The decadent world of 1930s Berlin comes to life in Kelrik's production of CABARET, the Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece that embodies the issues and events Europe was facing at that time. The story, based loosely on the reminiscences of Christopher Isherwood in Berlin Stories and John Van Druten's play I Am a Camera, centers on an American writer, Clifford Bradshaw (Garrett Marshall), and Sally Bowles (Heather Malcolm), an English singer and dancer at the Kit Kat Klub. Bradshaw and Bowles fall in love and quickly become caught up in Germany's pre-war social and political turmoil.
A sub-plot involves the forbidden romance between a German boarding house owner, Fraulein Schneider (Delilah Shank), and her elderly suitor Herr Schultz (Mike Mesker), a Jewish fruit vendor. Overseeing the action is the Emcee (Erik Austin), who presides as Master of Ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub and serves as a constant metaphor for the current state of society in Weimar Germany throughout the show.
"Cabaret is an important show because it is representative of an actual historical time period," said director Brian Lampert. "It raises larger questions about the nature of prejudice, social intolerance and artistic freedom, yet despite the serious tone, the music and dancing are jazzy and upbeat." The production is directed by Brian Lampert with musical direction by Stephen Tosh and choreography by Emmy Award winner Suzy Miller.
With music by
John Kander and lyrics by
Fred Ebb, CABARET opened on Broadway in 1966. It ran for over 1,100 performances and won the Tony for Best Musical. The 1972 film version of CABARET, directed by
Bob Fosse and starring Joel Gray and
Liza Minnelli, won eight academy awards. The show includes the popular songs "Willkommen," "
Don't Tell Mama," "Two Ladies" and "The Money Song" as well as the explosive title tune.
Cabaret will perform at Unity, 1490 Southwood Drive in San Luis Obispo, from June 4 - 26 for only eight performances, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7PM. Tickets cost $16 and may be charged by phone at (805) 543-PLAY. Due to the adult storyline, CABARET is suitable for older teens and adult audiences. Seating will be cabaret-style and wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. Reservations are strongly recommended. For more information, visit online at
www.kelrikproductions.com.
