“Willkommen. Bienvenue. Welcome.”
For my first review, I could not be happier doing Town & Gown’s production of Cabaret.
But I must first say, that this was an excellent production. The first Act is 90 minutes, and when I heard that I was a little anxious. With some plays, just an hour feels too long for one Act. This Act flew by. As soon as it started I knew it would, and I was begging for more when intermission came.
I did not know anything about Cabaret before I sat down to see the play except for the famous line “Life is a Cabaret, old Chum.” I didn’t expect it to be anything more than a comedy and a musical. But this play was deep, and the actors pulled it off well.
First off, I believe Nathan Altman, who played the lovely Master of Ceremonies, has ruined me forever on every future showing of Cabaret. I will compare each Emcee to him, and I don’t think any will stand up to him. He was funny, yet complete, almost deadly serious at the right times. I enjoyed watching him (and not just because he didn’t have a shirt on), but because his voice was thrilling and is acting superb.
A technical note: Whoever did his make-up on his abs did a great job. I think the only reason I noticed it was actually make-uped was because I was a director and worked with make-up myself. Actually, I’m still questioning myself. Maybe he did just have fantastic abs. But they were very well done.
The girls voices mixed very well together, and very few times did I notice that they were a bit off from each other or that choreography was a little off. They worked well together, and in ad-lib moments, played well off each other.
I thought this play was interesting, exploring sexuality so blatant, especially with Cliff. I guess I never just thought there would be bisexuals in the late 30s. Cliff, I feel, played his part well, though at times he was a little too quiet to hear. But I suppose the simplicity of his words/speech is a key part of his character, so it fit.
Ms. Rebekah Williams, who plays Sally, only had trouble with some of her low notes, which is partially not her fault. The orechestra sometimes covered her up when she was too far back on the stage, or hitting a low note. Yet, microphones on the actors would overwhelm the audience since the theatre is so small. Ms. Williams sang her parts well, held her accent, and worked well with all the other actors of the Cabaret.
There were a few problems with holding accents, which could probably use more practice. But for most of the characters, it wasn’t noticeable unless you were looking for it or wondering about it.
The lights were simple, often using a spotlight, but effective. I think there were times when the lights came to early for the stagehands to finish moving things, but it may have only have been once and I’m being nitpicky.
There were few times in the play when I was worried about blocking, or could not see the actors face, but it was mostly corrected a few seconds after I noticed it.
Now, can you still go see it! YES! You have two more days to catch Cabaret: Today, Saturday the 21st at 8:00pm, and Sunday the 22nd at 8:00pm. For students, this production is $15, but well worth it. Everyone else is $18.
If you go (which you should), I hope you enjoy the show as much as I did. I tried not to give away too much as to plot, but I feel like the play is a good discussion piece for people to talk about.
Also note, The boys have some high parts, and to hear them sing was incredible. Especially for the “Tommorrow Belongs to Me.”
Thank for reading,
Ashley B.