NEW YORK — Bebe Neuwirth is known for her film and television roles, but she says acting on Broadway is what she loves most.
Both times Tony Award The winner could win a third trophy this month for “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” a stripped-back revival that Neuwirth says challenged and invigorated her.
She plays Fraulein Schneider in the show, which welcomes guests into neon-lit hallways that lead to a vibrant, reimagined Kit Kat Club. The production revolves around a round stage with an audience on all sides, with no sets and few props, which, according to her, puts the focus on the iconic story and music.
Neuwirth’s notable television career has included starring roles on “Cheers,” “Frasier” and “Madam Secretary,” but she is enjoying the opportunity to grow as a stage performer. She recently spoke with the Associated Press about acting without crutches, her Tony nod and her diverse career.
Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
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NEUWIRTH: (Director Bob) Fosse’s take on ‘Cabaret’ is truly indelible. This is totally different. It’s that beautiful material that’s on the page and on the piano and comes to life – in a completely new world. So I think of it as if it were a deconstructed and reconstructed “Cabaret”. So you can see the show and feel the show and hear the new show. It’s totally new and it’s absolutely, purely “Cabaret”. It is simply extraordinary and beautiful.
NEUWIRTH: I’m older now. You know, I never left the theater. I’m always on stage somewhere doing something. It’s where I like to be most. But being in a musical on Broadway at 65 is a lot different than when I was on Broadway in a musical at 27. I like to think that I have better access to myself, that I’m a little more skilled at what I do. I’m always trying to be better. I feel like after all these years, I hope I’ve gotten better.
NEUWIRTH: When I walked into rehearsal and they said, “Oh, and there’s no set,” I said, “So we’re all playing in a circle and there’s nothing to sit on? , if I played like this for the rest of my life, I would be happy. I love playing in the round. I love not having all kinds of stuff on stage. being so close to the material.
NEUWIRTH: I suppose it feels different than before, but it’s been a while. I’m a little different than I was. But I remember – I have a vague memory of the two times I was nominated in the past, of it feeling very surreal and not being able to compare it to anything else. I don’t know what it’s like anymore. But it’s exciting.
NEUWIRTH: I’m so grateful to be an artist now. And I’m so grateful that it’s a Jewish artist who is helping to tell the story of “Cabaret.” I feel the responsibility. I am a German Jew. I’m also a Russian Jew. I am a Ukrainian Jew. I feel a great responsibility. I feel honored to have this responsibility. A significant part of me is deeply aware of this every time I go on stage.
NEUWIRTH: My personal preference is theater. I’d rather be on stage than anywhere else. That’s where I started. I’ve been on stage – dancing and ballet since I was 6 or 7 years old, so that’s where I feel most comfortable. I think I probably do what I consider my best work – on stage. But that’s me. That’s what I’m comfortable with. But the audience, if they see me on a television show or movie or voicing a cartoon character and they like it, great. I am really happy.
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