Cabaret - changes made for the last revival- Page 2

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 11/18/13 at 8:11pm

I see what you meant now, darque. When I read it earlier I thought you were saying they removed any trace of Cliff being anything other than straight, which of course confused the hell out of me because it was pretty clear that in the Mendes revival he was gay and partially in the closet.

[Gmerchant123]

Posted: 12/31/13 at 1:43am

Ok so random I know! Obviously times have changed since 1998 and since things have changed so much the show may not have the same shock factor that they once did due to this factor do you think things will be added/cut in the upcoming revival?

[mjohnson2]

Posted: 12/31/13 at 3:04am

This confuses me. Were the new songs written by Kander and Ebb, or were they written by someone else?

[E.Davis]

Posted: 12/31/13 at 4:38am

They were written by Kander and Ebb and appeared in the movie later added into the show. Also the filmed London revival differs from what appeared on Broadway as they still made changes such as the The extended dance break in "Married" and the removal of the dialogue in the finale.

[bobs3]

Posted: 12/31/13 at 8:31am

I didn't see the original production of CABARET directed by Harold Prince but I seriously doubt Sally Bowles snorted coke onstage nor did the Emcee have track marks on his forearms.

[cknick]

Posted: 12/31/13 at 9:25am

I played Cliff in Cabaret a little over a year ago with the 87 script. Personally, I think it's the best version (weighing it against the original and Mendes revival). I felt that Don't Go was very awkward to perform and didn't think it really fit. It's a nice song but doesn't seem to fit with the weight of the show. Then again, it's purpose is good and adds importance the moment.

I think some parts are too "in your face" with the Mendes revival. I have mixed feelings about the Emcee. I LOVE Alan Cumming, and he's great, but something feels too literal about it. I've always thought of the Emcee as more naughty than full on raunchy!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 12/31/13 at 11:01am

cknick, I agree. What bothered me about the Mendes production was that it was too in your face. And yes, I understand they are recreating the raunchy Berlin Cabaret environment, but a little goes a long way. I tend to appreciate the subtle rather than the explicit.

[Marlothom]

Posted: 12/31/13 at 11:46am

I found a lot of the changes just put in for shock value (two ladies with one man, for example) and Cliff kissing bobby (once). I prefer the more nuanced earlier versions. I wonder if the "edge" will remain in this new versions so many years later.

[cknick]

Posted: 12/31/13 at 12:01pm

Completely agree, Marlothom.

[FloydJoe2]

Posted: 10/18/14 at 8:29pm

Sorry to bump this thread but I was curious as to your thoughts. After seeing "Cabaret" as I was leaving, the man in front of me was saying how he thought that the show doesn't need both "Don't Tell Mama" and "Mein Herr" because they are both redundant and slow down the momentum of Act One. Anyone have an opinion on this?

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 10/18/14 at 8:43pm

I agree that using both one after the other is redundant. I think one or the other would be sufficient, but they're both great songs. I personally prefer "Don't Tell Mama."

[Jarethan]

Posted: 10/18/14 at 11:03pm

I remember the original production like it was yesterday -- saw it four times and thought it was incredibly innovative at the time, as evidenced by the reviews and awards, etc. it came out in the same season as I Do! I Do! And The Apple Tree, among others, which were representative of a more innocent period. In its day, it was ALMOST as shocking as the Mendes version was 30ish years later. A lot had changed in the intervening years and things that never would have played in 1967 were acceptable, if occasionally shocking, by then.

Both versions are evidence of genius through and through...Each reflecting the time in which it was produced (and why not take advantage of the great song additions, although I personally miss Meeskite. Which do I prefer? At this point, the Mendes version...but the original is a great work of art.

[Jarethan]

Posted: 10/18/14 at 11:04pm

I remember the original production like it was yesterday -- saw it four times and thought it was incredibly innovative at the time, as evidenced by the reviews and awards, etc. it came out in the same season as I Do! I Do! And The Apple Tree, among others, which were representative of a more innocent period. In its day, it was ALMOST as shocking as the Mendes version was 30ish years later. A lot had changed in the intervening years and things that never would have played in 1967 were acceptable, if occasionally shocking, by then.

Both versions are evidence of genius through and through...Each reflecting the time in which it was produced (and why not take advantage of the great song additions, although I personally miss Meeskite. Which do I prefer? At this point, the Mendes version...but the original is a great work of art.