Video of the Week: "Willkommen" from Cabaret!

This week enjoy the opening number from our recent production of Cabaret! Featuring Mason Alexander Park as the Emcee.
If you enjoy these videos and our productions consider making a gift to the Olney Onward! Fund to ensure we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis ready to "Willkommen" you back to the theatre and live performances. olneytheatre.o...
Directed by Alan Paul
Choreography by Katie Spelman
Music Direction by Christopher Youstra
Sets by Wilson Chin
Lights by Colin K. Bills
Costumes by Kendra Rai
Sound by Matt Rowe
Wigs by Ali Pohanka

[@jaziferret1138]

Mason's Emcee feels like a perfect balance between Joel and Alan's versions.

[@ellafischbachbrock2352]

He's performed it so exquisitely well 👌🏻

[@addiemunson2119]

Agreed 100%. And Joel is hard to top!!

[@melowlw8638]

@@ellafischbachbrock2352 just wanted to inform you mason alexander park uses they/them pronouns!!

[@Vortece]

Have to agree. Love this Emcee

[@lucideandre]

I though the same thing. Absolutely glorious

[@abbieharris8986]

I feel like genuinely mason had the greatest performance next to Alan Cumming’s emcee. The stage presence and the way they both interact with the audience it’s so perfect for the character it’s beautiful

[@copycatkillerwithachemicalcut]

i think about their i don't care much at least twice a week

[@jeromegylling886]

Criminally underrated. This performance is brilliant.

[@anaisbarrosodgh5790]

Zawfe5

[@jenat82]

That's how they are making us come back for season two of The Sandman. We need MORE of Desire! There was not enough. I am not gunning non-binary or anything like that (even though I am one myself), but we need more of this character! Now, you know if they prefer him or they? I prey it's he. Cos I am okay with she cos that is my bio sex, that is a matter of fact and I can't ever change. There's a love yourself aspect in that some people miss. Then again, I also don't care if people call me he. But "them", yeah no. The only people historically who was referred as such where kings and queen. In some languages at least. So at least can you understand why some languages won't refer to non binary as royalty? lol

[@supernovaskies5044]

@@jenat82 Mason uses they/them pronouns exclusively, I believe.

[@getoonkel]

Yes !!!

[@girabalistreri2269]

They did get a well deserved Helen Hayes award for this role!😁

[@lucideandre]

Gosh, I wish I could see the full musical with them. Mason is absolutely spectacular in this video and I just want to see more of them in this role. Especially after seeing Desire

[@SamuelKnightts]

Just go to London

[@lucideandre]

@@SamuelKnightts easier said than done.

[@Ahlivegarden]

@@SamuelKnighttsthats like saying if your homeless just buy a house

[@SamuelKnightts]

@@Ahlivegarden that’s a bit extreme haha I don’t know their financial situation. And if they are even from England

[@PhilJohn1980]

I can tell you that Mason was one of the best Emcee's I've seen. They totally inhabited the role.

[@Ceej_MM]

You know how some people are born to do something? Mason Alexander Park was born to play the Emcee. Brilliant.

[@RichardX1]

Seriously, I'm shocked the notion of casting them in this role wasn't more obvious to me, especially after seeing their performance in Sandman.

[@pam9504]

Boy, that's the truth! Fantastic!

[@LadySingsTheBooze]

he was so fun! i feel like i was there.

[@cgt9056]

They ​@@LadySingsTheBooze

[@redadamearth]

Way too campy and "funny". That's not what the Emcee is supposed to be. He's supposed to be terrifying and disturbing - like a nightmare parody of "entertainment". While Park is good, he's playing it too much for comedy, IMO. I've never seen anyone, as good as they might be, who did the Emcee as perfectly as Joel Grey did in terms of the tone. It's a very, very difficult combination of tones to capture and Grey just got it.

[@ghostoftheschiavona]

Something I love about this show is that it's probably an absolute riot to direct and stage. You actually have quite a lot of freedom (no two productions of Cabaret are the same, from this to the Liza Minelli movie or the 60s original run, to the Eddie Redmayne broadway thing, or the Alan Cumming 90s revival- theyre all SO different but yet so obviously Cabaret.) But especially the Emcee character, you know NOTHING about him, and you have so much freedom. Like in this production for example, Mason isnt being too over the top with it, but they're playing him as this kind of sleazy showbiz guy which is very fun, compare that to the raunchy sexpot that is Alan Cumming's version, or the mysterious creepy character in the movie played by Joel Grey. Kudos to all those awesome actors and directors!!

[@anyb0dys]

mason really seems to be channeling marlene dietrich in this and it is SUCH good choice

[@benfletcher8100]

I really like Mason’s version of the Emcee, they’re definitely a very suave showperson type of character, made me think of the old school singers like Martin and Sinatra

[@anaisbarrosodgh5790]

ZaaMbs

[@EmmaRiddle543]

They.

[@supernovaskies5044]

I both want to have dinner with that character and also never go near them ever again it's great

[@emilygracey]

Sooo...Mason is the long list twin of Bianca del Rio? This looks so freaking good!

[@sandrameesala6804]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@re-huvane5622]

Bianca played the MC as well

[@nicholasrichard647]

@@re-huvane5622 She did??

[@baileymaxwell4247]

I don’t think of bianca del rio but then again I know makeup history and this is pretty common for late twenties

[@chiaisannoying]

@@re-huvane5622 wait WHAT

[@cruisematt8585]

Now look here. Alan Cumming has always been my favorite Emcee and it’s hard for me to enjoy anyone else in the role but this person was captivating. Absolutely brilliant and the makeup was amazing

[@teaganlittle3830]

I very much agree! I though that Alan couldn't have anyone in that role after he did it so well do it any justice but Mason is absolutely wonderful ❤ so happy I found this! And Lulu is gorgeous 😭

[@redadamearth]

Joel Grey is the only one who captured the tone of what that role is supposed to be. This person (Park) is good, but he's playing it too much for the comedy. Cumming, I think, has come closest to it, but still not there. The Emcee is supposed to be like a *nightmare* - a surreal parody of entertainment that's almost psychotic - and only Joel Grey's been able to do that, IMO.

[@DinoandGalaxy]

@@teaganlittle3830she is this is true

[@jmw939]

Mason has the most authentic German accent, which makes him the most relatable to the setting.

[@crystalclear9393]

They or them ❤

[@beverlybradley5485]

@@crystalclear9393Get over it !

[@cloudambient]

@@crystalclear9393 Oh grow up. How is anyone supposed to know that when they come across him?

[@madeleinegrimste]

@@cloudambientit was a friendly reminder, no one expected jmw939 to already know, it was just a notice

[@idontgetjokes5644]

⁠@@cloudambientyou can’t know - thats why they were making them aware of it. Hope this helps !

[@random_boi_5006]

The Olney theatre persuasion of Cabaret was SO GOOD it’s nice to see this version again even if it’s just Wilkommen

[@kimberlyhaines107]

What do you mean by persuasion? I’ve only seen the movie (though I do know some plot points were changed from the play it was based on).

[@Pww642]

@@kimberlyhaines107 probably just an autocorrect of “version”?

[@AbbieDewbrey]

Saw them recently in the West End Production and their performance was such an amazing version of the Emcee! Fun but dark! And they have such an amazing voice!!

[@kp4692]

Goddamn Mason is phenomenal! I wish there was a full recording of them in this role so bad!!!!😭

[@kilimenjiro3753]

Saw them do this in London... Man, if Cabaret didn't need huge box office returns to stay open (i.e. why Eddie Redmayne is coming back), I would without hesitation proclaim "MASON ALEXANDER PARK FOR EMCEE ON BROADWAY".

[@ruffider9572]

This is the most entertaining interpretation of the number ever!!!

[@emo_emo418]

Im beginning to think I have watched this video an unhealthy amount of times lol. I have never seen this show performed like that, I wish I could see the whole thing! And this Emcee is great.

[@ekapaillustration]

Same!

[@phillgreenland2390]

Holy crap, that’s a great looking production. In other news, I think I just became Mason’s biggest fan after watching Hedwig and this.

[@rtaylor42]

He is a great Emcee!,

[@nicoled1667]

Mason goes by they/them/theirs. But I have to agree they do make a great Emcee! 💖🌈

[@papadopp3870]

@@nicoled1667 Mason is a great Emcee. From 1970s till the late 90s, in road casts, off-Broadway and college-mounted revivals, The Emcee’s seemed very beholding to Joel Gray’s. Since 1999, the Emcees I’ve seen have channeled Alan Cummings. Here, Mason winks to both Alan and Joel, but creates an altogether new character- one that is as smarmy as Joel and owned as much as Alan’s, but is a campy new creature. This one does remind me of my dowager Aunt Doris, who never married but lived with “Aunt” Willa all her life! Beautiful work by the cast. I would love to see this production.

[@auntmaybell4833]

I REALLY enjoyed Mason's version of the Emcee tremendously. A very nice change and one that was long awaited too. Perfect!

[@meemlittle320]

Unbelievably WOW! Excellent interpretation of the emcee... with a tasteful tip of the hat to Alan Cumming. SO fun. Bring it on tour, please!

[@chaosbean6320]

Mason as the Emcee, is literally the best thing, i am obsessed

[@Edible_chalk]

I would kill to get a full recording of this performance

[@thefilmwatcher1216]

I love this version of the EmCee. They're simply spectacular.

[@0h_hey944]

Rivals the performance from Alan Cumming. Really does.

[@maevethunderchild8333]

MORE - please! I could watch Mason endlessly!

[@morzee94]

I saw Cabaret in the West End recently. It won 7 Olivier awards and is widely regarded as the best show in London. This version of Wilkommen is very similar to theirs and that's a real compliment! Looks like a great cast.

[@melsey69]

Saw them at the Kit Kat club at the weekend, omg! Mason is a chefs kiss, incredible ❤

[@sam-xr5zq]

i I thought after watching Alan Cumming as the emcee that no one could ever do it better, but Mason is so very perfect in this role.

[@courtneym75]

Just when I thought I couldn't fall in love with Mason Alexander Park as an actor/ess any more, I find this! Oh, they are so wonderful! As another commenter said, they've struck a lovely combination of Alan Cumming, Joel Grey, and their own je ne se quais

[@tamarbeker1701]

Literally

[@_logastellus]

How many times have you watched this video? Me: yes

[@emilylee7940]

I love Herman, living large and living his best life!

[@lucasprobably]

WHERE can I get the full recording of this show?!?!?

[@DarthSinistris]

Asking the real questions

[@Error_Arcade]

I wish I could see them in this role live they are so good

[@unclealand]

Nice work. Gritty and fun, and the music is served well.

[@lizzychrome7630]

Wait, this *isn't* Allan Cumming?! I've watched this like four times already, I legit thought it was him! This guy is fantastic as well.

[@veggigoddess]

Looks and sounds nothing like Alan

[@mollymsmith6]

so true!! also mason (the emcee in this vid) is nonbinary :)

[@soso694]

This might be the best portrayal I've seen of the Emcee!

[@lizlemon3698]

This is legitimately the best Emcee performance I’ve ever seen, and I love Alan Cumming and Joel Grey.

[@gilwhitley6810]

Wow, what a showman! Spectacular costume as well... you don't see riding breeches much anymore!

[@ルドヴィヒルドヴィヒ]

日本人です。映画版のみしか観ていませんが、こちらの字幕をみると…やはり、改まってセリフの素晴らしさがわかります。

[@Keurlock]

Emcee's fits are always superb

[@roseangel080]

I've only ever seen Mason in Quantum Leap. I had no idea they had all this hiding in their talent repertoire! Absolutely fantastic!

[@Caintode]

wouldn’t it be fab if we could buy a dvd of this show…. all the way over here in Australia, but I want to see this!

[@kelseyfinlayson9498]

Everything is beautiful (even the orchestra is beautiful!)

[@JustAnotherBeth]

Just saw this randomly. Mason does a great job! They really made the part their own.

[@krasotabella9675]

IM OBSESSED WITH THIS EMCEE THEYRE SO DARLING

[@Charles.De.Lorme.1584]

“LEAVE!!!!……. Your troubles outside. I thought they just gave up” 😂

[@twoforonewomanshow2034]

We watch this video at least 10 times a day. What an incredible cast! We sure would love if Money or Two Ladies was a video of the week😍😍

[@DudeMannigan]

This is phenomenal! Please release a full recording of the production!

[@iluvpetermcpoland]

idk if mason already has a german accent or is just very good at it, but this makes this performance soooo good.

[@Indomitable_Alykat]

Powerhouse vocals and spot-on comedic timing with a perfect accent!! I wish I could've seen them perform it live, I'm sure the energy was just as spectacular!

[@girabalistreri2269]

You can if you can get to London!

[@gracelyn6381]

I knew from the 1 second clip in the Sandman trailer that I recognized their face... what a phenomenal fable about shooting your shot. Fucking thrilled for Mason and to see them shine!

[@giuliamasselli8363]

It is probably the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Mason Alexander Park I have no words to describe you. Congratulations and keep up the good work.

[@noelle7786]

the makeup is divine oh my god

[@latsnojokelee6434]

The Olney Theater is this little place outside of Rockville, MD ( outside of DC). But their productions are so good for such a little place.

[@michaelread328]

I love the variation on the girls introduction jokes

[@juliawilkinson]

Wow.. I just came across this in my feed after waxing the Tony awards w Eddy Redmayne version.. This Mason is a wonder! Love the interpretation! And they’re from my neck of the woods in Va.. hope to see Mason live someday! ❤❤

[@claymountain1300]

I love Alan Cumming's Emcee but this performance has some of the elements that I was missing. The extravagance, the inviting energy but mainly the group energy on stage. Mason shows a clear lovable connection with every performer which makes it more believable that the Kit Kat Club closed itself off from the outside world and just had fun every night. It's still raunchy but they are also clearly a little family. Especially love the vibes between the Emcee and Sally. Mason really fucking sell this man.

[@anabella9333]

This whole performance scratches my brain so well

[@maxinedemery9200]

I feel so privileged to have witnessed this heaven sent performance live 😍 ❤

[@Fer-sx7zk]

Mason is amazing!!! Blown up everytime I see them interpretation

[@juliashawhan1313]

Thank you! One of the best shows ever at Olney.

[@aghafahad6243]

Hi juli I m muslim boy for u

[@Wisepati]

This was so well done. I love how the introduction of the Orchestra and the dancers was handled..

[@jackrosenfeld4713]

omg to think they'd be playing the emcee in the westend in a few years! so cool how they took some parts of this one and left out some of it, too. also this costume is so cool!

[@paulahubble]

I saw this and agree, one of the best shows ever at Olney. Loved it!

[@sethharris813]

One of the best performances I've seen in a long time. 👏👏👏

[@LikeTheProphet]

The performances. The aesthetics. I’m in love.

[@Keurlock]

THEY BROUGHT BACK MASON ALEXANDER PARK FOR EMCEE WOO!! 🙌🙌

[@enigmaren]

Proud of my local community theater coming up in the ranks. 🥰

[@pelinalwhitestrake2930]

I KNEW IT! I KNEW DESIRE LOOKED SO DAMN FAMILIAR!!!!!!

[@vsitolaert]

Mason’s Emcee has such impressive energy😭 I LOVE IT👏

[@jrbaskind]

I would love to see the entire show with this cast.

[@ms_carol_p4473]

I was there in the front row, and it was fabulous! Thank you. I look forward to the safe return of live shows! Take care. :)

[@belial13laileb]

the amount of times i’ve watched this and Indont care much in the past three days is insane

[@ryebread9299]

Wow great staging and set dressing. Fun costumes and overall good!

[@clam_509]

One of my favorite's Emcee's. I love his costume. I love his hair. I love his make up. I love his presence.

[@ShowDogMusic]

I have seen many versions of this show. This was modified just enough that you could take children to it. I usually hate when they do that but this was done very well.

[@brucecoleman4228]

ITs nice to see a production that is not just a rehash of the 1996 revival. Yay Imagination!

[@SKinSKorea]

Well done! Love the new take on then "girls" and "boys".

[@isabellechevalier2919]

Stunning performance from Mason !!! 😍 I have no words...

[@yzayalirian7463]

He is like Marilyn Manson but burlesque.

[@instantkarma1511]

😂😂😂😂😂 who the hell is this? I can't watch this guy anymore. 😬

[@benfletcher8100]

Oh god, I see it now 😂

[@silentbanshee4869]

I thought it was just me. Thank goodness someone else sees it, too.

[@nurek168]

guess you have never seen Alan Cumming's emcee

[@jongellert6971]

Alan Paul - I knew you were going to be big back at French Woods. I really did. This is stunning.

[@SylvieZ]

They (Mason) are the best emcee ever, imho. Brilliant

[@lydiahenderson2436]

ive watched this video like fifteen times today and its only noon XD its my favourite video on youtube right now! XD

[@aghafahad6243]

Hi lydia💑

[@lydiahenderson2436]

@@aghafahad6243 hi lolz

[@aghafahad6243]

@@lydiahenderson2436 Lydia I want life partner chris or Jews girl

[@lydiahenderson2436]

@@aghafahad6243 lol what

[@benfletcher8100]

@@lydiahenderson2436 Think Agha is asking you out lmao

[@jamesdickens7523]

Wish the full production was available to watch

[@kristimeyer4112]

Just a pure natural talent, this one. ❤

[@ohwow6640]

Wow! They're one of the best Emcees I've ever seen :D

[@hectorrubio7236]

What a spectacular emcee

[@taylorjohnson6898]

they killed this, Mason is excellent

[@carloshugogeib7961]

This musical os always wonderful.

[@moo3060]

They're my favourite emcee I think

[@markbeck8384]

Looks great. They did a great job.

[@lizzychrome7630]

"Look at him blow!"

[@tricia5792]

I wish I could've seen the whole performance, this is wonderful!

[@Guy-bm5wh]

He seems like a good fit, he really pulls it off. Makes it his own.

[@warcats-cat]

God I love this video. My favorite version of this song by far!

[@aemiliadelroba4022]

OMG 🤩 Super fabulous ❤❤❤

[@flibusted]

Holy shit, I badly want to see this production in its entirety now! What a fantastic Emcee!

[@beepuke8679]

god i wish i could see this whole thing soo bad, the ending gave me chills!!

[@JoTheAnomaly]

This is such a stellar cast