With a malevolent grin and the words "willkommen, bienvenue, welcome," actor Joel Grey established his future as well as the dark tone of this 1966 Tony Award-winning musical. This recording includes a number of songs not in the film version, several performed by the remarkable
Lotte Lenya (widow of composer Kurt Weill, whose work clearly influenced the
John Kander and Fred Ebb score). [Columbia/Legacy's 1998 CD reissue of the original Broadway cast recording of Cabaret contained eight previously unreleased demo records -- several of which are "intros" to a full-fledged song -- plus extensive liner notes featuring the original playbill, rare photos, and an essay by Ken Mandelbaum.] ~ Marjorie Ellen Ruhlmann