BWW Reviews: CABARET Dazzles at Signature Theatre

In Signature, life truly is beautiful as the theatre ends its 25th season with a sultry and bold new performance of the classic Cabaret. Under the direction of Matthew Gardiner, Cabaret's cast, musicians, and creative team have taken this theatrical masterpiece and produced a mesmerizing and immersive show that haunts audiences as they shuffle out of Berlin's risky Kit Kat Club and into the safer streets of Arlington, Virginia.

Cabaret is a slice of Weimar culture, a period after World War I where the arts flourished in Germany as the country struggled with war debts and a loss in national pride. Written by the team behind Chicago and Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Cabaret introduces American writer Cliff Bradshaw, who travels to Berlin searching for inspiration. Cliff finds this inspiration in the English club performer Sally Bowles, and they begin a fervent affair. However, outside their door, the Nazis' impending rise to power heralds a brutal end to their decadent way of life.

Under the direction of resident music director Jon Kalbfleisch, Cabaret shines with fantastic live musicians, along with a stellar cast and powerful voices. The play stars Wesley Taylor (NBC's Smash and Broadway's Rock of Ages), who plays a devilish emcee with piercing eyes and elastic moves, and Barrett Wilbert Weed (Off-Broadway's Heathers: The Musical), who plays Sally Bowles with sass and vigor, commanding the stage with her voice. The improverished writer, Cliff, is played by Gregory Woodell, whose performance evokes pity and heartache. Naomi Jacobson's Fraulein Schneider and Rick Foucheux's Herr Schultz have chemistry full of heartbreaking innocence and adoration. Finally, Maria Rizzo plays a vindictive Fraulein Kost/Fritzie who will not only incite angst in the audience, but a few laughs too.

Director Matthew Gardiner's choreography and blocking is a musical composition in itself, as each characters' movement creates the tone and story for the whole ensemble. The dancing is daring and focused, and one may find themselves yearning to look everywhere (in a good way) during the dance numbers. Many of the transitions within and between scenes also have a seamlessness that elegantly peel away the story's layers. In general, Gardiner's Cabaret shows lots of skin, leaving little to the imagination. Depending on one's taste, one may find this decision unnecessary or enthralling.

One of the most creative aspects of the show is Misha Kachman's set design. Upon entering the house seating, one is immersed into the Kit Kat Club's rows and tables surrounding the main stage. A bar sits in the theater that both the characters and audience may endulge. Through innovative design, the set maximizes the storytelling, giving new life to the visuals and audience experience.

Jason Lyon's lighting also heavily creates the Kit Kat Club's glitz and glam. Throughout the play, the lighting is focused and moody, generating strong impact. And finally, Frank Labovitz's vintage costume designs are sexy and fun.

For those looking for a steamy evening of excellent live music and song paired with a classic story and fresh twists, Signature Theatre's Cabaret is one show not to miss.

Cabaret plays at Signature Theatre (4200 Campbell Ave in Arlington, VA) until June 28.

Running time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Tickets can be purchased online (www.signature-theatre.org), by calling Ticketmaster (703-573-SEAT), or by visiting the box office.

Photo credit: Margot Schulman

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