Alan Cumming's Cabaret: A Look At The Iconic Emcee & Endings
Is it possible for a performance to be both electrifying entertainment and a chilling premonition? Cabaret, in its many iterations, masterfully achieves this, transforming a seemingly carefree world of song and dance into a stark reflection of societal decay and the rise of fascism.
The allure of "Cabaret" lies not just in its captivating music and vibrant choreography, but also in its unflinching portrayal of a specific time and place: 1930s Berlin. The setting is the Kit Kat Club, a haven of hedonism and escapism where anything seems possible. Yet, beneath the glitter and glamour, a darker reality brews. The Nazi party is gaining power, and the shadows of intolerance and violence are slowly creeping into every corner of the city. This juxtaposition of light and darkness, of joy and impending doom, is what makes "Cabaret" such a compelling and enduring work of art.
| Alan Cumming: A Multifaceted Talent | |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | Alan Cumming |
| Born: | January 27, 1965 |
| Birthplace: | Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland |
| Nationality: | British |
| Occupation: | Actor, Singer, Writer, Director, Producer |
| Known for: |
|
| Awards and Honors: |
|
| Key Productions: |
|
| Personal Life: |
|
| Reference: | IMDb |
The musical's origins trace back to the 1951 play "I Am a Camera" by John van Druten, which in turn drew inspiration from Christopher Isherwood's 1939 novel "Goodbye to Berlin." This fertile ground of source material would blossom into the 1966 stage musical, "Cabaret," crafted by the formidable team of John Kander (music), Fred Ebb (lyrics), and Joe Masteroff (book). It was a success and was immediately considered for the big screen.
Bob Fosse's 1972 film adaptation, starring Liza Minnelli, Michael York, and Joel Grey as the Emcee, is a landmark achievement in cinematic history. The film, with a screenplay by Jay Presson Allen, captured the essence of the stage production while adding its own unique visual flair. It streamlined the story, focused on the central relationships and brought the themes of political apathy, social decay, and the rise of Nazism to the forefront. The film wasn't just entertainment; it was a mirror, reflecting the fears and anxieties of a society teetering on the brink of war. The Oscar-winning movie, with its haunting visuals and memorable songs, cemented "Cabaret's" place in the cultural lexicon. "Cabaret" was released on February 13, 1972 in USA.
The Emcee, a character who embodies a decadent and slightly sinister charm, is crucial to the show's impact. Alan Cumming, a Tony Award winner, has become synonymous with the role, bringing a unique blend of wit, vulnerability, and a chilling undercurrent to the part. His portrayal, and that of Joel Grey before him, highlights the Emcee's unsettling ability to navigate the chaos of the Kit Kat Club, all while hinting at the darkness that surrounds it. It is important to remember the Emcee is not simply a master of ceremonies; he is a reflection of the societal decay and looming threat that permeate the show. (also, a jew might do the nazi salute if he was trying to avoid being found out as a jew. Remember a big theme of the musical is the idea of passivity in the face of evil, and whether it's just as bad as the evil itself.)
The ending of "Cabaret" is open to interpretation, but one common explanation is that it reflects the chaos and uncertainty of the time period in which the movie is set. As the Nazi party gains power and influence in Berlin, Sally Bowles makes the decision to leave the cabaret and pursue a new life with her lover, Brian. In the 1972 version, the Emcee runs off stage while the audience is left helpless. In the final scene, the audience is filled with Nazis in uniform.
The 1993 London production, with Alan Cumming in the lead role, offered a different perspective, adding a new layer of meaning to the story. Directed by Sam Mendes, this production was later restaged on Broadway in 2014, bringing Cumming's Emcee to a new generation. The ending of the 2024 version has the emcee pretty much assimilated into being or portraying himself as a nazi. This production underscored the show's relevance to contemporary audiences, reminding us that the themes of intolerance and societal collapse remain chillingly relevant. Tony award winner alan cumming talks why he had 393.5 cabaret performances under his belt in this chatterbox preview filmed on march 7th, 2013 at don't tell
The impact of "Cabaret" is undeniable. It's a musical with music by john kander, lyrics by fred ebb, and a book by joe masteroff. It is based on the 1951 play i am a camera by john van druten, which in turn was based on the 1939 novel goodbye to berlin by christopher isherwood. Fifty years ago, a broadway classic was born when john kander, fred ebb, and joe masteroffs cabaret opened on broadway. The show's ability to adapt and resonate across different productions and interpretations speaks to its enduring power. The finale for the oscars winning movie cabaret directed by bob fossei decided to included the entirety of the end credits as it resembles a moment of silen. "Cabaret" is more than just entertainment; it's a cautionary tale, a reflection of history, and a timeless work of art that continues to captivate and challenge audiences. The ending to this movie has got to be one of the most shocking images in movie history. If you know your history (and i can see most of you do) you'll realize why this movie is so great.
The different productions of Cabaret are a great example of the ways in which art can be reinterpreted through different lenses and historical moments. The show's creators were very concerned with passing a message, and the various interpretations of Cabaret do so through various directorial choices.
The allure of the Kit Kat Club, a haven of freedom and expression, masks the growing danger that surrounds it. By immersing the audience in the kit kat club, the show is able to reinforce the feelings of escapism the club offers, before stripping it away and turning it into another place consumed by nazi. The emcee is the pivotal force around which the hidden, darker emotions of two tragic love stories unfold, interrupted, unable to go forward.
The musical's enduring legacy is a testament to its powerful themes and its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. The question of why cabaret changed its ending is a reflection of how art evolves in response to different historical contexts. From the 1972 version with joel grey and cabaret 2024, there is a very big connection. And it's a connection that speaks to the importance of remembering the past. The production with Eddie redmayne in the West End, the amateur night at the live cabaret, the many interpretations, the performances of Alan Cumming all underscore the staying power of this cultural touchstone.
