Eva Noblezada brightens up Broadway in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
- Sidney Marie
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Experience an immersive Broadway show with Eva Noblezada at its helm.
You know the drill — we skip the fluff and get straight to the good stuff. Here’s the breakdown: the must-know details, a quick take on the show, and how to turn it into a night out worth remembering.
Wilkommen to the Kit Kat Club: The General Information
Full Title: Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club
Theater: August Wilson Theatre, 245 W. 52nd St., New York, map
Main Cast: Eva Noblezada and Orville Peck
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission
Lyrics and Music: Fred Ebb (lyrics) and John Kander (music)
Tickets: See Availability Here
Plot: Set in 1930s Berlin, as the Nazis rise to power, the Kit Kat Club offers an intoxicating escape where the Emcee and cabaret star Sally Bowles preside over nights of music, dancing, and fleeting romance. Beneath the glittering surface, a darker reality looms, making this musical both dazzling and deeply poignant.
Life Is a Cabaret: Our Experience in the Kit Kat Club
As someone who has been covering immersive experiences in New York City for nearly a decade, Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club had always been on my radar. And when I heard Eva Noblezada was stepping into the iconic role of Sally Bowles, I leaped at the opportunity to see it. I had never seen Eva perform live on a Broadway stage, but her reputation absolutely precedes her. And what better way to be introduced to her talent than watching her take on a character as legendary as Sally? But before I get carried away with my thoughts on Eva…
The pre-show atmosphere is, in a word, intoxicating. So much so that I wished the Kit Kat Club were a real speakeasy I could return to on any random night. With a drink in hand, you get to watch dancers weave through the space to on-theme music, setting the tone long before the first note is sung. Even the seating pulls you deeper into the world, making it clear this isn’t just another night at a Broadway show — it’s an invitation to step into Berlin’s underbelly.
Before I saw the show, I kept hearing people say, “This isn’t your mother’s Cabaret.” That statement made perfect sense the moment the opening number hit. This version is far raunchier and more provocative than I ever remembered, and if I’m being honest, that’s not my cup of tea. But full disclosure: I grew up in the kind of household where Halloween was off-limits and a crop top was considered scandalous, so my bar for risqué is, admittedly, pretty low. That being said, I can absolutely appreciate the talent it takes to command a room and Orville Peck as the Emcee certainly does that from the second he steps into the spotlight. His performances were bold, immersive, and unapologetically magnetic, even if the style wasn’t entirely my vibe.
The true standouts of the night, for me, were Eva Noblezada and Calvin Leon Smith.
Now, I’m not going to sit here and act like I’m an all-knowing theater critic, meticulously dissecting each gesture and pause — despite studying theater from grade school through college. But I have developed a decent radar for what separates “good” from “great.” And both Eva and Calvin were just that: great. Their embodiment of Sally and Clifford felt so vividly real, as if the audience were just eavesdropping on the unraveling of their dysfunctional relationship. Eva brought a perfect balance of allure and fragility to Sally, and Calvin’s Clifford shifted seamlessly from wide-eyed Berlin newcomer to a man disillusioned and heartbroken by the world around him.
If I had one critique, it’s that there wasn’t really a moment where Eva’s powerhouse vocals were fully unleashed. I especially wished for a little more personal flair in her rendition of Maybe This Time, but her interpretation stayed true to the essence of Sally. Eva’s rendition of Cabaret was drenched in an aching vulnerability that, despite its upbeat sound, still felt heartbreaking.
If I were to recommend this show, I’d say it’s for theatergoers who crave something moodier and more immersive than your typical Broadway production, a night out that feels equal parts performance and experience. Or for anyone who simply wants to witness the undeniable star power of Eva Noblezada, a legend in the making, live on the Broadway stage.
Beyond the Club: A Theatrical Night in New York
Looking for the perfect way to keep the Cabaret vibes alive after the curtain falls? Make it a friends' night out to remember! First stop: Don’t Tell Mama — a piano bar and cabaret lounge that’s practically Broadway royalty. Not only is the name a cheeky nod to the song “Don’t Tell Mama” from Cabaret itself, but the space has been a Midtown staple since the ‘80s, with a cozy, anything-goes atmosphere that feels like an extension of the show. Sip a cocktail, request a tune, and soak up the live performances, often from seasoned Broadway pros and rising stars.
If you’re looking to swap the vintage velvet vibes for something a little wilder, hop over to House of Yes in Bushwick. This eclectic venue is known for its boundary-pushing parties, circus-style performances, and dance floors that make you feel like you’ve stepped into Berlin’s underground scene. Whether you’re there for a themed night or just the music, it’s the kind of place Sally Bowles herself would probably close out the night.
And of course — if you and your crew do the full Cabaret night out, from the Kit Kat Club to cocktails, snap a pic and tag @popupgirlsnyc. We love seeing how you paint the town!
