Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre Episode – Marisha Wallace and Billy Porter in CABARET

Podcast Information:

• Title: MickeyJoTheatre
• Host/Author: MickeyJoTheatre
• Description: Join Mickey-Jo from MickeyJoTheatre as he reviews the latest shows from the West End, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-West End, Edinburgh Fringe, and across the globe. As a leading voice in theatre criticism on social platforms, Mickey-Jo pioneers a new medium for a dwindling field. His YouTube channel, MickeyJoTheatre, is the largest worldwide dedicated to theatre criticism, featuring reviews, news, interviews, and lifestyle content for over 60,000 subscribers.
• Episode: Marisha Wallace and Billy Porter in CABARET | Mickey-Jo's thoughts on the new West End revival cast
• Release Date: February 16, 2025

Introduction

In this episode, Mickey Jo delves into the latest West End revival of Cabaret, focusing on the performances of Marisha Wallace as Sally Bowles and Billy Porter as the Master of Ceremonies (MC). He provides an in-depth analysis of their portrayals, the significance of their casting, and the broader thematic implications within the production.

Overview of the Cabaret Production

Mickey Jo begins by setting the stage for the discussion, highlighting the history of the Cabaret revival and its significance in contemporary theatre. He notes the production's origin:

“[00:05] [...] the current revival of Cabaret playing both at the Kit Kat Club aka the Playhouse Theatre in the West End and the KitKat Club aka the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway.”

He emphasizes that the revival has seen a rotation of star performers, which poses unique challenges and opportunities for each new cast.

Marisha Wallace's Performance as Sally Bowles

Mickey Jo provides a comprehensive review of Marisha Wallace's portrayal of Sally Bowles, commending her departure from traditional interpretations:

“[04:30] [...] Marisha pours all of this passionate wanting into it. It's beautiful. It works for me. It works within the context of this production. I think it's great. She sounds phenomenal.”

Key Points:

• Casting Significance: This is the first time Sally Bowles in the London production has been portrayed by a non-white performer, marking a pivotal moment in the show's history.

• Character Interpretation: Unlike previous actresses who opted for a more flamboyant and less nuanced portrayal, Marisha brings depth and vulnerability to Sally. Mickey Jo appreciates her commitment to the character's illusion of aspiring stardom and her emotional investment.

  “[13:45] [...] Marisha feels like a Sally more committed to the illusion that she is and can become a star in those scenes when she is talking about the club.”

• Vocal Performance: Marisha maintains the raw and edgy vocal quality necessary for Cabaret, avoiding an overly polished sound which aligns with her character's gritty realism.

• Accent and Authenticity: While her British accent has minor inconsistencies, Mickey Jo interprets this as a reflection of Sally's manufactured persona, adding layers to her characterization.

  “[18:20] [...] I was able to kind of willfully interpret this for myself was that it felt as though this was another manufactured quality of Sally.”

Billy Porter's Performance as the MC

Billy Porter's portrayal of the MC is analyzed with both praise and constructive criticism. Mickey Jo highlights Porter's unique approach and the challenges it presents:

“[20:10] [...] Billy feels at all times like he is Billy Porter playing this role. He doesn't disappear into this character as we have seen Eddie Redmayne do, as we have seen Adam Lambert do.”

Key Points:

• Unique Interpretation: Porter maintains his distinctive persona, which sometimes hinders full immersion into the MC character. Despite this, his performance in pivotal moments is lauded.

  “[22:15] [...] His delivery of the final line is filled with tension and terror, making it impossible to laugh at what is intended as a serious moment.”

• Vocal Adaptation: The MC's songs are performed in a higher key, aligning with Porter's vocal range but occasionally detracting from the character's menacing transformation.

• Costuming and Character Evolution: Unlike previous MC portrayals, Porter retains his natural hair and avoids full clown makeup, adding a layer of vulnerability to the character.

  “[24:00] [...] He is the first to wear this suit that slowly, more and more members of the company...”

• Accent Consistency: Porter's American accent remains prominent, even during scenes meant to convey a Germanic presence, which Mickey Jo notes as a slight divergence from authenticity.

Intersection of Race and Characterization

Mickey Jo delves into the groundbreaking nature of casting non-white performers in principal roles traditionally portrayed by white actors. He explores the thematic implications:

“[25:50] [...] This is the first time in the West End production which opened first that either of these roles have been played by principal non white performers.”

Key Points:

• Symbolic Representation: The MC, traditionally a symbol of the rise of fascism, gains new dimensions when portrayed by a black actor, intertwining themes of racial identity and political unrest.

• Cultural Resonance: The casting choices resonate with contemporary political climates, drawing parallels between the show's depiction of Nazism and modern-day societal issues.

  “[30:20] [...] It has become impossible to ignore the fact that while this is playing out on stage...”

Supporting Cast and Other Performances

Mickey Jo briefly touches upon the supporting cast, highlighting notable performances that complement the leads:

“[35:00] [...] Daniel Bowerbank as Cliff Clifford Bradshaw brings a nuanced portrayal of a character torn between admiration and emotional connection.”

Key Points:

• Character Dynamics: The relationship between Cliff and Sally is examined, with Mickey Jo noting the one-sided emotional depth of Cliff's character.

• Minor Roles: Performances by Fred Haig as Ernst Ludwig and Fenton Grey as Herr Schultz are praised for adding complexity to the narrative, particularly in scenes addressing LGBTQ+ themes and political tensions.

Overall Impressions and Conclusion

Mickey Jo concludes the episode with a balanced assessment of the revival, acknowledging both its strengths and areas for improvement:

“[45:50] [...] It remains one of the best shows in the West End. I can still recommend it wholeheartedly.”

Key Points:

• Performance Quality: While Marisha Wallace's Sally is a standout, Billy Porter's MC, though strong in key moments, occasionally struggles to fully embody the character due to his distinctive personal style.

• Thematic Depth: The revival's exploration of political and social themes through the lens of race and identity adds a contemporary relevance to the classic narrative.

• Audience Engagement: Mickey Jo encourages listeners to share their thoughts, particularly regarding the potential transfer of Marisha and Billy to the Broadway production, underscoring the interactive nature of his platform.

  “[50:10] [...] Let me know if you have enjoyed listening or watching, make sure you are subscribed right here on YouTube or following me on podcast platforms.”

Notable Quotes:

1. On Marisha Wallace's Transformation:

   “[04:30] [...] Marisha pours all of this passionate wanting into it. It's beautiful. It works for me. It works within the context of this production. I think it's great. She sounds phenomenal.”

2. On Billy Porter's Interpretation:

   “[20:10] [...] Billy feels at all times like he is Billy Porter playing this role. He doesn't disappear into this character as we have seen Eddie Redmayne do, as we have seen Adam Lambert do.”

3. On the Significance of Casting:

   “[25:50] [...] This is the first time in the West End production which opened first that either of these roles have been played by principal non white performers.”

4. On Thematic Resonance:

   “[30:20] [...] It has become impossible to ignore the fact that while this is playing out on stage...”

5. On Overall Production Quality:

   “[45:50] [...] It remains one of the best shows in the West End. I can still recommend it wholeheartedly.”

Conclusion

Mickey Jo's episode provides a thorough and insightful critique of the Cabaret revival, particularly highlighting the impactful performances of Marisha Wallace and Billy Porter. By addressing the innovative casting choices and their broader implications, the podcast offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the production's place in contemporary theatre. Whether you're a theatre enthusiast or new to Cabaret, Mickey Jo's analysis serves as a valuable guide to appreciating this dynamic revival.