Have you ever been to a theater experience where you were able to be around some of the performers prior to the start of the show? “CABARET at the Kit Kat Club” is exactly that type of experience. While the production starts at 8pm, the prologue begins at 6:45 at the August Wilson Theatre on W. 52nd Street. You are able to come into the theater and walk around a certain part of the building where dancers and musicians from the show are walking and performing for you—all while drinks are available as well. These performers take to the stage and execute all types of dance moves. Everyone is of various ethnic groups, shapes and sizes, and all beautiful. They are made up extravagantly and there is a beauty, sensuality, charm, and energy, and a relaxing vibe from taking part in this experience.
“CABARET at the Kit Kat Club” will have you captivated. It is like nothing you have experienced in the theater. Taking place in Berlin in 1929-1930, the musical focuses on the popular Kit Kat Klub and the wild performances that took place there. It also tells the story of the relationship between Kit Kat Club star Sally Bowles and writer Clifford Bradshaw, against the backdrop of the Nazi hatred and targeting of Jewish people growing in Berlin at that time. There is a great deal that happens with the characters in this production that will grab your attention and sustain it. The messages in this production are shocking and, at times, disturbing.
It’s better to see this production without having too much background information; I’d rather you go and experience it for yourself. The story is based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. It has a riveting book by Joe Masteroff, known and beloved music by John Kander, and lyrics by Fred Ebb. This musical has choreography by Julia Cheng that will knock your socks off. The direction by Rebecca Frecknall is flawless, as is the scenic, theater and costume design by Tom Scutt.
This cast will leave you spellbound and wanting more! Eddie Redmayne is captivating as The Emcee. He has a way of grabbing the spotlight that is both intriguing and disturbing. Gayle Rankin is incredible as Sally Bowles, the lead act at the club. Ato Blankson-Wood is absolutely marvelous in the non-traditionally cast role of Clifford Bradshaw. He, as a Black man, becomes a target of the Nazis. Bebe Neuwirth makes you feel the struggle of her character Fraulein Schneider, as she battles with love and loyalty to the Nazis. Steven Skybell does a tremendous job as Herr Schultz, a German Jew who finds himself an enemy of the state in his own country. Henry Gottfried masterfully handles the role of Ernst Ludwig. Natascia Diaz dazzles as Fritzie/Kost.
“Cabaret” is the type of musical that must have an incredible supportive cast in order to keep the audience engaged. They all bring their own special energy to the stage. This ensemble is absolutely stunning and includes Gabi Campo, Ayla Ciccone-Burton, Colin Cunliffe, Marty Lauter, Loren Lester, David Merino, Julian Ramos, MiMi Scardulla, and Paige Smallwood.
The creative team behind this experience is huge and does a superb job in making this experience unforgettable. Lighting design is by Isabella Byrd, sound design by Nick Lidster, hair and wig design by Sam Cox, makeup design by Guy Common; associate director and prologue director—Jordan Fein; U.S. Associate director—Danny Sharron; UK associate choreographer—Kayla Lomas-Kirton; U.S. associate choreographer—Ilia Jessica Castro; and prologue composer and prologue music director—Angus MacRae.For tickets to “Cabaret At The Kit Kat Club” visit kitkatclub/Cabaret-Broadway.