Posted: 1/5/22 at 10:54am
Agreed, the Broadway is probably the most logical fit. I still think they can do some interesting things with the Beaumont as well, but I doubt Lincoln Center is in a rush to do that
Posted: 1/5/22 at 11:21am
If it’s a limited engagement, perhaps the Sony Hall could work? I’m not sure they’d be willing to give up the space for events and concerts long-term, or perhaps they could be integrated into it.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 3:11pm
The August Wilson has a great lobby and the vibe is pretty cool for Cabaret, but the lack of box seats might not work. It could work at the Winter Garden too given it's oval shape. But the Winter Garden has a tiny lobby.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 3:16pm
I think the Hudson could work since it has a lounge.... it can only fit a limited amount of people though.
When I saw this production in London back in November, I thought only a limited number of people had access to the pre-show depending on their entry time to the club. I sat in orchestra/stalls and my entrance was the one where we had to go downstairs first.
I remember watching the 2014 revival at Studio54 and personally prefer that one over this one. If Cabaret has another revival on Broadway, I agree with binau that it will need above-the-title stars for Emcee and Sally Bowles.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 3:20pm
I’d say even the August Wilson’s lobby is too small. The Broadway, the Gershwin, the Lyric, and the Minskoff are really the only Houses I can think of that could incorporate what the Playhouse has.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 4:00pm
Judging from the pictures it looks pretty tiny/intimate so not sure something like the Broadway would work. Just imagining the back of the mezz and stuff.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 4:04pm
I don't disagree that there's no Broadway theatre that can match the exact environment of the Playhouse, but that doesn't mean they can't or wouldn't want to make changes that would allow them to bring the production regardless. From a strictly environmental standpoint, the Sam Mendes production was completely different at the Donmar than it was at the Kit Kat Club than it was at Studio 54 and than it was at all the touring houses across the U.S. So the fact that there's no theatre with the perfect lobby or perfect amount of seats for it doesn't mean the production couldn't transfer. Now, personally I feel it's still too soon since the last revival and that there wouldn't be a huge audience for it now. But that has nothing to do with the theatre itself.
Updated On: 1/5/22 at 04:04 PM
Posted: 1/5/22 at 4:07pm
RippedMan said: "Judging from the pictures it looks pretty tiny/intimate so not sure something like the Broadway would work. Just imagining the back of the mezz and stuff."
You can't judge by those photos, they really don't show at all what the setup is like.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 5:02pm
I just mean the actual playing space/stage. I'm sure they utilize the space and stuff, but I just meant the actual place where the scenes play out. And seems like it's a pretty cozy feeling.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 5:05pm
If you’re just talking about stage size/setup, than the show would work in any theater.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 5:32pm
Yeah I'm saying the stage looks small in those photos so something like the Broadway seems like it would be way too massive of a space. But like what was said, they could really transform any space to their liking.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 6:02pm
I do love all these comments from people saying this could work in the huge Broadway theatres, having clearly never seen the show. It’s in one of the smallest west end theatres, and they have made it even SMALLER intentionally.
This production IS planning on a Broadway opening, but they want the smallest possible venue. I wouldn’t get too excited, it’s not a very good show. And Redmayne is spectacularly miscast- sadly you will end up getting him though as he developed the production and invested in it.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 6:32pm
Dolly80, you're clearly missing the point of (I'm assuming you're referring to me) what I'm saying. This new production (which yes I have seen three times) is, like I've said repeatedly, built around that immersive experience that starts the second they scan your ticket outside. SO, these "huge Broadway theaters" that we have here that are mentioned are the only ones that would be capable to recreating THAT experience as it's set up at The Playhouse now. Nobody has ever said anything about the production itself, just the "experience" they're marketing the show around.
Posted: 1/5/22 at 11:54pm
The immersive aspects of this production are what interested me least. It's what happened on that tiny stage (especially when Jessie Buckley was on that tiny stage) that makes this Cabaret memorable.
Posted: 1/6/22 at 12:18am
Newbie posting here. I do think there could be a way this could happen here. I agree that with the transformation of The Imperial for the Comet, anything is possible. Any theater can transform to make this happen and it would be a much welcomed addition to the NYC theater experience. We don't have enough interactive theater right now.
Posted: 1/6/22 at 9:55am
RubyLee said: "Newbie posting here. I do think there could be a way this could happen here. I agree that with the transformation of The Imperial for the Comet, anything is possible. Any theater can transform to make this happen and it would be a much welcomed addition to the NYC theater experience. We don't have enough interactive theater right now."
If I remember correctly, when Gret Comet was at the Imperial, they redesigned the lobby to have a bunker-like atmosphere. They could do Cabaret at the Hudson as it's very intimate and has a long lobby area.
Posted: 1/6/22 at 10:01am
I think the expectation that IF this production transfers it would be identical to the London show playing now is unrealistic. The reality is that many (most?) shows that transfer make a series of adjustments. Touring shows are a great example of this. Look at how different the current tour of 'Oklahoma!' is than when it was at Circle in the Square. Bottom line is if the producers want Cabaret to transfer they will 'make it work' even if it is a somewhat different experience. Let's also remember the reason the general public is buying tickets to this is Eddie Redmayne, not because of the setup of the lobby.
