Welcome with open arms, Adam Lambert and Auli'i Cravalho, to the scintillating world of the Kit Kat Club, where a fresh act promises to ignite the stage this fall. Lambert, a Grammy-nominated sensation who soared to fame on "American Idol," and Cravalho, the dazzling star who brought "Mean Girls: The Musical" to life on the silver screen, are set to make their triumphant Broadway debuts as the charismatic Emcee and the enigmatic Sally Bowles, respectively. They step into the shoes previously filled by Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin, who anchored the triumphant opening of "Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club" last spring.
Having conquered London's West End with resounding success, this show has seamlessly transitioned to New York, captivating audiences and raking in an astonishing $1.6 million at the box office last week. Yet, amidst a tapestry of varied reviews, the producers eagerly await the passionate support of Lambert and Cravalho's fans to justify the colossal investment that transformed August Wilson Theatre into a Weimar-era nightclub, a testament to its grandeur.
Lambert, a seasoned performer who has graced the North American tour of "Wicked," dazzled in "Bohemian Rhapsody," and starred in indie gem "Fairyland," also fronts the legendary band Queen. His latest EP, "Afters," showcases his solo prowess. Speaking of his Broadway aspirations, Lambert enthuses, "Nurtured on the stages of musical theater, it's been a lifelong dream to grace the Broadway boards. With this reimagined 'Cabaret,' the timing felt impeccable to accept the invitation and make my debut. The show's themes echo deeply within me, and given the current sociopolitical landscape, they resonate with a chilling timeliness."
Cravalho, whose enchanting voice lent life to Moana in Disney's hit film and its iconic song "How Far I'll Go," has also graced screens in "The Power," Hulu's "Crush," NBC's "Rise," and Netflix's "All Together Now." Rejoining the world of Moana this fall, she expresses her excitement to follow in the footsteps of Sally Bowles' illustrious past interpreters, particularly Gayle Rankin, whom she admired intently. "To be part of such a storied show, surrounded by an extraordinary cast and crew, is an honor that leaves me humbled and eager to give it my all each night," Cravalho exclaims. "Mahalo palena ʻole, family, for making this dream debut a reality."
Set against the ominous backdrop of the Nazi regime's ascendancy, "Cabaret" stands as one of the greatest musicals ever crafted, inspiring countless revivals and an Academy Award-winning film adaptation. Under the visionary direction of Rebecca Frecknall, this latest iteration unfolds in a captivating round format, preceded by a 90-minute pre-show where early arrivals can indulge in cocktails while wandering the theater, immersed in live performances that evoke the era's pulsating nightlife, a sensory feast that promises to leave audiences breathless.
