Wilkommen, Again? Roundabout Planning Another ‘Cabaret’ Revival

How’s this for déjà vu on Broadway? Roundabout Theater Company is planning a revival of the famed musical “Cabaret” at Studio 54 in early 2014 with Alan Cumming starring as the Emcee - the role for which he won a Tony Award in 1998 for a “Cabaret” revival by Roundabout that ended up running at Studio 54 as well.

The composer of “Cabaret,” John Kander, confirmed on Wednesday that the production was in the works, although he said that the details had yet to be finalized.

As for who would play Sally Bowles in the revival, the Daily Mail of London reported on Wednesday that the Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway (“Les Miserables”) was set to take on the role, citing anonymous sources. But Ms. Hathaway’s publicist said on Wednesday that the Daily Mail report was “completely false.”

“There is no commitment whatsoever for her to do ‘Cabaret,’ ” wrote the publicist, Stephen Huvane, in an e-mail. “There are no discussions going on about this project for Anne.”

Mr. Kander said Roundabout’s plan was to begin rehearsals in January 2014 and begin performances in late winter with Mr. Cumming reprising his role. (Mr. Cumming is now appearing on Broadway in a production of “Macbeth,” playing most of the roles himself.) Mr. Kander said he had no information about the director or about the actress who would play Sally. Natasha Richardson won a Tony in the role opposite Mr. Cumming, while Liza Minnelli won an Academy Award in the 1972 movie.

A Roundabout spokesman declined to comment about the possible revival or casting.

If the revival comes together, it would be the latest well-known show to make a swift return to Broadway; the previous Roundabout revival of “Cabaret” ran for nearly six years before closing in January 2004.

Mr. Kander said he didn’t think it was too soon to bring “Cabaret” back to Broadway. “I think there will be an audience for the revival - many people who have never seen it on stage - this is a chance to develop the show with some new actors.”

Ms. Hathaway had signaled affection for “Cabaret” in a big way in October when she sang numbers from the musical and film at a concert performance at Joe’s Pub in Manhattan.

“Cabaret” originally opened on Broadway in 1966 and won the Tony for best musical and best score (for Mr. Kander and his longtime songwriting partner, Fred Ebb), among several other awards. The show has a book by Joe Masteroff, based on a novel by Christopher Isherwood.