Cabaret

One of the classics of the Broadway theatre, Cabaret explores the German nightlife in 1930s Nazi Germany. The focus is on three separate couples and a troupe of nightclub performers, led by one devastating and compelling emcee. The music is enchanting and uninhibited, and the score features several classics including "Don't Tell Mama," "Tomorrow Belongs to Me," "Money" and the titular "Cabaret." Cabaret first opened in 1966 in New York to radiant reviews and ran for 1, 165 performances. The film version, released in 1972, only served to bolster an already awed audience's reaction by altering the musical to suit lead Liza Minelli's strengths. In 1986, a London revival cast recorded their interpretation of the musical. This is not to be confused with the hugely successful London revival in 1998 directed by Sam Mendes and starring Alan Cumming -- the 1986 version is not as powerful. However, Cabaret is good in nearly any circumstances, so this could hardly be considered a "bad" recording. ~ Sarah Erlewine|