Photo Flash: CABARET At TUTS With Leslie Kritzer

Travel back in time to the decadent world of 1930s Berlin as Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) produces the sizzling new presentation of the Tony Award-winning musical, Cabaret, June 16-28, 2009 at the Hobby Center for Performing Arts in downtown Houston.

In contrast to somewhat darker productions like the recent Sam Mendes Broadway Revival, the Theatre Under The Stars presentation features opulent costumes and Moulin Rouge-inspired choreography. "The bright, frenetic energy inside the Kit Kat Klub makes the changes imposed by the Nazis even more jarring and poignant," says John Breckenridge, TUTS President and CEO. For the run of the show, the Hobby Center will be transformed into the indulgent Kit Kat Klub and VIP Cabaret table seating will be available in what is ordinarily the orchestra pit. Each table will seat four and offer wine, fruit and cheese to create an intimate experience, similar to the true cabarets of Germany. Director, Bill Berry and his creative team armed themselves with extensive research in the creation of this production. While the "glittery" almost "Vegas Showgirl style" feel of the show seems very modern, the looks were actually inspired by photos and books documenting the true Cabarets of Weimar era Berlin.

An English nightclub singer, an American writer, a German landlady and a Jewish shopkeeper find their destinies linked and their futures uncertain as the Nazis struggle to overthrow Germany. Directed by Bob Fosse, the 1973 film starring Liza Minnelli and Joel Grey took home eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actress for Liza Minnelli. Featuring music and lyrics by Broadway's multi-award winning composers John Kander and Fred Ebb, the landmark musical Cabaret overflows with thrilling songs including "Don't Tell Mama," "Maybe This Time," and the title song "Cabaret."

Leslie Kritzer, stars as the sultry Sally Bowles. Kritzer has also appeared on Broadway in A Catered Affair, Legally Blonde, Hairspray and was recently nominated for a Critic's Circle Award for Rooms, A Rock Romance. Starring alongside Kritzer will be Leo Ash Evens, as the Emcee, or Master of Ceremonies, and Tyler Hanes as Cliff Bradshaw. Evans was recently seen at TUTS as Riff in West Side Story. Haynes is most noted for his portrayal of Larry in the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line.

Tickets for TUTS' presentation of Cabaret (starting at $32) are available by phone at (713) 558-8887 or outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882; or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office, (800 Bagby at Walker, Mon-Fri 9a.m.-6p.m, Sat-Sun 11a.m.-4p.m.); or on-line TUTS.com. An audio described performance is available Sunday, June 28 2009 at 2 p.m.; open captioning Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 7:30p.m. The Hobby Center is wheelchair accessible. Student and senior (60+) discount tickets are available one hour before performance at the box office only. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more and may be purchased by calling (713) 558-8888 or via email at groupsales@tuts.com.

For all of Theatre Under The Stars' 2008-2009 shows, air transportation is provided by Continental Airlines, the official airline of Theatre Under The Stars. Additional support is provided by Spectra Energy and St. Luke's Episcopal Health System, the Official Healthcare Partner of Theatre Under The Stars. Media sponsors include ABC-13 and Houston Chronicle. Season support is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Theater District Association and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Founded in 1968, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is Houston's acclaimed non-profit musical theatre company and is currently under the direction of President and CEO John C. Breckenridge. Dedicated to producing new works and classic masterpieces, the 2008-2009 "Wow! What a Season." celebrates TUTS' 41st Season of bringing world-class musical theatre to Houston audiences. TUTS was the first theatrical organization in Houston to perform free to the public in 1968 at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park, and is the only Houston arts organization that has performed there free to the public every year since the building opened. Since its founding by Frank M. Young, TUTS has produced more than 300 musicals including many local, national and world premieres such as Disney's Beauty and the Beast, as well as International tours including Debbie Reynolds in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, Juliet Prowse in Mame, Robert Goulet in Man of La Mancha, the Tony Award-winning revival of Carousel and the Deaf West Theatre production of Big River. As a way to continue the tradition of musical theatre, TUTS' Humphreys School of Musical Theatre provides instruction and stage experience for more than 1,700 students annually through both The Academy and The Studio, which allow students to flourish in a year-round schedule of classes. Housed in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, TUTS also annually presents the Tommy Tune Awards, honoring the best and brightest in Houston's high school musical theatre programs.

Photos by Bruce Bennett Photography

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