Come Hear the Music Play: University Theatre Presents Cabaret

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Some musicals enjoy a successful first run, then fade from public consciousness. Only a masterpiece like Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret can boast of a Broadway revival that ran twice as long as the original hit production! University Theatre is proud to present the revised 1998 version of this timeless story, based on the play I Am a Camera and the book Goodbye to Berlin.

As the Nazi party slowly increases its power in 1930, Cabaret focuses on nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub in Berlin. Much of the show revolves around the performer English performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with young American writer Cliff Bradshaw, as well as the club’s “divinely decadent” Emcee.

Cabaret’s award-winning score includes such classics as “The Money Song,” “Maybe This Time,” “Willkommen,” “It Couldn’t Please Me More” and the rousing title tune, long associated with Liza Minnelli and the Oscar-winning film version of the show.

Visiting instructor Kate Frank (Urinetown, the Musical) directs a talented cast of both graduate and undergraduate drama students. Musical direction is by Jeannie Lee; choreography by Gail Leftwich; scenic design by Michael J. Riha; costume design by Kelly Henry; lighting design by Diana Kaiser; and technical direction by Patrick Stone.

Cabaret performances are April 20-21 and 25-28 at 8 p.m., and April 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. in the University Theatre.

Ticket prices are $16 for adults, $14 for faculty, staff and seniors, and $7 for children. This production is rated PG-13 for mature situations. UA students may attend the show FREE on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, or for $3 on Friday and Saturday. Students need to show their UA ID. University Theatre accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

The box office will open on Monday, April 16. Box office hours are noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and two hours prior to each show. For reservations, call the University Theatre Ticket Office at 479-575-4752.