Review: 'Cabaret' National Tour at the Fabulous Fox

Erin Karll

OnStage St. Louis Critic

The Roundabout Theatre Company's touring production of 'Cabaret' stopped in St. Louis. 'willkommen' indeed! Fresh off its Broadway run at studio 54 theatre the show travels well and is a powerful reminder of a dark time in the worlds history.

The story is of an American novelist Clifford Bradshaw (Benjamin Eakeley)traveling to Berlin during the rise of Hitler. He becomes infatuated with the night club lifestyle and a singer Sally Bowles (Leigh Ann Larkin), but realizes the danger that is coming. Narrated by the Emcee (Jon Peterson) who is the embodiment of excess that Cliff wants to fill his life with, the story takes some dark turns.  Eakeley and Larkin have powerful chemistry and truly show the obsession of the characters relationship. Peterson was wild, charming, engaging, and put the audience on notice from the opening number. The jokes hit even the back of the house.

Having seen the original set in the Broadway theatre I really liked the way it filled the Fox's stage. The lighting was brilliant and led to amazing transitions. The Kit Kat boys and girls flirted and charmed their way into the lime light.

Standout scenes for me were 'Willkommen', 'Don't Tell Mama', 'Maybe This Time', and the opening of act 2 'Entr'Acte' and 'Kick Line'. All classic and well known to fans of the show.

I would recommend you 'leave your troubles outside' and see this amazing production. Also leave the little ones and sensitive ones at home. Topics and themes for this show are not family friendly, but this time there was no Shia Labeouf.

For touring information visit cabaretmusical.com.