Cabaret
Roundabout Theatre Company presents this revival of the Kander and Ebb classic set in Weimar Germany about a doomed love story between a cabaret star and a writer.
... Read moreIn 1930s Berlin, British cabaret singer Sally Bowles is the star of the Kit Kat Club. American writer Cliff Bradshaw is in love with her. Their love is tested by the rise of the Nazi Party in late Weimar Germany, as well as Sally's desire to remain there as a performer. Roundabout's production is a revival of the 10-time Tony-winning production directed by Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall.
- Official Site
- 2 hours and 30 minutes
- Already closed
- Studio 54 (Midtown W)
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Reviews (629)
11 Critics' Reviews
"Hot diggity dachshund, it’s old home week on the campus at Weimar Berlin, otherwise known as the Kit Kat Klub. And if we take off our glasses and squint, we can pretend that life is just as divinely, dangerously decadent as it was when we were all 16 years younger." Full Review
"What do you call a revival of a revival? A re-revival? In the case of this “Cabaret,” you just call it fantastic." Full Review
"It seemed nuts but proved shrewd of Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall to retool their dazzling 1998 revival of the Kander and Ebb masterpiece, fit Cumming with a new trenchcoat for his triumphant return, and bring the decadent netherworld of 1920s Berlin back to Studio 54, the revival’s ideal venue." Full Review
"This Cabaret is a superb production of one of the great Broadway musicals of all time—an exhilarating, harrowing masterpiece." Full Review
"Of course, there will be two audiences for this revival--the audience that saw it then and the audience that didn't.While the former will probably experience fogged déjà vu, the latter may like what they get. Depending on which audience you fit into, you may want to think before you come to this Cabaret." Full Review
"Is it too much to ask that the current revival of the revisal of the reimagining of the great work still be as good? After all, the Roundabout production opening tonight at Studio 54 is much the same show as the one that closed there ten years ago." Full Review
"Mendes and Marshall have precision-tooled the production so that its hard, diamond edges glisten with sweat and sparkle. Their staging is tight as a drum, underlining the musical's ingenious construction while briskly maneuvering through abrupt modulations of tone." Full Review
"Great musical dramas like “Cabaret” — entertaining, tuneful and illuminating — are all too rare." Full Review
"Mendes' "Cabaret" was, and is, a brilliantly inventive and revealing conception. Then and now." Full Review
"Cumming is better than ever. And that freshness is so infectious it spills over into a landmark production that closed in 2004 but feels, with one uneasy exception, as confident -- and about as dangerous -- as if it has been running ever since." Full Review
"Even if you saw it last time, you are strongly advised — no, urged — to return. The reasons to do so include both a familiar face in the cast and a few new ones. Alan Cumming revisits the character with renewed senses of mischief and urgency that will leave you riveted, from the moment he introduces a deliciously bawdy Willkommen to his final, chilling adieu." Full Review
618 Members' Reviews
See it if you like dark musicals with a powerful message.
Don't see it if you're looking for something to bring the kids to, or you want something light-hearted.
See it if you love Cabaret. Offered little new over the last revival except casting: MWms was fine, EStone was luminous even if not a great singer.
Don't see it if you want something fresh. Like deja vu. Still, I enjoyed seeing this round (twice!) Sound was too loud, some prime seats had obstructed vw.
Also I'm catching up on reviews of shows I saw pre-Show Score. Cabaret was ... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see a master director take on one of the theater's greatest musicals. Profound and moving with stunning performances.
Don't see it if you don't like serious musicals. Kander and Ebb will leave you moved, gutted and thinking about this show for a long time after it ends.
See it if You enjoy classic but off-kilter musicals, Alan Cummings, or any of the lead actresses
Don't see it if You're severely uncomfortable with naziism
See it if you want to see Alan Cumming at his absolute best in the edgiest interpretation ever.
Don't see it if you are easily offended by raunch.
See it if you love great theatre
Don't see it if you don't like great theatre
See it if You want to see the ever brilliant Alan Cumming.
Don't see it if You want a good Sally Bowles (Michelle Williams doesn't cut it).
See it if Ms Walkers performance as Sally Bowles is worth the very short trip to LIC. This classic musical is performed with a lovely cast of talent.
Don't see it if If you don't like actors right next to you. Very Sexy costumes and behavior.
Also Sadly the mix of decades in the costume design of the supporting cast ... Read more Read less
See it if you enjoy the music, are not bothered by the statement, but rather appreciate, made in the storyline... enjoy raunchy, fun, lyrics.
Don't see it if you mind some vulgar references... you prefer not to hear stories about abortions, anti-Semitism, homophobia, etc.
See it if You love the movie and want more music and more plot. (FYI: I saw the touring company)
Don't see it if You don't enjoy a lot of campiness.
See it if You want to see an interesting show with some truly wonderful songs.
Don't see it if you are expecting a masterpiece or a really profound show.
See it if you want to see a great show that is still highly relevant, with a masterful Kander & Ebb score and a wonderful restaging from the original
Don't see it if you don't like period musicals or difficult subject matter
See it if you're unable to miss Alan Cumming's seminal portrayal of the MC. This lovingly crafted production of the piece speaks across generations.
Don't see it if you're looking for an easy-listening, enjoyable night at the theatre.
See it if you like edgy, wwII era provocative theater.
Don't see it if you don't like dark, racial material.
See it if you love this amazing Kander and Ebb musical and this landmark staging
Don't see it if you're 5
See it if you connect to stories from the 30s and 40s, love Kander & Ebb, or classic musicals. This was a solid revival with some old favorites.
Don't see it if dark, challenging material is uncomfortable for you. You will laugh, but you'll also cry, and see into the darkness in the human race.
See it if You love plays based on history. You want to learn more about Germany pre-WWII.
Don't see it if Slightly sexual things make you uncomfortable.
See it if You're a human being who hasn't seen this show. It's an enduring work that lures you in with hedonistic fun then becomes dark and chilling.
Don't see it if You're prudish, a child (this show is not for kids), or don't want to address what happened in Germany in the 1930s and 1940s.
See it if You want to see something edgy, or are a fan of Kander and Ebb.
Don't see it if You want a musical where you can understand what the hell is going on. It makes no sense.
See it if Classic broadway with some humor. Enjoyed Michelle Williams and Alan Cummings
Don't see it if You are looking for a contemporary play
See it if you are fine with all the Holocaust reference with the fine writing and music
Don't see it if you're not comfortable with it
See it if you want to see the genius of Alan Cumming. Enjoy World War II era-ish love stories.
Don't see it if the scandalous offends you.
See it if want to be totally engaged with a seductive look at the dark side of humankind, want to be thoroughly entertained, to think and reflect.
Don't see it if you do not want to think about Holocaust themes, decadence in Germany during the Nazi regime, issues which may be coming back to haunt us.
See it if Because your momma wants you to. Alan Cumming owns it.
Don't see it if you are looking for light subject matter or are thinking of taking anyone younger than 17.
See it if You are an Alan Cummings fan and love provocative theatre.
Don't see it if You want to see an uplifting show.