Adam was absolutely thrilling to watch. Vocally stunning and clearly having the time of his life back on a theatre stage. His vocals are clear, crisp (Tomorrow Belongs to Me just absolutely rings out through the theatre), and soaring. I saw him in his first week of performances and while I knew I’d get an incredible vocal performance, I was surprised by how good his acting was (those of us who remember his recurring role on Glee, well…we know he’s come far).
I have seen the show 6x already with Adam (been a glambert for 15 years now) & I’m obsessed. He LIVES on that stage & owns it. He looks so comfortable in that role, on that stage, everything about it is fabulous! True born theater kid living his childhood dream. Every time I’ve seen the show, he gets better & better. I had to see his opening night of course & second night. So many emotions. Being a theater kid myself, I couldn’t handle my excitement/emotions. I was a glitter mess in the best possible way. He lights up when he’s on stage. I went back recently a few weeks ago & omg, just the small changes here and there. You never see the same show twice! I’m going back in January & then again in March for his final performances. If you’re a fan of Adams (or not) go see it! He’s a true star & owns that stage. This theater kid may have lived her dream 3x by being invited to dance on stage during intermission with the cabaret dancers. 😭💜🎭 What a ride it’s been. I’m so happy he’s on Broadway & sharing this experience with his fans, us glamberts, the theater world, and everyone in between! Go see cabaret! You won’t be disappointed!
Was waiting for this and I never clicked so fast. 😂 Glad you got to see him perform. Wish they do a cast recording of this one. His vocals deserve it. Thanks Mickey. Great review.
So glad to have your review of this. I have tickets to see it in January, and can't wait. I'm a HUGE Adam Lambert fan. As you rightly state, his vocal prowess is nearly unmatched among current performers, and he's always had natural charisma, stage presence, and theatricality in abundance.
Adam was POSSESSED by the Emcee...never broke from character, completely immersed. As you imply, he genuinely felt like an actual Master of Ceremonies in the way he addressed and interacted with the audience. Although we don't get to hear his stratospheric rock-god vocals, we do get to hear the beauty of his voice on Tomorrow Belongs to Me and I Don't Care Much. Hopefully, we'll get an EP (or maybe, if we're lucky, a Broadway covers album) with those songs.
I saw him on Monday November 4th. I had front row seats which was a really nice birthday gift, it also meant I got to see Adam Lambert's expressions in extreme detail. I had heard Redmayne's was sort of portraying more of the perpetrator compared to Cumming's victim. I felt like Lambert portrayed a victim becoming a perpetrator in an attempt to stay safe.
Excellent review! I'm so glad you got the chance to see it and had such a wonderful time! I unfortunately am not able to go, but I definitely hope they will record it. I did however see him and Queen on Nov. 9th last year and it was a divine, astronomically phenomenal out of body experience! In case you don't know already, Adam has done some excellent villainous voice roles in recent years (Maximus in "Playmobile: the movie", The Devil in "A Tale Dark and Grimm" and as Machiavillian in "Megamind rules") so this only proves him all the more perfect as the Emcee, especially given your description of his performance. With that, I vehemently agree about his charisma, vocal prowess and superb acting skills. Dr. Sir Brian May doesn't call Adam the "Gift from God" for nothing.
John Kandor, the composer of Cabaret, was at the November 20th performance with Adam Lambert, and was presented with his Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival in celebration of the 58th anniversary of the original production of Cabaret. During his speech, he looked for Adam and said, "Adam what planet are you from?" That's high praise from the source which Adam totally deserved!
I absolutely loved the show. From the pre-show performers to the end. I saw it years ago on Broadway and liked this version better because of Adam Lambert’s mc. I also saw the show with a Sally understudy who imo did a good job. At the end of the show I didn’t realize that was Adam in a blonde wig. What a transformation. Will go back to see this again. Bravo Adam.!
Loved this show…had stage side seating and it was amazing, Adam was amazing.his voice was perfect and his take on the character was wonderful. Funny and touching at the same time. Totally worth the trip from Massachusetts.Adams choices def more Tony friendly. Wonderful birthday 🎁.
As always thanks for your review. I saw both Eddie and Adam in the show. I thought Eddie’s acting was amazing and Adam’s vocals were phenomenal. I felt that Adam definitely interacted and ad-libbed more with the audience. But overall loved them both.
I saw Adam and thought he was absolutely fabulous. I have been a huge fan so I expected nothing less. I missed Eddie, but my daughter saw them both and prefers Adam's take on the role due to his soaring vocals.
I saw Eddie Redmayne in the role and just saw Adam Lambert. I liked them both, although it is true that the singing voice sets them apart. I happened to see Eddie the night an audience member got up from her seat and tried to grab him when he was at the edge of the stage. He never broke character (she was removed at the intermission). I loved his performance and was so very glad I saw him. Adam brings an ease to the role that was felt.
Thanks. I will finally be seeing this in January. Looking forward to seeing both of the new leads, especially Adam after your review. Did not see Eddie Redmayne.
If They Could See Her is one if the biggest gut punches I've ever experienced through art. It gets to me so viscerally. But the biggest was the ending of the Cabaret American tour (circa 1999) with the mc in the spotlight, wearing the striped uniform of the camps and the yellow star. I lost it crying, I just wasn't prepared for that.
That started with the Alan Cumming revival, and I honestly find it annoying as its a totally false narrative that carries through, makes Jean Ross a villain, etc. Isherwood's novel is about the depression, there is one reference to Nazis, he got beat up once. Hitler did not get elected, he was appointed by the president, Hindenburg, and at that point people with means started leaving, including Isherwood and Jean Ross who went on to be a journalist and political activist. One of Hitler's first acts was closing the cabarets, camps weren't formalized for a good five years, first prisoners were communists and social democrats. Rather bizarre using musicals as political propaganda to host your own ethnic cleansing.
Adam Lambert was why I decided to see Cabaret and he was amazing. I appreciate he was given the ability to infuse his identity as a queer Jewish man into it, which I feel adds to that trapped and desperate feeling of I Don't Care Much. I wrote a review on my Tumblr and pulled articles both about Eddie Redmayne's version and how he would have been fine and so you get that perpetrator aspect whereas with Adam's, he sees it as conforming to survive and you can feel it. I'm debating going back before he and Auil'i leave as she was out when I saw the show and their last performance is my birthday but not sure I can make another trip happen so soon after.
Thanks for this detailed & informative review. As much as I admire Eddie Redmayne as an actor, I fell into that group who was put-off by his Tony performance. So I was excited that Adam Lambert was replacing him - I mean, who can sing better than Lambert?! You confirmed my renewed interest in seeing this production. [P.S. It was nice of you to give flowers to the understudy/alternate who played Sally, even saying she was better than Gayle Rankin!]
Saw it a week ago. He was amazing, of course - not just the vocals, but he was genuinely funny, but he also shows his world changing. His rendition of "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" was strong and beautiful, until you realize just what you were hearing. But you also need to note that Adam is, himself, gay and Jewish, so he is, himself, a statement, and he says those factors inform his important.
I saw Adam, but haven't seen Eddie. His vocals were stunning and his conversion is chilling. Plus, his Willkommen was just so fun. I'd love some of his songs to get recorded if possible.
This worked way better for me. I always found the Redmayne performance grotesque, I undestood it, but I think in order to work the MC has to enchant you and charm you. Eddie's performance immediatly repulsed me so it ruined the character development and thus the show. Im sure it worked for some people but for my sensibilites Adam performance was way more succesful.
Ламберт мой любимый вокалист и ...уж простите, я не любитель мюзиклов, поэтому очень надеюсь, что его участие в Кабаре закончится в марте. Я в феврале был в Токио на концерте Queen + Lambert и это было потрясающе. Очень бы хотелось скорейшего возвращения Адама в рок музыку и побывать хотя бы ещё разок на их концерте
Adam Lambert is a delightful MC choice, and just might get me to splurge on tickets! Your review is quite interesting. I find it quite ironic that Holocaust reference is omitted in this production, as #1 Adam Lambert is Jewish and queer, and #2 Antisemitism is at an all time high since the Holocaust. Cabaret has political commentary at its core, and I find it a bit cowardly that it’s omitted. Anyway, wonderful review!
This show is amazing. I saw the show with Eddie and thought he was a hard act to follow, and then Adam Lambert came on the stage!!! I agree with you, Adam is the better Emcee!! Adam is the Emcee!!! He is spectacular!!
lol he was basically a child at the time and an understudy. I think that's a bit harsh expecting it to be brilliant. From the clips I've seen it looked like he did really well and his vocals were awesome.
Did you see him as the Fiyero understudy? I guess you would have, though, rather than opining on the very bad audio and video snatches that are all that we have now ? Also, I agree with the first poster of importance of how time might impact performance skills.
I went a month ago and unfortunately both Adam and Auli'i were out (which means that exactly 0% of people I know who went since she started saw her lol), but the understudies were great! However, the theatre was shockingly empty. People got upgraded and when I turned around mid first act, the first five rows of the mezz were packed but everything beyond? Nothing! I understand that October is a slow month for Broadway anyway but I cannot imagine how much money they must've lost in that week. I honestly do not give them much longer if they don't come in with BIG stunt casts (maybe even for more characters than "just" Sally and the Emcee).
@@MickeyJoTheatre most likely! But I had also checked the website that morning out of curiosity and even then most of the mezzanines were pretty much empty (Adam was scheduled off, Auli'i was not announced to be out until I believe an hour before curtain, so her absence probably would not have made too much of a difference, I'd assume)
Adam was absolutely thrilling to watch. Vocally stunning and clearly having the time of his life back on a theatre stage. His vocals are clear, crisp (Tomorrow Belongs to Me just absolutely rings out through the theatre), and soaring. I saw him in his first week of performances and while I knew I’d get an incredible vocal performance, I was surprised by how good his acting was (those of us who remember his recurring role on Glee, well…we know he’s come far).
I have seen the show 6x already with Adam (been a glambert for 15 years now) & I’m obsessed. He LIVES on that stage & owns it. He looks so comfortable in that role, on that stage, everything about it is fabulous! True born theater kid living his childhood dream. Every time I’ve seen the show, he gets better & better. I had to see his opening night of course & second night. So many emotions. Being a theater kid myself, I couldn’t handle my excitement/emotions. I was a glitter mess in the best possible way. He lights up when he’s on stage. I went back recently a few weeks ago & omg, just the small changes here and there. You never see the same show twice! I’m going back in January & then again in March for his final performances. If you’re a fan of Adams (or not) go see it! He’s a true star & owns that stage. This theater kid may have lived her dream 3x by being invited to dance on stage during intermission with the cabaret dancers. 😭💜🎭 What a ride it’s been. I’m so happy he’s on Broadway & sharing this experience with his fans, us glamberts, the theater world, and everyone in between! Go see cabaret! You won’t be disappointed!
Was waiting for this and I never clicked so fast. 😂 Glad you got to see him perform. Wish they do a cast recording of this one. His vocals deserve it. Thanks Mickey. Great review.
So glad to have your review of this. I have tickets to see it in January, and can't wait. I'm a HUGE Adam Lambert fan. As you rightly state, his vocal prowess is nearly unmatched among current performers, and he's always had natural charisma, stage presence, and theatricality in abundance.
Terrific, I hope you have a wonderful time!
Adam was POSSESSED by the Emcee...never broke from character, completely immersed. As you imply, he genuinely felt like an actual Master of Ceremonies in the way he addressed and interacted with the audience. Although we don't get to hear his stratospheric rock-god vocals, we do get to hear the beauty of his voice on Tomorrow Belongs to Me and I Don't Care Much. Hopefully, we'll get an EP (or maybe, if we're lucky, a Broadway covers album) with those songs.
Joel Grey recently wrote an article in the New York Times about heeding the warnings put forth in "Cabaret".
I saw him on Monday November 4th. I had front row seats which was a really nice birthday gift, it also meant I got to see Adam Lambert's expressions in extreme detail. I had heard Redmayne's was sort of portraying more of the perpetrator compared to Cumming's victim. I felt like Lambert portrayed a victim becoming a perpetrator in an attempt to stay safe.
I love this arc description. Also, interesting choice by Adam.
Excellent review! I'm so glad you got the chance to see it and had such a wonderful time! I unfortunately am not able to go, but I definitely hope they will record it. I did however see him and Queen on Nov. 9th last year and it was a divine, astronomically phenomenal out of body experience! In case you don't know already, Adam has done some excellent villainous voice roles in recent years (Maximus in "Playmobile: the movie", The Devil in "A Tale Dark and Grimm" and as Machiavillian in "Megamind rules") so this only proves him all the more perfect as the Emcee, especially given your description of his performance. With that, I vehemently agree about his charisma, vocal prowess and superb acting skills. Dr. Sir Brian May doesn't call Adam the "Gift from God" for nothing.
John Kandor, the composer of Cabaret, was at the November 20th performance with Adam Lambert, and was presented with his Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival in celebration of the 58th anniversary of the original production of Cabaret. During his speech, he looked for Adam and said, "Adam what planet are you from?" That's high praise from the source which Adam totally deserved!
I absolutely loved the show. From the pre-show performers to the end. I saw it years ago on Broadway and liked this version better because of Adam Lambert’s mc. I also saw the show with a Sally understudy who imo did a good job. At the end of the show I didn’t realize that was Adam in a blonde wig. What a transformation. Will go back to see this again. Bravo Adam.!
Loved this show…had stage side seating and it was amazing, Adam was amazing.his voice was perfect and his take on the character was wonderful. Funny and touching at the same time. Totally worth the trip from Massachusetts.Adams choices def more Tony friendly. Wonderful birthday 🎁.
I saw it was really good and it was a B-day gift to myself and I am thinking about going again in March the final day if possible.
As always thanks for your review. I saw both Eddie and Adam in the show. I thought Eddie’s acting was amazing and Adam’s vocals were phenomenal. I felt that Adam definitely interacted and ad-libbed more with the audience. But overall loved them both.
What I wouldn’t give to see Adam! Maybe he might come and do London sometime 🤞🏻🤞🏻
Same here saw Adam a few weeks ago but saw the understudy for Sally. Adam was excellent I really enjoyed his performance
I would have loved to see Michael C Hall”s full performance.
But I’d give my left arm to see Adam Lambart. He’s so fabulous
I saw him in this a few weeks ago and I loved his performance, as well as this production!
I saw Adam and thought he was absolutely fabulous. I have been a huge fan so I expected nothing less. I missed Eddie, but my daughter saw them both and prefers Adam's take on the role due to his soaring vocals.
Saw Oct. 5th....wonderful...Adam was just amazing....going again Dec. 30th...coming from Toronto...
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE
We need Adam in the West End ❤
I saw Eddie Redmayne in the role and just saw Adam Lambert. I liked them both, although it is true that the singing voice sets them apart. I happened to see Eddie the night an audience member got up from her seat and tried to grab him when he was at the edge of the stage. He never broke character (she was removed at the intermission). I loved his performance and was so very glad I saw him. Adam brings an ease to the role that was felt.
I was also at that performance!
Why are people like this??
Thanks. I will finally be seeing this in January. Looking forward to seeing both of the new leads, especially Adam after your review. Did not see Eddie Redmayne.
If They Could See Her is one if the biggest gut punches I've ever experienced through art. It gets to me so viscerally. But the biggest was the ending of the Cabaret American tour (circa 1999) with the mc in the spotlight, wearing the striped uniform of the camps and the yellow star. I lost it crying, I just wasn't prepared for that.
Oh my god, same.
That started with the Alan Cumming revival, and I honestly find it annoying as its a totally false narrative that carries through, makes Jean Ross a villain, etc. Isherwood's novel is about the depression, there is one reference to Nazis, he got beat up once. Hitler did not get elected, he was appointed by the president, Hindenburg, and at that point people with means started leaving, including Isherwood and Jean Ross who went on to be a journalist and political activist. One of Hitler's first acts was closing the cabarets, camps weren't formalized for a good five years, first prisoners were communists and social democrats. Rather bizarre using musicals as political propaganda to host your own ethnic cleansing.
Great review. Thank you.
Adam Lambert was why I decided to see Cabaret and he was amazing. I appreciate he was given the ability to infuse his identity as a queer Jewish man into it, which I feel adds to that trapped and desperate feeling of I Don't Care Much. I wrote a review on my Tumblr and pulled articles both about Eddie Redmayne's version and how he would have been fine and so you get that perpetrator aspect whereas with Adam's, he sees it as conforming to survive and you can feel it. I'm debating going back before he and Auil'i leave as she was out when I saw the show and their last performance is my birthday but not sure I can make another trip happen so soon after.
Thanks for this detailed & informative review. As much as I admire Eddie Redmayne as an actor, I fell into that group who was put-off by his Tony performance. So I was excited that Adam Lambert was replacing him - I mean, who can sing better than Lambert?! You confirmed my renewed interest in seeing this production.
[P.S. It was nice of you to give flowers to the understudy/alternate who played Sally, even saying she was better than Gayle Rankin!]
Saw it a week ago. He was amazing, of course - not just the vocals, but he was genuinely funny, but he also shows his world changing. His rendition of "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" was strong and beautiful, until you realize just what you were hearing.
But you also need to note that Adam is, himself, gay and Jewish, so he is, himself, a statement, and he says those factors inform his important.
I really enjoyed Eddie in the role, but Adam blew me away. I loved it so much more with Adam. The tone was just right IMO.
I saw Adam, but haven't seen Eddie. His vocals were stunning and his conversion is chilling. Plus, his Willkommen was just so fun. I'd love some of his songs to get recorded if possible.
This worked way better for me. I always found the Redmayne performance grotesque, I undestood it, but I think in order to work the MC has to enchant you and charm you. Eddie's performance immediatly repulsed me so it ruined the character development and thus the show. Im sure it worked for some people but for my sensibilites Adam performance was way more succesful.
Ламберт мой любимый вокалист и ...уж простите, я не любитель мюзиклов, поэтому очень надеюсь, что его участие в Кабаре закончится в марте. Я в феврале был в Токио на концерте Queen + Lambert и это было потрясающе. Очень бы хотелось скорейшего возвращения Адама в рок музыку и побывать хотя бы ещё разок на их концерте
thank god he didn't flop I knew the man who released for your entertainment would understand the assignment
it will still be cabret at august wilson theater. nice they let him show his tattoes. sorry you missed auv'li.
How long do you think this revival will run in London compared to NYC
My second fav.
Will you see it again with Ali'i on next visit?
I'm not sure I'll actually be back to New York before the end of their engagement!
@MickeyJoTheatre you're not seeing Audra? Anathema. Giggle
Adam Lambert is a delightful MC choice, and just might get me to splurge on tickets! Your review is quite interesting. I find it quite ironic that Holocaust reference is omitted in this production, as #1 Adam Lambert is Jewish and queer, and #2 Antisemitism is at an all time high since the Holocaust. Cabaret has political commentary at its core, and I find it a bit cowardly that it’s omitted. Anyway, wonderful review!
Saw it with alan cumming in the 90s 😂
Interesting
This show is amazing. I saw the show with Eddie and thought he was a hard act to follow, and then Adam Lambert came on the stage!!! I agree with you, Adam is the better Emcee!! Adam is the Emcee!!! He is spectacular!!
We’re you able to see Auli Cravahlo as Sally Bowles
No she was out for his show unfortunately but he said the sally understudy was great
I thought the title meant “how on earth did THAT happen?”
Was curious how he would do, when I first heard of this it sounds like a really good match, but his Fiyero, wasn't much.
lol he was basically a child at the time and an understudy. I think that's a bit harsh expecting it to be brilliant. From the clips I've seen it looked like he did really well and his vocals were awesome.
Did you see him as the Fiyero understudy? I guess you would have, though, rather than opining on the very bad audio and video snatches that are all that we have now ? Also, I agree with the first poster of importance of how time might impact performance skills.
I went a month ago and unfortunately both Adam and Auli'i were out (which means that exactly 0% of people I know who went since she started saw her lol), but the understudies were great! However, the theatre was shockingly empty. People got upgraded and when I turned around mid first act, the first five rows of the mezz were packed but everything beyond? Nothing! I understand that October is a slow month for Broadway anyway but I cannot imagine how much money they must've lost in that week.
I honestly do not give them much longer if they don't come in with BIG stunt casts (maybe even for more characters than "just" Sally and the Emcee).
I'm assuming a lot of ticket holders got refunds if both were out?
@@MickeyJoTheatre most likely! But I had also checked the website that morning out of curiosity and even then most of the mezzanines were pretty much empty (Adam was scheduled off, Auli'i was not announced to be out until I believe an hour before curtain, so her absence probably would not have made too much of a difference, I'd assume)