Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome to Cabaret!

The classic and original Broadway production of Cabaret is an underrated classic that is outshone by today’s modern musical classics. 

Photo from New York Theater Guide

Cabaret, set in 1929–1930 Berlin at the end of the Jazz Age and the rise of the Nazis, focuses on the nightlife at the sleazy Kit Kat Klub and the romance between English cabaret actress Sally Bowles and American writer Clifford Bradshaw. One of the subplots is the tragic relationship between German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and her elderly admirer, Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit merchant. The Master of Ceremonies oversees the activities, and the Kit Kat Klub serves as a metaphor for the political events of late Weimar Germany.

The musical used its setting of a nightclub to highlight the decadence and escapism of the era, with the looming threat of fascism. While immersing audiences in the glamorous and alluring ambiance of the cabaret, the musical forced them to face harsh historical realities and blurred the boundaries between entertainment and social commentary. 

It is not only a compelling piece of theater but also a powerful reflection on the dangers of apathy in the face of rising authoritarianism. Its daring exploration of such themes at a time when they were rarely addressed in popular media marked a turning point in how musicals could be used to engage with pressing social and political issues.

Cabaret first opened in New York City at the Broadhurst Theatre on November 20, 1966, before transferring to the Imperial Theatre and then the Broadway Theatre, where it closed on September 6, 1969, after 1,165 performances.

The show would be revived every few years and the more well-known and acclaimed version of Cabaret was the 1993 Broadway revival, which opened at the Imperial Theatre and then transferred to the Minskoff Theatre to complete its 261-performance run. This run was directed by Sam Mendes and starred Alan Cumming as Emcee. 

Having Alan Cumming as Emcee, helped the production gain widespread recognition because of its darker, more sexually explicit tone. Previously, both previous productions had a tuxedo-wearing, sexually distant, edgy character with flushed cheeks. The portrayal by Alan Cumming was extremely sexualized with more sexual clothing and acting, which appealed to contemporary audiences. It was a unique take on the character that no previous actor has done.

Cumming’s Emcee, who had been an alluring, charismatic, and sexually free figure throughout the performance, is seen stripped of his power and identity, making for a dramatic and dark ending. Cumming's portrayal often ends with the Emcee in a concentration camp uniform, signifying the erasure of individuality, freedom, and life under the Nazi regime. The once playful and sexually empowered figure is reduced to a tragic, silenced victim. The stark and heartbreaking contrast between his previous sensuality and this terrible end emphasizes the perils of ignoring fascism's rise. These two depictions in one production are what brought Cabaret back into the spotlight.

Another more recent revival of Cabaret is the 77th Annual Tony Awards in 2024. It glimpsed at Eddie Redmayne‘s take on the Emcee in the show-stopping and immersive opening of "Willkommen" in Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre. 

However, many took Redmayne‘s take on Emcee as controversial as it brought discussions about the artistic direction and casting decisions in the theater community, questioned representation, and established interpretations.

His portrayal was commended by some for its complexity and nuance, but others thought it deviated too much from the character's historical and thematic significance. However, much like Cumming’s take on Emcee, Redmayne made the character his own, providing a new take on the original character.

As spectacular and vibrant as it is, the multi-layered storyline of Cabaret is frequently overshadowed by more aesthetically spectacular musical theater performances that have emerged in the decades since. With their expansive compositions, grand ensemble casts, and spectacle-driven performances, Broadway shows like Hamilton, The Phantom of the Opera, and Wicked have overshadowed many great musicals like Cabaret.

Modern musicals have themes that appeal more directly to modern audiences and are frequently explored in contemporary musicals. For example, Hamilton tackles racial, identity, and political power issues in a way that seems current and urgent. It addresses contemporary debates regarding inclusivity and representation by using a diverse cast to tell the tale of America's founding fathers. 

Similar to this, Wicked appeals to a broad audience by examining themes of friendship, identity, and the nature of good versus evil.

Cabaret, on the other hand, tells a timeless story about the past, but it might not be as compelling to audiences who are looking for stories that speak to their present. Despite Cabaret's profound social commentary, some viewers may find it less relatable due to the time and context differences.

Although the original Cabaret production is a sophisticated, artistically rich musical, it may seem overshadowed by contemporary Broadway classics that make use of spectacle, celebrity participation, and a wider range of themes. For those who value its artistic nuance, social commentary, and historical background, it is still a masterpiece.

Despite this, Cabaret continues to hold a vital place in theater history, offering insights into the human condition and the socio-political issues of its time, proving that substance can be just as impactful as spectacle. As audiences increasingly seek out narratives that challenge and provoke thought, the timeless relevance of Cabaret may find renewed appreciation in the evolving world of musical theater.