THE PLAY: A naïve American writer moves to ’30s Berlin at the height of its decadence, where he meets British singer Sally Bowles.
THE PRODUCTION: This tour is based on the reimagining earlier this century by Sam Mendes and Rob Marshall. There’s no suggestive innuendo here, it’s just full-on sexuality (and very bi at that). It also amps up the darkness of the Nazi influence. Erik Schneider has given the Emcee plenty of tawdry allure. Bailey McCall Thomas makes Sally Bowles bouncy and impulsive, while performing the show’s most dramatic highlight with the title song. The rest of the cast is solid, with Audrey Federici and Fred Frabotta creating the tender heart of the story. The superb band is the show’s strongest asset. It sounds great and adds even more energy when they wander the stage. As is often the case with this venue, some of the lyrics and lines are lost in the sound mix. Compared to many current Broadway shows, this one is decidedly low tech. The set consists of 3 doors flanked by 2 spiral staircases with the band on the 2nd level. The tight cueing of the lights adds impact, even though they’re mostly color washes with lots of chasers. Running time: 2:30
THE POINT: This reinterpretation of the popular musical is darker and dirtier, but mounted with skill and impact.
(4 / 5)
A Broadway in Richmond production at the Altria Theatre thru 2/25
