What a show.
Written: Dec 16 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Wonderful music, cast - thought-provoking and exciting
Cons: Can't really think of any
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| nsgraham's Full Review: Cabaret |
When you first walk into the new Studio 54, the dim lights, the cocktail tables and the girls walking around selling incredibly expensive bottles of champagne along with the normal jujubeans and Junior Mints all hint that this is not going to be your typical night at the theater. And thank heaven for that.
This new "Cabaret" is all I look for when I see shows; inventive, thought-provoking, funny and most of all, exciting. I saw the movie version with Liza and although I liked it, nothing beats the actual experience of seeing this story the way it was meant to be told, on the stage. The brilliant new direction by Sam Mendes (of American Beauty fame) rips away the thin veneer of glamour and shows Sally Bowles and the rest in all their gritty glory. Listen to Liza sing the title tune "Cabaret" and then pick up Natasha Richardson's recording of the same song. The Sally of this production is clearly at a different emotional place - it comes through in the music. The film took some subplots out of the original show and adding them back was a wise choice. The extra layers added here make this more than one girl's journey from the middle to the bottom of the barrel; it brings home the point that an entire country ignored a horrible evil growing right in their midst.
I was extraordinarily lucky to see the second to last performance of Mr. Alan Cumming in the role of the Emcee, and what a role it was! Cumming's sly, mischevious, naughty and nasty interpretation of this role made the show for me. All of the cast was wonderful, and the ensemble doubles as the orchestra, an amazing feat in my eyes.
Oh, and the beautiful, crazy interior of the theater. If you haven't heard, they've ripped out the inside of the old Studio 54 to make this show. Ordering tickets is a bit of a headache - the old standbys Orchestra, Mezzanine and Balcony only somewhat apply here. They've created a wonderful atmosphere - you really feel like you're in a cabaret. You can even bring your drinks back to your seat.
Go see this show. Know what you're getting in for, however - there's a lot of groping, innuendo and even some blatant sexuality on this stage. Since the innuendo is written into the songs (Two Ladies, for instance), you get the feeling that the show was always meant to be played this way - it's just that finally the rest of the world has loosened up enough to enjoy it.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
nsgraham
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Member: Nadine Graham
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Reviews written: 47
Trusted by: 34 members
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