Theatre Arlington’s Cabaret: A Second Look
Having the privilege to write about DFW theater is one of the greatest joys in my life. That being said, it is also something I agonize over and take very seriously. I am always afraid I have overlooked someone or missed an important point in a play or musical. I wish I had the chance to see every production twice before writing about it, but most shows have such short runs that it would be impossible and also expensive.
However, I was so impressed with Theatre Arlington’s staging of the 1966 Cabaret , I had to go back for a second look. This is such a dazzling and important musical that it deserves every bit of praise I gave it initially. Observing it a second time made me appreciate it even more and I want to give additonal kudos to the following:
Lori Woods’ Choreography - All those intricate steps performed with precision by the actors and those amazing KIt Kat Girls are marvelous.
Vonda K Bowling and the Band - OMG. The sound is big and brassy and then soft and stirring. And those discordant notes as the story spirals toward tragedy are perfection. Even though we can only glimpse the band, it is very much a character here.
Deborah Brown as Fraulein Schneider. That gorgeous voice and that warm presence is even more impressive the second time. Brava!
Micah JL Brooks as Cliff Bradshaw. There is something almost cinematic about his performance. Those matinee idol looks aside, this man knows how to bring depth to character. Cliff goes from charmingly playful to scarily serious and Brooks’ every word rings true. And, of course, there’s THAT VOICE.
Presley Duyck as Sally Bowles. We all know that Presley is magic on stage, but when she visits the dark side as she does singing the title number, it’s black magic. Her breakdown is so visceral and so compelling that I started to call 9-1-1
Seth Paden as Emcee. This malevolent master of ceremonies is unlike any I have seen before. He is literally everything, everywhere, all at once. Devilishly appealing, he is a singing and dancing nefarious, wicked wonder. He is Alice Cooper’s more talented, enticingly handsome love child welcoming us to the nightmare.
It all works so well in Theatre Arlington’s Cabaret. See it before it closes this Sunday, March 3.
Unforgettable cast in an unforgettable musical.