Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre Episode on Adam Lambert as Emcee in Cabaret

Release Date: November 27, 2024
Episode: Adam Lambert as Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club (August Wilson Theatre, Broadway) - MINI-REVIEW

Introduction

In this episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host Mickey-Jo delves into the Broadway revival of Cabaret at the August Wilson Theatre, with a special focus on the recent casting of Adam Lambert in the iconic role of the Emcee. As the director of one of the leading voices in theatre criticism on social media, Mickey-Jo provides an in-depth analysis of the production's evolution, performances, and overall impact on Broadway audiences.

Production Overview

The Broadway revival of Cabaret, directed by Rebecca Frecknell, is a continuation of the successful West End production originally staged at London's Playhouse Theatre, now also named the KitKat Club. This revival has seen multiple high-profile replacement cast members, including Rebecca Lucy Taylor, Jake Shears, Cara Delevingne, Maud Apatow, Luke Treadaway, Adam Gillan, and Katherine Langford. The addition of Adam Lambert and Auli Crevalho marks a significant turning point for the production, aiming to revitalize its Broadway presence after a modest start compared to its West End counterpart.

Mickey-Jo (00:02:15): "The Broadway production, which did not get off to as strong a start as the West End production with fewer Tony Award wins than the West End one, picked up Olivier's and less of a strong critical response, has just welcomed its first replacement star cast members with Adam Lambert joining as the MC."

Adam Lambert's Performance as Emcee

Adam Lambert brings a unique flair to the role of the Emcee, leveraging his renowned vocal prowess and dynamic stage presence. Known primarily as a vocalist and the frontman for Queen, Lambert's theatrical history includes performances in touring productions of Wicked, showcasing his capability to blend singing with compelling character work.

Mickey-Jo (00:07:30): "Adam, if you don't know, is best known as a vocalist. He was a contestant on American Idol. He has subsequently had a fantastic career as a recording artist, recently has been touring as the front man of Queen, taking over from the late, irreplaceable Freddie Mercury."

Lambert’s portrayal is described as both charismatic and heart-wrenching, injecting a high-octane energy into the MC's role that contrasts with his predecessor, Eddie Redmayne's more insidious and maniacal depiction.

Mickey-Jo (00:15:45): "Adam Lambert is giving you a character vocal, but a sensational character vocal. And he gets to show off the most in the song. I don't care much, but it's still very grounded in truth because he does this option up in the song and it feels like it's coming from a place of hurt and despair and agony."

Comparison with Previous Emcees

Eddie Redmayne's tenure as the MC was highly celebrated in the West End, earning him the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. However, his Broadway performance faced mixed reactions, particularly regarding his vocal choices, which some critics likened to "Kermit the Frog."

Mickey-Jo (00:05:20): "He did not win the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a musical, but walked away from that ceremony with something entirely unexpected, which is a little bit of mainstream backlash."

In contrast, Adam Lambert's approach is noted for its boldness and crowd-pleasing quality, utilizing ad-libs and a more overt theatricality that resonates well with Broadway audiences.

Mickey-Jo (00:20:50): "Adam plays it a little more obvious than Eddie. He also adds a lot of dialogue interjections. I have never really heard an MC doing that many ad libs in this production of the show."

Characterization and Thematic Representation

The Emcee in Cabaret serves as a direct conduit between the audience and the narrative, embodying the spirit of Berlin during the Pre-World War II era. Lambert's interpretation emphasizes the MC's transformation from a playful, vibrant character to a sinister symbol of the rising fascist sentiments in Germany.

Mickey-Jo (00:12:30): "If he is a metaphor for the soul of the country, his very soul, his very demeanor and character has become poisoned by this fascist notion."

Lambert effectively captures this duality, maintaining charm while unveiling a more aggressive and loaded persona as the show progresses. His performance underscores the political turbulence and the gradual erosion of artistic freedom and individual identity.

Direction and Production Elements

Rebecca Frecknell's direction, coupled with Tom Scutt's award-winning costume designs, significantly enhances Lambert's portrayal. The MC's costumes, particularly his sparkly clown-like outfits, amplify the character's theatricality and symbolic role within the narrative.

Mickey-Jo (00:18:25): "Tom Scutt's award winning costume designs also deserve a lot of credit for helping to bring this character to life. He is very much the sparkly clown at the heart of this eerie political circus."

The production's staging, including the removal of free schnapps and the reduction of actors in the prologue company, reflect strategic adjustments to streamline operational costs while attempting to retain audience engagement.

Vocal Performance and Musical Interpretation

Lambert's vocal performance in songs like "I Don't Care Much" showcases his ability to convey deep emotional layers through his singing. His rendition is both powerful and vulnerable, aligning seamlessly with the MC's evolving character.

Mickey-Jo (00:25:10): "He does this option up in the song and it feels like it's coming from a place of hurt and despair and agony. It's an incredibly charismatic and heartbreaking performance."

Impact on the Production and Audience Reception

Since Lambert's addition, there has been a noticeable uptick in audience enthusiasm and engagement. Mickey-Jo notes that the production has found renewed life, attracting different audience demographics and revitalizing interest despite high operational costs.

Mickey-Jo (00:28:40): "A lot of people are finding more life and more enjoyment in the show since Adam and Ali joined the company, that people are going back to it and have slightly different feelings about it."

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Mickey-Jo concludes that Adam Lambert stands out as one of the top Emcees in Cabaret's recent productions, highlighting his exceptional blend of vocal talent, theatricality, and emotional depth. The success of Lambert's performance may pave the way for additional star-studded replacements, potentially extending the show's Broadway run into 2025.

Mickey-Jo (00:30:50): "Adam Lambert is probably a better MC for Broadway than Eddie Redmayne. I think he makes more sense for the version of the show that can be successful on Broadway."

The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to share their thoughts and experiences, encouraging engagement and fostering a community of theatre enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes:

• Mickey-Jo (00:07:30): "Adam... has a fantastic career as a recording artist, recently has been touring as the front man of Queen."
• Mickey-Jo (00:15:45): "Adam Lambert is giving you a character vocal, but a sensational character vocal."
• Mickey-Jo (00:20:50): "He also adds a lot of dialogue interjections."
• Mickey-Jo (00:25:10): "It's an incredibly charismatic and heartbreaking performance."
• Mickey-Jo (00:30:50): "Adam Lambert is probably a better MC for Broadway than Eddie Redmayne."

Final Thoughts

Mickey-Jo's detailed review offers a comprehensive look into Adam Lambert's impactful performance as the Emcee in Cabaret. By comparing past performances, analyzing character development, and assessing production changes, the episode serves as an invaluable resource for theatre aficionados and those interested in Broadway's evolving landscape.

For more in-depth reviews and theatre-themed content, be sure to subscribe to MickeyJoTheatre on YouTube or follow the podcast on your preferred platform.