Introduction to Cabaret
The Broadway musical Cabaret has been making headlines recently due to a series of unfortunate events. The show, which is a revival of the West End musical, has been facing setbacks, including the hospitalization of one of its actors, Price Waldman.
The Incident
Waldman, who plays the role of Mr. Schultz, was rushed to the hospital after experiencing a medical emergency on stage during a performance at the August Wilson Theater. According to reports, Waldman froze during the first act and was escorted off the stage by a stage manager. He was taken to the hospital, where he was treated and is reportedly doing well.
Previous Setbacks
This incident is not the first setback for the show. Earlier this week, the star of the show, Billy Porter, who plays the role of the Emcee, was forced to withdraw from the production due to a serious case of sepsis. Doctors are confident that Porter will make a full recovery, but his absence has been felt.
Impact on the Show
The show’s producers have announced that the show will close on September 21, about a month earlier than planned. This decision was likely made due to the decline in ticket sales since Porter’s departure. The show’s immersive revival, which reimagines the theater as the Kit Kat Club, was well-received when it opened on Broadway in April 2024, with Eddie Redmayne starring as the Emcee.
The Story of Cabaret
The story of Cabaret takes place in Berlin in 1930-31, as the Nazis are rising to power. It follows the story of American writer Clifford Bradshaw as he navigates a complicated romance with cabaret singer Sally Bowles, all under the watchful eye of the Emcee.
The Production
The production, which was first premiered in the West End in 2021, features a talented cast, including Redmayne and Jessie Buckley as Sally Bowles. Since Redmayne’s departure from the show, Marty Lauter and David Merino have been sharing the role of the Emcee.
Reception
The show has received critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of the cast. In a review of the West End production, Alexandra Pollard wrote: "Redmayne is excellent, changing his physicality and singing with a closed vibrato and a German accent." Despite the setbacks, the show remains a must-see for fans of musical theater.
