CABARET at the Athenaeum Theatre

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Thu 27 Apr 2017 - Sat 20 May 2017

It's all corsets, lipstick and military uniforms on Collins Street this May, as the award winning musical CABARET has opened at the Athenaeum Theatre.



CABARET is based on The Berlin Stories by famous author Christopher Isherwood who exchanged his upper-middle-class conservative upbringing for the hedonistic lifestyle of Berlin's nightclub scene during the bustling 1930s. This is a musical that is daringly different; celebrating social freedom by throwing inhibitions to the wind, at a time when the Nazis were rising to power.

The musical, adapted by song and lyrics team Kander and Ebb, became a semi-biographical portrait of Isherwood's life, celebrating life on the edge.

The Athenaeum Theatre is a fitting venue to host Melbourne's rendition of the iconic musical tale, which first appeared as a Broadway production some fifty years ago. Melbourne's heritage listed Athenaeum Theatre is one of the oldest public institutions in Victoria, which certainly helps to achieve the right feel for CABARET's set in the declining years of the Weimar Republic.

Jason Kos who plays the lead; that of the wholesome American writer and author Clifford Bradshaw, does so with the charm and naivety required of his role.



Chelsea Gibb who plays English-accented Sally Bowles storms onto the stage with an incredible presence and totally rocks her corsets! Debora Krizak is absolutely fantastic playing a seductive yet troubled Fräulein Kost.

Indeed there are many stand-out performers in Melbourne's stage rendition of CABARET, but it is Paul Capsis playing the role of the fabulous Emcee, who steals the show. Right from the onset when Capsis "Willkommen"s the audience into the seedy Kit Kat Club, one can't help but fall in love with his larger than life girl-boy Master of Ceremonies character.



It is no surprise that over the years, CABARET the musical has won 12 Tony Awards, 8 Academy Awards and 7 BAFTA Awards.

Not to be compared to the iconic 70s movie musical, which made a star of Liza Minnelli when she brought Sally Bowles to the silver screen, this highly entertaining stage adaptation of CABARET is as thrilling to watch as it is thought-provoking; given the underlying political topic on which this story is based. If you are unfamiliar with the story of CABARET, be prepared to leave with a heavy heart - I'll say no more than that.


"What good is sitting alone in your room?" Come to the CABARET at the Athenaeum Theatre. On until 20 May, 2017. Book your tickets here .

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!date 27/04/2017 -- 20/05/2017
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