east side story said: "Saw the Mendes revival twice, original run and the return production. Always expected to be swept away because everyone told me I would be. Never happened, but it was wonderful dancing with Cumming at intermission.
The London production was an entirely different experience, one I will treasure for some time."
I liked the Mendes production well enough, but it was intent on being emotionally manipulative, with the way the Emcee acted while wearing the dress and introducing Sally, to the finale. There was such a warmth to the relationships in this production, and the Kit Kat ensemble were so much more vibrant and alive, that I felt more of a gut-punch. And that character kind of doesn't get mentioned, but the Ernst was so charming, then later insidiously so, rather than the pantomime villainy of almost every other production I've encountered. I have an acquaintance, a theatre director based in Spain, who had seen the Mendes, as well as Jérôme Savary's, Molière-winning multi-country touring production, and he described this one as "a slap that he'd gladly received", and I agreed with him.
Anyhow, I'd love to see it again and hopefully they manage to bring it over, especially if they can bring the 4 Olivier winning cast members.
Updated On: 5/14/22 at 06:17 PM