Cabaret is one of my favorite musicals, but somehow I’d never managed to see the live theater version starring Alan Cumming as the Emcee. Not in 1993, when he did it in London, nor in 1998 on Broadway. Well, he’s back in his star-making role — only through March — at Studio 54 and I was NOT missing him again.
I finally made it!
Emma Stone was an excellent Sally Bowles. I liked the way the title song was arranged so that there was no risk of Emma having to compete with the movie version’s Sally, Liza Minnelli. You know, Liza IS Sally Bowles; it’s best not to even go there.
I decided to dress like one of the garter-wearing cabaret girls by recreating the outfit I wore to Zang Toi’s runway show last February.
What Wendy Wore
Jacket: Zang Toi (purchased December 2013)
Top: Camisole from Bare Necessities
Shorts (hidden): JC de Castelbajac (2013)
Tights: Pretty Polly
Shoes: Lagerfeld (1994)
Purse: Prada (2007)
Everyone in the audience was dressed for the theme just like me. I kid, I kid! Everyone was in jeans like they always are at the theater these days. No matter. I felt good even though I wasn’t wearing Sally’s trademark green “Divine Decadence” nail polish. Dang! I just realized I could have worn my Green Envy lipstick from Manic Panic. That would have been an appropriate substitute.
Anyway, if you’re in New York before the show closes, catch it while you can, or you’ll be sorry!
UPDATED TO ADD: Christopher Isherwood — whose book Goodbye to Berlin was adapted and turned first into the play I Am A Camera and then into Cabaret — based the character of Sally Bowles on his real-life acquaintance, Jean Ross. She seems fascinating; now I need to find out everything about her.
I would love to be able to see that, and you look fantastic (thought those were Pretty Polly 🙂 ). Emma was amazing in Birdman, and I hope she gets more interesting roles in the future.
Yes, I think she’s a really good actress. And those giant eyes of hers work really well on the stage 🙂
I love Alan Cumming. I have seen him onstage three times (3 different plays) and every time he has been some degree of naked… hmmm…
Glad you enjoyed Emma Stone’s performance. I saw it with Michelle Williams and thought she was very weak except for her final number.
Oh, that’s too bad about Michelle Williams. I was reading some reviews. A bunch of them pointed out that Sally was never supposed to have a great voice anyway, based on the original Isherwood material. I was kinda like, “I still like to hear a great voice.” Was it her voice that was the problem mostly or her whole performance?
She seemed overwhelmed by the role. Her diction was terrible (could barely understand what she was singing, even though I know the lyrics well) and she carried herself in a stiff and artificial way. She’s a great example of how the qualities that make great film acting don’t work the same onstage.
Oh, how disappointing!
Back in NYC for the Matisse and SCORED a table ticket tomorrow for Cabaret!!! Apparently Emma’s gone to some award show but Alan will be there so who cares?!? I too have never seen the show with him and he has been naked in the other show I saw him in ::) Nice ass. I am dressing up, wig and all, Wendy B!! Promise pics!
OMG, have a great time! Can’t wait for the pix!