Cabaret
By John Kander and Fred Ebb
Thistley Hough High School
12th - 16th April 2011
SYNOPSIS
The scene is a night club in Berlin, as the 1920's are drawing to a close. The Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience to the show and assures them that, whatever their troubles, they will forget them at the Cabaret. His songs provide wry commentary throughout the show. On the train to Berlin we find Cliff, a young American writer, and Ernst, a German who surprises Cliff by putting his briefcase among Cliff's luggage at the German border. History is in the process of being made. Musical numbers include It Couldn't Please Me More, Willkommen, Cabaret, Don't Tell Mama and Two Ladies. We find Cliff on the train again, now leaving Berlin alone. He writes about Sally and the people of Berlin leading up to the Third Reich. It has been a tumultuous and heartbreaking era.
HOW TO BOOK
North Staffs Ticket line: 01782 779133 (no booking fee)
REVIEW
Seductive candle light, a generous display of fishnet stockings and atmospheric live music. This certainly isn't what you find in the average school hall,Thistley Hough school transforms into a risqué Berlin Night club to host Cabaret, the latest sparkling production by the North Staffs Operatic Society.
The show explores how the life and passions of friends associated with the "Kit Kat" club change as war approaches.
This includes nightclub performer Sally Bowls (laura Mellor) and her ill fated romance with American journalist (Tom Pear). Less exotic and perhaps more touching is the relationship between ageing landlady (Ann McArdle) and her Jewish lodger (Brian Rawlins), a love which develops gently over the first half.
This is predominantly a musical production featuring many well known songs all of which were strongly and clearly delivered. Arguably it was the Kit Kat Burlesque dancers who stole the show, their costumes were stunning (Dad would like them – trust me). The choreography was superb and the overall impact ignited the show and lifted the pace which, on occasions, was needed.
Choosing an alternative venue for Cabaret provides the audience with an opportunity to blend with the performance as nightclub customers. This was particularly powerful, when at the close of the first half, "hidden" members of the cast stood up to sing the Nazi Anthem, surprising those who sat next to them and bringing home the sinister undertones of this colourful musical.
Runs until April 16 at Thistley Hough High School
Fern Basnett - The Sentinel
FEATURED CAST
Emcee
Sally
Cliff
Schultz
Schneider
Ludwig
Kost
GTS/Victor
Bobbie
Customs Officer/Sailor
Max
Frenchie
Christina
Helga
Rosie
Heidi
Lulu
Two Ladies
Gorilla
Paul Deakin
Laura Mellor
Tom Pear
Brian Rawlins
Ann McArdle
John Wicks
Sarah Mould
Gareth Ridge
Brett McIntyre
Matt O'Conner
Ian Brereton
Lucy Barlow
Amy Jackson
Alisia-Rose Bould
Kathryn Taylor
Zoe Twigg
Sarah Mould
Kathryn Taylo/Julia O'Rourke
Eleanor Knobbs
FEATURED CREW
Director
Musical Director
Choreography
Stage Manager
Props
Costumes
Caroline Keen
Chris Keen
Sarah Mould
Terry Wright
Sandra Morris
Margaret Noyce
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