Eddie Redmayne: "Cabaret"

"Cabaret" seems to be a template for "Moulin Rouge": An American writer travels to Europe and meets a sexy, slightly nutty performer (and complications ensue).

But, to me, the thing that makes "Cabaret" special is its B plot (and I think I recall that this is largely absent from the bizarre movie adaptation). As the writer pursues Sally Bowles downstage, we're also aware of upstage intrigue--with the aging landlady, Fraulein Schneider.

Schneider has a small crush on her friend, Herr Schultz. When threats arise by way of the morality police, the two Berliners agree to marry. This is the romantic climax of the show ("How the world can change, it can change like that....due to one little word, married...."), but happiness dies quickly; a vengeful neighbor alerts Nazi authorities to the fact that Herr Schultz is Jewish. Schneider cuts off the engagement, because she does not want to die, and she doesn't want to be imprisoned. Assailed for her cowardice, Schneider sings bitterly: "The young always have the cure--being brave, being sure and free. Go on, tell me. I will listen. What would you do...if you were me?"

Schneider's tragedy is so upsetting because the writers have taken time to make her into a human being. In my favorite moments from the show, she receives a pineapple from her suitor. She is awkwardly euphoric; she declares that she can hear "Hawaiian breezes blow..." Her suitor mentions that, actually, the place of origin is California. Well? "Even so...." The lovely gift might be a nice snack--but it leads to gas. "Then we'll leave it here--not to eat, but see!" Finally, Schneider must end her social visit and have a rest, for, she says, "I am overwhelmed!"

"Cabaret" is making its way to Broadway soon. Of course I'd love to see Victoria Clark as Fraulein Schneider. Or could the role go to Audra McDonald? A guy can dream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp5wskxKhh0&t=53s

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