Cabaret runs Nov 7-10, with shows at 7 PM on Wed/Thurs/Fri/Sat. Performances are in the Jean Orvis Theatre. The energy in the theatre before the first run-through of Act I of Cabaret is electric. Actors run around frantically. Some students sit off to the side and repeat their lines. Others quickly sing through songs. Director Paul Shapiro sits high in the seats, taking notes, looking through the script, and murmuring with set designer Ed Hoffman. Musical Director Mark Hoover plunks out notes on the piano as actors drag set pieces in place and dancers stretch. This is the traditional chaos of a show at one month till opening.
Slowly, characters enter the stage in small groups as Mark plays a vamp on the piano, and before long the show is in full-swing. The cast is clearly very comfortable; the actors aren’t afraid to interact and play with each other onstage. Choreographer Rhonda Cinotto’s always-marvelous choreography is executed with ease by both the actors and the dancers.
Set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, Cabaret focuses on life at the flashy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with the American writer Cliff Bradshaw. Meanwhile, two German women, Frau Kost and Frau Schneider, deal with their own troubles at the hotel where Cliff is staying. Overseeing the action and providing additional entertainment is the Emcee of the Kit Kat Klub.
The acting is already polished and the scenes exhibit the intimacy of a show put on by adults. Logan Pettit ’13, as the Emcee, embraces the flamboyancy and fun spirit of the role. Rebecca Marowitz ’13 perfectly portrays Kit Kat Club performer Sally Bowles, a woman who pretends to have a perfect life but is in actuality starving for real affection and care. Jack Gode ’14 is lovely as Cliff Bradshaw, Sally’s humble romantic interest. Morgan Gellert ’13 plays Ernst Ludwig, Cliff’s first acquaintance in Berlin. Alice Flood ’13 is perfect as the silly, nosy, warm Fraulein Schneider. Sally Slade ’13, as Fraulein Kost, nails it with seamless austerity and strength. Bryce Kolton ’13 is adorable as the endearing Herr Schultz.
Even though I only had the privilege of seeing Act I, I can’t wait to see what the second half of the show has in store. I expect it to be jam-packed with memorable songs, sharp dialogue, and intricate choreography—you won’t want to miss this fantastic performance.
