Cabaret returns to Studio 54

[Smaxie]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 4:24am

According to today's Riedel column, Roundabout will revive their revival of Cabaret with Alan Cumming at Studio 54, following the run of Sunday in the Park with George. "They're going back to the one show that worked really well in that space," says a source.

* Cumming back

The Roundabout Theater Company, a nonprofit institution that's acting more and more like the Weisslers, is bringing back its cash cow, "Cabaret," with Alan Cumming reprising his Tony-
winning turn as the creepy Emcee.

The 1998 production, which put director Sam Mendes and choreographer Rob Marshall on the map, will likely follow a revival of "Sunday in the Park With George" into Studio 54 next year.

"Cabaret" ran six years and, with its touring company, generated millions of dollars. The production debuted at the Kit Kat Klub on West 43rd Street and later transferred to Studio 54, which the Roundabout now owns.

But Studio 54 has been a tough place to book, and just about everything the theater's put there since "Cabaret" hasn't lasted long.

"They're going back to the one show that worked really well in that space," says a source.

But there's something not quite kosher about a theater that gets grants and tax breaks using that money to put up old productions.

Nonprofit theaters should take risks - that's why they're subsidized.

That the Roundabout usually does revivals is fine. It has been the company's mandate from the beginning. But those revivals should be restaged and rethought by exciting new directors, just as "Cabaret" was by the young Mendes nearly 10 years ago.

Bringing back "Cabaret" just to fill a theater, make some money and give Alan Cumming something to do is ridiculous. Then again, having seen the Roundabout's revival of "The Threepenny Opera" at Studio 54 last year, well, willkommen back, "Cabaret."

A Roundabout spokesman says: " 'Cabaret' was a huge artistic success. Reviving the show would allow new audiences to see it. And unlike the commercial theater, if the engagement made a profit, the money would go into other productions (seven-plus new stagings a year) and educational programs."
Cabaret returns

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 4:42am

Wow, that's pretty interesting and kind of random, IMO.
Wonder when the casting rumors for Sally Bowles will start, or is Richardson expected to reprise her Tony-winning performance as well?

Posted: 5/2/07 at 5:05am

I saw the revival in two different tours and found it overall, thrilling, but it sorta feels too soon to me... I also get why some are upset that the Roundabout is bringing it back (I wonder if the current minor success of the London revival is playing a part?)

E

[Paulyd]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 5:32am

I loved Mendes' verison both at the Donmar in London and studio 54 in New York, but i have to say i was shocked at how poor the London revival was. Rufus Norris is an amazing director. If you ever get his play 'Market Boy' over there your in for an amazing treat, but his Cabaret left a lot to be desired.

But hey what do i know, i thought it would close after a month, but its still going strong, and its even extended its booking until Novemeber.

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 5:38am

Can't agree with you more Paulyd! The current Ldn revival is HORRID and is just NOTHING compared to the Donmar production! If you guys don't want the revival on Broadway, maybe WE n Broadway can swap lol!

[jewishboy]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 7:33am

Well after Les Miz opened after three years of its long, long, long run nothing is too unbelievable. I have to say that I am extremely excited to see Alan Cumming as the Emcee, my parents did not stop talking about how good he was. I really hope they bring Richardson back or at least find a British actress to do it. I saw a video of Richardson doing "Cabaret" on "that site" and it was so heartbreaking just that way I thought the number should be played. Am I the only one who thinks that Liza's approach to the title song was completely wrong for the character and the movie?
If Roundabout really wants to get a singer/actress for the role then I suggest Ruthie Henshall.

[James2]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 7:45am

If this is true, then I cannot wait fast enough. After seeing Alan Cumming in Lincoln Center's Threepenny Opera video, I would gladly see him in anything.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 7:50am

I adored the CABARET revival, but come on! This is a non-profit, and they're reviving a revival to make a profit?

*snooze*

Posted: 5/2/07 at 8:24am

I'm hardly a huge defender or fan of ROb Marshall but his contributions, and the other changes made from the DOnmar original production--if watching the UK televised version of that is any indication--really added a LOT to the work.

Still--most of the people I know who saw the current London revival--after, it seems having to get used to it have really liked it and I really like how it plays on CD.

Jewishboy--I dunno I sorta like Liza's "singing/beaming thru her sadness" approach but of course the movie is a very different animal to the play with different needs to its approaches (even if the Mendes/Marshall version burrows some from the movie). I still like a lot about the original Hal production too even if it seems almost hopelessly safe in many ways now that we're used to all the new versions.

Out of the two touring casts of the Mendes/Marshall I saw, Kate Shindle was surprisingly (all I knew of her at the time was she was a Miss America) wonderful. However I actually think Cliff, who's STILL underwritten even in the Mendes script, is the truly challenging role to cast well.

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 8:48am

Honestly, as someone who loved the revival but never got to see the show live, I find this really exciting. I can see the issues with it being remounted by the not-for-profit Roundabout, though. Question: are they going to remodel Studio 54 again to the setup for the 1998 revival?

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 8:59am

"Wonder when the casting rumors for Sally Bowles will start, or is Richardson expected to reprise her Tony-winning performance as well?"

Richardson's schedule wouldn't permit her to return to the role anytime soon (nor would she want to.)

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:06am

I'd like to see this again, but there's something....not savory about the intentions behind bringing this back.

[songanddanceman2]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:07am

Paulyd you are right

The London Cabaret was very average compared to the mendes version

[D2]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:11am

The part that interested me the most in the article, and the one that no one seems to be remarking on:

"But Studio 54 has been a tough place to book, and just about everything the theater's put there since "Cabaret" hasn't lasted long."

Roundabout's productions are limited engagements - by the very nature of what Roundabout does their runs aren't meant to be long. A few productions are lucky enough to get extended or transferred, but those productions are the exception to the rule.

Updated On: 5/2/07 at 09:11 AM

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:28am

I kept reading this thinking "Its a joke, it has to be a joke." In any case, I loved Cabaret, I saw it more times than I would like to admit. But Bringing it back to studio 54 is absurd. Especially now that they took out the Kit Kat Klub tables and put in standard seating. And I would also doubt that Alan Cumming would ever consider reviving his role.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:39am

D2, that is correct, but if you remember Assassins... even though it was a limited run they would have extended it if the show did better.

[madbrian]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:44am

If this happens, I want to see Jane Krakowski as Sally. Her performance of Don't Tell Mama at Broadway Under The Stars left me wanting to see her take on the role.

[jewishboy]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:50am

I think Jane Krakowski is too pretty/sexy and her voice is too pure for her to make a believable Sally.

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:52am

I love Jane Krakowski, but I definitely agree. Not at all right for Sally.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 10:02am

While Krakowski would certainly be an interesting choice (though not ideal,) the producers are going to undeniably try and get a recognizable name with widestream appeal for Sally.

As the entire point of bringing back the show is to make money for Roundabout, they're going to want a headliner who can bring crowds in as much for herself as for the production.

Posted: 5/2/07 at 10:10am

I dunno, I see this as a "Fundraiser" for Roundabout. They could sell candy bars to fund their productions, but since this works so well, why not? I missed Alan first time around (But I was very glad to have seen Norbert in the role) and would love to get a chance to see him...."Maybe this time...."

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 10:11am

A lot of folks don't understand what it means to be a non-profit organization. It does not mean that you can't turn a profit, must follow mandatory mismanagement policies, and everyone has to work for free. It works like any other corporation, salaries are paid and you should be operating in the black, but the difference is in HOW you spend your profits, which can't be for personal gain of stockholders or members. In short, I hope Roundabout makes a bundle with this cash cow because it will enable them to mount other great productions. I only wish Paper Mill had such a beast to roll out.

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 10:17am

It really is pretty random of Roundabout to consider bringing this back, especially since it has only been a few years since the original incarnation of the revival closed, but hell, I sure am grateful that I will finally get to see Alan Cumming in one of my favorite roles in one of my favorite musicals.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 10:37am

OOOOH, let me be the first to say it. SCARLETT JOHANSSON for Sally.

Agh, that was fun.

[Traci]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 10:43am

As random as this is, if it turns out to be true I'll be the happiest girl in the world. I remember crying for four days straight when I was on vacation in NYC in 1998 and my parents refused to let me see Cabaret. Granted I was 12 at the time so looking back (and now having seen the show) I totally understand. Finally though, I'll be able to see my favorite performer in my favorite show.