Come to the 'Cabaret,' old chum

'Cabaret,' playing at the Cinnabar through Oct. 9, is that rare breed, a musical that makes you think

September 15, 2004

By KATIE WATTS
ARGUS-COURIER STAFF

Even before the house lights dim, "Cabaret" director Elly Lichenstein begins integrating cast and audience as decadently dressed - or undressed - waiters make their rounds, taking drink orders and from the patrons of the Kit Kat Klub, i.e. the audience.

It's an inspired idea to turn the Cinnabar audience into the club patrons and for the most part it works. Not all the audience can be seated ringside, however, and because the cast is playing, more or less, in the round, some lines, mostly in the songs, are lost because the actor is projecting away from the listener.

"Cabaret" is based on the play "I Am a Camera" by John Van Druten, which in turn was based on Christopher Isherwood's book, "Berlin Stories." From these Joe Masteroff created a strong book, set in Berlin at the beginning of the Nazi rise to power. Music and lyrics are by John Lander and Fred Ebb.

This show rests on the shoulders of Sally Bowles and The Emcee, and Nancy Prebilich as Sally and Greg Grabow as The Emcee have broad shoulders and carry the production with ease and skill. Grabow has good projection, a powerful voice and remarkable diction - I caught almost every word of the fiendishly tongue-twisting "Money Song." It's a sensually creepy role and watching him came close to voyeurism - peeking at something far too adult and unpleasant to be understood, yet unable to look away.

The character of Sally Bowles - exuberant, selfish and en-chanting - must light up the theater whenever she appears and Prebilich does. Nothing matters except Sally: her pleasures, her interests. When reality intrudes she ignores it. Prebilich has a graceful dancer's body and uses it well: her bubbly, lively Sally is all over the stage and into the audience.

The ingenious single set morphs back and forth between the Kit Kat Club and Fraulein Schneider's boarding house with the excellent, and hard-working supporting cast doubling as stagehands and playing multiple roles. The set changes are theatrical legerdemain: several actors command your attention with a scene or song, while the others lift and carry props off and on.

Some of the voices are not as strong as Cinnabar audiences, more used to opera, might expect, but the acting is uniformly fine and the cast looks right for their parts as well. With the exception of Chris Koval as Clifford Bradshaw, the young American writer, and Prebilich (Sally is billed as "the toast of Mayfair"), the cast holds its German accents perfectly.

Dwayne Stincelli's Herr Schultz is a standout even in this fine cast. In the closing, climactic scene of Act I, watching him is heart-breaking. Slightly fuddled by schnapps and excited by the party he's hosting, as his "secret" is revealed and most of the cast reacts with disgust, he tries to continue the happy party atmosphere, despite his bewilderment and apprehension.

Joan Hawley as Fraulein Schneider, Herr Schultz's love interest, does a commendable job of blending her character's timid hopefulness and pragmatism.

The decadent costumes and dramatic makeup go a long way to set the scene at the Kit Kat Klub - hats off to wardrobe mistress Lisa Eldredge.

"Cabaret" is not recommended for those under 15. This is a thought-provoking production for mature audiences. Although there is a great deal of humor, this is more aptly called a musical play than a musical comedy.

Musical fans will get a kick out of hearing overtones of "Chicago" - still nine years down the road for composer John Kander. Lichenstein said weak songs from the original 1966 "Cabaret" production had been trimmed. One hauntingly heartless song, "I Don't Care Much," which must have been written for the recent Broadway revival, was added.

The enduring pleasure of Cinnabar Theater is that they produce high quality theater that challenges and stimulates. "Cabaret" is another jewel in their crown.

(Contact Katie Watts at kwatts@arguscourier.com)

CABARET

What: "Cabaret," a musical by Joe Masteroff, John Kander and Fred Ebb

When: Sept. 17-18, 23-26, Oct. 1-3, 7-9. Thursday through Saturday shows at 8 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Where: Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North

Tickets: $30 adults, $28 seniors and students. Closing night wine and dessert gala Oct. 9: $40 adults, $38 seniors and students. Call 763-8920 or go to www.cinnabartheater.org