Photo by Jason Niedle
I saw “Cabaret” years ago on Broadway with the late Natasha Richardson, and then again in 2014 with Michelle Williams. This is one of my favorite musicals and I was really looking forward to seeing it at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts last week. Well, I can definitely say not only did this production not disappoint, it goes to the top of my list as one of the best. It’s absolutely fantastic.
The story of “Cabaret” is now more relevant than ever. When the show opens, we find ourselves at the fabulous Kit Kat Club. The year is 1930. The place Berlin. It’s here we meet the wonderfully outrageous and the extraordinarily talented Emcee (Jeff Skowron) who introduces us to the gorgeous dancers of the Club as well as Miss Sally Bowles (the fantastic Zarah Mahler), the headliner. He tells us to “leave our troubles outside” because here at the Kit Kat Club, everything is “beautiful,” and he’s certainly right about that.
“Cabaret” is a love story set against one of the most horrific and terrifying times in history. The rise of the Nazis.
The love story is between Sally, who lives a decadent lifestyle, refusing to see what is happening all around her, and struggling writer, Cliff Bradswhaw (Christian Pedersen), a fairly naive American who’s come to Berlin to write a novel. She moves in with Cliff and both their lives will never be the same.
‘Cabaret’ is one of the most dazzling, thrilling shows you will ever see. It’s filled with memorable numbers such as ‘Cabaret,’ ‘Willkommen,’ ‘Money Makes the World Go Round’ and the powerfully emotional ‘Maybe This Time.’ but as wonderful as these songs are, the show is all about the ‘dancing’ and what incredible dancing it is. Choreographed here by Dana Solimando, the dancers are dazzling, sensual, and absolutely mesmerizing.
Also, I must mention the beautiful performances by Kelly Lester as Fraulein Schneider and Jack Laufer as Herr Schultz. Their relationship is a chilling reminder of what it was like in Berlin as Hitler came to power.
‘Cabaret’ written by Joe Masteroff (based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood) with music by John Kander and Fred Ebb opened on Broadway in 1966 and has had numerous revivals each one better than the last and this one is a definite ‘must see.’ Do not miss it.
‘Cabaret’ brilliantly directed by Larry Carpenter opened at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 and runs through Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018. The theatre is located at 14900 La Mirada Blvd., in La Mirada.
Performances are: 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8 p.m. on Fridays; 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., on Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices are: $20-$70 To purchase call 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310 or online at www.lamiradatheatre.com.
