By Sara Castillo
Arizona Theatre Company has taken on the modern musical classic of Cabaret for its 2019/2020 season, performing at the Temple of Music and Art in Downtown Tucson, Arizona. Cabaret‘s book is by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander, with lyrics by Fred Ebb, and tells the story of a struggling Berlin after World War I. Out of this struggle emerges a world of poverty, but also one of escape with self-expression and freedom. The musical was originated on Broadway from the acclaimed producer Harold Prince in 1966. This beloved musical was made into a film in 1972 starring Liza Minnelli and has been revived on Broadway and the West End numerous times. It has held the hearts of theater goers for its rowdy good time and deeply moving social themes.
The play starts with the Emcee (Sean Patrick Doyle) who leads us into the world of the Cabaret, promising us beautiful music and good times. Doyle moves with the music and introduces us to an assortment of interesting characters in his Kit Kat Klub, most notably Sally Bowles (Madison Micucci) the star of the club. Doyle and Micucci light the stage as they move to the music, both seeming to have been born to play their respective roles. It is a joy to see them perform and the audience can feel it. However, just before we are swept up and ready to run away to the cabaret, we are introduced to Clifford Bradshaw (Brandon Espinoza) who is an American heading to Berlin for adventure and inspiration for his novel. Clifford meets Ernest Ludwig (D. Scott Withers) on the train, then taken under his care and given a place to live with other down on their luck characters, such as Fraulein Schneider (Lori Wilner) and Herr Schultz (David Kelly).
Scenic Designer Kris Stone gives us a stripped down Kit Kat Klub set with scaffolding and piles of old papers. The appearance of the of hap-haphazardly strung lights invokes a sense of trying to use the bones of an old theater to continue performing at the cabaret simply because ‘the show must go on’. Interestingly, it is the use of a glittering curtain for the smaller moments in bedrooms and hallways that give a distinct separation from the club and more intimate moments. The cabaret has been affected by the political turmoil but individual spaces could still have romanticism in them. As the political themes of the rising of the Nazi party begins to encroach on relationships, the curtain is gone—there is no longer a separation of life and politics.
The question must be asked as to why this production was produced at this time. The questions characters raise about nationality, the effects of politics on daily life, and the responsibilities we have to those around us could easily come from today’s headlines. These themes are magnificently expressed through the relationship between Wilner and Kelly’s characters. Wilner will break your heart with a tender touch as she sings with her soulful voice “What Would You Do?”, leaving us to question what our role would be in her shoes. While Micucci will bring down the house with her rendition of “Cabaret”, it is Doyle’s performance as the Emcee and other small characters that will amaze you. His vocal range in this show is nothing short of impressive. The Emcee brings the comedy and entertainment that is needed, but it was the song “I Don’t Care Much”that left me speechless. Director Sara Brunerdid a wonderful job bringing these talented actors together to create such an enchanting and deeply moving show.
Arizona Theatre Company has long been the gold standard for the arts in the state and they have once again done their state proud. They have created a thought provoking good time for all to come and enjoy. In Cabaret, Fraulein Schneider tells Clifford she’s is glad he is here, and how glad we are that Arizona Theatre Company is here.
Arizona Theatre Company Presents Cabaret, Book by Joe Masteroff, Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb.
Temple of Music and Art, 330 S Scott Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
November 30, 2019-December 29, 2019, 7:30 PM, 2:00 PM Sunday Matinees
Tickets: $50 – $80, All Seats Reserved
Arizona Theatre Company Facebook Page
Cabaret Facebook Event
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