'Cabaret' Stars Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada

Summary

Podcast Summary: "All Of It" Episode Featuring 'Cabaret' Stars Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada

Introduction In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, listeners are treated to an in-depth conversation with two standout performers from Broadway’s latest production of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club: Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada. Released on May 26, 2025, the episode delves into their personal journeys, character portrayals, and the broader cultural significance of the timeless musical in today’s socio-political climate.

Meet the Stars: Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club introduces Orville Peck in his Broadway debut as the enigmatic Emcee and Eva Noblezada as the fiery Sally Bowles. Alison Stewart begins the discussion by highlighting Peck’s transition from the country music scene—where he is known for his signature mask—to the theatrical world of Broadway.

Orville Peck’s Broadway Journey Orville Peck shares his lifelong aspiration to return to his theatrical roots. At [02:18], he reflects, “It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I grew up before long before I ever did country music. I was a theater actor...The chance to come back and do that was an easy yes.” Peck’s background as a professional ballet dancer and his passion for musical theater underscore his dedication to his craft, making his Broadway debut a natural progression in his artistic evolution.

Eva Noblezada’s Approach to Iconic Roles Eva Noblezada discusses her approach to embodying Sally Bowles, especially given her extensive experience in originating roles and participating in revivals. At [02:59], she explains, “I take deep respect and deep consideration because they paved the way for other actresses who have done Eponine and Kim and Sally Bowles...we have such a collaborative and deeply inspiring director...to use just our own perspective and own experiences to...expand the universe of our characters.” Noblezada emphasizes the importance of honoring previous interpretations while infusing her unique perspective into the role.

Character Development and Chemistry The conversation shifts to the dynamic between Orville’s Emcee and Eva’s Sally Bowles. At [03:42], Noblezada remarks on Peck’s portrayal of the Emcee: “Your version of the MC is so present. You're big, you're strong. There’s a certain masculinity to it.” Peck adds at [04:55], “I had to set it as a real person because...there’s a gruffness and a roughness to my MC, but that’s part of what lives inside of me.”

Their chemistry is palpable, stemming from their background and mutual respect. Noblezada fondly recalls their first meeting: “When I met him in person, I was like, oh, he's himself...unapologetically so. It’s really inspiring to be around” ([08:21]). Their genuine connection enhances their onstage performances, making their interactions as compelling as their characters.

Innovative Staging: In the Round at Kit Kat Club Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club employs an “in the round” staging, allowing actors to perform in a circular arrangement surrounded by the audience. Orville Peck discusses the challenges and beauty of this setup at [11:45]: “You have to be shooting that energy out in all directions at all times. You can’t really hide or cheat anything.” This immersive format demands heightened presence and energy, fostering a more intimate and engaging experience for both performers and audience members.

Noblezada adds at [13:00], “The breaking of the fourth wall with our characters and the audience...puts them in a position of like, oh my God, like we’re in a club...it gives such a level of realism.”

Cultural Relevance: Themes of Homophobia, Anti-Semitism, and Fascism The hosts delve into the contemporary resonance of Cabaret’s themes. Eva Noblezada articulates the importance of portraying a community that stands resilient in the face of oppression. At [18:36], she shares, “It’s hard not to think about the current moment...queer people have the most expansive...connecting the tissue within the queer community...it's supportive of each other.”

Both stars emphasize how Cabaret mirrors present-day societal issues, making the production not only artistically significant but also socially pertinent. The portrayal of marginalized communities and the fight against rising fascism and discrimination lend the musical a powerful, timeless message.

Final Performances and Reflections As the episode draws to a close, Alison Stewart notes that the final performance of Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada together will be on July 20th. This milestone marks the culmination of their collaborative effort in bringing Cabaret to life at the Kit Kat Club, leaving audiences with memorable performances and thought-provoking narratives.

Conclusion This episode of All Of It offers listeners a comprehensive look into the world of Broadway through the lens of two talented performers. Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada not only discuss their personal artistic journeys and the intricacies of their characters but also highlight the enduring relevance of Cabaret in today’s cultural landscape. Their insights provide a deeper appreciation for the intersection of art, culture, and societal issues, embodying the essence of what makes New York City’s cultural scene so vibrant and impactful.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Orville Peck on Broadway Dream: [02:18] “It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember...The chance to come back and do that was an easy yes.”

• Eva Noblezada on Respecting Past Iterations: [02:59] “I take deep respect and deep consideration because they paved the way for other actresses who have done Eponine and Kim and Sally Bowles...”

• Noblezada on MC’s Presence: [03:42] “Your version of the MC is so present. You're big, you're strong. There’s a certain masculinity to it.”

• Peck on Emcee’s Character: [04:55] “I had to set it as a real person because...there’s a gruffness and a roughness to my MC...”

• Noblezada on Meeting Peck: [08:21] “When I met him in person, I was like, oh, he's himself...unapologetically so. It’s really inspiring to be around.”

• Peck on In the Round Staging: [11:45] “You have to be shooting that energy out in all directions at all times. You can’t really hide or cheat anything.”

• Noblezada on Breaking the Fourth Wall: [13:00] “The breaking of the fourth wall with our characters and the audience...it gives such a level of realism.”

• Noblezada on Cultural Themes: [18:36] “It’s hard not to think about the current moment...queer people have the most expansive...supportive of each other.”

Transcript

[Progressive Insurance Ad]

All of it is supported by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever find yourself playing the budgeting game? Well, with the Name youe Price Tool from Progressive, you can find options that fit your budget and potentially lower your bills. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates Price and coverage match Limited by state law not available in all states.

[Alison Stewart]

This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. Happy Memorial, Memorial Day. I hope you're enjoying your long weekend. I'm grateful you're choosing to spend part of it with us here today. Coming up on the show, since this weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, we've put together some ideas for you to have some fun over the next few months. Things to read, see and listen to as the weather gets warmer, including an exhibition in queens about the 196465 World's Fair, a great new novel about a child actor in 80s New York City, and Bad Bunny's latest album, which no doubt you'll hear in bars, restaurants and car speakers around the city this summer. But for now, let's start with one idea to enjoy theater this summer. A trip to the Cabaret this spring. Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club welcomed two new stars, one making his Broadway debut, the other a two time Tony nominee. Orville Peck took over the role of the emcee. Arriving from the world of country music where he's known for wearing a stylish mask in public at all times. As the emcee, Orville uses his booming voice to welcome the audience and carry them through a story of Berlin around the year 1930, a Bohemian era that comes crashing into into fascism. Eva Noblezada plays the magnetic and headstrong Sally Bowles. Noblezada comes most recently from the West End's production of Hadestown. She played Eurydice, a Tony nominated role she originated on Broadway. The two leads joined me in studio around the time of their debut. Their last performance together will be July 20th. I started by asking Orville what the appeal of Broadway was for him.

[Orville Peck]

I mean, listen, it's been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I grew up before long before I ever did country music. I was a theater actor. I did like a lot of musical theater. I was a professional ballet dancer and did a ton of stuff in my kind of early 20s. And then I put it aside for a long time and focused on music. And so the chance to come back and do that was an easy yes.

[Alison Stewart]

When I saw it, I said this.

[Eva Noblezada]

Guy'S a theater kid.

[Orville Peck]

Absolutely.

[Eva Noblezada]

You've done so Many different roles. Eva, before stepping into a role that you have to, you know, you've originated roles, but then you've also stepped into revivals of roles.

[Alison Stewart]

Is your process different?

[Eva Noblezada]

Yeah, it's different, I think, because there are other, I guess, blueprints of, you know, what has been done. And so you take that not into your show, but you take it, obviously, with deep respect and deep consideration because they pave the way, you know, other actresses who have done Eponine and Kim and Sally Bowles, of course. And it's all about making the world. And we have such a collaborative and deeply inspiring director, Rebecca Frecknell, who allows us the opportunity to expand our knowledge of what we know the show to be and put it in our bodies and use just our own perspective and own experiences to, yeah, expand the universe of our characters, which has been really awesome.

Your version of the MC is so present. You're big, you're strong. You invite people in. There's a certain masculinity to it. What do you want the audience to experience as they meet your emcee?

[Orville Peck]

I think for my take on the mc, it was, you know, structurally, I think this character can be played a million different ways. And there's sort of a metaphoric existence to this character about, you know, does he represent a real person? Is he Germany? Is he real? And, you know, for me, I had to start with it as a real person because I think that it's a very. All these characters take a really crazy journey in the show from where we start to where we end. It's like night and day. And so, for me, I had to, like, first, like, you know, set it as a real person and with real goals, fears, ambitions, shortcomings. And so I think that's where I started with it. And, yeah, there's definitely, like, a gruffness and a roughness to my mc, but I think that's part of a. Part of what lives inside of me, you know, so just bringing some of.

[Eva Noblezada]

That to the table, taking on Sally Bowles, what did you want to bring to Sally Bowles?

Well, the realness, too, I guess. Like, just wanting her to feel human, because when I go to the theater, I'm really inspired and moved by people who just are people. I mean, that's our job is to literally, you know, create humans from the bone marrow out into our aura. And I wanted her to jump off the page and slap you in the face and then French kiss you and, you know, inspire you from afar, but also show you, like, you know, how you can Relate to her, but also how you don't want to be as somebody, you know, amidst a political background that, you know, do you. Are you, you know, actively against it? Are you apolitical? Are you, you know, so I wanted her to jump out in those ways where you go, I don't want to be that, or I see myself in you, or, holy crap, I don't know what. I can only imagine what you're going through in this, in that predicament of having a child and then choosing to not have the child. And so, yeah, I just wanted to bring a realness to her and a flushness and a rawness to her that because I had seen the show twice and any iteration, like Orville said, is so different, but still so potent and relevant and inspiring. So you can never really see the same cabaret twice, even if it's the same cast, I think, because I feel like even today we're still, like, finding new moments where we just live a little bit differently in that.

So, yeah. What's a new moment that you found for yourself in the past week?

[Orville Peck]

I mean, of tons. You know, it's funny, like, I think once the sort of adrenaline settled from preview and then from, you know, our gala night and everything, I've been finding little moments every day. Like Eva said. I mean, the beautiful thing about live theater is that it is, you know, you are. Not only is the audience experiencing this maybe for the first time, but we're sort of re experiencing it each time for the first time. And, you know, things go wrong, things go differently. Things go whatever. And so, you know, we find stuff all the time. I mean, I actually think that particularly, you know, the relationship between the MC and Sally's characters. There's not very much definition of that in this script, just as a. As a story. And I think we keep finding, like, new elements to who these people are to one another, what they sort of see in themselves, in each other, what they. You know, I think it's actually my real kind of focus, character wise, has really been a lot of my resentment and things that I feel as the MC are sort of projected towards Sally. So I find a lot of that in the show.

[Eva Noblezada]

My guests are Orville Peck and Eva Nobuzada. They star in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. When did you guys meet? Because you guys have chemistry beyond belief.

Well, thank you so much. We met.

I was watching you guys, I'm like, oh, those two.

[Orville Peck]

We're long lost soulmates.

[Eva Noblezada]

Yeah, we really are. We met for the first time in the elevator At Gilberto's.

[Orville Peck]

Yes. Going to get fitted for our suits that we all wear at the end of the show. Yeah. We met when we had already been cast for a while and I think I was in New York while we were here doing promo and doing some fittings and things like that. So. Yeah, not. Not like pretty soon into the process, I guess. But yeah, not like a very long time ago.

[Eva Noblezada]

Not at all.

What was your, what was your first impression? We're gonna talk about you late night here. What's your first impression of Orville?

Well, first of all, rock star, superstar, super hot, super talented. When I met him in person, I was like, oh, he's himself. He's so like, I know down to earth seems like such a boring term to describe Orville, but like, he just knows who he is and he goes through life, I think, just being himself and like unapologetically so. And I think that's really inspiring to be around. It just kind of calls out like your inner child and makes you feel really safe and in terms of work. And I wish we had more things together. I think I look you in the eyes three times during the entire time.

[Orville Peck]

I know, but there are powerful. Three times. They're very powerful.

[Eva Noblezada]

Orville, what have you learned from this two time Tony nominee about being on Broadway, about your craft?

[Orville Peck]

It's, you know, it is such an. I'm so. It really. It sounds like a pageant answer, but I genuinely am so honored. And it's, it's set the bar so high for me for my Broadway debut to be able to work with Eva, because I actually saw Eva in London when she was in Miss Saigon in that first production. And back then I remember thinking this is a superstar. And then getting to know her and just see her work. I think the thing about Eva is like, it is clear to anybody who has ever heard this woman sing or seen her act that she is unbelievably talented. But the thing I am loving more and more every day, getting to know her is like she has such a open, light, welcoming presence. There's no ego you like. It is just the easiest thing to come to work and work with her and yeah, incredibly inspiring because also I think her confidence and her just the way she shows up, it's just really inspiring and lovely.

[Eva Noblezada]

Her confidence. Where do you think your confidence comes from?

Insecurity.

[Orville Peck]

Yeah.

[Eva Noblezada]

Period.

Yeah.

It's all about, you know, you can't have light without dark. And I'm not saying I'm not insecure, but I think that the older I get. And the more that the universe or God gives me, you know, opportunities to show up in my life, you know, whether you call those challenges or opportunities, you know, it makes me want to be more present in ways where maybe in the past, I struggled with showing up. So being insecure, I think now I'm like, you know what?

[Orville Peck]

Who cares?

[Eva Noblezada]

Who cares? I know what I want. I know who I am. I know what I love to do, and that's what I'm. I'm grateful to be able to come to work and work with people like Orville and this amazing company. And, you know, I could be doing a job where I'm unhappy and I'm not. I'm doing a job where I love what I do, and it tires me out and it. I'm so grateful for that because I'm doing something that fulfills me and fulfills my spirit. So that's where it comes from.

It's so interesting. Talking about Cabaret at the Kit Kit Club with my guests Orville Peck and Eva Novozada is. It's in the round. It's a super in the round. The stage goes up. You guys are in and out of the audience.

[Alison Stewart]

Orville, tell me what that's like for.

[Eva Noblezada]

You as a sort of a newcomer to Broadway, to be in this sort of unique stage.

[Orville Peck]

Yeah, no, it is quite the challenge, but it's quite a beautiful challenge, I think, you know, as performers typically in a very, you know, traditional stage where there's, you know, the one side is us and the other side is the audience. And so, you know, you can find ways to sort of cheat your energy, if that makes sense. And so there's no doing that in this show, especially it being a musical. You know, like, people are looking at you literally 360 degrees. And so you have to be shooting that energy out in all directions at all times. You can't really hide or cheat anything. And so that's been kind of a beautiful challenge. But I think it, you know, it speaks to kind of that, what Eva's saying a little bit about, like, showing up and being present every night. I mean, it forces you to just immerse yourself and lose yourself in the story because you can't be performative. It doesn't work. You have to just be present and be, like, locked into the story you're telling, because it'll show if you're not.

[Eva Noblezada]

You know, we first see you in the audience.

Yeah.

Tell us about starting the show in the audience.

I love it. I love just, like, messing with people because I Have to like walk over everybody.

You do.

I have to. I say I'm going this way.

[Orville Peck]

It's very Sally.

[Eva Noblezada]

It's very Sally. And my first show ever, someone stood up too fast and spilled their drink. And I said something. I don't even know if I could say it on the air. Oh yeah. So they're getting, they're shaking their head. They know, they're like, it's the Kit Kat Club. It's fun because I think the breaking of the fourth wall with our characters and the audience, I think it gives such a level of realism that it puts them in a position of like, oh my God, like we're in a club. And like, oh, we. It's right in her face. And then boom, you're hit with the storyline. And I think the audience. That's one of the coolest impacts of the show is like being like, hahaha. It's all fun and games until it's not so buckle your seatbelts. Which I think is really nice.

[Alison Stewart]

Let's talk about the mc.

[Eva Noblezada]

He's almost mechanical in the beginning, A.

[Alison Stewart]

Little bit like a toy soldier type doll. What inspired the physicality?

[Orville Peck]

I think for me, you know, the MC journey is a tricky one because, you know, without giving away too much about the show. Cause I think everyone should come and experience it and experience the surprises of it. But where the MC comes into play in the start is to obviously welcome, very famously Vilcolman, you know, welcome everyone into the show and kind of make everyone feel at ease and playful. And you know, that physicality for me is very much about kind of a chaotic physicality and more like, you know, loose and open to kind of bring that freedom. And then, you know, by the end of the show it's a very different story. And so physicality in general for the show plays like a big part for me. I spend a lot of time thinking about, as the show progresses, I change that a lot so that by the end it feels very much like a different person than you see at the beginning.

[Alison Stewart]

If you had to describe where Sally.

[Eva Noblezada]

Bowles is in her life when we meet her, how would you describe where she is? What's going on with her?

I would say glamorous. Rock bottom, I would say. I mean, I love her confidence in whatever, wherever she is. Because if you look closely, you could see that she's a hot mess. She's living paycheck to paycheck, probably spending it on gin and glitter and you know, probably just wanting to. I mean, but also like in that, that time like, it's not like women were exactly treated as equal, equally as men were. So she's doing the best she can, but also enjoying the fact that she is the star of that club, and she is eating that up. It's the house of Bowls, for God's sake. And so, yeah, I think that she is glamorous. Rock bottom would be my answer for you.

This is the part of the conversation where I'm gonna veer into country music, because obviously, Ova was a country singer, but you starred in a movie. This is the last time you were on the show. In that movie, you did Yellow Rose. There you go.

I was a country singer in Yellow Rose, baby. I was.

Did you know this?

[Orville Peck]

I did not. I need to see this. What are we talking about here?

[Eva Noblezada]

One day, I'll show up with my guitar, and I'll play you a girl.

She played a country singer.

[Orville Peck]

Are you kidding?

[Eva Noblezada]

Yeah. From Austin, Texas.

[Orville Peck]

Wait, not our kismet. Continue.

[Eva Noblezada]

Yeah, we're literally connected. I also wear a mask.

Discuss that.

No, I'm just kidding.

[Orville Peck]

Coming from my gig girl.

[Eva Noblezada]

Oh, my God.

Never was that hard for you to go from being a show about you, about your character, to being playing a different character.

[Orville Peck]

You know, it wasn't. I mean, I think the funny distinction for me is that, like, you know, my regular show, it does. It's not really a character for me. It's. It's very much me. And all my songs are, you know, very, very deeply personal. And so, like, I think the different challenge there is that in my regular show, it's. It's. I have to carry the whole thing for two hours, which is tiring. But there's sort of a weight off because I just go up, and I'm just myself, and I get to share my stories and feel like you. If I. If I screw something up, I can laugh at it. I can just, you know, it's. I'm in full control because the pressure's off, because I'm just myself. This, of course, is a different thing. I'm playing a character, and, you know, there's a lot of preparation that goes into that, but, I don't know. I didn't find it a challenge. I was just so excited to do it, you know, and so I think the challenging parts have been just the actual upkeep and preparation. But, you know, as far as mentally or anything, I was really excited to just come and do it.

[Eva Noblezada]

We've already gotten a call from a listener who wants to know why you wear the mask and why you didn't wear it in Cabaret.

[Orville Peck]

Well, I wear the mask because when I knew I wanted to be a country singer, I wanted to bring a theatricality and sort of an artistic expression to the genre which I felt like had been missing for many, many years. And you know, I kind of wanted to just take my spin on the Lone Ranger, if you will. So that's kind of why I wear it. And I didn't wear it in Cabaret because it's not about me. You know, I wanted to come and play this part with integrity and it's a very important show and I would, I'm just not the type of person that would want to make it the Orville Peck show.

[Eva Noblezada]

When we're talking about Cabaret, it's, it's, it's hard not to think about the current moment. Yeah, about. There are themes of homophobia, of anti Semitism, fascism. What is really resonating with the story of Cabaret for you, Eva, right now?

Well, we get to go to work with a. In a beautiful building full of queer people who are beautiful people who I feel like, how can you. I just don't understand. I don't understand waking up and choosing to want to have somebody not be themselves. It's like queer people have, are the most expansive. They shed light in the dimmest parts of the corners because of who they are. And it's like if someone AKA government wants to take rights away from people like that, it's like, well, who do you think is next? It's like it's really eye opening and it's really horrible because it's like don't you see this community? Don't you see the family aspect and how powerful the connective tissue is within the queer community and how it's always supportive of each other. It's encouraging and it's looking out for each other and it's. I just feel like that's been one of the most beautiful things. Just as Eva walking into the building and being with these people who are just a million percent themselves.

[Alison Stewart]

That was Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada speaking about their leading roles in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on Broadway. Their last show together is July 20th. Coming up in the latest novel from Adam Ross, a 14 year old child actor actor in 80s New York City finds himself entangled in an inappropriate relationship with a married woman. Ross is with me next to discuss his novel called Play World.

[Progressive Insurance Ad]

When a cold has you down, it's the little comforts that lift you up. A warm blanket, a cup of tea and a tissue that actually feels good on your skin. Infused with aloe, Kleenex Cooling plus Aloe provides a hint of cooling freshness to help your skin feel restored. So whether your skin is feeling dry, chafed or irritated, you're only one wipe away from helping it feel relieved. The next time you have a cold, get a hint of instant cooling relief with new Kleenex Cooling plus Aloe. For whatever happens next, grab Kleenex.

[My Mochi Ad]

Sun's out, snack's out and My Mochi Ice Cream is your go to summer treat. Mymochi's bite sized beauties are only around 70 calories each. They're packed with cool, creamy ice cream and wrapped with sweet, soft, chewy dough. Totally satisfying, perfectly portioned and ready to cool you down with every delicious bite. My Mochi Ice Cream fits your summer vibe. Treat yourself smart with a joyfully chill sensation of My Mochi. Look for the purple Box of My Mochi at Walmart or visit mymochi. Com to find a store near you.