VERO BEACH — The lively Broadway musical Cabaret opens at the Vero Beach Theatre Guild Nov. 12 to 29.
“Leave your troubles outside” reminds Robert Johnston, the razzle-dazzle emcee of the scandalous Kit Kat Club. Set in Berlin in 1931, and surrounded by a turmoil of Nazi political activity, Cabaret focuses on the doomed romances of two couples who fear their fates. The musical, based on the book by Joe Masteroff, has won 12 Tony awards. Music is by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Cobb.
Young hopefuls, Sally Bowles, a club entertainer, and Cliff Bradshaw, an American writer, portrayed by Danielle Ferretti and Walter Wells IV, share special moments and memories, as do elderly Fraulein Schneider, a German landlady, and Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor, played by Patty Carreau-Souza and Jim Daly. Supporting cast members include Caitlin Harris and Jim Mitchell as Fraulein Kost and Ernst Ludwig.
Director Mark Wygonik reminds audiences that this is not the movie version, but rather the Broadway musical Cabaret, considered the most important and influential show of the 1960s. With its bold political overtones, it was a reflection of the times.
According to Wygonik, choreographer Tammy To of Los Angeles brings a fresh and different approach to the dance numbers with a dance team consisting of Amber Garr, Holly Hmielewski, Jhane Davellia, Amanda Jordon, Jocelyn Sample and Danielle Zimmerman.
Appearing in the ensemble are Laura Baldwin, Dan Bogart, Jonathan Clark, Angela DiPasquo, Wally Gagel, Heather Grall, Eva Pickart, Sandi Hellstrom, Joseph Kelly, Gerry King, Mary Moriarty, Shamara Turner, Robin Volsky, Steve Warren and Greg Steenburgh.
Production members are Greg Harris, music director; Larry Thompson, producer; Laura Cooney, stage manager; and Dana Rogers, assistant director-trainee. Costume chair Ann McCabe is assisted by Gerry King; Anne Talbot chairs props; Madelyn Rogers, hair/makeup; Robbie Messersmith, lighting; and Ed Dessureau, sound.
Tickets are $20 and $18; children 18 and under are half-price and groups of 20+ are discounted.
Information: Call (772) 562-8300 weekdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or two hours prior to curtain, or visit VBTG.com.
The Guild’s remaming shows are:
“Sin, Sex and the CIA,” farce, Jan. 14-24
“The Sound of Music,” musical, March 11-28
“It Runs in the Family,” comedy, May 13-23
