Cabaret

West End Transfer to Broadway 2024

The latest revival of Cabaret in London began in 2021 at the Kit Kat Club (a reimagined space within the Playhouse Theatre). This production, directed by Rebecca Frecknall, received widespread acclaim for its immersive staging and stellar performances. Eddie Redmayne starred as the Emcee, and Jessie Buckley played Sally Bowles.

London Run (2021–Present):

• Opening Date: November 15, 2021
• This version of Cabaret created an immersive experience, transforming the Playhouse Theatre into the "Kit Kat Club" to reflect the atmosphere of Berlin's cabaret scene in the 1930s. It received multiple Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival, Best Actor for Redmayne, and Best Actress for Buckley.

Transfer to Broadway (August Wilson Theatre):

• Opening Date: April 1 2024
• This highly successful revival transferred to Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre. Previews began on April 1, 2024, with the official opening night on April 21, 2024. Eddie Redmayne reprised his role as the Emcee for the Broadway production.
• This revival has been praised for its fresh take on the classic musical, its intimate and immersive staging, and its powerful performances, marking a significant moment in both London and Broadway theater history.

Familiar Songs

CABARET features the songs Wilkommen, Don’t Tell Mama, Mein Herr, Maybe This Time, Money and the title number. It has music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, book by Joe Masteroff. The show is based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood.

Big Stars Departed The Show On September 14, 2024

Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin starred as the Emcee and Sally Bowles through Saturday, September 14, 2024. and were replaced by Adam Lambert and Auli’i Cravalho who began performances on September 16th, 2024.

During their run, Eddie Redmayne did not perform on Monday evenings and Gayle Rankin did not perform at Wednesday matinees.
 

Notable Past Productions Of The Show On Broadway and The West End

"Cabaret" has seen several notable productions on both Broadway and the West End since its debut. Here are some highlights:

Broadway:

1. 1966 Original Production: Directed by Harold Prince, this version starred Jill Haworth as Sally Bowles and Joel Grey as the Emcee. It received several Tony Awards and is often regarded as a classic.
2. 1987 Revival: This production featured a new staging by Sam Mendes and was co-directed by Rob Marshall. It starred Natasha Richardson as Sally and earned multiple Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.
3. 1998 Revival: This version featured a notable performance by Alan Cumming as the Emcee and earned Cumming a Tony Award. It was known for its darker, more edgy interpretation.
4. 2014 Revival: This production, directed by Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall, featured Emma Stone as Sally Bowles and earned acclaim for its bold take on the material.

West End:

1. 1968 Original Production: This version was staged shortly after the Broadway premiere and featured Judi Dench as Sally Bowles. It was well-received and helped solidify the show's reputation.
2. 1993 Revival: Directed by Sam Mendes, this production featured a similar aesthetic to the 1987 Broadway revival. It starred Anna Maxwell Martin as Sally and won several Olivier Awards.
3. 2012 Revival: Starring Michelle Williams as Sally Bowles and Alan Cumming reprising his Tony-winning role as the Emcee, this production received mixed reviews but was notable for its star power.

The 2024–2025 Broadway Revival Lineup of Performers in its Leading Roles:

Emcee:

• Eddie Redmayne: Originated the role in this revival, performing from April 21, 2024, to September 14, 2024.
• Adam Lambert: Took over from September 16, 2024, and is scheduled to perform through March 29, 2025.
• Orville Peck: Set to debut on March 31, 2025, for a 16-week engagement. 

Sally Bowles:

• Gayle Rankin: Performed from April 21, 2024, to September 14, 2024.
• Auliʻi Cravalho: Joined on September 16, 2024, and is scheduled to perform through March 29, 2025.
• Eva Noblezada: Set to begin performances on March 31, 2025, alongside Orville Peck. 

Clifford Bradshaw:

• Ato Blankson-Wood: Part of the original 2024 cast.
• Calvin Leon Smith: Joined the cast on September 16, 2024.

Fräulein Schneider:

• Bebe Neuwirth: Joined the cast in November 2023 and continues in the role.

Herr Schultz:

• Steven Skybell: Joined alongside Bebe Neuwirth and continues in the role. 

This revival has been praised for its immersive experience, transforming the August Wilson Theatre into the Kit Kat Club, and has featured a series of notable talents in its leading roles.