Come to the (ATC) Cabaret!
Auckland Theatre Company welcomes Cabaret to the ASB Waterfront Theatre stage. Cabaret, with 8 Tony’s to its name, is cemented in history as a classic piece of musical theatre. ATC presents a spectacle of a production for its final show of the 2026 season.
The cast of Cabaret
Cabaret features a night club known as The Kit Kat Club in 1920’s/1930’s Berlin. Full of a cast of wild and colourful characters it is led by the star, Sally Bowles (Nomi Cohen) and hosted by the Emcee (Matu Ngaropo). When American Clifford Bradshaw (Justin Rogers) arrives in town, Sally is eager to get to know the aspiring novelist and introduce him to the vibrant city of sex, alcohol and freedom. But things go awry as the pair get mixed up in political turmoil when trying to survive financially in the city, as the rise of the Nazi’s begins.
Content warning for Cabaret: anti-semitism and Nazi symbols.
Matu Ngaropo as Emcee
Nomi Cohen as Sally Bowles
Justin Rogers as Clifford Bradshaw
The moment the lights went down for the top of the show, applause filled the theatre with intense excitement and loud cheers of support, before the Emcee had even taken the stage. The fact that ATC had a hit on their hands was solidified with the opening number ‘Willkommen’, which was performed with undeniable energy and met with endless praise from the audience. It almost felt as if the audience were holding back a standing ovation. There is so much beauty in musical theatre being performed live, but the desire to be able to replay the cast's performance of ‘Willkommen’ was strong. Sadness flowed at the thought that it was impossible to do that, but it was quickly replaced by anticipation upon the realisation that I am fortunate to already have a ticket to see the show again next month. So, I would in fact, have the opportunity to witness such greatness again.
The cast perform ‘Willkommen’
Dan Williams’ set and costume design brings to life a glitzy and glamorous Kit Kat Club that is full of liberty and colour. Complementing the radiant lighting design by Filament Eleven 11, it results in an inviting and immersive experience that completely transports the audience to Berlin in the 20’s/30’s.
The set
Although Cabaret is firmly set in the zeitgeist of 20’s/30’s Berlin, it is uncomfortably relevant to the political state that some parts of the world are experiencing today, almost a hundred years later. It is a thought provoking piece of art that has stood the test of time for that reason, alongside some of the most memorable music in musical theatre.
Music is such an integral part of the artform and audiences are treated to the band being featured onstage throughout the entire show, adding another touch of immersion. Music direction by Robin Kelly was simply devine. Bringing the classic and iconic compositions to life, with a spirited dazzle in the first act that contrasted the grit of the second act perfectly.
The on stage band
Ngaropo thrives, leaning into the comedic side of the Emcee, bringing a light to the stage that juxtaposes and highlights the dark, heavy and chilling content of the second half. While the Emcee may not always be the focal point of a scene, Ngaropo has a commanding and comical presence that draws you to him. Cohen’s Sally has a fiercely captivating aura every moment she takes the stage. The eccentric and vivacious portrayal was matched with a powerful voice that enthrals. Charm radiated in Clifford with Rogers stellar performance of a man who makes the difficult decision to stand up for what he believes in. Susan Brady as Fraulein Schneider and Steven Ray as Herr Schultz capture the heartbreaking late-in-life love story that turns tragic as divisive politics stands between them. Charisma oozes from Jonathan Martin as Ernst Ludwig, making the reveal about his character even more devastating. Jaws dropped and gasps echoed throughout the theatre. Hillary Moulder was a pure delight as Fraulein Kost, providing comedic relief and snappy quips as the night worker. Moulder also seamlessly captured the dark side of the character as she leads the disturbing reprise of ‘Tomorrow Belongs to Me’. All the accents of the show are credible to the time and place, thanks to the work of dialect and accent coach Kristie O’Sullivan.
Matu Ngaropo as Emcee
Nomi Cohen as Sally Bowles and Justin Rogers as Clifford Bradshaw
Susan Brady as Fraulein Schneider and Steven Ray as Herr Schultz
Jonathan Martin as Ernst Ludwig and Hillary Moulder as Fraulein Kost
The production truly shone in the large ensemble numbers such as ‘Willkommen’, ‘Don’t Tell Mama’ and ‘Money’, for they highlighted the many talents of the ensemble cast, their impeccable dance skills (much to the credit of the energetic and dynamic choreography by Kira Josephson), comedic timing and incredible voices that radiated in solos and merged powerfully in unison. The more intimate and sombre songs also left a lasting impression, particularly in the haunting ‘Willkommen (Reprise)’ that closes the show and emphasises just how much has changed from the liberty of choice everyone had at the beginning of the show, to the ultimate lack of control they had under the will of the Nazi’s by the end.
The cast perform ‘Don’t Tell Mama’
The cast perform ‘Money’
ATC’s Cabaret is a provocative production, in both senses of the word. It is sexy and alluring, yet sparks important discussion and a foreboding warning. Therefore, it is not uncommon to leave the theatre speechless after watching this show, but Sally Bowles really said it best, “What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play. Life is a cabaret, old chum. Come to the (ATC) cabaret.”
Nomi Cohen as Sally Bowles
Director Benjamin Kilby-Henson has honoured the legacy of such a musical; transporting audiences to Berlin to experience the wacky nature of the Kit Kat Club as it descends into darkness under Nazi rule.
So come hear the music play, grab your tickets now! Cabaret is playing at the ASB Waterfront Theatre until 25 October 2026.
Photo Credit: Andi Crown
Gifted press tickets
The cast of Cabaret
