Producers of the Tony Award-nominated revival of 'Cabaret' on Broadway have announced that Adam Lambert and Auli’i Cravalho will be taking on the lead roles of the Emcee and Sally Bowles, respectively. Both Lambert and Cravalho will be making their Broadway debuts in this production, set to start on September 16 and run through the end of March.
Lambert, known for his work as the frontman of Queen, expressed his excitement at fulfilling a childhood dream by stepping into the role of the master of ceremonies, a character previously portrayed by Joel Grey and Alan Cumming. He highlighted the relevance of the show's themes, particularly in today's political climate, drawing parallels between the rise of fascism in Germany depicted in 'Cabaret' and current world events.
Cravalho, best known as the voice of Moana in Disney's animated film, shared her enthusiasm for playing Sally Bowles, a character famously portrayed by Liza Minnelli. She emphasized the complexity of Sally's character and the opportunity to bring her to life on stage, citing the challenge of embodying Sally's cleverness and wit.
'Cabaret,' set in the indulgent Kit Kat Klub in Berlin on the brink of World War II, explores themes of decadence, democracy's collapse, and the rise of fascism. The musical features iconic songs by John Kander and Fred Ebb, such as 'Willkommen' and 'Tomorrow Belongs to Me.'
The casting of Lambert and Cravalho follows the performances of English actors Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin, who received Tony Award nominations for their roles in the revival. Both newcomers expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a renowned production.
With Lambert's background in musical theater and Cravalho's experience in film and television, the duo brings a blend of talent and fresh perspective to the stage. As they prepare to take on these iconic roles, audiences can anticipate a dynamic and captivating performance in the current revival of 'Cabaret' on Broadway.