SAVE THE DATE: Cabaret, April 12 to 29
WHAT’S UP?
Royal City Musical Theatre is staging its spring production, Cabaret, at the Massey Theatre from April 12 to 29.
WHAT’S THE STORY?
Cabaret is a musical classic by the duo of John Kander and Fred Ebb, based on a book written by Christopher Isherwood. Cabaret is set in 1931 Berlin, which is transitioning from an avant-garde cultural centre to the epicentre of the beginning of Hitler’s totalitarian regime.
Its story starts when Cliff, a struggling American writer, walks into the Kit Kat Club, overseen by a bawdy and gender-bending “Emcee,” where the hard-living Sally Bowles performs. A romance blossoms between Sally and Cliff – and things take what you might describe as a dark turn from there.
SING ME A SONG:
The music from Cabaret includes songs that have become classics of American musical theatre, including Cabaret, Wilkommen and Maybe This Time. Musical director James Bryson and a 12-piece orchestra provide live musical accompaniment.
WHO’S PART OF THE SHOW?
The production stars Lauren Bowler as Sally Bowles, Andrew Cownden as the Emcee and Tim Howe as Cliff, with Olesia Shewchuk as Fraulein Kost, Cheryl Mullen as Fraulein Schneider, Damon Calderwood as Herr Schultz and Gavin Leclaire as Ernst, with more than 20 other singers and dancers.
It’s directed and choreographed by Valerie Easton.
WHY SHOULD I GO?
Besides the familiar music, memorable characters and ensemble of first-rate talent, the show remains modern and relevant in the contemporary world.
“It is never dated,” said Easton in a press release. “The script is clever and the music so raunchy, tender, smart and most of all unforgettable. Its content was shocking to audiences in the ’60s but by our standards today pretty tame.
“Cabaret’s themes are still relevant today; we as a society still have a way to go in regard to racism, prejudice, hatred and greed.”
WHEN AND WHERE:
The production is at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. It runs Wednesday through Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturdays, April 21 and 28, and 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays, April 15, 22 and 29.
TICKETS:
Tickets are $48 regular, $39 for seniors and students, $29 for children under 13. There’s a special price for a family matinee on April 15. Buy through www.ticketsnw.ca or call 604-521-5050.
