Auckland Theatre Company’s new “Cabaret” production is mesmerizing

The decades-long appeal of Cabaret is owed to its cunning storytelling.

An emcee greets the audience with a hypnotic opening number ("Willkommen"), assuring them that it's going to be a fun ride. The band hits the highest notes, the girls and boys dance without hesitation, and the energy runs incredibly high.

Set in Berlin, Germany in 1929, the musical follows the people of the Kit Kat Klub, whose lives will change further than they realize as the Nazis ascend to power. At the heart of this story is Sally Bowles, the cabaret performer who succumbs to the excesses of her lifestyle despite her crumbling reality.

Cabaret is currently being staged by the Auckland Theatre Company at ASB Waterfront Theatre until October 26. It is a production that is mesmerizing from beginning to end. The Emcee, played by Matu Ngaropo, carries the show so well and delivers an incredible take on the character. The depiction of the Emcee in Cabaret can make or break the show, and I'm ecstatic that Ngaropo was spot-on from the very first number.

Nomi Cohen was equally impressive as Sally Bowles, and I was easily carried away when she sang the title track.

Given the subtlety required to explore the sensitive nature of its narrative, Cabaret is a tricky musical to adapt in any medium. I adore Bob Fosse's 1972 film version with Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey, but I've always considered the stage the ideal way to present it. Director Benjamin Kilby-Henson and Musical Director Robin Kelly keep their audience engaged throughout. Even after the curtain call, the music keeps blasting, adding to the immersion of the overall staging.

I highly recommend checking out Auckland Theatre Company's production of Cabaret as soon as you can — and while tickets are still available, because I hear it's already a hot ticket. It will always be one of the most important musicals of all time, and this production only reinforces that. An essential watch.

Tickets for “Cabaret” are available on Auckland Theatre Company’s website.

Featured images from Andi Crown.