Cabaret
A review by Patrick Shannon, III
The recent production of Masteroff, Kander, and Ebb's anti-Nazi
musical directed by Derek Franklin and Sonny Borey was
magnificent; another remarkable triumph to add to their recent
glorious productions.
Franklin and Borey kept the action moving at a good clip but all
that rented scenery was a bit of an over kill. Took time away
from the pacing also. I thought the acting and directing alone
even on a minimalist stage set would have made this well
performed show work. As it was it did entertain, enthrall and
even more important, make one think about evil in the world, most
unusual for a Broadway musical. It cut to the heart and the head.
What I found interesting is how the excellent performances of Bob
Edes, Jr. as Herr Schultz and Beverly Trask as Fraulein Schneider
slowly shifted the main interest away from Sally Bowles, et. al.
and without any overtly obvious "Nazi stage biz" brought the true
individual human interest story of the Jews/Nazis into the
spotlight. The chemistry between these two actors was so fine
and strong it made the rest of the characters just what they
really were, mostly colorful, young, entertaining, careless,
selfish bohemians. I think this would have pleased Christopher
Isherwood.
So, great praise to Bob Edes, Jr. and Karen Hebert for stealing a
show honestly and on their own merits. My space is limited so
let us not forget the principals: Roy Haylock as the nefarious
Master of Ceremonies (Emcee). He was as good as the original
Joel Grey whom I saw in the 1966 Broadway show. As we all know,
no one can play "slippery slimy evil under makeup" as well as our
own "f**k-mouth" draglet, Roy Haylock, a man of many talents,
except perhaps a dash of self discipline. None-the-less he was
magnificent as the Emcee and I'd like to see him play Richard III
some day. Richard Arnold was also a masterful singer and actor
in his role as Clifford Bradshaw, playing with grace and charm
against Jessie Terrebonne's vivacious Sally Bowles. Ms.
Terrebonne is one of our best top six singers, actors, dancers.
Jimmy Murphy was a convincing and sly Nazi recruiter and Karen
Hebert, long-legged and beautiful as ever played the conniving
survivor German-type-whore Frauline Kost to a T or would that be
an X?
Gorgeous costumes by Roy Haylock were glittery but lovely and
well constructed as was the mostly rented scenery. Scott Sauber's
lighting was well done and Karen Hebert's choreography was
original, brilliant and delightful. Derek Franklin got a big and
harmonious sound from his pit orchestra with out one sour note,
as usual. This Cabaret ranks among the top three I have seen
among the many I have. This was a production of 24k gold.