Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Cabaret Review

Cabaret
(Tour - The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton)

After having a break during August, I return to reviewing with the revival tour of Cabaret. This is the first time I have seen this musical. I had only seen the film which I heard was dissimilar to the stage version. It was worrying though to see this musical being headed by two celebrities who are not entirely experienced in musical theatre. 

American writer, Clifford Bradshaw (Matt Rawle), goes to stay in Berlin to find inspiration for his new novel.  He meets a British singer at a cabaret called the Kit Kat Club, Sally Bowles (Michelle Ryan), and the pair begin to develop a relationship. Meanwhile Clifford's landlady, Fraulein Schneider (Sian Phillips), falls in love with a Jewish fruit-seller, Herr Schultz (Linal Haft), and the two announce their engagement. However their lives are beginning to be disrupted by the rise of the Nazi party to power. Meanwhile, the events of the musical are addressed by The Kit Kat Club's Master of Ceremonies, Emcee (Will Young), and dancers.

Having listened to several previous cast recordings, the songs in Cabaret throb with sensuous music and lyrics, and it is no different here. There was an odd moment when the song Don't tell Mama formed part of  the background for a short period and the lyrics could be heard in the distance. Looking at photos from the last tour I got the feeling that the song has been cut down, which was a shame. The story itself was interesting to follow and the impending threat of the Nazi party provided a sinister side to the musical.

With a pop star starring in a well known role, one would think that this celebrity casting would not work. Surprisingly however it is Will Young as Emcee who carries the show. It is clear that he is having so much fun  acting as the Kit Kat Club's odd-ball, manic, and unpredictable Master of Ceremonies that his performance was immensely enjoyable.

Michelle Ryan was lovely as Sally Bowles but she did not seem as edgy as the actresses that can be heard on the cast recordings. She acted as a playful and alluring Sally, though at times she did come off as too innocent which did not really fit the Sally who was living the pleasures of Cabaret. Matt Rawle meanwhile did well in playing a smart yet weary Clifford Bradshaw. Otherwise, the supporting romantic plot was the second best part of the production. Sian Phillips and Linal Haft displayed a tender relationship between the dignified Fraulein Schneider and tender-hearted Herr Schultz.

The world of Cabaret was minimalist in terms of sets. Rooms were basically comprised of some doorways and the occasional piece of furniture, and a number of songs were centered around one object. The stage was colored in black sheets of metal and brick in order to show the underworld of Berlin, which was strikingly being torn away by the increasing influence of the Nazis. The glamour of the Kit Kat Club came from the provocative costumes and light bulbs that adorned the wings of the stage, which combined with the singing and dancing was spectacular to watch.

I am surprised that I am saying that Will Young is the main reason why this production should be seen. The musical itself was great whilst the Cabaret songs and supporting characters created the best moments of the production. Michelle Ryan though was not as engaging in comparison to Will and I found that I preferred his scenes over hers. I would say that this production is worth seeing at a low Top Price

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