Life Is A Cabaret in Stratford Theatre
Classic Kander and Ebb Musical Receives Revival
The 2008 season was a true test for Stratford's new artistic staff. Many considered some of the production choices "dangerous", including reviving Cabaret. While this musical hasn't graced a Stratford stage in almost two decades, the show has toured extensively since the show was revived on Broadway in 1998. Community theatres also produce Cabaret, due to the fact that is a well known piece with some very popular music.
While the choice to produce Cabaret as part of the 2008 season may have been a risky choice, the festival, the artistic team, and the cast have all taken a huge leap – this is not your regular night at the Kit Kat Klub.
Most know the story: Clifford Bradshaw, a writer from America, arrives in Berlin in 1929. He meets Herr Ludwig, who takes him to the Kit Kat Klub, a popular night spot in town, and that is where Bradshaw meets Sally Bowles, who is the lead attraction at the Cabaret. Their life together begins to be torn apart when the Nazis begin work at taking power in Germany.
The performances here are top notch – Trish Lindstrom makes a stellar debut at the Festival as Sally Bowles, and Sean Arbuckle, known for his classical work at the Festival, is a wonderful Cliff. Both performances are subtle, but strong. As their characters fall deeper into despair, these two fine actors grab a hold of us, and don't let go.
One can't mention a production of Cabaret and not talk about the Master Of Ceremonies – the Emcee. In this production, the festival wisely chose Bruce Dow for the role. Dow has left his mark on the Festival with his unforgettable performances in Guys & Dolls, Into The Woods, and South Pacific, and now has taken his place with some of the finest Emcee's ever to play the part. His voice soars, and with each song, he seems to simply get better and better. From "Wilkommen" to "If You Could See Her" to "Two Ladies", Dow does it all. By the end of the show, you're still in his clutch, waiting for him to release you.
Each revival of Cabaret has added or taken away songs and scenes from previous versions. This production is a version from the mid-1980s, which cut songs like "Meeskite" and "Sitting Pretty", and added "The Money Song" and "Don't Go". The latter hasn't been heard in quite a while, as most theatre companies only receive permission to perform the original score and text.
At the helm of this revival is Amanda Denhert, who is the resident director at the Trinity Repetory Company, making her Stratford debut - and what a debut it was. Her vision is fresh, and frankly welcome to this classic musical.
As Sally Bowles sings, "Life is A Cabaret, old chum, come to the Cabaret" and you should – it's definitely well worth the trip.
Cabaret
- By John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff
- Directed by Amanda Denhert
- Stratford Festival Of Canada
****1/2 (out of five)
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