Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne will be reprising his role as the Emcee in the Broadway production of “Cabaret.” Redmayne originally took on the part in the London production, which garnered him an Olivier Award.
This time he will be co-starring with newcomer Gayle Rankin, as the toast of Mayfair, Sally Bowles. But Redmayne isn’t the only talent returning to “Cabaret.” Fellow Oliver Award winner Rebecca Frecknall, who directed the West End version, will also be coming back.
The play is based on the 1951 play “I Am a Camera,” by John Van Druten, which is an adaptation of Christopher Isherwood’s 1939 novel “ Goodbye to Berlin.” “Cabaret” is a love story about American author Cliff Bradshaw and nightclub performer Sally Bowles. Set during the Nazi takeover of Germany, which obviously causes some complications. The stage show features iconic music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb.
“It was whilst playing the Emcee in a student production of Cabaret over 25 years ago that my love for theater was properly ignited,” Redmayne said in a statement. “It now feels completely thrilling and a little surreal to be a part of Rebecca’s truly unique vision of Masteroff, Kander, and Ebb’s brilliance as it arrives on Broadway, where the piece has such a history.”
“I am beyond excited to be doing it arm-in-arm with the remarkable Gayle Rankin and a truly stunning cast and team. I am hoping we will create an experience for you quite unlike any other,” he added.
Redmayne will also be acting as a producer for this upcoming production.
“I’m so excited to be reuniting with Eddie as our devilishly seductive Emcee, the metaphorical soul of Berlin, and I cannot wait to dive into rehearsals with Gayle, a fearless actor of supreme talent, as she explores Cabaret’s magnetic core, the breathtaking and heartbreaking Sally Bowles,” said Frecknall.
“Cabaret” will be performed at the August Wilson Theatre, and is set to open April 21st. With previews starting on April 1st. You can check out the teaser footage below:
