Entertainment comes in all forms. The best form of entertainment is when everyone can find something to enjoy, and the Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of “Cabaret” has something for everyone. Music, dancing, sex, temptation, and a heartbreaking ending are all thrown into the mix, making this show my favorite of the season.

. . .not your grandmother’s “Cabaret”. . .A phenomenal show. . .

“Cabaret” is the classic Kander and Ebb musical about a night club and it’s patrons in Berlin during the uprising of the Nazi forces. As the political climate turns, friendships are tested, morals are questioned, and love may not be strong enough to conquer all. The human condition is put on display here as Clifford Bradshaw (Benjamin Eakeley), a novelist from America, arrives to work on his next book. Searching for inspiration, Bradshaw meets Sally Bowles (Leigh Ann Larkin) a cabaret entertainer and lady of the night, and in typical musical fashion, the two fall in love. In the same building a budding romance between Fräulein Kost (Mary Gordon Murray) and Herr Schultz (Scott Robinson) is brewing, but when it is discovered that Schulz is jewish, things start to fall to the wayside for their relationship. A creepy, goofy, and entertaining Emcee (Jon Peterson) leads the audience through the action as this story unfolds.

This production is not afraid to push the envelope. It is not your grandmother’s “Cabaret,” and it will make you feel uncomfortable at times, but that is what makes it so amazing.

Robert Brill’s set design is the most aesthetically pleasing set I have seen in some time. Minimalistic, yet incredibly effective, this set is one you are not likely to forget. Not only does it assist in telling the story, but it allows the audience to use it’s own imagination in creating the setting.

William Ivey Long’s costume design is sultry, sexy, and really helps set the tone of a raunchy, filthy, promiscuous Berlin. They are fantastic.

Leading the show as the Emcee is Jon Peterson. Peterson creates a portrayal that is so multi- dimensional and exciting, you cannot wait to see what he is up to next. Opening the show with ‘Willkommen,” Peterson instantly grabs you by the throat, and doesn’t let you go for the entire performance. His showmanship, especially as the Master of Ceremonies in the club, and as the pivotal ringleader of the expositional action, is supreme. You will love what he does with the character and will be pleased with his artistic choices. Seeing him lurk in the shadows as the story progresses is some of the most effective blocking I have seen in a show in a long time.

Leigh Ann Larkin does a wonderful job playing the role of of Sally Bowles.  She portrays the conflicted night club entertainer to a tee and her performance of “Cabaret” does not disappoint.

Benjamin Eakeley is perfectly cast as Clifford Bradshaw. He brings a great deal of heart and empathy to the role. He is instantly an audience favorite when he enters the stage.

Mary Gordon Murray as Fräulein Kost and Scott Robinson as Herr Schultz are wonderful choices for these roles and they each give admirable performances. You love them, and your heart breaks for them.

The ensemble of singers, dancers, and musicians make this show a powerhouse. I am always a big fan of seeing the band perform on stage along with the show, and this still holds true with this production. It heightens the bar too when the actors are also the musicians for the performance.

Not being a huge fan of “Cabaret” walking in, the Roundabout Theatre Company production has won me over. A phenomenal show. Do yourself the favor, go see it!

Running Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

Advisory: Adult content, language, and cigarette smoke.

“Cabaret” runs until April 30, 2017 and is presented at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre in Buffalo. For more information, click here.