By Kristen Weyer.
“Wilkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome”. Chances are that even if you haven’t seen it yet you’re aware that these iconic words can mean only one thing: Cabaret! Now playing at the Gateway Playhouse, this classic was based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. With a book by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fredd Ebb, it is directed here by Larry Raben.
It is Berlin, Germany 1930. The crisp New Year’s air mingles with the haze of cigarettes and the palpable political tension of the time. We meet American novelist Clifford Bradshaw (Steven Grant Douglas) whose time in Berlin becomes inexorably entangled with singer Sally Bowles (Cortney Wolfson), the other renters in his boardinghouse, and the frequenters/entertainers of the Kit Kat Klub. This seedy nightclub, a seemingly otherworldly locale is presided over by the sensuous Emcee (Josh Canfield). “In here everything is beautiful” and none of the ugliness from outside is allowed to permeate. The laissez-faire atmosphere inside the Klub is in direct contrast to the harsh and dark reality that confronts their daily lives. As the play progresses, what began as merely dark undertones grows ever more menacing until it reaches its inevitable conclusion.
The design of this show is exquisite. Executive Artistic Director Paul Allan, Scenic Designer Michael Boyer and Lighting Designer Brian Loesch, have worked perfectly together for a stunning effect. The sets are brilliant and perfectly accentuated by the glow and shine of the lights. The boarding house is dingy yet homey, and the Klub is simultaneously black as night and impeccably lit. The Klub setting surrounds you and pulls you in. The wafts of cigarette vapors brilliantly entangle, and submerge you into the Klub with the haze. (Yes it is stage smoke, but yes, it still has an odor.) The feeling of authenticity this creates is bar none.
This cast performs superbly. Josh Canfield slays as the simpering and slinky Emcee. His accent and antics combined with fabulous vocals are an entertaining combination. Douglas is splendid as Cliff. His charm and general ‘likeability’ have you routing for him from the start. Dorothy Stanley and Steve Brady are charming as Fräulein Schneider and Herr Shultz. With bubbly vivacity, Wolfson plays Sally perfectly. Her smile is infectious, her emotions real, and her voice incredible, especially in her numbers “Maybe This Time”, and “Cabaret”.
Cabaret is a fascinating and interesting glimpse into the heartbreaking reality of pre WWII Germany. It shows the possibility of extreme escapism in the no rules, no inhibitions, no morals atmosphere of the Kit Kat Klub, and shows what it is that they all want to escape from. With incredible performances, great music and impressive choreography, by Lee Martino, it is clear to see why Cabaret has mesmerized for so long.