By Ernio Hernandez
05 Jun 2003

John Secada as the Emcee in Cabaret.
photo by Joan Marcus

Recording artist Jon Secada joins the cast of the Roundabout Theatre Company revival of John Kander and Fred Ebb's Cabaret as the Emcee, June 6. Melina Kanakaredes ("Providence") will star as Sally Bowles opposite Secada, June 27 through Aug. 31, according to the actress' agency.

Singer-songwriter Secada has won two Grammy Awards. His song titles include "Just Another Day," "Angel," "If You Go," and "Do You Believe in Us?" The star — who has written songs for such singers as Gloria Estefan, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez and Mandy Moore — appeared on Broadway in the revival of Grease as Danny Zuko.

Kanakaredes is best known for her role in the NBC family drama "Providence." The Akron, Ohio, native played Off-Broadway in the 1994 York Theatre production of Down by the Ocean. She also made appearances on such television shows as "Guiding Light," "NYPD Blue" and "Oz." Her film credits include "15 Minutes" "Rounders" and "Dangerous Beauty."

The show currently stars Deborah Gibson (as Sally Bowles), Tom Bosley (as Herr Schultz), Mariette Hartley (as Fraulein Schneider), Rick Holmes, Liz McConahay and Peter Benson.

Secada is the latest in the lineup of actors to replace the Tony Award-winning originator of the role Alan Cumming. The other performers include Michael Hall, Matt McGrath, Raul Esparza, John Stamos and Neil Patrick Harris.

Kanakaredes will join a long line of varied actresses to play the role of Sally Bowles after the revival's Tony Award-winning originator Natasha Richardson. Others include Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mary McCormack, Susan Egan, Joely Fisher, Lea Thompson, Katie Finneran, Gina Gershon, Kate Shindle, Brooke Shields, Jane Leeves, Molly Ringwald and Deborah Gibson.

The musical directed by Sam Mendes with Rob Marshall, featuring the music of Kander, the lyrics of Ebb and book by Joe Masteroff, opened on Broadway March 19, 1998. It won Tony Awards that year including Best Revival of a Musical.

For tickets to Cabaret at Studio 54, 254 West 54 Street, call (212) 239-6200 or click here.