Thought of another dream revival
Cabaret
Brandon Uranowitz as The Emcee
Saoirse Ronan as Sally Bowles
James McArdle as Cliff Bradshaw
Beth Leavel as Fräulein Schneider
Norbert Leo Butz as Herr Schultz
Tammy Blanchard as Fräulein Kost
Alexander Gemignani Ernst Ludwig
I’d very much like a version of Cabaret that isn’t trying to copy Sam Mendes’ revival. There’s absolutely no denying that Mendes’ take on the show is wonderful. However, I feel like his production and Alan Cumming’s reinvention of the Emcee have become a bit too overexposed. So many people try to copy what Mendes and Cumming did, but they can’t quite capture the initial magic of Mendes’ direction and Cumming’s performance. When Cabaret first came out, it was daringly original. The same thing can be said about Mendes’ revival. I want to be able to say the same thing about the next major production. I’d like the show to still have elements from Hal Prince’s and Sam Mendes’ wonderful takes, but I want it to take something that’s decades old, and still manage to be fresh and shocking. As for the leads I chose, I’m guessing most people would figure when I suggested Uranowitz, I thought he’d be doing a performance that’s closer to the look and feel of Joel Grey’s original Emcee. I think Uranowitz would be able to bring just enough cartoony humor, fake class, and creepy edge to make for a beautiful version of the Master of Ceremonies. Uranowitz is probably one of the most promising young actors on Broadway, and I can’t wait to watch what he does next. I truly believe that if he played the Emcee, he’d be a real threat to win the Tony. Cause to me, it’s not a matter of if Uranowitz wins, but when. Saoirse Ronan is another wonderfully promising performer who I’d love to see onstage(Never saw her in The Crucible, but her film work is exceptional). I think she’d bring the right kind of tragic childlike obliviousness to the role, while still keeping Sally likable enough that you want her to pull through, wise up, and get out of Germany, even though you know she won’t. I personally prefer a Sally who’s more of an amateurish singer, as it simply makes much more sense from a storytelling standpoint. However, I also like a Sally who can somewhat carry a tune without sounding unrealistically tone deaf. I recall Jane Horrocks’ performance of the title number was so unbelievably over the top and awful that it broke my suspension of disbelief. Natasha Richardson’s more subdued and emotional version was a clear improvement in the Broadway transfer. To me, Ronan is vocally perfect for the part, because I’ve heard her sing before, and while she doesn’t sound bad, she doesn’t have a particularly strong voice either. So I believe she’d be able to sound like a genuine amateur in a realistic way. As for McArdle, I realize many people don’t care for Cliff. And who can blame them. He’s completely overshadowed by the two showier leads, and in the hands of the wrong actor can be a true bore. However, this wouldn’t be the first time McArdle has tackled a somewhat thankless role. His wonderful work as Louis in Angels in America is one of the greatest performance I’ve ever seen to not be nominated for a Tony. He made a character that many people find to be insufferable and unsympathetic into one of the strongest parts of the show. Based on the magic he worked with Louis, I believe he could manage to be a very strong Cliff. In the hands of the right actor, even the most thankless parts can be highlights. As I said before, what I’d want more than anything for the next revival is for the show to stay new and exciting. Because the day that Cabaret becomes stale, is a sad day.
Updated On: 7/27/19 at 10:56 AM
