So, a million weeks later I am finally getting to my review of Cabaret. I was at the showing at the first night showing held on March 10. Although it was at the beginning when events that were beginning to cancel; it was crowded. Full of amazing patrons who wanted to show their love and support the show pressed on. This show really set the bar high for a full-on performance. So, if you have ever been to a Cabaret show there are a few things that you will look for and that is the acting, the stage, the music, the performance, and the singing.
What did I think? It was pure entertainment and full of passion from the first note to the last. I sat in the front which I love to do because I like to be close to the action but, the reach of the performance was so powerful that the patrons in the back was just as powerful. The issue with this COVID-19 is that it put a tremendous stop to an amazing show. The actors and actresses as well as the production did their thing on this show. I was honored to be there. Even with being in a funk these last weeks I couldn’t just not give a proper review.
Acting
Everyone was on for their acting. It flowed flawlessly. The production was divided by two scenes as it told the story of an American writer, Cliff who ventures into Berlin. The roller coaster of characters that sends Cliff into the arms of Sally Bowles and their skyrocketing relationship into a classic tailspin of fun, love and loss. I have to say everyone was extremely mesmerizing. If you have ever been to any Cabaret show you already know it can be deemed a little sensual but not erotic. It was full of suspense as the story had many layered elements that you had to pay attention. However, because the production was so good it was hard to not pay attention. Which brings me to….
Music
This by far is the meat and potatoes of the whole thing. Its hard to dissect the production without mentioning the musical numbers. The songs were amazing. It had me from the first note to the last. It was hard not to dance along in your seat. The music was so full of life it was like the audience was apart of the performance. I wanted to point out a few of the songs that were my favorite. The songs that still ring for me is “Don’t Tell Mama,” “Maybe this Time, “and “What would you do.” I literally even after these weeks have passed can sing them. I grew up around plays and productions my whole life top that with being a choir director’s daughter I can sing and hear a song once and catch it. The music was the best part. Not one leg was still the entire time. Everyone kept waiting for their time to clap. Even as everyone left the power of the music had folks swaying back to their cars.
The Stage
Everyone always gives the musicians and the actors/actresses their shine, but we literally can’t leave out the production staff. The entire production was a magnificently enhanced by the production’s crew eye for detail. Every shadow from lighting. Every chair that was fixed it was in sync. It was colorful and completely eye catching. At one point while still dancing I just stopped to take my eyes on everything as a whole and what I know about how behind the scene work I knew the dedicated staff deserved that standing ovation not just because of the powerful voices and dance moves but because as a whole, production took us from Philadelphia to Berlin and we didn’t even need a passport.
Performance
Take the above elements and you have a star-studdedperformance. The whole performance had heart. When Herr Schultz, Fraulein Schneider, and Fraulein Kost sang “Married” it was full of, so emotion and I didn’t want it to end. Performances come from years of training and it takes more than knowing lines to bring a part to life. It takes heart and a love of stepping out and giving your whole heart every time, you step before the crowd. Nothing in the moment mattered and it didn’t matter the whole world outside of Bristol Riverside Theatre was literally exploding in ways I had no clue until I got back into my car. At that moment I was in Berlin watching Sally Bowles and Cliff going back and forth making their love story align and fall apart and I had to see it through.
Donate
I am so saddened that they had to put the play to a standstill. I had not only envisioned me going the opening night but taking some friends to go back. That time didn’t come. You will have to rely on your eyes if you were fortunate to see it or other reviews like mine. This is what I am asking. Even though it took me some time to review it which is not my usual take, consider donating. Yes, donating to Bristol Riverside so that the hardworking actors and actresses and production crews like the ones behind Cabaret can do just enjoy this down time and have a little support behind them. Let me tell there are sacrifices behind the scenes like working on your acting craft and working odd and ends jobs to make this dream work. You see a production you don’t see hours upon hours of hard work, dedication, and lack of social interaction that it takes to put on a full production. If you want or know of someone who has ever gone to a production at Bristol Riverside Theatre, allow them to click here to donate. Also, when you go to another future production at any future show do me a favor, buy snacks, donate, and/or buy the t-shirts and buttons. Always let others know how well it was too. Word of mouth is the best free publicity.
Also follow them on Instagram as they bring performances to you! Trust me it’s a great way to be entertained while we continue social distancing!
Thank you to Bristol Riverside Theatre and Aversa PR for the invite. I look forward to more productions in the future.
