Written and performed by the incredible Amber Topaz (with her name fitting the redhead theme the show itself explores), Red: A New Musical Revue recently landed on the cabaret stage at the Wales Millennium Centre. It takes the audience on a tour through some of musical theatre’s most iconic redheaded figures. The entire show is tied together beautifully by the solo performer, Amber, as she guides the audience through this “ginger journey” (with some slightly tedious links at times), with a sprinkling of trivia delivered by the extremely likeable host. The fusion of musical theatre and learning experiences is something I personally always really enjoy, as the audience not only walks away feeling thoroughly entertained but also having learned something new.
The first number in this brand-new musical revue that truly grabbed the audience’s attention was the iconic “Roxy” from the Tony Award-winning musical Chicago (which you can read our review of here: https://rhysreviews.com/2025/05/08/chicago-production-review/). The show, originally shaped by John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Bob Fosse (the latter of whom received multiple mentions throughout the performance), provided a perfect tribute point. As a nod to the legendary Ginger Rogers (who famously performed the role in the 1942 film adaptation), Amber used this song to showcase a more physically theatrical side of her persona. She delivered a series of “Roxies” through wonderfully over-the-top freeze frames that not only suited the original show but also highlighted her comedic flair. This number perfectly matched the cabaret tone of Red while allowing Amber to truly showcase her incredible voice. I can easily see her taking on this iconic role on a much larger stage the next time Chicago comes around.
My favourite performance of the entire show was Amber’s rendition of “Easy Street” from the beloved musical Annie. As Annie herself is one of the most iconic redheads in media (despite the character’s hair being changed in the 2014 remake), it felt inevitable that Amber would pay homage to the plucky orphan—and she did so brilliantly. Rather than opting for more commonly performed songs like “Tomorrow” or “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” Amber chose to channel her inner Miss Hannigan with the wonderfully theatrical “Easy Street.” This was a particularly clever choice, as it’s not a number audiences frequently see in revue performances, and it worked flawlessly with Amber’s rich and theatrical vocal style. The performance was a true highlight: not only did she showcase her vocal ability, but she also demonstrated excellent comedic timing, incorporated a touch of tap dancing, and even included a hilarious kazoo solo that the audience clearly loved.
From a well-known musical theatre anthem to a song many in attendance had likely never heard before, Amber paid homage to flame-haired icon Bernadette Peters by introducing the audience to “Making Love Alone.” This witty and heartfelt number, celebrating the single life, resonated strongly with the crowd. The song fits perfectly within the cabaret style of Red: A New Musical Review, while also allowing Amber to lean further into her comedic strengths. Her performance had the audience in hysterics while still maintaining an emotional core. It’s easy to imagine this number being performed at cabaret events across the country—and I’m honestly surprised it isn’t already more widely known. It’s certainly a song I’ll be adding to my own musical theatre playlist.
The closing moments of the show saw Amber perform another number that was new to me but felt destined to become a cabaret staple. “The Showgirl Must Go On,” a tribute to another redheaded musical theatre icon, Bette Midler, and her Las Vegas residency, was the perfect way to conclude the evening. Despite originally being performed in 2008, the song explores the darker realities of life as a performer—issues that remain relevant today—while wrapping them in a fabulously camp and theatrical package. Amber captured this balance perfectly. Once again, the number provided ample opportunity for her to showcase her powerful vocals while also demonstrating her flair for burlesque-inspired performance, reinforcing her status as a cabaret star.
Overall, Red: A New Musical Revue is a vibrant theatrical experience that celebrates the impact redheaded performers have had not only on musical theatre but on the wider media landscape. Amber Topaz is the perfect guide for this journey: charismatic, personable, and immensely talented. From her exceptional vocal ability to her tap dancing, burlesque elements, kazoo playing, and engaging hosting, she delivers a truly memorable cabaret experience. I would rate this performance 4 out of 5 stars.
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