Theatre Department set to perform “Cabaret” April 25-28
By Brent Menchinger | Apr 8, 2024
MURRAY, Ky. – The Murray State University Theatre Department will perform “Cabaret” at 7:30 p.m. April 25-27 and 2:30 p.m. April 28 at the Robert E. Johnson Theatre.
Tickets are $20. Murray State students get in free with ID. Patrons may purchase tickets
online at www.universe.com/explore?
Cabaret (1998 Version) is a book by Joe Masteroff, based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. Music is by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.
In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish master of ceremonies welcomes the audience and assures them they will forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, Cabaret explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer newly arrived in Berlin, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles. Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider, proprietor of Cliff and Sally’s boarding house, tentatively begins a romance with Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish. Musical numbers include “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Two Ladies.”
“Cabaret is not a new musical, yet its themes are perhaps even more relevant today than they were when the show first opened in 1966,” said Director Dr. Elise Kieffer. “It’s an honor to bring this important story to life with a group of phenomenally talented and dedicated students and faculty. I’m excited to watch our audiences be simultaneously challenged, captivated, and thoroughly entertained.”
Cast members are also excited for the performance, which they said mirrors modern day realities.
“For me, the message of this show is that happiness doesn’t last forever. Life has a way of breaking you down into pieces, but always find the strength to build yourself back up again,” said Traicoryon West of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, who plays the emcee.
“Evocative is a word best used to describe ‘Cabaret,’” said Hannah Foote of Murray, Kentucky, who plays Helga. “The musical is multifaceted and emotional, and like the word ‘evocative’ the profane connotations associated with ‘Cabaret’ may prevent some from seeing the show; however, it is their loss as the juxtaposition of good times and of darker realities fills the world which bears a startling resemblance to our own.”
Cabaret is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC (www.concordtheatricals.com).