Orville Peck to make his Broadway debut in Cabaret
The country crooner, who will take over Adam Lambert's role, said he has dreamed of this since his teens
Canadian country star Orville Peck will make his Broadway debut on March 31 in Cabaret at the August Wilson Theatre.
Peck will play the role of the MC, one of musical theatre's most beloved and intriguing characters. The announcement was first reported by Deadline, and in an interview with the website Peck said: "The MC has been my dream role since I was a teenager…. The nature of the character allows for complete freedom of individual expression."
Peck will take the role over from rock singer and former American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert. The production will run for 16 weeks, before another MC is selected in July.
This isn't Peck's first foray into theatre, and it marks a triumphant return for the artist who used his acting chops to help build his stage show and musical persona. Peck has a background in ballet and studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts before embarking on his music career.
"I truly cannot believe I'm getting to make my Broadway debut in one of my favourite shows and in probably my favourite role in all of musical theatre. I grew up in the theatre. I was a working actor and a dancer for many years before I started making music," he told Deadline.
"I did the hustle, and the struggle, for a long time, trying to make things happen for myself. But it taught me so much of who I am as a performer and a person, so it feels very full circle to be making a return to it at this point in my career."
The last time Peck graced a theatre stage was in 2016, as part of a West End production of the comedic play Peter Pan Goes Wrong.
Back in September 2024, it was reported by Variety that Peck was working on a Broadway project "in early stages of development."
Peck has always leaned into theatricality, and his signature masks are evidence of that. His most recent album, 2024's Stampede, features duets with Willie Nelson, Kylie Minogue, Elton John, Beck and Noah Cyrus, and the accompanying music videos are over-the-top, campy delights.