Auckland Theatre Company’s performance of Cabaret. Photo / Andi Crown
Speaking of accents, the first thing I do at intermission is look up Justin Rogers, convinced the actor hails from Pennsylvania. Alas, he’s local talent with an absolutely flawless accent and the theatre chops to match. He’s not the only one. Nomi Cohen is the perfect Sally, constantly toeing the line between devastatingly chaotic and captivating, a beautiful train wreck you can’t help but watch.
Meanwhile, the ensemble collectively dazzles in comedic bits, crisp dance numbers and pitch-perfect songs that aren’t just technically strong but performed with an obvious sense of play. This is a cast that seems to love performing together and the energy is contagious, turning a sensible Auckland crowd into one that whoops, hollers, and eventually gives a standing ovation. This atmosphere is no doubt helped by the live band permanently set on a platform at the back of the stage, who add yet another layer to the production.
Auckland Theatre Company’s performance of Cabaret. Photo / Andi Crown
Amid the belted solos and high-octane theatrics, the tender love story between Fräulein Schneider (Susan Brady) and Herr Schultz (Steven Ray) can feel comparatively slow and saccharine, but it’s a necessary contrast. Between these two characters, one feels the heartbreak of Berlin’s changing politics most keenly.
Is it an Auckland Theatre Company show without a fantastic set? This one is the work of Dan Williams and is mainly set at the Kit Kat Klub, complete with a large hanging CABARET sign, yet quickly transforms into a handful of other spaces with the tactful use of a few key props and brilliant lighting (courtesy of Filament Eleven 11).
And a moment for the makeup and costuming, which can only be described as decadent. There are voluminous hoop skirts and silky corsets, fishnets and tassels and eyeshadow dramatic enough to be considered a main character.
All this is to say, a night at Cabaret feels like everything a great night of theatre should be. It’s raucous and flirty, sincere and heartbreaking and sends you off into the night with a brain full of thoughts and a song stuck in your head.
Cabaret runs until October 25 at the ASB Waterfront Theatre (atc.co.nz)