more Cabaret feedback

9 Oct, 2007

I’ve probably received as many emails during the first two weeks of Cabaret as I receive for the entire run of most shows. A few of my favorites:

“Ann, Noreen and I got to see Cabaret last night and it was overwhelming. It was one of the most powerful statements and performances that I have ever seen. I especially thought the second act was tremendous. And, what a message about prejudices, biases and treatment of other people! It made me proud to be associated with PCS and to be a citizen of a great city that produces performances of this caliber with such a bold message to the theater in Portland! Thank you and you should be very proud of this accomplishment.”

- Mark Edlen, Gerding/Edlen Development

“Dear Chris:

I am writing to congratulate you on Cabaret - it’s an excellent production.

I am also hoping that you can change the ending back to the preview night I saw.

I am a volunteer usher at PCS and several theaters around town. I see about 50 shows a year. I say this just so you know I am not a “once in awhile” theater attendee.

I have seen Cabaret twice, once on Thurs. preview, Sept. 27th and again at the Sunday matinee, Oct. 7.

What made this play so moving for me was seeing Herr Schultz come out in his concentration camp robe. I felt this moment was theater at its finest, it provoked an intense visceral reaction in me. The true horror of the Holocaust was revealed at that moment.

We spent two hours falling in love with this sweet man and pure evil took him from us. I was devastated. My husband and I discussed the show for 2 hours afterward and applauded your courage of this very appropriate ending.

On Sunday afternoon I came with a group of 20 and I was shocked to see that Herr Schultz came out in his regular suit at the end of the play. Most of my party seemed more upset at intermission than at the end.

This decision diluted the impact of the entire show. We should not leave the theater wondering what happened to that sweet man by pretending that everything was ok. We should leave the theater horrifed by the reality.

Please reconsider the ending. You have the sexy and steamy part just right. Now please bring back the one moment that reveals the evil behind the Nazi party.”

-Michelle Cheney

[Editor’s note: We tried about six different versions of the ending, and landed on the one with Herr Schultz back in his suit, because we were afraid audience members wouldn’t know who he was. But given Michelle’s letter, I am considering returning to the choice she remembered so vividly.]

“Dear Chris:

So I think my sister summed it up best at intermission, ‘ . . . Maybe This Time was the best live performance I have ever heard, period.’ Amazing in the good old fashioned sense of the word. It gives me chill bumps to think of it. It wasn’t just something to hear, but to experience. Wow.

‘Where did he find these people?’ was another of her musings. Living in the Bay Area with in-laws in New York City, she was a little prejudiced about what she was going to experience here in the backwaters of Oregon.

And how ironic (and disturbing) that as we took a walk through the neighborhood Saturday morning, we were confronted with red graffiti on the walls of a home and businesses on Alberta, stars of David and the word ‘JEWS!!!’ (including the exclamation points).

Thank you for continuing to create great theater.”

- Teri Rowan

published in Portland Center Stage

10 comments

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Come On... said in 10-12-2007 @ 12:51:26

…changing the play ending constantly? That sounds like Hollywood test marketing. Come on, aren’t you the Director, Chris? Why not stick to your guns and choose the best ending tha YOU see fit.

I’m guessing what caused you to “try” different endings in the first place was probably a comment from a board member or someone who wasn’t paying attention. As an artist, you can’t always, and shouldn’t cator to the lowest common denominator, as Michelle’s letter states.

And if you need to make it obvious, put Wade in the concentration camp outfit (like the versions I’ve read). Takes care of your two problems anyway.

But mostly, I don’t like to see anyone wishy-washy about their art. Not everyone is going to get everything and that’s okay - don’t water anything down just because you think some will feel excluded.

Steve Wing said in 10-14-2007 @ 14:51:49

“Come On”…. I would imagine as an “artist” that Coleman does not bear ultimate responsibility for the jobs of over 80 people and the continued liquidity of a multi-million dollar theatre operation, either. Oh, no, wait a second….he does!

What are you, about 20?

Buddy said in 10-15-2007 @ 13:08:20

“Come on” One thing you have to understand about art is that while “sticking to your guns” is important so is artistic efficacy.

Ineffective art is worthless. Especially when dealing with a social piece like Cabaret. So, when there is an opportunity to make it more cutting and connective and reactive, why not do it?

“Sticking to your guns” is well and fine. And yes, I agree that artistic integrity is key. I do not think, however, that artistic growth should be sacrificed on the alter of aesthetic bull-headedness.

* * * * * * * *

In regards to “test marketing,” most large-scale theatrical productions go through a series of performances called “previews.” The purpose of which is, in part, to discover what works for an audience and what doesn’t. What is effective and which jokes fall flat. Whether or not we’re actually doing what we’re trying to do and reaching people.

So in a sense, yes, absolutely, it is “test marketing.” But let’s be honest, what moron wouldn’t “test market” a product that stands to gain or lose hundreds of thousands of dollars?

Art does not operate in a social vacuum. It must grow and evolve to be effective. Effective art sometimes succeeds. Successful art generates revenue, which in turn allows more art to be created. Art is a process - not a series of idealistic absolutes. And yes, part of that process is marketing.

Big Fan said in 10-16-2007 @ 10:20:44

Chris: I loved the show. I am a huge fan of Wade but loved everyone in this incredible performance. I went with three other people ( two from Wash. D.C. –and they were the ones to jump up immediately to give a standing ovation at the end!). My teenage daughter and 78 year old mother went together last weekend and they loved it too…People told us we should be cautious about letting our teenager see it because of the provocative dance scenes…When I asked my daughter afterwards if she thought it was too sexy for a teen she looked me in the eye and said “have you been to a high school dance recently?”. She loved the elderly couple but didn’t get that he was going to a concentration camp– thought he was just leaving because the situation was so bad…so I think the concentration camp outfit would be a stronger ending too….One other comment from my teenager that I agree with and appreciated– she said she was surprised that everyone didn’t break into another chorus of “cabaret” at the end…we talked about how different this is from most musicals which love to send the audience away humming….
So, I’m coming back and bringing my neighbor to see the show…
Thank-you!
PS- We brought both of our teenagers to see I Am My Own Wife— please keep producing these amazing theatrical pieces…

Jessy said in 10-16-2007 @ 16:23:13

I saw the show two different times. The first time I saw it, Herr Schultz came out in a suit and the other he came out in the concentration camp robe. I must say that the latter created an incredibly memorable and chilling ending. In fact, there was a very long silence at the end of that show. I think people felt compelled to let everything sink in before applauding. I am glad the ending was changed because it really made for a stronger performance.

J. said in 10-18-2007 @ 12:55:03

I live far, far from Oregon, and won’t be able to see the show. However, I love this exchange of information, thoughts, impulses… Most intriguing is that this particular discourse is about artistic choices in a production. Indeed, the live feedback the artists receive in previews is now accompanied by bloggers! Nice work PCS!

cori said in 10-19-2007 @ 11:25:32

saw cabaret last night and was not that impressed. the ending was very tame compared to other endings i’ve seen in the past, including one on broadway. the emcee comes out in a concentration camp outfit, as do member of the kit kat club. the ending was so powerful in new york but in portland it was BORING. i don’t understand why the more powerful ending wasn’t chosen. i was bummed about this for quite some time. for those members of the audience who hadn’t seen cabaret before, the ending was probably sufficient, but for those of us that had, it was a major letdown. oh well.

chloe said in 10-27-2007 @ 20:01:14

Wade is sensational. He brings a truth to the stage that is so rare. i have seen plays around the world and have been moved by the finest actors, Wade is definitely among them. Hoping he will be at PCS many times for many years to come. Our city enriched with his talent.

Thank you for this amazing play and every good wish to you.

A very pleased subscriber.

Michael said in 10-29-2007 @ 11:29:27

My wife and I drove down from Seattle specifically to see Cabaret; it was well worth the drive!

Steve Wing said in 10-30-2007 @ 10:41:37

Well, Storm Large is apparently so hot in Cabaret that she turned Chris Coleman straight, according to Willamette Week. That’s what I call convincing acting!