Come to the Cabaret! Riverside Theatre Works presents the multi-Tony-winning musical, Cabaret, beginning May 9 and running through May 18 at the historic French’s Opera House in Hyde Park.
PK Egersheim (standing, center) and Jim Foster (seated) of Milton Rehearse for “Cabaret”
Based on a book written by Christopher Isherwood, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Cabaret is based on John Van Druten’s 1951 play I Am a Camera. Set in 1931, the show is based at the seedy Kit Kat Klub,
and revolves around the young English cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with American writer Cliff Bradshaw. Guiding the story is the Master of Ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub, taking the audience through a journey that parallels the Nazi rise to power.
PK Egersheim and Jim Foster of Milton appear in the production.
The setting of play will mimic the Kit Kat Klub, with an immersive experience that features cabaret-style seating, including seating directly on the stage.
Director Kevin Mark Kline has a distinct vision for this production, which he hopes will seduce the audience by painting a picture of pre-war Berlin as provocative, naughty, sexy, but also vibrant and exciting. Says Mr. Kline, “Cabaret has become too dark and overly sexualized. A modern audience feels they know what to expect from this show, so most productions give the audience exactly what they are expecting from the start – a dark mood, an over-sexualized emcee, gaunt female Kit Kat Klub girls, etc. The Nazi influence is typically felt from the first chords of the opening number. I feel it’s important to show the transformation that mirrors the Nazi rise to power over the course of the play.”
In addition to Mr. Kline, the production team includes choreographer Lisa Yanofsky and musical director Danielle Clougher. Ticket prices range from $20 to $25 and can be purchased by visiting the web site at www.rtwboston.org, or by calling 866-811-4111.