Life is a Cabaret

Cabaret is set in pre World War II Germany where the characters forget their troubles by descending into the racy depths of the Kit Kat Club.  The Annie Russell Theatre’s second play of the season opened on November 13 and runs through November 21. It showcases the new lighting abilities of the recently renovated electrical system and features a full complement of actors, singers, musicians, and dancers. This show is not to be missed!

The production follows novelist Clifford Bradshaw (Dustin Schwab, Class of 2010) as he visits Berlin looking for inspiration. Instead he finds the lovely, but self-destructive singer Sally Bowles (Emily Killian, Class of 2010). Their main story line is accompanied by snippets from the lives of the Germans they find themselves living among; everyone from up-and-coming Nazis to their fellow renters. The bizarre and engaging Emcee, masterfully brought to life by Peter Travis (Class of 2012,) ties together the story and spectacle with his frequent appearances and vivid personality. 

Lively music from the era set the chorus in motion through a series of marvelously executed numbers choreographed by visiting artist Dodie Pettit. The versatile set transforms from a train, to a boardinghouse, to the Kit Kat Club with the rearrangement of a few chairs and other props. And despite the play’s long running time (the first act alone is roughly an hour and a half) it moves quickly. You get caught up in the characters that are very much real thanks to the superb acting and direction by director Kevin Gray.

It must be stressed that this is not a play for the modest; subject matter covers sexuality, racial prejudice, abortion and substance abuse. It entertains and challenges the theater patron to confront issues that are still relevant today.

This sell-out musical calls for advanced reservations if you want to be certain of seating. The shows are open to the public and Rollins students are eligible for one free admission if they show their R card for Student Rush, one hour prior to show time.   So, leave your troubles outside and “Willkommen” to Berlin and the Kit Kat Club, where everything and everyone is beautiful.   

-Jennifer Ritter (Class of 2013)