Novato Theater Company, in collaboration with Marin Musical Theatre Company, presents a dynamic rendition of the classic musical “Cabaret.” Artfully co-directed and choreographed by Jenny Boynton and Katie Wickes, this production immerses the audience in the seductive, volatile world of 1930s Berlin.
The Kit Kat Club, a seedy, burlesque theatre, that boasts “We have no. troubles. here,” is the center of the play. Decadence reigns under the shameless chameleon, Emcee (Stephen Kanaski), with whom hedonism flourishes. Kanaski’s superbly embodies the sexual charged, omnipresent, walking distraction while Nazism looms outside the club’s doors.
American writer, impoverished Cliff Bradshaw, Russell Mangan, arrives in Berlin to complete his second novel. Innocent to the changing Germany, Mangan, as Bradshaw, gives a sterling portrayal as an outsider blindsided by a changing culture.
He has met devious Ernst Ludwig, powerhouse Michael Lister, on the train. Ludwig offers him a lavished room for half price at compassionate owner Fräulein Schneider’s, heartwarming Daniela Innocenti Beem, hotel. Schultz also suggests Bradshaw enjoy himself, as his guest, at the Kit Kat Club. There he meets the free-spirited star of the club, Sally Bowles, played brilliantly by Evvy Carlstrom-March. The two connect.
Bradshaw, Russell Mangan, Bowles, Evvy Carlstrom-March
March’s Sally Bowles transforms from a flighty anything-goes flapper into a sullen wife. March sings, beautifully, Maybe This Time, that highlights her despair as her world disintegrates. Bradshaw presses her to leave with him.
Meanwhile, Fräulein Schneider meets Jewish fruit seller, Herr Schultz, delightful Jere Torkelsen, who woos her with gifts of fruit. They plan to marry. But inter-religious marriages also suffer in this new environment.
Herr Schultz,Jere Torkelsen, Fräulein Schneider, Daniela Innocenti Beem
Daniel Savio’s masterful musical direction brings John Kander and Fred Ebb’s iconic score to life. He balances the upbeat numbers, Willkommen with the show’s darker undertones: What Would You Do?
The talented ensemble blends smoothly with the cast, producing a Broadway-like performance. Thanks to Lighting Designer John Diaz, the production spotlights each scene with varying color. Krista Lee and Andria Nyland’s many costumes radiate the 1930’s era, including the glitzy dance apparel.
One of “Cabaret’s” greatest strengths is its ability to focus on the underlying dismal political reality while entertaining the masses. Some may dismiss “Cabaret” as outdated, but with each revival, it reveals the chilling norms in our own time. It emphasizes: There is no safety in apathy.
The 1930s feel familiar: rising prejudice against transgender individuals, drag performers, and the LGBTQ+ community, along with restrictive laws banning their participation in the military. The wealthy amass fortunes while essential services are slashed. Another step back for women’s rights. Health programs are dismantled. Then, Education and book choices are reshaped to fit ideological prejudicial agendas.
This play leaves us a lot to ponder, and yet, enjoy wholeheartedly.
Content warning:
It’s important to note that this production address’s sensitive themes, including abortion, sex, antisemitism, Nazism, racism, homophobia, and transphobia, making it suitable for mature audiences. Additionally, theatrical fog is used during the performance.
“Cabaret” book by Joe Masteroff, Music and Lyric by John Kander and Fred Ebb, Co-directed and Choreographed by Jenny Boynton and Katie Wickes, Produced by Novato Theater Company, in collaboration with Marin Musical Theatre Company, www.novatotheatrecompany.org until April 13, 2025
Cast: Daniela Innocenti Beem, Stephen Kanaski, Michael Lister, Russell Mangan, Evvy Carlstrom-March, Jourdán D. Olivier, Megan Schoenbohm, Vick Schutz, Jere Torkelsen
Ensemble: Leo Beare, Bethany Hill Mostofizadeh, Ernesto Escobar Nery Jr., Isabella Qureshi,
Amanika Rapplin
Photos: Katie Wicks