One of the great directorial achievements of recent times, Sam Mendes's complete reimagining of Kander & Ebb's Cabaret retains its awesome punch, even if individual performances prove less galvanizing than those of the original cast. As Sally, Molly Ringwald's a decent singer and stage presence, her surprising lack of sex appeal a fault until the final scenes, where, so shockingly wan and unsightly she almost looks disfigured, she becomes deeply touching. Wavering accent aside, Carole Shelley's a dignified, assertive Fraulein Schneider; Matthew Greer a convincingly Clark Kentish Clifford. Raul Esparza's emcee is a quieter, swishier creature than Alan Cumming's but enticing nonetheless. Essential theater, staged with unflagging invention, designed with breathtaking simplicity by Robert Brill.
