Cabaret on Broadway: Then and Now

2014 Broadway production photos by Joan Marcus; Archival photos: Getty

With the revival of Cabaret opening on Broadway this week, we wanted to look back on the 1998 version that made Alan Cumming a star. As Master of Ceremonies, the actor became a huge hit with his flamboyant, sexualized queer take on the role. As for Sally Bowles, she was played by Natasha Richardson. The actress brought new life to the role that became synonymous with Liza Minnelli's 1972 film version. A huge hit, the revival ran for 2,377 performances and picked up several Tony Awards, including trophies for Cumming and Richardson.

Just over 15 years later, the show has been revived again with Cumming back in the emcee role for a third time and Michelle Williams taking on Sally. How does the show look now versus then? Take a look below and size up each of the main roles.

Sally Bowles

Then: Natasha Richardson (1998), Now: Michelle Williams (2014)

Master of Ceremonies and the Kit Kat Club

Then: Alan Cumming (1998), Now: Alan Cumming (2014)

While the emcee and Sally Bowles never share a scene together, the two do cross paths on stage. Following their original stints, Richardson was replaced by Gina Gershon, Teri Hatcher, Molly Ringwald, and Brooke Shields among many others. Meanwhile, everyone from Neil Patrick Harris, who is currently starring as Hedwig, to John Stamos took on Cumming's role. Though, no one will ever replace him.