how are the new stars of CABARET? | review of Mason Alexander Park and Maude Apatow in the West End

[@koldkutgirl]

im hoping that mason takes over once eddie finishes his run in nyc. mason is so talented and IS the emcee.

[@KarenLinton-o6h]

I was very fortunate to catch Mason Alexander Park as Emcee and Emily Benjamin as Sally. Absolutely brilliant, I would go again now but neither of them is now playing and Im afraid it could never be as strong. I loved loved loved it, I actually welled up when it finished as I just didnt want it to end. I continually watch Mason singing 'I don't care' and watch the adverts for Cabaret just to continually get a glimpse. Mason totally mesmerised me, Mason is fantastic. Emily singing Cabaret was just amazing. I wouldnt want to hear it sung any other way.

[@lammieshipper]

I watched that cast too!! Two PHENOMENAL performers :)

[@fashionablechangeling2003]

Mason blew me away as expected, I love their work. Maude grew on me. I wasn't wowed by Don't Tell Mama but I thought she got better with each song

[@nealeTH]

Just saw Cabaret with Mason Alexander Park (spectacular) but opposite Emily Benjamin (swing/alternate Sally Bowles) and she was absolutely brilliant as Sally Bowles. Superb vocals with excellent acting and comic timing. When a principle actor is not performing, you always wonder whether you will get the full experience and my goodness, what a treat it was to see Emily Benjamin. Superb show wrapped in a wonderful pre-show experience and reimagining of the theatre.

[@Alocalhuman]

Fun fact: Emily Benjamin, despite being a swing, got to perform Cabaret at West End Live.

[@kathyfraeman5532]

Thank you so very much for this review, I believe I’d asked you to review Mason’s performance several months ago. I saw them play the Emcee in 2019 at the Olney Theatre in Maryland (US), and to say I was blown away is an understatement. Mason won the DC area Helen Hayes Award for their performance, and my fervent wish right now would be for them to play the Emcee on Broadway.

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Thank you for suggesting it - I'm so glad I didn't miss them! I wouldn't be surprised if Mason ends up being one of the replacement cast members on Broadway.

[@Different_Not_Broken]

I saw cabaret at the kitkat club, the cast i saw was mason Alexander park & the alternate sally ( Emily Benjamin. On the 6th August , daytime. It was brilliant

[@rachelnewton8012]

Ow I’m so so glad you saw Mason I’ve been waiting for this! 😂❤️ I think Masons performance was probably the best I’ve ever personally seen on stage!! I met them at stage door without planning too really and they were an absolute angel 🥹❤️❤️

[@carlito876]

Thanks for putting everything i thought about cliff into words…i saw it last week and the portrayal was the weak link i felt in an other wise amazing production…..i felt his lines difficult to understand at points and i never believed any of his emotions. I learned about this production through you so thank you! Kudos to the clarinet and accordion players in the pre show!

[@romana34]

I have always wanted to have the power to teleport, and that desire was so strong now. Sadly, I am trapped in America and did not get to see Mason Alexander Park as the Emcee. I have seen clips of their performances, in both productions on KZbin. They seem like the perfect blend of Joe Gray and Alan Cumming!!! Everything I have seen them in lately, from KZbin videos, the Sandman, quantum Leap, and even cowboy bebop; I have just been blown away by them!!!! You are definitely living the dream getting to see performances like theirs !

[@benjaminsagan5861]

When you said she struggled with one vowel, I was instantly sure which, because American English simpy doesn't contain it. I had a dialect coach who called it the 'flat A' (IPA would have its own term, of course, and there may be yet others). His example words were "Flat", "Hat", and "Married" -- and I learned to really listen for that sound because it truly does elude Americans, unless they study it specifically.

[@natraybouldweds]

100%

[@IshScout]

LOVE Mason in both Sandman & the NBC reboot of Quantum Leap such a fantastic talent. Their vocals on the live album they have on streaming (good Hedwig stuff go listen) as well as the music video released from Cabaret are stunning. Beyond jealous you've seen this show so much with so many incredible performers.

[@mcflychase]

Feel unfortunate to not have caught Mason in particular; love their work in The Sandman! However, I’ve been very lucky to see the two pairs of Fra Fee/Amy Lennox and John McCrea/Aimee, they were all phenomenal! The perfect character choices for me is for Emcee to really have this sinister/mindless snap during I Don’t Care Much; the lack of emotion and menace is breathless.

[@melsey69]

Mason was spectacular, I loved the performance! The depth of their voice. Blew my mind

[@hyrumforstrom980]

Hank, you hit the nail right on the head. My father is a crazed trump supporter and that is exactly what he believes. I am going to continue to fight and protest against these illegal executive orders

[@Maryagnes96]

I saw Mason as the emcee at the Olney Theatre in Maryland several years ago - a very different version of the show, but what a brave, devastating performance.

[@edwardbowen9049]

Did MickyJo ever put up a video about John McCrea and Aimee Lou Wood? Saw them in the summer and they were incredible

[@Thehoneybea]

I saw the second cover sally frith as sally bowels I think she usually plays Frenchie and sometimes cover fritzie. She was incredible and clearly knows the show so well, I’m so glad I saw her she’s insanely talented

[@dylansmith1833]

I had the absolute privilege to see this show twice in London!! Probably the greatest theatrical experience I’ve ever seen in my life! Mason as the Emcee, HOLY HELL! At one point, Mason was this fun, cheeky emcee and then the other, they were just a dark and scary monster! I did not get to see Maude as Sally, but frankly, I don’t think ANYTHING can compare to Emily Benjamin’s performance as Sally! WOW JUST WOW! I don’t even know how else to describe the intensity and emotional rawness of her performance! I’m so happy I got to see her before she leaves in October! American producers NEED to bring her over as the Sally alternate for Broadway! I know the Broadway production won’t be the same as the West End, but hopefully it’s relatively similar! This experience will be something I NEVER forget in my life!

[@rafaelz6211]

I saw Mason with Emily Benjamin covering sally a few weeks back and was wowed beyond words. My previous visit I’d seen John McCrea and Aimee Lou Wood and they were equally incredible. Mason’s emcee was a fascinating take and I loved their interpretations of the songs and outfits.

[@lottycolbeck]

I saw this combo of Mason and Emily too! Plus Adam Taylor covering Cliff. What an incredible first visit to the Kit Kat Klub it was 😍

[@nealeTH]

Emily is a brilliant Sally. She should be the principle.

[@kevinkiniry3941]

I am obsessed with Mason and would love for them to open the show in NYC!!!

[@natasha7760]

Mason was extraordinary - one of the best performances I've seen in musical theatre in years. I saw them twice, once during the beginning of their run and then more recently, and Maude improved a l o t. I don't think she's the best Sally but certainly a decent performance - the accent was at times difficult to listen to - a little transatlantic/strange. Her vocal difference between the two times I saw her was a chasm - a big improvement. She just lacked the fragility/grit that I wanted. At times, strength of Mason's seems to highlight the disparity. The power of their voice, the best Emcee my god.

[@rm7023]

how does masons version of the emcee end the show?

[@lammieshipper]

I saw Toby Turpin as the emcee!! What an AMAZING performer :)

[@dan_langford07]

Cabaret is my favourite musical and this is one of my favourite revivals. I have seen it three times with a fourth booked, so not quite as much as you! My favourite sally was Aimee Lou Wood and my favourite emcee was Fra Fee. Very excited to see what Jake and Rebecca entail :)

[@gregvarley9368]

Mason was life changing as the Emcee. I truly hope they get to make their way to the August Wilson when the transfer to Broadway happens.

[@amitmeir8109]

I saw this production (and the show in general) for the first time on Saturday, August 26 with this same exact cast (were you there on the same day?) This was one of the most incredible theatrical pieces I've ever seen. The Ludwig reveal almost gave me a heart attack. I HAVE to see it again

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Ah, I was there on the 28th! So glad you got to see this and enjoyed it so much!

[@daveku99]

I thought Cabaret had reached its peak with Alan Cummings. Since him, all the versions were clearly interpretations of his performance, and that particular style of production. This new production is something new. It is part La Cage, part Anne Frank (can I say that) and part Chuckie The Killer Doll. They have taken an entirely different approach. Part Fanciful, part creepy. I just hope they don't f it up when it comes to Broadway.

[@Hanbl-ip1tn]

Saw it this week. My first time seeing Cabaret and it did not disappoint. I’m so glad I saw Mason as Emcee. I think they deserve to open the Broadway transfer. Maude grew on me and by the 2nd Act Caberet reprise I was floored. But Mason really felt made for Emcee. Already planning 2 more separate trips in the near future

[@sashalelievre9250]

Where can I get that bookkkkk I need it so badly

[@HarleyQuinn99214]

I saw them with Westend Live but that is it. I would like to go see it before they leave but I don't have the money

[@phoebeboffey8182]

I’m working in London for a few months on my break from uni, went to see the show for the first time on a whim with my first paycheck at the start of august, went back with a friend a few weeks later and am going again on the 16th before I go home… yeah I’m kinda in love. I don’t have anything to compare them too aside from clips from the mendes production and the film, but omg I love both mason and maude in these roles, mason especially. I’d never really paid much attention to I don’t care much before, but their rendition blew me away so completely that it’s now my favourite song in the show! Thank god there’s a professionally filmed version of them singing it on yt, i think it’s all that’s keeping me sane at this point 😅

[@operationlivetheatre]

I saw this production for the first time (shocking) at the end of August and while I liked the performances, I have to say I didn't really connect with the material. I agree Maude Apatow is needlessly posh and I honestly didn't feel the chemistry between Sally and Cliff, which sort of explains why Sally would choose go back to the Kitkat Club I guess, though I still struggle to understand why she would opt for that.

[@dvds852]

Felt Fra Fee also did too much shouting in the second half. He started doing it with I don't Care and basically didn't stop until the end.

[@mayamelie20]

I saw the Wednesday matinee (August 30th) and it was honestly the most incredible production I have ever seen. I agree about the accents, it’s a strange thing to hear them both doing eachother’s natural accents and it shows. But the portrayal of each role I had no issues with, I was just in awe the entire time.

[@jurney3478]

Was very curious about your thoughts on Maude in this role considering you've actually been able to see her in another musical recently. Thank you for the review.

[@fashionablechangeling2003]

Oh and Beverly Klein was incredible as Fraulein Schneider

[@Lucy-yx5vg]

I saw the pairing earlier this week and was completely blown away. Mason Alexander Park especially was doing way more than even required he was amazing

[@ambiguous974]

*They were amazing. :) And I agree- phenomenal performance.

[@falafelfilms1]

I saw Mason last week and they were the most exceptionally perfect Emcee. I was captivated every time they were on stage. I didn't see Maude as Emily Benjamin was on as Sally instead and I couldn't have been more thrilled. She was terrific.

[@Lydia.Callaghan]

I saw Mason as the Emcee and Emily as Sally (current standby) so didn’t see Maude and can’t comment on her. But oh my life Mason blew the whole show out of the show out of the water. Absolutely amazing vocals and they got genuinely terrifying towards the end, especially when they came out in the brown suit in ‘I Don’t Care Much’. Probably my favourite Emcee ever, I’m so glad I splashed out on the ticket, everyone involved in the show was incredible!!

[@Wilipeidia]

Saw this production in August with the Alt Sally Emily Benjamine and my god she was incredible. A lot more natural voice wise than what I've heard of Maude, her accent feels more posh girl on her wild gap year that never ends than forced. Also her Cabaret performance (can see it on West End Live) is a physical experience even from the back row of tables as she lurches round and makes eye contact. Mason I came out saying made me feel at once entranced and terrified, and the scream part at the end I took more as a "I am 99.999% towards a mental breakdown at these circumstances". Absolutely agree about making punchlines land, the "you know what's funny about Hans?" they held long enough that they got two laughs for the price of one punchline. Also a huge fan of the rest of the cast, particularly the Cabaret dancers, you could almost pick one for a group number and follow them because they each seemed to carry their own personality - particularly in Two Ladies. I'm still hoping they do a cast album with Mason but I doubt it, if they did I'd buy it in seconds. Mason and Benjamin had my wife and I come out the theatre in need of a sit down and a cry.

[@evnkas]

Saw this production for the first time on our London trip, which was their first week in the show! I thought they were both brilliant, but Mason... WOW.

[@Erni3K]

The camera image is appropriate; the origin of the show is "I Am A Camera" by Christopher Isherwood

[@tophers3756]

Sally is supposed to be a wannabe, so I feel a less-than-stellar singer fits the role best. Liza Minnelli went against that type in the film, but generally it's my opinion that stage Sally shouldn't be an A-class singer. The 1993 London revival and the associated 1998 Broadway revival nailed that aspect. On Broadway Natasha Richardson's voice felt just good enough for a seedy Weimar cabaret where attitude and looks mattered more than vocal ability. To completely undo everything I just said (because I'm complicated that way) I had the pleasure of seeing a tour of the 1998 Broadway production. It starred Joely Fisher, sister of Carrie, as Sally. While she was a bit older than I pictured Sally, her pipes were amazing. I knew her mainly from television and didn't expect the incredible strength and beauty of her vocals. I could easily have heard her unmic'ed from the back row. While I think Sally as a character shouldn't be a gifted singer I have to admit enjoying someone who is taking that role.

[@EmmasPlaceUK]

I saw this many moons ago on tour with Will Young in the cast. I remember I enjoyed it, but I also remember having no idea what was going on! 😂

[@Ayanamy-vl2pl]

When are they leaving ? Please after November🤞🤞

[@ambiguous974]

Sorry. Tonight is their last show. 😕

[@Ayanamy-vl2pl]

@@ambiguous974 You gotta be kidding ! 😢. Well at least hope to see them perform someday somehow in a different live show

[@IndyFilmProductions]

I was recently in London for a week and this was the cast I saw, I honestly loved this cast a lot. Mason and Maude were both great.

[@teena168]

Mason blew me away , I've seen the show three times and Wow Mason I thought was the best. Absolutely superb

[@ambiguous974]

I saw this with Emily Benjamin as Sally. I was initially disappointed to have an alternate because I was curious to see Maude Apatow, but Benjamin was absolutely fantastic so I had NO complaints by the end. Mason Alexander Park was everything. The ending scene- and even seeing them come out for curtain call- was heartbreaking. I sobbed. I so, so, SO hope they get to revisit the role on Broadway because more people need to see their brilliance.

[@charliehorey9886]

i cant wait to see this in december....so excited....was one of my favorite movies, seeing it when it first came out and now thanks to my new found interest in theater , largely due to you and Aeron, i think this is going to be one of the highlights of my london trip. ive been singing these songs to myself for a long time and every year they hit a bit harder

[@charliehorey9886]

in what ways? it does seem like the theatrical versions emphasize the darkness more but the movie is pretty dark and sad if one is paying attention@@emhu2594

[@garycruz5354]

Saw Mason and Maude too, amazingly great. Mason has that creepiness that is spine tingling. Scary. Maude was delicate and so vulnerable but very effective. Would wanna see them here in Broadway. Pls. Review Here Lies Love with Lea Salonga herself. Thanks

[@Bxn320]

I saw Mason and Emily Benjamin. Now, I was watching the show just to see Mason perform but I was blown away by everything.

[@hrududu1690]

I saw the same combo and thought they were both excellent

[@mikeraymond6822]

for us Callum Scott Howells and Madeline brown were totally amazing, not so fuss on mason tbh thought maude wasnt as good as madleine. weve also seen julian clary as the mc many years ago, it was in th lyric

[@randallblair6702]

Are you going to see “Sinatra” in Birmingham ?

[@chuckoneill2023]

I've seen Cabaret staged in the US, and the Sally performer didn't try for a phony British accent. I'm not sure why this is thought necessary, for a play set in old Berlin?

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

It's set in Berlin, but Sally is British.

[@chuckoneill2023]

​@@MickeyJoTheatre Perhaps the production I saw omitted that, don't recall it being a major plot point.

[@JewishJeff839]

@@MickeyJoTheatre Read the Books...

[@louyou5667]

I am going to see the Hamburg production next week. Can't wait to see how they stage it 🙂

[@willb8005]

I was wowwed more by maude when i went to see it, and felt like mason could have shown the darker side of the character. But I wasn't in a reviewing mindset, ill have to go back and see!

[@markj9w90]

Been three times , got a 4th booked ! Loved this cast ❤

[@scribbly2983]

I had a few understudies when I saw it (Herr Schultz and Cliff were out and they reshuffled a bit). I thought Mason Alexander Park was terrifying by the end. I thought they were less of a character and more a force of nature. I really enjoyed Maude's rendition of "Cabaret". I also can't stop thinking about Beverly Klein's performance. I may have wept into the intermission.

[@LilFiremaster]

Jake Shears?! Oh my god! How exciting for him! I had been a fan of Scissor Sisters since '05 and I read his memoir. Glad to know he'll be back on a stage though I can't go see him without bankrupting myself. (I live in California.)

[@Midlander83]

Will you see Emily Benjamin as Sally before she leaves? She’s incredible!

[@nealeTH]

I second that. She should be the principle Sally.

[@IndyFilmProductions]

I actually liked the lack of chemistry between Cliff and Sally with this cast if that makes sense. To me, it seemed like Nathan played Cliff less as a bisexual man in love with Sally like he's typically played and more as a closeted gay man with no heterosexual feelings for anyone who is in love with the idea of being able to have a heteronormative relationship and appearing "normal". So, he just projects those ideas onto Sally and they form a bit of a toxic codependent relationship where he uses her to fulfill that role in society and she stays around because he's the first guy who didn't just want to have sex and leave. I felt like that dynamic was really engaging and interesting, and I liked it more than the typical Cliff and Sally romance personally.

[@louyou5667]

On the site it says that the show is 2 hours and 45 minutes long. But we know that the 2nd act is usually very short. Does someone why the London production is so much longer?

[@keirakat987]

I saw it at the start of June and was sat in the same area!! (Although in the backrow of that section) I went to see Mason after falling in love with them in The Sandman and they did not disappoint. They’re phenomenal and so menacing, I had chills every time they were onstage. I think that the fact that they connected and impacted me when I was at the very back of the theatre is a testament to their stagecraft and performance

[@endermancouncil]

saw map last month and it was the best theatrical experience ever,, i think it is actually v telling that one of the best emcee performances ever was done by a non-binary actor, as the emcee is a very non-gender role!

[@kathleenbryant7334]

Mason's performance as the emcee in the Olney Theater production was so wonderful. They becomes the character and owns it. I'm obsessed with their work and watch every video with them in it. Mason is perfectly cast as Desire in Sandman. They draw you in so easily with their captivating performance...I'd follow them anywhere❤

[@ambiguous974]

Then you should probably know Mason is non-binary and prefers they/them pronouns. :) I agree that they're thoroughly captivating.

[@kathleenbryant7334]

​Pardon, my bad. I do know Mason is non-binary and they are fantabulous!​@@ambiguous974

[@sarahcampbell8513]

Well done!!😊

[@alison5673]

I love this production and I’ve seen every pairing except Eddie and Jessie. My favourites were Amy Lennox and Fra Fee and I also really liked John McCrea’s emcee

[@MissGelly]

As an American who lives here- posh is the easiest accent for Americans to do… Gwyneth, Renee, etc.

[@raphaellebrun5500]

Does anyone know when the new cast will take over ?

[@ambiguous974]

September 23rd (tonight) is their last show. 😕

[@CecTate-x6r]

💖

[@joeevans5770]

I saw this revival with Andre refig and amy Lennox and this marked the beginning of my obsession with Stewart Clarke

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Stewart is one of my all time favourites - so talented!

[@joeevans5770]

@@MickeyJoTheatre you really need to see his javert

[@mariafrias2500]

👍

[@chloewhite225]

I loved Mason, I felt like I was watching a car crash, as in I was horrified but couldn’t look away, I kept feeling like I was watching a great white shark or something predatory, just fabulous

[@shlouise]

Omg gutting that you missed Callum! I thought he was incredible, so creepy, thought he was even better than Eddie!

[@CarinRuff]

So happy to hear this postive report of Mason. I've been trying to remember where I saw them when they were very young...not TV, but I remember saying, "That voice! that charisma! I will watch that one." And here they are. I did find a video of the Mason of the era when they first impressed me so: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2aXp55ubdCsrdEsi=wd0uXxFBxCB636R5

[@harrybrook3406]

Riddle me how you can tell she was doing Maybe This Time the best she could but others were holding back. Sounds as though you came with baggage and were sure you wouldn’t enjoy it…

[@keithliebenberg6947]

As bad as the previous one no doubt. Leave the classics alone please!

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

By leave them alone do you mean... don't revive them? Never stage them again? What are we going for here?

[@JewishJeff839]

@@MickeyJoTheatre When this bombs on Broadway, then what??