Marty Lauter Shares Backstage Moments and Must-Haves From CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB

We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving. 

In this edition, we catch up with Marty Lauter, a.k.a. 'Marcia Marcia Marcia' from RuPaul's Drag Race, who is appearing in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. Below, they take us backstage at the August Wilson Theatre (with photos by BroadwayWorld's Jennifer Broski) to share some of their favorite backstage routines, moments, must-haves and more.

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What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?

Well I sign in of course! Then I go up to my dressing room and start the pin curl/ makeup process which takes about forty minutes. The time flies by because I have a lot of fun with my roommates.

What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?

In the opening number, I do a double pirouette where I stop the rotation without putting my passé leg down (very scary hehe), so I do a set of balance exercises just behind the curtain to make sure I’m on my leg.

What’s your must-have backstage snack?

I really love the Trader Joe’s rolled corn tortilla chips in the chili and lime flavor. They’re like Takis but better!!

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

I don’t really have a pre show ritual, though, I guess I would say the preparation process is ritualistic because it takes a lot of focus, and it’s basically the same ever day. I get to the theater at 5:30pm for a 7:30pm show, and i’m either in the makeup chair, wig chair, getting dressed, filming content, or warming up from the moment I enter the building. 

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

1. Liquid IV (David Merino share, and I like the lemon lime and white peach flavors)

2. Foam Roller

3. Bluetooth Speaker (so we can blast the new Wicked movie soundtrack.)

4. Blankets and pillows for naps in between shows.

5. Photos of our friends, family, and cast!

What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?

I watch “Don’t Tell Mama” every day from the wings in a pool of pure jealousy because I love it, and I want to be in it so badly.

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?

 I’m not sure I have just one backstage moment I’d call my favorite! There’s so much love, support, and laughter in our cast, we have about a million inside jokes, and we’re very quick to support one another. I would say the moments I’m most impressed by are when things so wrong, or get chaotic. That’s when you see the unity of the company because we all jump at the opportunity to help, and find solutions.

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About Marty Lauter

Marty Lauter (they/them) is thrilled to be returning to Broadway after appearing on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 15 this past year and touring the world as ‘Marcia Marcia Marcia!’ Previous credits include Kinky Boots (Broadway, Off-Broadway), Hello, Dolly! (First National Tour). Huge thank you to the whole Marcia/Marty team, Kyle, and the Lauter family! Socials: @marciax3nyc.

About Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club

Set in the waning days of the Weimar Republic, Cabaret tells the story of Sally Bowles, a free-spirited singer at the Kit Kat Club, and Clifford Bradshaw, an American writer seeking inspiration in Berlin. As the enigmatic Emcee leads the audience through the cabaret's electrifying performances, the outside world grows increasingly dangerous, reflecting the personal and political tensions of the time. The result is a powerful exploration of love, identity, and the cost of complacency.

Cabaret is currently led by Adam Lambert and Auli’i Cravalho as 'Emcee' and 'Sally Bowles', with Bebe Neuwirth as ‘Fraulein Schneider;’ Calvin Leon Smith as ‘Clifford Bradshaw,’ 2024 Tony Award nominee Steven Skybell as ‘Herr Schultz;’ Henry Gottfried as ‘Ernst Ludwig,’ and Michelle Aravena as ‘Fritzie/Kost.’ 

The cast of Cabaret also includes Gabi Campo as ‘Frenchie,’ Ayla Ciccone-Burton as ‘Helga,’ Colin Cunliffe as ‘Hans,’ Marty Lauter as ‘Victor,’ Loren Lester as ‘Herman/Max,’ David Merino as ‘Lulu,’ Julian Ramos as ‘Bobby,’ MiMi Scardulla as ‘Texas,’ and Paige Smallwood as ‘Rosie.’ Swings include Maya Bowles, Hannah Florence, Pedro Garza, Kayla Jenerson, Christian Kidd, Corinne Munsch, Chloé Nadon-Enriquez, and Karl Skyler Urban.

The Prologue Company, the dancers and musicians that welcome audiences to the club, feature dancers Alaïa, Iron Bryan, Will Ervin Jr., Sun Kim, Deja McNair and swing Ida Saki. The musicians of the Prologue are Brian Russell Carey (piano & bass), Francesca Dawis (violin), Keiji Ishiguri(dedicated substitute), Maeve Stier (accordion), and Michael Winograd (clarinet).