MTH Theater Brings the Kit-Kat Klub to Kansas City with CABARET

"What good is sitting alone in your room, come hear the music play!"

Set in Berlin in 1931, this landmark musical is about the dark and sexually charged haven of decadence that was Weimar Germany before the rise of fascism.

Its morally ambiguous inhabitants are determined to keep up appearances as the real world outside prepares for the nightmare of the Nazis and the chaos of war. It is here that Sally Bowles performs nightly at the infamous Kit-Kat Klub. The musical is CABARET.

CABARET was turned into an eight-time Oscar-winning movie in 1972 starring Liza Minelli, Michael York, and Joel Grey. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1966 and won Tony Awards for "BEST MUSICAL" and "BEST ORIGINAL SCORE." Joe Masteroff's book was based on John Van Druten's play I Am a Camera, itself inspired by Christopher Isherwood's Berlin stories.

With music by local KC native, John Kander, and lyrics by Fred Ebb, many of the songs have become classics. Kander & Ebb was the longest running songwriting partnership in history - over 40 years. Their most iconic Broadway shows include: Flora the Red Menace, Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Steel Pier and - of course - their masterpiece Cabaret.

MTH's production stars Stefanie Wienecke as Sally Bowls, Thomas Delgato as the Emcee, Deb Bluford as Frau Schneider, and Brian Paulette is Sally's boyfriend, Ernst. The professional ensemble is directed by Sarah Crawford, choreographed by Mindy Moritz, and conducted by Jeremy Watson.

MTH has a history rich in musical theater. Executive Director, George Harter began his award-winning Broadway radio show in 1980. In 1998 the show became nationally syndicated. In 2003 Chad Gerlt (COO) came aboard and launched the producing of MTH live musicals.

Today, MTH's core creative team is made up of Sarah Crawford, Tim Scott, and Jeremy Watson, and in the last two years MTH has enjoyed tremendous growth - seeing 11,000 patrons in 2014 and growing to over 21,000 patrons in 2016.

Over the years, MTH has been known for "concert-style" productions of classic book musicals. This concept has been applauded for its innovations & simplicity that actually "heightens" the theatrical experience. Their holiday show, A SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS, has been going since 2008 and has become an audience favorite. MTH will again be the featured entertainment for the Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Crown Center this year.

Original revues, cabaret nights, collaborations, and Musical Mondays &Tuesdays make up the rest of their offerings and keep them busy year-round.

CABARET marks MTH's 120th production to date. It plays Thursdays thru Sundays, November 3-20. Located at 2450 Grand Blvd, level 3 of the Crown Center Shops. Tickets are $17-$55 and can be purchased by calling the box office at (816) 221-6987 or online at www.MTHKC.com.