Gauteng Production of ‘Cabaret’ Debuts Drag Emcee

The new Gauteng production of the Broadway musical Cabaret, featuring the first-ever drag queen to play the iconic role of the Emcee, is not to be missed.

Set in the pulsating nightlife of Berlin’s Kit Kat Klub during the 1930s, this legendary musical will run at Die Centurion Teater from 4 to 12 October 2024.

Cabaret tells the riveting story of Sally Bowles, the club’s enigmatic star, and her fateful encounter with bisexual writer Clifford Bradshaw.

Set against the backdrop of a crumbling Weimar Germany, this production immerses audiences in a time of soaring creativity and looming catastrophe. The boundaries between reality and illusion blur in the smoke-filled haze of the Kit Kat Klub, which offers a refuge during an uncertain and dark time.

Celebrating 30 years of artistic excellence, Die Centurion Teater will transform into the infamous Kit Kat Klub, with every seat offering an intimate connection to the action on stage. This innovative staging promises to make the audience feel part of the club’s wild and unpredictable nightlife, transporting them to a world of decadence, danger, and defiance.

“Beyond our own passion and absolute adoration for Cabaret, The Musical, and its iconic history, we see this as a fantastic opportunity to bring our community together with an unforgettable show and experience like never before,” say directors and executive producers, Tiaan Kirsten-Lubbe and Lian Sachse.

Leading the charge as the iconic Emcee is the dazzling RiRi Rouge, making history as the first drag queen to portray this legendary role.

“I feel immensely grateful to bring another layer of meaning and depth to this iconic character, the Emcee, by being the first full drag artist to bring this role to the stage. I have been dreaming of playing the Emcee since I was seven years old, and now I can’t stop jumping with excitement and awe over this opportunity!” says RiRi Rouge.

RiRi will be joined by some of the brightest young talents in the industry, bringing passion and raw energy to every performance. Starring as Sally Bowles and Clifford Bradshaw are newcomers, Chané-Louise Bornman and Marlon Rossouw.

Kyle Cronjé will perform as Ernst Ludwig, Rix Haji-Loucas will play Fraulein Schneider, Reinier Van Zyl will take on the role of Herr Schultz, and Ora Mashigo will portray Fraulein Rosie Kost.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, VIP tickets are available for R350 per person. VIP guests will enjoy prime seating at exclusive cabaret tables right in front of the stage, where they’ll be served by the Cabaret Girls cast during an exclusive pre-show experience.

Tickets, starting from R250 per person, are available online here.