Step into the decadent and dangerous realm of pre-World War II Germany with the American Musical Theatre of San Jose’s production of Cabaret. With its swinging 30s-inspired tunes, sharp political satire and smoldering dance numbers, this extravagant Broadway musical drama about shattered dreams, love and betrayal is a must-see.
Narrated by the flamboyant yet menacing Emcee, the story begins in 1929, in the heart of Berlin’s seedy underbelly, the Kit Kat Klub, where Clifford Bradshaw, a naive American novelist, meets his muse, Sally Bowles, a saucy English cabaret singer. They quickly fall in love, but their romance threatens to unravel against the backdrop of a crumbling, pro-Nazi society. Adding to the drama is the sweet but ill-fated romance between Fraulein Schneider, a German spinster and Cliff’s landlady, and Herr Schultz, an elderly Jewish fruit vendor; Fraulein Kost, a cheerful but vindictive prostitute; the pleasant but shady Ernst Ludwig; and the dark schemes of Nazi agents throughout.
Cabaret is based on John Van Druten’s play, I Am a Camera, and stories by Christopher Isherwood; the book was written by Joe Masteroff with music and lyrics by John Kander and Fred Ebb. The musical’s 1967, 1988 and 1998 productions won several Tony awards and in 1972, it was adapted into an Academy Award-winning movie starring Liza Minnelli and directed by the legendary Bob Fosse.
This production, directed by award-winning director Bill Berry of the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, promises to be as entertaining as the original, with songs like the comical “Willkommen,” the poignant “Don’t Tell Mama,” the catchy “Mein Herr” and, of course, the spectacular title song. While these and other songs will probably stay in your head for days after the show, this haunting story will undoubtedly stick with you for a long time to come.
When:
March 4-16; Tues-Fri, 8pm, Sat, 2 & 8pm, Sun, 1 & 6:30pm
Where:
San Jose Center for Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose
Info:
408/453-7100, www.amtsj.org. Recommended for ages 14 & up.
Tickets:
408/453-7108 or 888/455-SHOW
