Cabaret

Definition: The word “cabaret” has different meanings within theatre, music, Broadway, and film. As a show, Cabaret is the award-winning stage musical by the iconic writing team Kander and Ebb. Set in 1931 Germany before the rise of Hitler and the Nazis, the plot deals with social and economic problems plus religious discrimination issues. The original Broadway production won 10 Tony Awards.

The film version of the stage musical starred Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey and was directed by legendary choreographer Bob Fosse. All three won Oscars for their respective contributions to the film which won a total of 8 Academy Awards but lost the Oscar for Best Film to The Godfather.

Cabaret is also a style of performing that is very intimate between a solo singer and an audience, featuring novelty songs, torch songs, plus popular or theatrical standards.

The term “cabaret” is also used to describe a small nightclub or space that features tables and chairs rather than theatre seats, with a bar and oftentimes a kitchen for ordering a late night dinner.

Etymology: “Cabaret” first appeared in the 1650’s as a variant of 13th century French word camberete meaning “small room,” from which we also derive “chamber.”

Pronunciation: CAB’-eh-ray’

Also Known As: club, nightclub, night club

Common Misspellings: caburet, cabarey