Elvis’ hip swing, Chuck Berry’s duck walk, and Chubby Checker’s twist. These are just a few of the memorable moments of rock that have moved us. These memories, and many more like them, defined a generation and redefined pop culture. After Elvis’ appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the world was truly “All Shook Up.” And it would never be the same again.

What does it take to spark a world-wide phenomenon? What does it take to create something so exciting, that it lives on and on, inspiring and influencing generations of creatives to come? What does it take to become unforgettable?

Perhaps it all comes down to three main things iconic art has to give: Relatability, a little bit of shock, and a whole lot of authenticity.

Even after all these years, the relatability, shock, and authenticity of early Rock & Roll are all still very much alive. It’s this nostalgic fever that has kept crowds of music lovers pouring into the Goldstein Cabaret night after night since Blue Suede Shoes opened this past November. And it’s this fever that has sparked not one, not two, but three extensions of the hit musical revue.

Now extended into its 21st week of performances, Blue Suede Shoes is close to snagging the title as the longest-running Cabaret in FST history from last winter season’s Piano Men. Audiences have called the show “Exceptional,” “Astounding,” and “Unbelievable.” Critics have called it “High voltage” and “A burst of rock history.”

Following in the footsteps of Blue Suede Shoes, our Winter Cabaret season finale showcases another artistic legend. His work is so prolific, it is still influencing artists and showing up on everything from fridge magnets, card games, and Christmas ornaments to pajamas and decorative pillows today.

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as “the greatest writer in the English language.” What makes his work so indelible?

Like the best of Rock & Roll, Shakespeare’s work mirrored the public and blended audiences. He wrote for both the elite as well as the general public who were traditionally less likely to attend the theatre. He also wasn’t afraid to make light of serious situations and ‘tell it like it was’ with a level of authenticity that garnered the appreciation of his audiences. Perhaps most of all, Shakespeare’s work was relatable. From the forbidden love of Romeo and Juliet and the power obsession of Richard III, Shakespeare tackled universal themes that his audiences could relate to 400 years ago, and continue to relate to today.

In Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits, we celebrate the world’s greatest playwright with a tongue-in-cheek style musical revue. Featuring songs by the likes of Duke Ellington, Cole Porter, and Elton John, our Cabaret season finale highlights hits by many music legends who are unforgettable artists themselves. More than just fun and games, Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits will delve into the drama that permeates Shakespeare’s plays. It will tug at your heartstrings one moment, and makes you laugh yourself into stitches the next.
We hope like its namesake Bard, you’ll find this season finale Cabaret to be “unforgettable.”