As a theatre major and overall theatre enthusiast, I’ve been exposed to a myriad of plays and musicals. When I heard “Cabaret,” which won multiple Tony Awards including Best Musical, had come to Broward County thanks to Roundabout Theatre Company, I knew I had to see it. And see it in all of its risqué, humorous, dramatic greatness I did. This was one of the best, if not the best, musicals I have ever seen.
The musical is set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis rise to power. The emotional connection the audience develops with the characters makes them feel legitimately concerned for their well-being by the second act. The Nazis became the driving force of the second act and each character responded differently, and so naturally it was easy to become encapsulated in their lives.
The house opened with actors already present on stage in a mesmerizing lull of music and dance. This interesting choice by the director drew the audience’s attention in before the show actually began, and once the show did begin, it was impossible to look away from the stage. The first number, set in the Kit Kat Klub, immediately captured the audience with its risqué costumes and dancing, powerful vocals and hilarious Emcee, played by Randy Harrison. The introduction of the Kit Kat Girls and Boys left the audience laughing throughout the number and covering their kids’ eyes if they made the mistake of bringing them to this definitely-not-kid-friendly show.
Emcee acted throughout the show as a Master of Ceremonies, a narrator of sorts. He provided comedic relief throughout the show with songs like “Two Ladies,” depicting a polygamous relationship, and “If You Could See Her,” a hilarious song that would be a shame to spoil. Emcee’s no-shame style was reminiscent of Dr. Frank-N-Furter from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” or rather the other way around since “Cabaret” came first. Either way, his flawless performance provided the necessary comic relief for this increasingly dark show. His character also provided unexpected symbolism throughout the show.
As the show progressed, the audience met Clifford Bradshaw, a young American writer played by Benjamin Eakeley, and Sally Bowles, a performer at the club played by Andrea Goss. Upon meeting at the club after Sally’s cheeky performance, their relationship grew. The chemistry between the two actors was so evident that there were points when the audience forgot they were acting. Goss played her character with noticeably strong vocals and emotion, especially in the songs she sang solo like “Cabaret.” As for Eakeley, his character provided the driving force and manifested the fear of the Nazis that the audience also developed. He portrayed a caring but frustrated man with ease.
Technically, the show was almost flawless. The scenic designer considered the space, time period and location and made the stage fit for the show. With three central doors and two spiral staircases, it was fun to see the full use of the space available to the actors. The lights went along well with the show, skillfully mirroring the attitude of each scene. The sound did have a few hiccups in the beginning when the instruments were overpowering the vocals, but by the third song nothing was too noticeable. Interestingly, the band was visible throughout the entire show. They were all dressed as Kit Kat Klub boys and girls, and some of the cast even played an instrument in the band during the scenes they weren’t in.
Without a doubt, Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of “Cabaret” was a brilliant, exciting and fun experience, deserving of the praise it has received. The musical is showing at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts’ Au-Rene Theater and tickets are available on Ticketmaster, most starting at $61. The show will run until Jan. 22.
Photo by: Joan Marcus
Description: Randy Harrison as the Emcee and the 2016 National Touring cast of Roundabout Theatre Company’s “Cabaret.”
