Adam Lambert Calls Out Antisemitism During Cabaret: “This Isn’t Comedy!”
Adam Lambert is not just waltzing around the stage in his role as the Emcee in Broadway’s revival of Cabaret; he’s also taking a stand on some pretty serious societal issues. The glam-rock icon, who first captured hearts on American Idol, opened up during a recent appearance on The View about his run in the influential musical. “This show is more relevant than ever,” he asserted, and let’s be real—his words carry weight, especially in today’s climate filled with divisiveness and rising antisemitism.
In a powerful moment in the production, Lambert found himself compelled to halt the show when he noticed an audience member chuckling at an inappropriate moment. He recounted how laughter erupted during his performance of “If You Could See Her,” a song laden with satirical references to prejudice. Rather than carry on as if everything were peachy, Lambert addressed the audience directly, saying, “No, no, no, no. This isn’t comedy. Pay attention.” You could practically hear jaws dropping and eyes widening in theaters everywhere.
Lambert’s perspective is especially pertinent against the backdrop of growing antisemitism in the U.S., which reports from the Anti-Defamation League indicate has surged in recent years, with 2022 seeing the highest number of recorded incidents since they began tracking. It’s a bleak reality, and Lambert doesn’t shy away from highlighting these uncomfortable truths. “The first act is really fun and naughty, but when we get to Act II, we talk about the reality of the Nazis coming into power and what that means for people that are alternative and other in society,” he explained.
This emotional tug-of-war between levity and gravity makes Cabaret an exceptional piece of theater. Lambert added that the ease of laughter in the first act can create a disconnection for audience members when the gravity of the narrative in the second act hits. “It’s eerie to be up there and talking about things that are happening again in our country,” he lamented.
So, while Lambert may be serving glam and charisma on stage, he’s also delivering a wake-up call to audiences everywhere. As America grapples with its own fluctuating moral compass, Cabaret under Lambert’s vibrant direction is more than just a musical—it’s a mirror reflecting society’s darker corners.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Anti-Defamation League Reports
