Interview: Christopher Rose, director of CABARET at Market Theatre

Welcome to the Kit Kat Klub!

Market Theatre Company's immersive new production of the Kander and Ebb classic, Cabaret, opened July 13. We asked the show's director, Christopher Rose, to tell us about the production.

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Tell us a little about your vision. How are you approaching this iconic show?

Cabaret is written a lot like Greek theatre. There is the action of the principle characters, followed by musical commentary by either the characters themselves or the chorus. In keeping with that stylization and coupling it with the familiar line "life is a cabaret" I have placed all of the staging within the Kit Kat Klub with the Emcee and Kit Kat boys and girl ever present and watching the action. The locations are merely suggested using trunks, suitcases, and the cabaret chairs. This also lends itself to a bolstering of the theme that the underground world of entertainment, sensuality, and distraction - found in the seedy Kit Kat Klub - is the diversion which aids the changing political climate around our characters not to be taken as seriously as it should be. Having these beautiful performers in the corner of your eye as you watch the action echoes this. We have tried to change the theatre into the Klub itself, incorporating tables and table service by the Kit Kats for a completely immersive experience.

Tell us a little about the key cast and crew members.

We have an incredible cast and crew who have stepped up to create a beautiful show.

Emcee- Dave LaPage

Cliff- Michael Lewis

Sally- Meghan Mathis Cole

Schultz- Rob Gentry

Schneider- Rachel Jeffreys

Max- Jeff Bennet

Ernst/Herman- Matt Groves

Rosie- Sarah Greene

Lulu- Ashley Bingham

Frenchie- Laura Bennett

Texas- Lauren Renner

Fritzie Kost- Maggie McNeil

Helga- Eilidh McKinnon

Victor- Jake Owens

Bobby- Thomas Greene

Hans- Cole Porter

Costumes- Jessica Snyder

Choreography- Ashley Bingham

Music Direction- Julia West

Set Design- Dalton Cole

Lighting Design- Maggie McNeil

Props- Kat Bates

Stage Manager- Kennedi Traynor

Sound Design- Savvy Thompson

Sound and Light Techs- Joshua Vanderveen, Taylor Ramey, Kyra Morgan

What discoveries have you made during the rehearsal process?

I have realized that the truth is, if we are honest, we are not so far removed from that time or the horrors of Nazi Germany. No generation, no matter how safe they feel is immune to the sway of a charismatic political leader using fear, nationalism, pride, and division to create a narrative of "us versus them" and a sentiment that "our" welfare is more valuable than "theirs." And, the fallout from that spirit can be monstrous. Because, in reality, that is how it happened. One little mistake at a time. George Santayana was spot on when he said, "When experience is not retained...infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Why do you think Cabaret continues to resonate with audiences?

I think we all can relate to different characters in the show and how they deal with the world around them. Some of us wait for difficult situations to pass, some of us run away from them, some of us would rather just not look. I also think the way that the show mixes mindless joy and horror in the same piece is compelling and holds audiences captive in a way that a lot of productions cannot do.

How does his production fit with the vision of Market Theatre Company?

"The Market Theatre Company exists to engage with artists and patrons by creating quality entertainment, educational opportunities and a vibrant community arts hub." I don't imagine there is another show out there that could so fully encompass these goals. Cabaret has been so engaging for us as actors and artists, and will continue to do so with our audiences. This story, in spite of all its razzle dazzle, demands that the artists and the audience dig in and take a look at their responsibility to maintaining a society that is humane, good, and free. You cannot walk away from this show, if done correctly, without learning something about yourself and your world.

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Cabaret runs through July 20, 2018 at the Market Theatre Company in Anderson, SC.

The Market's intimate warehouse venue is located at the Anderson Arts Center in downtown Anderson, next to the Anderson Farmer's Market.

ADDRESS
110 Federal Street, Suite 6
Anderson, SC 29625

PHONE
(864) 729-2999

Photo credit: Escobar Photography