Photo by: William Temple Davis
“Cabaret” marked the first collaboration of the Lamont School of Music and the University of Denver’s Theatre Department.
This meant the production brought together the talents from both the Theatre and Music Department whose lead cast was evenly split between both departments.
Clifford Bradshaw, played by sophomore Jeff McCollister, is a writer trying to complete his novel but has yet to start.
Constantly searching for inspiration, he has traveled around Europe unable to fill a page until he reaches Berlin.
Desperate to find a place to stay, he negotiates with Fraulein Schneider who finally agrees to give Clifford a discounted room.
After visiting the local nightclub, he meets the English cabaret singer Sally Bowles, played by senior Rachel Bouton, who immediately begins to seduce him.
Soon after, she moves into his place where they reluctantly fall in love and she becomes pregnant.
Caught up in the drama of her own life, Sally does not see that the world around her is beginning to fall apart.
Only when the people around Sally like Schneider and her Jewish fiancCB) face the consequences of the Nazi Party does she get some sense of the imminent danger. Yet, she may not heed the warning signs.
The opening night of “Cabaret” began slowly, starting with songs that set up the plot, but the energy picked up toward the end of the first act.
The most memorable songs that got the show rolling in the first act were “The Money Song/Sitting Pretty” and “Two Ladies.” Each featured sexy choreography and “Two Ladies” put a pink blanket to good use.
The set was purposely left open and utilized basic props such as benches and chairs. The clean design drew the attention of the audience to the actors and the dialogue.
However, the few props used matched the time period well, including the telephones and typewriter. This was the same for the lead characters’ costumes.
One can even notice the actors’ shoes match the era. The Kit Kat dancers’ costumes were a combination of black, white and pink satin fabrics, as well as fishnets, thigh highs and hot pants.
The dancers’ combination of pretty and risquCB) outfits added to the show’s overall seedy tone.
The lighting was also a highlight of the show by utilizing Nazi Party colors of red, white and black.
Stage manager Chris Luebke commented that this was done with thoughtful consideration.
“The intention was to get a seedy night club that gets infiltrated by the Nazis,” he said. The strategic use of these colors added to the looming threat the party posed.
Perhaps the most innovative part of the show is the ability for the audience to become part of the “Cabaret.” Floor seats have been turned into nightclub tables where audience members can sit and feel as though they are part of the show.
It is even possible to order drinks, which adds to the illusion that you are in a nightclub. The actors frequently make use of the space around the tables allowing for a great view of the show. Actor interaction is not limited to the floor seating; those who find themselves in general admission may be surprised how close they really are to some members of the Nazi Party.
“Cabaret” addresses various taboo issues such as sexuality, racism and abortion in Germany right before the start of World War II.
Although the story takes place more than 70 years ago, the issues examined can still be seen in the world today.
Taken from the world of “Cabaret” is the message that apathy can be blissful yet dangerous.
The show will run at the Byron Theater at the Newman Center for Performing Arts Jan. 18-20 and 25-27 at 8 p.m. Matinee shows will be on Jan. 20, 27 and 28 at 2 p.m.
General admission tickets are $20 and floor seating is available for $25. If students present their IDs at the box office, they will receive $10 off.
