Taking on the role of the Emcee in Tony Award-winning Cabaret is a learning experience for Robert Fix.
“It’s an interesting role with multiple layers,” says Fix. “The Emcee has a role in the cabaret scene during the time of Hitler. He is commenting on what is going on [in Germany] and also in the show.”
The musical, opening at Weinstein JCC on December 7 and running through December 17, explores the dark and heady life of bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.
The Emcee has a real stake in what’s happening in the world at the time. “The challenge and the beauty of the role is guiding the audience and also reflecting to the audience,” says Fix. “Did you really see that or not see that? What do you think? He leaves it to question as to what he actually thinks.”
The cabaret represents a safety zone for some of its patrons. Audience members of the musical and the cabaret both experience the chaotic atmosphere during the waning of the Jazz Age in 1929/1930 and the rise of the Third Reich.
“What happens in the show changes within the cabaret numbers,” Fix says. “It’s a show within a show that is also a commentary presentation. All the [musical] numbers challenge you to think: What would I do? Who do I identify with? What are the stakes? The stakes are high.”
Cabaret at JCC: Arts, Social Commentary, and 1930s Germany
People who are not familiar with the 1930s and the situation that unfolded in Germany and around the world may not understand the darkness that is peppered throughout the show. “The show also has a lot of humor and support,” says Fix. “It looks at how people are coping and dealing with all of this. Is there any hope, what could happen, and how resilient people are.”
The show is a timeless piece of theater, relatable to the human experience, “not just one group’s experience,” he says. “We are in a volatile political environment with polarizing beliefs. How do our choices impact one or another? When you think of groups who are marginalized, how do we treat groups who are different from us.”
Fix recognizes the talent of the cast and crew and appreciates the camaraderie he feels as well as the clear vision of Deb Clinton, the show’s artistic director. “She asks questions to help draw out how we are getting to where we need to go,” he says.
The process has been smooth and easy. “It’s been hard work, but really satisfying,” he says. “Everybody is working so hard. Every person is so crucial. Every character brings clear perspective and presence to the show.”
Fix is “having a blast,” he says. “Everybody is helping me do a better job, and I hope I am doing the same for them.”
Recommended for ages twelve and up, Cabaret is showing at Weinstein JCC, December 7, 9, 13, 14, and 16, at 7:30 p.m., and December 10 and 17 at 2 p.m.
For tickets, visit Weinstein JCC.
