Cabaret

Randy Harrison as the Emcee and the 2016 National Touring cast of Roundabout Theatre Company’s CABARET. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Toronto audiences have a chance to see Roundabout Theatre's terrific production of Kander and Ebb's Cabaret for a limited engagement at the Princess of Wales Theatre this week. Originally directed by Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall in 1993, this provocative revival is fun to watch and its message about the rise of fascism still rings ominously true today.

Set in 1931 Berlin, Cabaret centres around American writer Cliff Bradshaw (Benjamin Eakeley) and his relationship with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles (Leigh Ann Larkin) as the Nazis rise to power. A sub-plot involves the doomed romance between German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider (Mary Gordon Murray) and her elderly suitor Herr Schultz (Scott Robertson), a Jewish fruit vendor—both of these relationships are at the heart of the story. Meanwhile, the action is overseen by a charasmatic Emcee (played with sensual flair by Randy Harrison) who gradually opens our eyes to the blindness of everyone around him. The musical effectively showcases how Nazis, embodied by the character of Ernst Ludwig (Patrick Vail), were able to win over the German people. Highlights include famous numbers such as "Willkommen," "Maybe This Time," and "Money."

Featuring a talented cast, sensational choreography and costumes, and a lively orchestra, Roundabout Theatre's production entertains and cautions in equal measure. Catch it until February 19th only. Visit mirvish.com for more information and to buy tickets.