Key Highlights
- Revival of ‘Cabaret’ introduces immersive pre-show experience at the Kit Kat Club.
- Unique theatrical elements blend historical context with modern interpretations.
- High anticipation and strong box office performance mark its Broadway debut.
(livesinsight.com) – “No extraneous commotion,” Jordan Fein, the associate director of “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” implores amidst the bustling scene of construction and rehearsal chaos. It’s a snapshot of the frenetic energy enveloping the August Wilson Theatre, where the revival of John Kander and Fred Ebb’s ‘Cabaret’ is poised to redefine Broadway’s immersive theatre experience. With a prologue that invites the audience into the club culture an hour before the main show, this production blurs the lines between performer and spectator, setting a new bar for engagement and anticipation. As the opening night draws near, every tweak and tune-up hints at an offering that promises not just to entertain but to envelop and provoke thought, reflecting a slice of Weimar-era Berlin through a distinctly modern lens.“
Immersive Beginnings: A Pre-Show Like No Other
The curtain at the August Wilson Theatre rises earlier than usual for attendees of ‘Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.’ Directed by Rebecca Frecknall, this revival encourages spectators to step into the role of a guest at the Kit Kat Club well before the first official act. This pre-show segment, crafted to bridge the gap between the external world and the narrative’s 1930s Berlin, serves as both an icebreaker and a scene-setter. Patrons meander through redesigned spaces, each echoing the decadent, desperate spirit of the era, while live performances by the cast set the stage for the night’s main narrative.
A Theatrical Challenge to Conventional Entrances
Tom Scutt, the show’s designer, has reimagined the entrance to the theatre itself. Rather than a grand, welcoming front door, guests are led through an alleyway, past overflowing trash bins—a stark, immersive beginning that suggests the club’s underground allure and historical grit. This choice disrupts traditional expectations of a theatre experience, challenging patrons to rethink the boundaries of performance and space.
Staging and Choreography: Reinventing Space and Movement
Inside, the club is divided into thematic bars—each offering a unique aesthetic and sensory experience. The Vault Bar, with its elevated stage and rotating disco eye, hosts mesmerizing performances that combine historical references with avant-garde artistry. Upstairs, the Red Bar offers a voyeuristic glimpse into a world of shadow and allure, with performances that play on the themes of visibility and concealment. The choreography, led by Julia Cheng, infuses elements of punking and waacking, ensuring that the dance sequences resonate with both rebellion and precision.
Music and Memory: Echoes of the Past Meet Modern Soundscapes
Angus MacRae’s musical compositions for the prologue weave together influences ranging from George Gershwin to modern electronica, setting an auditory backdrop that complements the show’s rich visual and narrative textures. This score not only enhances the immersive aspect of the pre-show but also serves as a thematic bridge to the musical numbers of ‘Cabaret’ that follow.
Historical Echoes and Artistic Tribute
The prologue and main show together seek not just to entertain but to memorialize and reflect upon the vibrant, perilous epoch of the Weimar Republic’s cabaret culture. Under Fein’s direction, the performers are envisioned as spectral figures, evoking the ghosts of a bygone era—artists who thrived in the face of rising tyranny. The production, thus, becomes a powerful homage to those visionary artists, whose legacies are echoed in the show’s commitment to breaking artistic boundaries.