I was waiting for *my* cast to go see the famous Cabaret on Broadway – not to resurrect the one and only Liza Minnelli in my mind – and here it is, an immersive experience on West 52nd Street in Manhattan.

The musical CABARET showcases a devastating historic moment – the Nazis’ rise to full power – that went unnoticed by many “normal people” who were busy having fun, working, planning weddings, dreaming of becoming famous artists, and so on. Through the quirky and queer cabaret world, we witness one of the most dangerous turns in human history.

The all-Black cast in the three title roles adds a twist to the story, especially in light of recent political shifts in the U.S. and beyond. Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace are wonderful. The entire cast is charming – they don’t just play their roles, they live them.

Good thing I didn’t read the New York Times review of the inaugural 2024 performance beforehand. I read it today and felt like I had seen a completely different production – different actors bringing the characters to life in their own unique way. I made the right decision to wait. The Summer 2025 cast is fire.

The word cabaret comes from the mid 17th century (denoting a French inn): from Old French, literally it means a ‘wooden structure’, via Middle Dutch from Old Picard – camberet – ‘little room’. A lot can happen in that ‘little room’ – historically, cabaret is a political art form disguised in fun. Through satire and social commentary, cabaret can reflect and criticize the dominant politics, while being a spectacular theatrical show. Originated in the 19th century, the art form acted as a foil to mainstream amusements, providing a refuge for artistic and political dissent.

For this show, arrive 30-40 min earlier – to explore the art, bars, and the foyer performance before the main event – pre-show performances, fancy bars, and visual art on the walls will get you immersed right away. The mysterious sound of the pre-show soundtrack will guide you through the discreet tunnel into the club. Everything else is off-limits for filming or photography.

The show general information: The Broadway production Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club features music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, with a book by Joe Masteroff, based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. The production is directed by Rebecca Frecknall, choreographed by Julia Cheng, and designed by Tom Scutt (set, club, and costume) and Isabella Byrd (lighting), with Jennifer Whyte serving as music supervisor and Angus MacRae as the prologue composer. The show transforms the August Wilson Theatre into the Kit Kat Club, creating an immersive environment for the audience. The musical is based on the classic play by John Van Druten and the Berlin stories by Christopher Isherwood. It is the fourth Broadway revival of the musical Cabaret. Enjoy! || Natalie Burlutskaya, Curator, Arts Manager