Review: Desert Theatricals CABARET Thrills Under The Stars

Desert Theatricals has brought the iconic Broadway Musical Cabaret to the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater for a three night run, opening on April 17th. The Kander and Ebb musical - based off of the Van Druten 1951 play I am a Camera, which itself is based off of Christopher Isherwood’s autobiographical book Goodbye to Berlin, has remained incredibly relevant and pertinent. Cabaret follows an American writer temporarily living in Berlin during the Weimar Republic era, it follows the rising wave of fascism as it ignites in Germany in the final days preceding World War II. This may sound familiar.

Under the direction and choreography of Ray Limon, Cabaret, which for this production takes place outside in the evening, holds up a disturbingly clear mirror to the audience on how the rise of extremism and fascism forces many to compromise their values and navigate a politically violent world. Joshua Carr, as musical director and off stage conductor, conducts a vibrant live band to play the sultry and jazzy score. The ensemble - the cabaret boys and girls are sexy and explosive, filling out night club employees and citizens of 1930’s Berlin, they play a myriad of different roles and perform as night club employees, showcasing great choreography and vocals with a highlight from Charles W. Humphrey.

Jeffrey Scott Parsons as the impish and explosive Emcee opens the show with seductive control of both the stage and the audience, asking unanswerable questions and demanding us to bear witness of the gritty and dark tale. Ava Sarnowski as Sally Bowles brings a wonderful grit and tragedy to the character, bringing to life the harsh and cruel reality of working at a nightclub not far removed from a brothel. John Corr, opposite of Sarnowski plays an eager and bright eyed Cliff, who we follow through his self discovery and journey as an American placed in the middle of what will soon become a battlefield. Tom Warrick as Herr Schultz brings a grounded frail reality to the character, showcasing the grim truth of when your own homeland turns on you and your very identity. Fraulein Kost, a neighbor to Cliff and Herr Schultz, is played by the delightful Mia Mercado, who embodies both a humorous and misguided “tenant”.

The highlight of the show for me was the fabulous Barbara Kerr, reminiscent of Bebe Neuwirth in the 2024 Broadway revival of Cabaret, her voice fills the stage and brings to life a woman faced with the harsh and grim reality of a changing world. Kerr brings a gravitas and maturity to the role and show as a whole that raises the entire quality of the piece. Singing one of the last numbers of the show, Kerr asks and sings the question that is in my opinion the thesis of  the entire piece: when faced with a mountain of fear, hatred, and violence from people all around you, what would you do?

Cabaret plays through Sunday, April 19. For tickets and more information visit the Desert Theatricals website.

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