Theatre at Tarleton presents ‘Cabaret’

By: Sierra Wells

Managing Editor

The Theatre at Tarleton is putting on a production of “Cabaret” Feb. 25-26.  Performances are at 7:30 p.m. in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center auditorium.

“‘Cabaret’ has a strongly defined plot and subplot that is accompanied by beautiful songs and Bob Fosse inspired choreography,” Director Carol Stavish said. “The play has roles for performers strong in acting, dance and singing. Everyone does not need to be a triple threat to be involved in our production.”

Written in 1966, this version of “Cabaret” has music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and book by Joe Masteroff. 

According to “Stage Agent,” this musical is based on a true story of an American writer who travels to Berlin’s Kit Kat Klub in the years preceding World War II. 

“The significance of ‘Cabaret’ is how important it is to be aware of the politics around you and the danger of thinking that society’s problems won’t affect you. It highlights the importance of being aware of the world around you and to actively participate in it,” junior Luke Thomas said.

The company has taken some creative liberty with the show through the addition of a unique circus element.

“Our circus theme/concept for the Kit Kat Klub is used to represent the freedom and excess that was happening in Berlin in the 1920s and early 30s while looming in the future was the political development of the Nazi seizure of power,” Stavish said.

The cast consists of senior Laramie Gambrell as Sally Bowles, senior Charlie Smith as Cliff Bradshaw, freshman Clay Luton as Herr Schultz, May 2022 graduate Rylie Fischer as Fraulein Schneider and guest actor Ben Cole as Emcee.

Members of the crew and contributing faculty include Vocal Director Dr. Iwao Asakura, Band Director Dr. David Robinson, Piano Accompanist Dr. Brad Baker, Set Designer Diane Synatzske, Costume Designer Shayla Moose, Lighting Designer Halani Harber, Technical Director Prudence Jones, Sound Designer Vivian Alonso, Choreographer Mindy Young and Hair/Makeup Designer Andrea Alviar.

The company has rehearsed 7-10 p.m. every Sunday to Thursday since the beginning of the semester. 

They crew persevered despite limited time to prepare the production.

“The hardships we’ve faced with this show has really been the time. We only have had about a month and a half to rehearse and even that was cut back by the snowy weather,” Thomas said. “We’ve only had the stage space to build the set for about a week and a half. So, we as a cast and crew have had to do a lot of work in little time to get our show to where it needs to be.”

Tickets are $5 for Tarleton students, $10 for adults and $8 for children, seniors and Tarleton employees.

“It’s truly unlike any performance we’ve had before. And it’s not something that you’ll see much of here in Stephenville. It’s a unique experience all around,” senior Tyler Krumm said.

After “Cabaret” completes its run at Tarleton, the theatre department will move on to their next show, “The Liar” by David Ives. 

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