I'd never have guessed that a production in Northport, Long Island, would hit me harder, and move me more deeply, than anything I've seen on Broadway in the past year, but the first-rate revival of Kander & Ebb's Cabaret at the John W. Engeman Theater did just that. Directed by B. T. McNicholl (who served as an assistant director to Sam Mendes's Broadway revival), this uncompromising production succeeds on every level. And although I've seen Cabaret many times, I was moved to tears. Jon Peterson, starring as The Emcee (a role he's played over a thousand times—on tour, on Broadway, and regionally), was a revelation. I've seen him play this role before and know well his mastery of old-school showmanship. But he's found new depth in the role, with subtle, surprising, emotional colorings. His final scene is heart-wrenching. Very powerful theater indeed—transcendent. I liked the rich humanity Scott Robertson brought to the role of Herr Schultz and appreciated Lori Wilner's Fraulein Schneider. Adam Greer (as Clifford Bradshaw), Fred Rose (Ernst Ludwig), Laura Shoop (Fraulein Kost), Kate Fahrner (Sally Bowles) were all believable. On virtually every level—sets, costumes, lighting, music (the 18 players carried off the"Entr'acte" with flair), this was a success. Joe Masteroff's book remains a marvel of economy, and the score—from "Wilkommen" to "Maybe This Time" to "Don't Tell Mama" to the title song—is a succession of rewards. There isn't a superfluous moment in this show; it's a reminder of what musical theater, at its best, can be.
Chip Deffaa
Cabaret Scenes
March 5 2011
www.cabaretscenes.org
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