Cabaret Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical
Cabaret Lyrics: Song List
- Act 1
- Wilkommen
- So What
- Telephone Song
- Don't Tell Mama
- Mein Herr
- Perfecly Marvelous
- Two Ladies
- It Couldn't Please Me More
- Tomorrow Belongs to Me
- Why Should I Wake Up?
- Maybe this Time
- Money Song
- Married
- Meeskite
- Act 2
- Entr'acte
- If You Could See Her
- What Would You Do?
- Tomorrow Belongs to Me (Reprise)
- Cabaret
- Finale
About the "Cabaret" Stage Show
Release date: 1966
The Cabaret musical is one of the most iconic and constantly relevant musicals in the history of the theater. Written initially in 1951, it has been significantly revised a few times, with each revision deepening the darkness of this cautionary tale. Sandy Wilson was the first writer associated with the project but found difficulty in entirely capturing the volatile atmosphere of 1920s-1930s Berlin. It was with the hiring of John Kander and Fred Ebb that, by working together, they made a show that was exponentially more provocative and moving.
The storyline in Cabaret is the story of the growth of Nazi Germany, and over time, its production has intentionally been made darker and darker to indicate the increased threat of that period. Specifically, the 1998 and 2004 versions created new scenes that showed decadence in morality and society. For instance, one of the more controversial new threads the film introduces features a pregnant woman who uses cocaine and ends up aborting her baby—a grim reminder of the desperation and hopelessness that characterized so many lives during that period.
The story of the musical is divided into two interrelated lines: the crumbling of the Kit Kat Klub, a cabaret also functioning as a house of ill-repute, and the frightening rise of the Nazi Party. This eventually shows the audience the end results of political apathy in Europe. By the end of the show, the image of a gas chamber is a chilling premonition of what occurs when society does not put a stop to evil.
Cabaret first opened on Broadway in 1966. The play was successful as it performed for 21 previews and 1,165 performances. After its first performance, the show went on its first national tour in 1968, thereby reaching America. In 1986, the musical came to London's West End with a presentation of 336 performances.
The musical came back to the London stage in 1993, which was a key revival of the show under the direction of Sam Mendes. The way Mendes treated the show brought a kind of raw and gritty realism into the production that floored many an audience. His take set the stage for the revival that took New York by storm in 1998, which further expounded on the darker themes that pervade the musical. The trend continues with the 2004 Broadway revival, establishing Cabaret as one of those works that stay timeless and constantly keep getting reinvented.
Following along those same lines, in recent years, Cabaret has gone on to find audiences throughout the world. The 2014 Broadway revival, starring Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams, was a critical and commercial success that reawakened the musical as still timely. The powerful effect of these dark messages has been underlined by the brutal minimalist staging of the show.
As we move deeper into the 21st century, Cabaret becomes more and more this brutal reminder of the dangers of complacency in the face of rising authoritarianism. The musical remains relatable to modern audiences, even as it takes place in the past. This will ensure that it is still revived and reinterpreted for many years into the future.
The storyline in Cabaret is the story of the growth of Nazi Germany, and over time, its production has intentionally been made darker and darker to indicate the increased threat of that period. Specifically, the 1998 and 2004 versions created new scenes that showed decadence in morality and society. For instance, one of the more controversial new threads the film introduces features a pregnant woman who uses cocaine and ends up aborting her baby—a grim reminder of the desperation and hopelessness that characterized so many lives during that period.
The story of the musical is divided into two interrelated lines: the crumbling of the Kit Kat Klub, a cabaret also functioning as a house of ill-repute, and the frightening rise of the Nazi Party. This eventually shows the audience the end results of political apathy in Europe. By the end of the show, the image of a gas chamber is a chilling premonition of what occurs when society does not put a stop to evil.
Cabaret first opened on Broadway in 1966. The play was successful as it performed for 21 previews and 1,165 performances. After its first performance, the show went on its first national tour in 1968, thereby reaching America. In 1986, the musical came to London's West End with a presentation of 336 performances.
The musical came back to the London stage in 1993, which was a key revival of the show under the direction of Sam Mendes. The way Mendes treated the show brought a kind of raw and gritty realism into the production that floored many an audience. His take set the stage for the revival that took New York by storm in 1998, which further expounded on the darker themes that pervade the musical. The trend continues with the 2004 Broadway revival, establishing Cabaret as one of those works that stay timeless and constantly keep getting reinvented.
Following along those same lines, in recent years, Cabaret has gone on to find audiences throughout the world. The 2014 Broadway revival, starring Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams, was a critical and commercial success that reawakened the musical as still timely. The powerful effect of these dark messages has been underlined by the brutal minimalist staging of the show.
As we move deeper into the 21st century, Cabaret becomes more and more this brutal reminder of the dangers of complacency in the face of rising authoritarianism. The musical remains relatable to modern audiences, even as it takes place in the past. This will ensure that it is still revived and reinterpreted for many years into the future.
Recent Productions and Adaptations.
London’s immersive revival continues to thrill audiences at the Kit Kat Club.
- Since late 2021, Cabaret transforms Playhouse Theatre into Berlin’s underbelly.
- From May 29 2025, Hannah Dodd plays Sally Bowles, and Rob Madge is The Emcee.
- Immersive staging invites audiences onto the banked stage.
Broadway Revival 2024.
- Opened April 21 2024 at the August Wilson Theatre.
- Directed by Rebecca Frecknall.
- Orville Peck and Eva Noblezada led roles until July 20 2025.
- Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace star until October 19 2025.
Awards and Recognition.
- 1967 Tony Awards saw eight wins including Best Musical.
- 2022 Olivier Awards won record seven honours including Best Revival.
- 2024 Tony Awards secured nine nominations including Best Revival.
Questions and Answers.
- What makes Cabaret still resonate today?
- The show warns of apathy in the face of rising tyranny.
- How does immersive staging affect the audience?
- It draws viewers into Berlin’s Kit Kat Klub world.
- Who leads the latest West End revival?
- Hannah Dodd plays Sally, Rob Madge plays The Emcee.
- What awards has Cabaret amassed?
- It won eight Tony Awards and seven Olivier Awards.
- Where can I catch upcoming productions?
- Check West End and Broadway listings through 2025.