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New Jewish Theatre (NJT) is set to commence its 27th season with the renowned musical Cabaret, scheduled to run from March 20 to April 6. Directed by NJT’s Artistic Director, Rebekah Scallet, the production promises to deliver a compelling and immersive theatrical experience.
Cabaret, created by Joe Masteroff with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, is adapted from John Van Druten’s play and the narratives of Christopher Isherwood. The story unfolds in a vibrant Berlin nightclub, where a charismatic Master of Ceremonies invites guests to leave their worries behind. The plot centers on Cliff, a young American writer who is enchanted by Sally Bowles, an English singer. As the narrative progresses, Fräulein Schneider, the owner of the boarding house where Cliff and Sally reside, embarks on a delicate romance with Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit seller. The musical is both daring and entertaining, showcasing the tumultuous and vibrant life of Bohemian Berlin in a time when the country was on the brink of the rise of the Third Reich.
Having garnered eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Composer/Lyricist, Cabaret holds a mirror to contemporary issues, making its themes of societal indifference and complicity incredibly relevant as antisemitism in the United States grows alarmingly high. The narrative serves as a poignant reminder of how ordinary citizens, like the tenants of Fräulein Schneider’s boarding house, either turned a blind eye to the events unfolding around them, were in denial about the possibility of such horrors, or aligned themselves with the prevailing powers for their own safety.
Spencer Davis Milford, known for his role in the international tour of The Lord of the Rings musical, will portray the iconic Emcee. Returning NJT actors Hailey Medrano and Dustin Petrillo will play Sally and Cliff, respectively. Additionally, Jane Paradise and Dave Cooperstein will step into the roles of Schneider and Schultz. The cast also includes several newcomers to NJT: Aaron Fischer, Saraiya Kalu, Lillian Cooper, Caroline Pillow, and Otto Klemp. Veteran performer Jayson Heil, noted for his appearances in All My Sons and First Date, will also join the ensemble.
The choreography for this production will be crafted by Ellen Isom, recognized for her work on Into the Woods and Jerry’s Girls, while Carter Haney makes his NJT debut as the Music Director. The design team is composed of notable professionals, featuring David Blake (District Merchants) as the Scenic Designer, Michele Friedman Siler serving as the Resident Costume Designer, and Justin Smith (Red) as the Sound Designer. Lighting design will be overseen by Denisse Chavez, who has previously received nominations for her work in All My Sons.
Special Event:
On April 5, NJT will present a discussion featuring Helen Turner, the Director of Education at the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum. Turner will provide vital historical insights regarding the rise of Hitler during the Weimar Republic and the prevailing social conditions that paved the way for the events portrayed in Cabaret.
Don’t miss Cabaret at the J’s Wool Studio Theatre, located at 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146, from March 20 to April 6. Performances will take place on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with an additional show on Wednesday, March 26. Ticket prices range from $29 to $61, with showtimes and tickets available by phone at 314.442.3283 or online at newjewishtheatre.org.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com