Adam Lambert calls out inappropriate audience laughter during Cabaret, highlighting the musical’s chilling relevance in today’s world.

Adam Lambert has never been one to shy away from bold performances or speaking his mind.

As the lead in Broadway’s Cabaret, he’s bringing that same energy to the stage—both in his haunting portrayal of the Emcee and in his candid response to an audience moment that went viral.

Earlier this month, Lambert made headlines when he stopped mid-performance to reprimand an audience member who laughed during a critical moment in the show.

The reaction came during the infamous song If You Could See Her, a satirical but deeply unsettling number where his character serenades a woman dressed as a gorilla.

The musical, set in 1930s Berlin as the Nazi regime begins its rise, uses this scene to reflect the era’s growing antisemitism.

The final lyric—“If you could see her through my eyes, she wouldn’t look Jewish at all”—delivers a chilling gut-punch, revealing the song’s true meaning.

While Cabaret has long been known for its stark contrast between the decadence of the Kit Kat Club and the looming darkness of Nazi Germany, Lambert noticed that some audience members weren’t fully grasping the weight of the moment.

Instead of responding with the intended discomfort, a few took it as a joke. On one particular night, he decided he couldn’t let it slide.

Lambert recalled how some theatergoers, possibly emboldened by drinks during intermission, reacted inappropriately. “They’re not listening, they’re not getting the message,” he said, explaining why he broke character to address them directly.

Looking out at the crowd, he firmly told them, “No, no, no. This isn’t comedy. Pay attention.”

For Lambert, the relevance of Cabaret in today’s world is chilling. The musical first premiered in 1966, but its themes of intolerance, propaganda, and the slow erosion of freedoms resonate just as powerfully now. “The first act is fun, sexy, and playful.

Then Act II comes, and suddenly you’re face-to-face with the reality of what happens when a society begins turning against its own people,” he explained.

The rise of extremism, the targeting of marginalized communities, and the spread of dangerous ideologies make Cabaret’s warnings feel disturbingly timely.

“It’s eerie to be on that stage, telling this story, and knowing that we’re still seeing echoes of it in the world today,” Lambert admitted.

His run as the Emcee, a role he took over in September 2024, has been praised for its intensity and emotional depth.

He’s bringing a fresh, provocative edge to the character, a master of ceremonies who seduces the audience into the illusion of a world where anything goes—only for that illusion to be shattered as reality sets in.

His performance isn’t just about spectacle; it’s a cautionary tale wrapped in decadence, forcing the audience to confront uncomfortable truths.

Lambert’s decision to call out inappropriate laughter proves just how deeply he connects with the material. His role isn’t just to entertain but to make people think, to hold a mirror up to history and ask: Are we paying attention?

With Cabaret running through March 29, his message is clear—this story still matters, and we ignore its warnings at our own peril.

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