Country singer Orville Peck, known for his signature fringed mask, has offered a glimpse of his face in a new photo shoot for The New York Times, coinciding with his upcoming Broadway debut in “Cabaret.” Peck will step into the role of the Emcee at the Kit Kat Club, replacing Adam Lambert, and has announced he will forgo his iconic mask for the production.
“The mask is part of my expression personally as an artist and a very big personal part of me,” Peck, 37, told the Times during a masked interview. “But I’m here to play this role and to bring respect and integrity and hopefully a good performance to it. It’s not about me. I’m not trying to make it the Orville Peck show.”
The partial reveal in the Times photograph shows Peck smiling, with one eye and part of his forehead visible, while leather gloves still obscure the lower portion of his face. This marks a significant departure from his public persona, which has been defined by the elaborate masks that have become synonymous with his stage presence.
View this post on Instagram
Peck explained his decision to abandon the mask for “Cabaret,” citing his deep admiration for the musical. “I wouldn’t have necessarily done this for just anything. But this is probably my favorite musical of all time,” he said.
Fans reacted positively to the partial reveal and the news of his Broadway role. “So cool! Books flight to New York” wrote one Instagram user, while another commented, “He’s gorgeous! Just as I suspected.”
Peck’s portrayal of the Emcee takes on added significance given the musical’s historical context. Set in pre-World War II Berlin, “Cabaret” explores themes of political upheaval and social decay as the Nazi party rises to power. Peck told the Times that the story resonates strongly with him in the current political climate.
“Regardless of whatever your politics lean, I don’t think anybody can come see the show and not agree that it is frighteningly similar, if not exactly what is happening at the moment,” he said, drawing parallels between the musical’s depiction of a society in flux and contemporary political events. “It doesn’t feel like we’re doing a period piece, a throwback.”
The Emcee, a character known for his flamboyant and morally ambiguous nature, serves as a master of ceremonies at the Kit Kat Club, a decadent nightclub that embodies the hedonistic atmosphere of Weimar-era Berlin. The role requires a performer with charisma, stage presence, and the ability to navigate complex emotional terrain. Peck’s background as a musician and performer, combined with his unique artistic vision, makes him a compelling choice for the part.
“Cabaret” is playing at Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre. Performances featuring Orville Peck begin March 31. The musical, known for its iconic songs and provocative themes, continues to captivate audiences with its timeless relevance.
Peck’s decision to reveal a portion of his face and step away from his signature mask for this role signals a new chapter in his career. It also highlights his commitment to the art of performance and his willingness to take on challenging and meaningful projects. The production is expected to draw attention from both Broadway enthusiasts and fans of Orville Peck’s music.
