, I'm not so sure it can happen. 

Unfortunately, I had an even more negative reaction to Ato Blankson-Wood's Cliff. I just feel he's so miscast and some of the things he does (which i've never seen anyone else in London do, so I'm guessing it's his choice?) are cringeworthy and laughable. Having these two huge roles so, I'm sorry but, miscast, just brings the whole thing down for me. Because this is the internet I gotta reiterate - I said FOR ME. 

But there ARE highlights to this production. Bebe Neuwirth is wonderful and I know she absolutely will grow stronger in the days/weeks to come. Steven Skybell was actually my favorite part of last night and is probably the best Herr Schultz I've ever seen. The scenes with them are really something special, as is Natascia Diaz's Kost. I'd kill to see her take on Sally.

Eddie Redmayne, I kind of felt like he lost a little of the "bite" he had before so maybe it'll just take him a couple days to get back into it - this is something I'm not really worried about.

If all this sounds like I didn't enjoy it, I did - kind of. While the production is physically identical there's just something off here and I really do think it's some of the casting which is a real shame. Judging by the screaming it received at the end, I'm sure I'll be in the minority on here with my feelings but my friends had similar thoughts when we were walking home and it actually made me feel better than I wasn't just being overly critical of these things. 

And again, I'm sure some of these things just need a little time to work themselves out. Others I think are just not going to be able to get better and that's a shame (but we'll see what happens). Anyways, for what they're worth, those are my thoughts on the show last night. 

Updated On: 4/2/24 at 01:38 PM

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:42pm

jkcohen626 said: "pair-o-dice said: "Observation, and no idea why, for some reason act one seemed really long and act two seemed really short. But minor quibble, because from start to finish its excellent."

Act 1 is way longer than Act 2, but that's just the way the show is built. There are twice as many songs in Act 1!

"

In his book, Hal Prince talks about toying with a three-act structure for the show (allegedly they also tried swapping "Mama" and "Cabaret" during previews as well...). I think they knew structurally it was a three-acter, but they wanted it to be two acts and they never found a better ending than the end of what was then Act II (the reprise of"Tomorrow Belongs to Me"). Prince's chapter on the original production is great, highly recommend it to those who haven't read it.

 

[Bette's Turban]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:44pm

Thank you Jordan. As far as the screaming; remember the screaming for Beanie?

[Sally Durant Plummer]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:47pm

Jordan, would you say the Olivier performance of "Cabaret" is representative of the performance Gayle gives? And of her/the director's vision of that song? It seemed like such a strident and obvious choice that it really soured my curiosity of this production.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:49pm

Yes, and I still say that in the moment of that first preview I enjoyed her. People here LOVE to bring that up to me. My opinion changed as I thought more about it and saw it again but in the moment, I enjoyed a lot of what she brought to the role. People here do love to bring that up as if I should (and I'm not saying that's your intention here) be embarrassed by that.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:54pm

Sally Durant Plummer said: "Jordan, would you say the Olivier performance of "Cabaret" is representative of the performance Gayle gives? And of her/the director's vision of that song? It seemed like such a strident and obvious choice that it really soured my curiosity of this production."

I think that's tough to answer. I saw Amy do the show and I did enjoy her Sally. So her choices outside of the choreo that's directed made sense. But if you have a Sally who (as I felt) didn't really bring anything to the role that style of the song is just bizarre and doesn't make much sense. 

If that makes sense lol

[jakebloke]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 1:57pm

I was there last night and thought Gayle Rankin was the strongest in the cast.  She’s gritty yet vulnerable.  I really enjoyed her performance.   Unfortunately she was paired with the weakest member of the cast Ato Blankson-Wood as Cliff. Their pairing just didn’t work for me.  
Other thoughts:  while I enjoyed this production, it does not have the same emotional impact the Sam Mendes/Rob Marshall production had for me….especially the ending.

the cost of this production is obviously in the transformation of the theater.  The actual production doesn’t feel expensive at all.  In fact, I think this production would work better in a smaller downtown undergoround venue.  They try to recreate that, but it didn’t really work for me.  
the preshow “entertainment” is nothing special.  I don’t feel like it’s necessary to get there an hour early even though that was recommended on my ticket.  

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 2:01pm

Jordan, your thoughts are appreciated and sought after by many on these boards, so thank you for being willing to contribute and doing your best to share your experience on the show... especially as someone who sees so many first previews, work on both sides of the pond, etc. 

If people disagree with you, that's one thing. But of course, this is the Internet in the year of our Lord 2024 and there's no point or productivity in people being berated online especially if their opinions and tastes differ.

Thank you, Jordan!

[akhoya87]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 2:04pm

Jordan Catalano said: "Unfortunately, I had an even more negative reaction to Ato Blankson-Wood's Cliff. I just feel he's so miscast and some of the things he does (which i've never seen anyone else in London do, so I'm guessing it's his choice?) are cringeworthy and laughable. Having these two huge roles so, I'm sorry but, miscast, just brings the whole thing down for me. Because this is the internet I gotta reiterate - I said FOR ME.
 

This worries me.  I saw the London production four times -- the first three were great, the last underwhelming because of a weak Cliff.  It's ironic that such a relatively middling character is an important part of the glue that holds the show together.  

[abstract19]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 2:05pm

Any reports on merchandise or photos of what they are selling? 

[Bette's Turban]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 2:05pm

Jordan Catalano said: "Yes, and I still say that in the moment of that first preview I enjoyed her. People here LOVE to bring that up to me. My opinion changed as I thought more about it and saw it again but in the moment, I enjoyed a lot of what she brought to the role. People here do love to bring that up as if I should (and I'm not saying that's your intention here) be embarrassed by that."

What specifically are you referring too?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 2:06pm

Bette's Turban said: "Jordan Catalano said: "Yes, and I still say that in the moment of that first preview I enjoyed her. People here LOVE to bring that up to me. My opinion changed as I thought more about it and saw it again but in the moment, I enjoyed a lot of what she brought to the role. People here do love to bring that up as if I should (and I'm not saying that's your intention here) be embarrassed by that."

What specifically are you referring too?"

 

Funny Girl  

 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 2:08pm

abstract19 said: "Any reports on merchandise or photos of what they are selling?"

Funny. When I was looking at the merch booth, a guy tried to take a photo of it and the guy working almost leaped in front of him “No Photos! No photos!”

That reminds me, they DO put the stickers over your phone camera, when you enter. 

Updated On: 4/2/24 at 02:08 PM

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 2:27pm

Interesting to hear these thoughts on Ato Blankson-Wood's Cliff. Having played the role myself, I have to say it is a tough one to play, as it is so under-written. Randomly making him bisexual (a development taken from the film version after the original production) does nothing to make him more interesting, and it's never developed anyway so the character is just a cipher. He doesn't even get a solo anymore (unless they've put one back in for this version), so it really is a thankless role.

[gibsons2]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 2:38pm

Are there actual Playbills given to the audience? 

[butlervyer]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 2:46pm

Jordan, I feel you and I will always differ as far as Sally is concerned (again like you said, not an attack). I remember you found Madeline Brewer to be your favorite from London, and I thought she was the worst person the London production has cast so far, outside of Sid Sagar. While Gayle absolutely has ways to go, particularly with landing the funny bits, I found the way she can manipulate her voice to be absolutely thrilling. For me there's not doubt that she's a brilliant actress, she just needs to grow into the role. I will also say that she seemed a little freaked-out shocked when she turned out at the stage door. 

As with Omari Douglas, Cliff in this production seems to me a character/casting that will remain polarizing. I love the sweet innocent curiosity that both Omari and Ato brought. I think there is one moment which I think might be the one you were describing as cringe, and I think that for me, that's more on the execution, not on the choice itself, since it's a choice I kind of find heartbreaking. 

Bebe, Steven and Natascia are great. They should have brought over Stewart Clarke over to play Ernst, because somehow that is one role that has never hit quite as hard with anyone else. He was terrifyingly charming. 

I love Eddie in this role, it's great how he can get laughs out of such tiny things, even till the last scenes which are anything but jolly. That's what makes him successful in the role I think, spinning people out to doom. 

And also, definitely more younger people in the audience than in London I felt?

[RippedMan]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 2:46pm

I've played Cliff a few times and both times I was essentially cast for my personality because does come off as wooden. So maybe he just needs to lean into that more. It's not a thankless role. I mean he's essentially the narrator and the glue of the whole show, so the audience needs to care about him. 

[Bette's Turban]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 3:21pm

Jordan Catalano said: "Bette's Turban said: "Jordan Catalano said: "Yes, and I still say that in the moment of that first preview I enjoyed her. People here LOVE to bring that up to me. My opinion changed as I thought more about it and saw it again but in the moment, I enjoyed a lot of what she brought to the role. People here do love to bring that up as if I should (and I'm not saying that's your intention here) be embarrassed by that."

What specifically are you referring too?"



Funny Girl

"

Ahhh!  I respect you and always look forward to reading your thoughts on things.But for me you will always be a part of the Funny Girl revival folklore. And it is not a bad thing.  You have nothing to be embarrassed about.

Updated On: 4/2/24 at 03:21 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 3:23pm

Butlervyer, yeah I found Madeline THRILLING in the role. Her Sally excited me more than (I think) anyone else has so far in this revival. But the fact you didn’t feel the same way goes exactly to what I said, that everyone will view these choices differently. And theater is also a living thing. Gayle won’t give the same performance tonight that she did last night. That’s one of the reasons I love going back, even to things I didn’t love the first time.