"Willkommen… im Cabaret, au Cabaret, to Cabaret." Cabaret, which first hit Broadway in 1966, gives a glamorous yet disturbing depiction of life in Nazi Germany. The story begins with Clifford Bradshaw (Jackson Gode '14), an American writer who comes to Berlin in the early 1930s in the hopes of writing a novel. He meets a flamboyant British entertainer named Sally Bowles (Rebecca Marowitz '13) who works at the Kit Kat Klub, a squalid cabaret set against the backdrop of Nazi terror.
The play not only includes exceptional songs and diverse characters, but there’s also a political storyline with a strong message from our past. The play depicts the transformation of the once republic Germany into the Nazi regime and describes a time of change that has some horrifying consequences for all. The illusive world of the Kit Kat Klub contrasts with the harsh reality of the time, and the musical's choreographed routines reflect the changes in German society.
The Master of Ceremonies, played by Logan Pettit ‘13, brought the show to life with his flamboyant personality and his heart-wrenching finale. Watching the Emcee slowly walk on stage in the finale, proudly bearing a yellow Star of David on his chest, was chilling. Logan’s performance was in every way awe-inspiring. Meanwhile, Rebecca Marowitz sang a spectacular rendition of “Don’t Tell Mama, triggering an uproar of cheers from the audience, while Sally Slade '13 was spot on in the role of Fraulein Kost.
The complicated relationships between Clifford and Sally, and Fräulein Schneider (Alice Flood ‘13) and Herr Schultz (Bryce Kolton ’13) were gripping. Alice and Bryce worked so beautifully together that they had us rooting for them until the very end.
The hard work and effort that was put into rehearsals was clearly evident in the performance. Anyone who sees the musical will be impressed by the level of talent that fills the theater. The energy that exuded from each and every character, no matter how big or small a role, radiated across the stage and washed over the audience. The whole audience instantly became immersed in the characters’ struggles and remained engaged with them from start to finish.
Director Paul Shapiro brilliantly combined wit with powerful, horrific, and heart-thudding moments. The song "Two Ladies," which was performed by Jenna Levin '13, Logan Pettit, and Leora Radman '13, received an eruption of laughter and much applause from the audience. As well as having hilarious moments, the musical also included some intense and unforgettable scenes.
Cabaret is showing for two more nights in the Orvis Theatre. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 9-10, 7 p.m.