Cabaret previews - Page 6

[Kad]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:04am

I don't mean "shocking" in terms of sex, or debauchery, etc. I feel like a lot of the production's oomph is sapped simply by cultural osmosis. We all know the twists and skewed takes on the material it has to offer.

Don't get me wrong: this production still stands heads and shoulders over every NEW production this season. Which is a testament to its quality. And its design is flawless- the stage pictures haunting- the choreography on point.

But reanimating an extremely successful production- one still quite vivid in many people's memories- and then stepping back and saying, "You all know this, so here it is, exactly as you remember!"

It all felt *safe*- even the performances. And the performances are the one thing that actually could've been given more freedom in this production. Maybe time is what they need. But right now, this truly does feel like Roundabout's effort at reclaiming the high point of its existence.

Updated On: 3/22/14 at 12:04 AM

[aasjb4ever]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:04am

“There are still people who will never accept a non-Liza type of voice in the role and that is what it is.”

I grew up without any real knowledge of this show or the film. I only watched the Donmar production last year when I was working on a production of the show (with the ’98 book and score), so my only reference for Sally Bowles was Jane Horrocks, in the Sam Mendes revival. I waited until after the production closed to watch the film and I felt it was strange to have a “talented star” performance by Liza, when I was so used to the stage version of the rather untalented, captivating and enigmatic Sally Bowles.

tldr; I didn’t grow up in a Liza-Sally world, am super okay with non-Liza interpretations.

[walkedthroughmany]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:05am

Linda Emond walked away with the show. Her "What Would You Do?" was oddly the highlight of the production for me -- and with a score that includes "Maybe This Time" and "Cabaret" that felt a little strange. The direction, choreography, and design are just as inventive, poignant, and theatrical as they were 15 years ago. Studio 54 looks beautiful.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:09am

Sally is really quite a tricky role because her 'pay-off' is almost all in Act 2. On the surface, the character in Act 1 is flighty and outside of the club numbers she doesn't have an enormous amount of substance.

Williams, like Natasha Richardson is a deeply intuitive actress. What made Richardson compelling from the get go was the psychology she found underneath ALL of Sally's motives -- she was a constant on edge, desperate creature - like a drug addict looking for her next fix and never sure she was going to get it.

I think Williams just now needs to tap into the psychological underpinnings of what makes "her" Sally desperate. I think she'll find it.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:10am

Williams had a sort of twitchy, manic quality I liked.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:15am

I was under the impression that the "here's the exact show you all remember, know and love" was the point.

[oasisjeff]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:17am

"I was under the impression that the "here's the exact show you all remember, know and love" was the point."

You are under the correct impression.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:18am

Another note: I received an e-mail from Roundabout this morning that was beautifully written and made me even more excited than I already was. And now reading this, even more-so than this morning! But I just wanted to share the e-mail for anyone who doesn't get Roundabout's e-mails…


"Cabaret begins previews tonight!


Dear Mr. _______,

When it comes to Cabaret, I hardly know where to begin. This musical has been a part of my life for twenty years, and it’s probably impossible to fully describe how important it has been to me personally and to Roundabout.

Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall’s Cabaret is one of those theatrical experiences that truly needs to be seen live on stage. Theatre is very much of the here and now, and I honestly believe that, when it comes to the masterpieces, each generation should have the chance to see the best with their very own eyes. That’s why I had to bring back this production. I wanted to give a new audience the chance to hear John Kander and Fred Ebb’s score live, to see Alan Cumming’s unforgettable Emcee for themselves, to sit in Robert Brill’s immersive Kit Kat Klub, and to be swept away with an incredible Broadway debut from Michelle Williams.

For those coming back to Cabaret with us, I know you are as eager to revisit this world as I am. And to those who will be experiencing it for the first time, all I can say is that you are in for something magical, and to you I echo the very first word sung by Alan’s Emcee: Wilkommen!

Todd Haimes,
Artistic Director, Roundabout Theatre Company"

Updated On: 3/22/14 at 12:18 AM

[Kad]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:20am

It IS the point.

But I'm of the opinion it's just not a well-formed point.

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:22am

did Michelle Williams wear a wig?

[Kad]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:23am

I would assume so.

[oasisjeff]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:24am

If she's not currently sporting a white bob, yes.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 12:34am

Michelle Williams wore a blonde pageboy wig very reminiscent of her own hair.

Kad your reaction to this I think is interesting because it actually brings to mind the entire debate of whether shows should be revived it all- until the late 1980s it was standard, almost universal, for any revival to be a virtual re-creation of its original production. Ironically, it was this production of CABARET that I would argue was one of the first to really break the mold and do something absolutely new-direction with the material from its original staging.

That has kind of given rise to the sentiment that shows today should not be revived unless they are done in a completely new way. But I think that is a school of thought robbing audiences of a lot of great theater. Sure, seeing a re-creation of the original production of OKLAHOMA! would not be the groundbreaking experience watching it today as it was in 1945. But boy would I love to have the chance to see someone try it. And just as you can never bring back the intangible magic that went into the first FOLLIES or the original production of COMPANY, I think most of us would kill to get a chance to see, even without the legendary original casts, a re- creation of those physical productions and staging.

Again, I'm thrilled that this production of CABARET is back on Broadway so the new audiences can experience it and the audiences that saw it the first time can be reminded of that experience too.

I think that's reason enough to justify remounting it.

Updated On: 3/22/14 at 12:34 AM

[JudasIscariot]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 2:00am

I didn't want to say too much yesterday since I was at the invited dress, but I was seriously blown away by Michelle Williams. I think that her voice is really interesting, and I definitely agree with the earlier comment made about it having a Piaf like quality. Her Cabaret was chilling, and she brought such a tender yet selfish naivety to the role.

I wasn't around to see Natasha Richardson, but I think that Michelle Williams is a very worthy replacement. She's a natural Sally, and definitely worthy of being called one of the greats.

Alan is of course better than he ever was.

Unfortunately they didn't do waiter service at the invited dress. Did anyone try to order anything tonight/was the food any good? I'm planning on going back in a few weeks, but I'm debating whether or not to eat beforehand or brave the food of the Kit Kat Klub.

[oasisjeff]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 2:34am

It is only small plates and drinks, so you couldn't really have a meal here. You'd be better off grabbing a meal at 54 Below beforehand, if you want to keep things close.

The only options are: a cheese plate, a charcuterie plate, a fruit plate, or a sweets plate.

They messed up my drink receipt, so they gave me a free cheese plate. Since I'm vegan, I can only report that the fruit, nuts, and bread were OK on it, hehe.

[JBradshaw]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 3:01am

Saw the first preview. Alan is the same as before.

Wanted to be blown away from Michelle just wasn't. In time she'll be there. Wasn't a big fan of the costume changes for her. Enjoyed her.

Linda was perfection.

[pandadude]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 3:33am

Anyone notice just how obstructed the $82 obstructed seats were? Am I better off to purchase one of those or a seat in mid-Mezz.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 3:46am

I'm so exited to see this. It will be my first production of Cabaret ever. Never saw the 98 revival, nor the tour.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 3:56am

Oh, and for the record, I think Alan Cumming looks fantastic in his pre-show selfie. In fact, I think he looks better than he did in 98. He's one of the lucky ones who gets better with age.

[karatekid1]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 5:22am

are you able to see from Row NN on the side?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 5:45am

Drink service was basically a mess tonight- they were giving out a lot of free fruit plates as penance but I'm sure they will iron the kinks out with a few performances under their belts.

[PlayItAgain]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 6:17am

Everyone should see this, is it as biting as when the revival was first done in 1998? no. Does the fact that this revival of a revival was put up almost entirely for monetary reasons diminishes the proceedings just a little? yes, but non the less its still one of the highlights of the season.

A 24 piece orchestra brings this Kander and Ebb classic roaring back to life. Alan Cumming still has it after all these years as the Emcee. Danny Burstein of course turns in a great performance as Herr Schultz as does Linda Emond who almost steals the entire show with her rendition of "What Would You Do?".

But the real wild card here and definitely the reason to see this remount of a revival is Michelle Williams as Sally Bowles, for someone making her Broadway debut apart from some slight uneasiness here and there she absolutely nails it, her "Cabaret" and "Maybe This Time" were show stoppers.

The set and lighting are of course top notch and cynicism aside, even if you know how it all ends, your heart will still be racing in those final moment. As the song goes "Life Is A Cabaret, Old Chum, Come to the Cabaret"

(4.5/5)

[theatergoer3]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 8:21am

Reading all the reactions makes me very excited to see this. Hope to go soon.

[oasisjeff]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 8:51am

"Does the fact that this revival of a revival was put up almost entirely for monetary reasons diminishes the proceedings just a little?"

I hate to break this to you, but every show is put up with the goal of monetary reward. It often doesn't happen, but people don't put millions into shows just because it's got a great story to tell.

Also, if last night is what it feels like to be taken by Roundabout, let them do it as often as humanly possible.

[oasisjeff]

Posted: 3/22/14 at 8:53am

"Anyone notice just how obstructed the $82 obstructed seats were? Am I better off to purchase one of those or a seat in mid-Mezz."

Where are the $82 ones located?