Joe Masteroff Visits Engeman Theatre's CABARET

The John W. Engeman Theater's production of Cabaret was seen by one of its most astute viewers this weekend: Joe Masteroff, who wrote the book for the classic musical. Mr. Masteroff attended the Saturday evening performance of Cabaret and gave the production his stamp of approval. "The entire evening was pretty wonderful," he said, describing the Engeman Theater as "a perfect theater for Cabaret." The hot-selling production is riding on a wave of ecstatic reviews, with the New York Times praising it for being "as raw, raunchy and unsanitized as the dark-hued musical demands... a polished black diamond of a show."

This surprise visit was arranged by the show's director, BT McNicholl, who invited Mr. Masteroff to see the production at the Engeman Theater. At the end of the performance, Mr. McNicholl came on stage and introduced Mr. Masteroff to the audience, who had just given the cast a standing ovation. The audience again rose to its feet and gave Mr. Masteroff a thunderous ovation. Afterwards, the cast was honored to meet the legendary playwright (who also wrote the book for She Loves Me), who shared his insights on writing Cabaret and on seeing the different versions of the musical over the years.

"It was an amazing evening for the audience, cast and crew," said Producing Artistic Director Richard T. Dolce. "We are truly honored that Mr. Masteroff attended our production."

The Engeman production is based on the 1998 Broadway revival choreographed and co-directed by Rob Marshall and directed by Sam Mendes. Cabaret will run now through March 27, 2011.

Set in Berlin on the eve of the Nazis rise to power in 1930, Cabaret takes place in and around Berlin's seedy Kit Kat Klub. Starring in this celebrated production are Adam Greer as Clifford Bradshaw, Kate Fahrner as the perfectly marvelous Sally Bowles, Scott Robertson as the courtly Herr Schultz, Lori Wilner as the stoic landlady Fraulein Schneider, Fred Rose as Ernst Ludwig and Laura Shoop as Fraulein Kost. Presiding over the evening is the masterful Emcee, played by Jon Peterson. The instrument-playing Kit Kat Boys and Girls are; Tammaso Antico (Victor), Richard Costa (Hans), Eric Jetner (Bobby), Michael Murnoch (Herman, Max), Shana Mahoney (Texas), Kelly Paredes (Helga), Christina Pawl (Rosie), Virginie Perrier (Frenchie), Audrey Sennesse (Lulu), Andrea Christine Leigh (Ensemble, Gorilla) and Andrew Leggieri (Ensemble). Michael O'Donnell is the Associate Director and Co-Choreographer with Andrea Leigh, with Bruce Barnes providing the musical direction. Robert Thurber is the Production Stage Manager.

Cabaret will play the following performance schedule: Wednesdays at 8:00 pm, Thursdays at 8:00 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m., Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and Sundays at 7:00 pm.

IN ADDITION, there will be special matinee on: Wednesday, March 2 at 2:00 pm and Thursday, March 24 at 2:00 pm.

Cabaret contains mature subject matter. Parental discretion is advised. Please be aware this production contains mature subject matter and is unsuitable for minors. There are scenes which contain sexually suggestive dance numbers, smoking, and drug use. Please use discretion when determining whether this content is suitable for younger audience members.

Tickets are NOW ON SALE and are $60. Tickets may be purchased by calling (631) 261-2900, by visiting www.engemantheater.com, or at the Engeman Theater Box Office at 250 Main Street, Northport. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. To purchase Season Tickets and Gift Cards please contact the Box Office directly. For group rates or to host an event/fundraiser at the John W. Engeman Theater, please contact the Group Sales Department at 631-261-2900.

The John W. Engeman Theater at Northport is Long Island's only year round professional theater company, casting our actors from the Broadway talent pool. From curb to curtain, we have made it our business to provide affordable, quality Theater in an elegant one-of-a-kind location with outstanding facilities and extraordinary service. The renovated Theater offers stadium-style seating, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, a full live orchestra pit, and a classic wood-paneled piano lounge with full bar.

For a complete show schedule and more information contact the theater directly at 631-261-2900, visit the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport or visit www.EngemanTheater.com