Orville Peck, the gay country singer known for his unique blend of haunting melodies and masked persona, is set to make his Broadway debut as the iconic Emcee in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club this March. The announcement has stirred excitement among fans, with a first-look image recently shared that reveals his character silhouette — notably without his signature mask.
Peck, who has spent much of his career cultivating an air of mystery by wearing a fringe-covered mask, has slowly shed this enigmatic persona in recent years. While he began his musical journey with his face hidden, by the time his 2024 album Stampede was released, Peck had noticeably adopted a more open, unmasked style. His role in Cabaret marks a significant milestone as he steps into the shoes of the beloved Emcee, a character previously portrayed by Academy Award-winning actor Eddie Redmayne in the current Broadway revival.
View this post on Instagram
On social media, both Peck and the official Cabaret Instagram accounts shared the highly anticipated first-look image, giving fans a glimpse of the singer in character. Though the image primarily shows Peck’s silhouette, it hints at his unmasked appearance, creating intrigue around how the star will portray the Emcee. The caption accompanying the post reads: “If you had a secret, you bet I would keep it. Orville Peck is the next Emcee. See him live from March 31 at the #KitKatClub.”
Peck’s unmasked look is a significant departure from his earlier years when his mask, often a signature part of his style, was central to his public identity. Fans are now eagerly anticipating how he will present a more intimate and unfiltered version of the character.
The role of Emcee, which is central to Cabaret’s exploration of Weimar-era Berlin, has been portrayed by several renowned actors in the recent revival, including Redmayne and Adam Lambert, who stepped into the role for a limited run. Additionally, RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 star Marcia Marcia Marcia — who performs as Marty Lauter outside of drag — has been the understudy for the role since Redmayne’s departure. Lauter also plays Victor in this production, offering an inside look into the unique dynamics of the Kit Kat Club.
Orville Peck’s casting in the role of Emcee represents more than just a Broadway debut; it is also a “face reveal” of sorts for the artist, who has kept his true identity under wraps for much of his career. A few days before the first-look image was revealed, Peck shared an Instagram story celebrating his inclusion in a New York Times crossword puzzle. “Y’all I’ve done the @nytimes crossword every day for YEARS [crying emoji],” he wrote, showcasing his appreciation for the moment. The New York Times puzzle, which included questions referencing Peck and the Cabaret production, was also shared by the official Cabaret account.
Photographer Gina Gizella captured the striking silhouette image, which was quickly reposted by both Peck and the Cabaret social media channels. The cryptic shot only adds to the buzz surrounding Peck’s performance, leaving fans to eagerly speculate on what they can expect from his portrayal of the Emcee.
In another Instagram story, Cabaret also shared a promo image of Eva Noblezada, who will take on the role of Sally Bowles. The caption accompanying her image reads, “Something’s bound to begin. @livevamaria is the next Sally Bowles. See her live from March 31 at the #KitKatClub.” Noblezada’s casting has also drawn attention, with many anticipating her portrayal of the iconic character alongside Peck’s Emcee.
The Cabaret revival, directed by Rebecca Frecknall, has generated significant buzz since it opened in 2024. The production brings a fresh, modern perspective to the beloved musical, set in the 1930s during the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany. The Kit Kat Club’s immersive atmosphere, along with the dynamic performances, has earned rave reviews.
For Peck, this new role is not just about stepping onto Broadway for the first time; it represents a full-circle moment in his career. From his debut album Pony in 2019, where he maintained a fully masked identity, to his most recent album Stampede, where he embraced a more unguarded persona, Peck’s evolution as an artist is mirrored in his portrayal of the Emcee.
Broadway’s Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club offers audiences a chance to experience a more intimate and personal take on the musical, while also featuring a talented cast that includes not just Peck and Noblezada, but a diverse ensemble that reflects the production’s inclusive ethos.
As Cabaret fans prepare for the next chapter in this Broadway revival, Peck’s unmasked debut in the role of Emcee is sure to be a defining moment for both his career and the production itself. The show is set to open on March 31, 2025, at the Kit Kat Club, with tickets already in high demand.
For updates and more information on Orville Peck’s performance, follow Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club on social media and sign up for exclusive news.
