Last night, the company of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club Broadway legendJoel Grey’s92ndbirthday on stage at the August Wilson Theatre. See photos of the show's Academy and Tony-winning star with the production's stars, Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin.
During his speech honoring Grey, Eddie Redmayne said, “Tonight is an extraordinarily special night for us because we are in the presence of an extraordinary human being without whom none of us would be here.” After thunderous applause, Redmayne continued “Your performance in this part changed my life and it was one of the things that made me want to be an actor.”
Grey, who originated the role of the ‘Emcee’ on Broadway in 1966 and went on to star in the beloved film ofCabaret, took the stage as the entire cast, band, and creative team sang “Happy Birthday” while a custom cake, shaped like a giant pineapple, emerged from the stage.
The cast and Grey were also joined on stage byCabaretcomposerJohn Kander.
Alongside Joel’s daughterJennifer Greyand Kander, a star-studded crowd came out to fete the theater icon includingAnderson Cooper,Candice Bergen,Jackie Hoffman,Jane Krakowski,Lin-Manuel Miranda,David Rockwell, and more. They were joined by numerous alum ofCabaretspanning the decades includingMaude Apatow(Sally Bowles in London, 2023),Madeline Brewer(Sally Bowles in London, 2022),Joely Fisher(Sally Bowles on Broadway, 2000),Gina Gershon(Sally Bowles on Broadway, 2001),Mason Alexander Park(Emcee in London, 2023),Adam Pascal(Emcee on Broadway, 2003),Molly Ringwald(Sally Bowles on Broadway, 2002),Jake Shears(Emcee in London, 2023), andBrooke Shields(Sally Bowles on Broadway, 2001).
About CABARET AT THE KIT KAT CLUB
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Clubis now in previews on Broadway at the August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52ndStreet). The production, directed by Olivier Award winnerRebecca Frecknalland designed by Tony Award nominee and Evening Standard Award®winnerTom Scutt, will have decadent twin opening night gala celebrations starting Saturday, April 20 and continuing into the following night, with the official press opening on Sunday, April 21. Tickets are on sale now atwww.kitkat.clubor via Seat GeekHERE.
In addition to Redmayne,Cabaretalso starsGayle Rankinas the toast of Mayfair ‘Sally Bowles, two-time Tony Award winnerBebe Neuwirthas ‘Fraulein Schneider,’ Tony Award nomineeAto Blankson-Woodas ‘Clifford Bradshaw,’ Obie Award winner and Drama Desk Award®nomineeSteven Skybellas ‘Herr Schultz,’Henry Gottfriedas ‘Ernst Ludwig,’ and three-time Helen Hayes Award winnerNatascia Diazas ‘Fritzie/Kost.’
The cast ofCabaretincludesGabi Campoas ‘Frenchie,’Ayla Ciccone-Burtonas ‘Helga,’Colin Cunliffeas ‘Hans,’Marty Lauteras ‘Victor,’Loren Lesteras‘Herman/Max,’David Merinoas ‘Lulu,’Julian Ramosas ‘Bobby,’MiMi Scardullaas ‘Texas,’ andPaige Smallwoodas ‘Rosie.’ Swings includeHannah Florence, Pedro Garza, Christian Kidd, Corinne Munsch, Chloé Nadon-Enriquez,andKarl Skyler Urban.
The Prologue Company, the dancers and musicians that welcome audiences to the club, feature dancersAlaïa,Iron Bryan,Will Ervin Jr.,Sun Kim,Deja McNairand swingsIda SakiandSpencer James Weidie. The musicians of the Prologue areBrian Russell Carey(piano & bass),Francesca Dawis(violin),Keiji Ishiguri(dedicated substitute),Maeve Stier(accordion), andMichael Winograd(clarinet).
For this production ofCabaret, the creative team have transformed the August Wilson Theatre into the Kit Kat Club with an in-the-round auditorium and custom spaces which guests will be invited to explore during the Prologue, the production’s pre-show entertainment. After purchasing tickets, guests will receive a “club entry time” to allow them to take in the world of the club before the show starts.
Patrons can upgrade their experience at the Kit Kat Club with exclusive dining or drinks packages that allow them to soak up the pre-show atmosphere. These various upgrades offer unparalleled service and unique experiences in the heart of the Kit Kat Club. Drinks can be enjoyed before and during the show, while food will be cleared shortly before the performance begins, ensuring uninterrupted and unmissable views ofCabaret. For a complete menu and more information on the upgrade packages, please visitwww.kitkat.club/upgrade.
Cabaret, one of the most revered and successful musicals of all time, has music byJohn Kander, lyrics byFred Ebb, and a book byJoe Masteroffbased on the play byJohn Van Drutenand stories byChristopher Isherwood. The show features the songs “Willkommen,” “Don’t Tell Mama,” “Mein Herr,” “Maybe This Time,” “Money,” and the iconic title number.
Cabaretat the Kit Kat Club on Broadway is directed by Olivier Award winner Rebecca Frecknall with club, scenic, and costume design by Evening Standard Award winner, Tony Award nominee, and Olivier Award nominee Tom Scutt, and choreography by Olivier Award nomineeJulia Cheng.
The creative team for Broadway includesJennifer Whyte(Music Supervision & Music Direction), Obie Award winner and Olivier Award nomineeIsabella Byrd(Lighting Design), Olivier Award winnerNick Lidster(Sound Design),Sam Cox(Hair & Wig Design),Guy Common(Makeup Design),Jordan Fein(Associate Director & Prologue Director),Danny Sharron(US Associate Director),Kayla Lomas-Kirton(UK Associate Choreographer),Ilia Jessica Castro(US Associate Choreographer), Angus MacRae (Prologue Composer & Prologue Music Director),Bernard Telsey, CSA& Kristian Charbonier, CSA(Casting Directors), andThomas Recktenwald(Production Stage Manager).101 Productions, Ltd.serves as the US General Manager forCabaret.
Photo Credit: Jenny Anderson
Joel Grey, Gayle Rankin, Eddie Redmayne
Joel Grey, Gayle Rankin, Eddie Redmayne
Buy Tickets to Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club - from: $85
