Review: CABARET at Asolo Repertory Theatre

Cabaret is a 1966 musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Joe Masteroff. The original Broadway production inspired several productions and revivals in New York and premiered in London's West End in 1968. The motion picture version was produced in 1972, directed by Bob Fosse, and starred Liza Minnelli, Michael York, and Joel Grey. The film is particularly known for Liza Minnelli's rendition of "Cabaret", a song that became her trademark.

Celebrating the opening of its 64th season, Asolo Repertory Theatre's production is based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood with Broadway and Asolo favorite Josh Rhodes returning as director/choreographer.

The scene is set in 1931 Berlin during tumultuous times as the Third Reich rises to power. The audience finds themselves as patrons in the seedy Cabaret named Kit Kat Klub. We are greeted by the Emcee (Lincoln Clauss) who provides a risqué repertoire of lewd songs, erotic dances, and suggestive wisecracks as he interacts with the Cabaret performers and the audience. Cabaret was written to bring to life the violent and foreboding times overshadowing Berlin's natives and expatriates. The Kit Kat Klub provides an entertaining getaway from the harsh reality that has a grip on Germany.

The story revolves around a young American writer, Cliff Bradshaw (Alan Chandler) who comes to Berlin to work on his new novel. He meets a German man shortly after he arrives at the train station, Ernst Ludwig (Blake Price), who recommends a boarding house and the cabaret for some relaxing entertainment. He also mentions to Cliff that he and some of his friends would be happy to pay him for English lessons to learn the language better. Realizing he is a struggling writer; Ernst also offers Cliff a high-paying position to deliver a suitcase full of novelties to Paris from time to time. Cliff is grateful for the income and appreciative of his new German friend who suggests he rent a room from German boarding house owner, Fräulein Schneider.

While at the Kit Kat Klub, Cliff meets and becomes smitten by British cabaret performer Sally Bowles (Iris Beaumier). When Sally is fired from the Kit Kat Klub she turns to Cliff for a place to stay. This begins the start of their ill-fated love affair. The storyline also follows the doomed romance between Fräulein Schneider (Kelly Lester) and her gentle and kind Jewish suitor, Herr Schultz (Phillip Hoffman), a local fruit vendor.

When Fräulein Schneider catches one of her boarders, Fräulein Kost (Abby Church) bringing sailors into her room Fräulein Schneider tells her not to commit that indiscretion again, but Fräulein Kost threatens to move, and Fräulein Schneider needs the income. She also mentions that she has seen Fräulein Schneider with Herr Schultz in her room. Herr Schultz saves Fräulein Schneider's reputation by telling Fräulein Kost that he and Fräulein Schneider are to be married in three weeks. After Fräulein Kost leaves, Fräulein Schneider thanks Herr Schultz for lying to Fräulein Kost, however Herr Schultz tells her of his feelings for her and proposes.

At Fräulein Schneider and Herr Schultz's engagement party, Cliff arrives and delivers the suitcase to Ernst. Looking for revenge on Fräulein Schneider, Fräulein Kost tells Ernst, who now wears a Nazi armband, that Schultz is a Jew. Ernst warns Fräulein Schneider that marrying a Jew is not a proper choice. We soon understand that Ernst has been disingenuous with Cliff about who he is and his cruel intentions. Cliff is devastated and very upset. When Ernst has another job for Cliff and Cliff refuses, he is beaten by Ernst's bodyguards.

If Fräulein Schneider, a German marries Herr Schultz, a Jew, although he was born in Germany, she will face losing him and her only source of income, her boarding house. Friendships, romances, and hopes for a brighter future start to fall apart for everyone. The charming and naughty Emcee at Kit Kat Klub has been marked as a homosexual. As the story evolves, many lives are on the line of people we have come to know. As their stories of friendships, love, and trust blossom before us, we understand them, know their history, and they become our friends. But we know what's coming.

This story is so poignant and a bitter reflection of the world in which we live today. How sad. But for the brief moment when we become the audience at the raucous Kit Kat Klub, like the characters in this musical, we have a carefree moment - a chance to get away from it all. But then the events of the day creep back in and reality pierces our solace. Will we ever learn? Will we ever get along? Will we be the last generation? Because the next world war will be the last.

In the final scene, we are back at the Kit Kat Klub and all of our friends are there, but it feels different. It is unusually somber. There is a thickness in the air, a freighting omen. Friends are lined up against a wall. Our Emcee's overcoat slides off and above him revealing a concentration camp prisoner's uniform, black and white stripes marked with a yellow Star of David, and a pink triangle noting his homosexuality. White smoke swirls at his feet as he slowly fades into the mist. Gone. Blackout.

Mr. Clauss did his homework and came prepared, not only vocally but also in persona. He filled some very big shoes which this role demands. He exuded magnetism, particularly during "Willkommen" and had fun with the audience. Miss Beaumier played a passionate Sally and rocked "Don't Tell Mama", "Maybe This Time" and "Cabaret". Blake Price's keen interpretation of Ernst became the man we loved to hate. Kelly Lester gives Fräulein Schneider heart and soul and will tug at your heart singing "What Would You Do". Miss Church lends some spirit to Fräulein Kost, who is a sassy troublemaker and shows off her vocal aptitude in "Tomorrow Belongs to Me". Phillip Hoffman was a perfect match for Fräulein Schneider and their delightful duet "It Couldn't Please Me More" was charming. Mr. Hoffman portrayed his character with a gentle sweetness. Scenic designer Tijana Bjelalac's artfully crafted sets quickly morphed from a train station to the Kit Kat Klub and then Fräulein Schneider's boarding house. Cory Pattak added innovative lighting techniques that reflected the hues of emotions throughout this program. Kudos to music director Angela Steiner and the orchestra for the lively renderings of some of Broadway's most iconic tunes.

This is a must-see brilliantly staged, inspired production of Cabaret.

Cabaret runs from November 16 - December 31, 2022 at Asolo Repertory Theatre. For more information visit www.asolorep.org.

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