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One may as well begin withJackie Hoffmans Twitter.
Preshow atCabaretincredibly talented performers, she wrote, giving immersive, but annoying experience.
Where extratextual atmosphere is concerned, Rebecca Frecknalls glitzy revivalimported from London like so many bottles of gingoes all-out.
The downstairs lobby at the August Wilson has been transformed into a louche, luxe speakeasy.
Itisa crushbodies, bodies everywherebut I had a better time than Jackie.
Sadly, I also had a better time there than I did during the performance itself.
If thisCabaretwere a cake,Paul Hollywoodwould shake his head and sigh, northern-ly:Style over soobstance.
Its not that the performers arent trying.
Hes clearly lovingdoing a voice, but his diction is a mess.
Far too many of the razor-edged lyrics that come out of his mouth are nearly indecipherable.
The vibes are all over the place, fromDieteronSprocketstodrunk Gussie Fink-Nottle.
Ideally, as is almost always the case in theater, the answer is both.
But Redmayne isnt seeking a deep connection with us; hes just vogueing, and Frecknall is letting him.
Thank goodness, therefore, for Bebe Neuwirth and Steven Skybell.
But this production cant help it.
When Neuwirth and Skybell enter the stage, it feels as if someone has taken the reins.
Neuwirths ashamed, anguished What Would You Do?
is shattering, and It Couldnt like Me More (i.e.
the pineapple song) is so lovable that thepre-grievingstarts immediately.
Such a one is the hero ofOrlando.
Ruhls script is a jewel shimmering and multifaceted, delicate but full of depth and integrity.
Here, the ensembles vigor feels diffused in the wide space.
But Daviss production is surprisingly demure, especially when the comedy draws closer to real feeling.
When the stuffy nineteenth century arrives, Orlando is overcome with vibrations of desire: Life!
she thinks aloud, but the spirit of the age replies, No, Orlando.
Life, a husband!
ThoughOrlandois and always will be a magnificent love letter, it cant help also being a eulogy.
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Clubis at the August Wilson Theatre.
Orlandois at Signature Theatre through May 12.
