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It Was Just 1966 When Composer John Kander Wrote the Beautiful

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It Was Just 1966 When Composer John Kander Wrote the Beautiful It was just 1966 when composer John Kander wrote the beautiful masterpiece that is "Cabaret." Set in Berlin, Germany during the 1930s, the dawn of Nazi Germany, the story follows American Sally Bowles and her life in Berlin working as a dancer at The Kit Kat Club. Narrated by the enthusiastic Emcee, "Cabaret" compels its audience with its characters, plot, and issues that remain prevalent today. Friends Select School used a myriad of character choices/development-- one that I have never seen before as an audience member at a showing of "Cabaret". For one, to say that Alex Giganti as The Emcee stole the show would be an understatement. Giganti's energy-- continual through each number-- shone effulgently through even the slowest of songs. His utter and complete dedication to his character was evident; with each hand motion, head bob, snap, clap, what have you, Giganti never failed to impress the audience. As an avid theatre enthusiast, his performance as The Emcee would have made Alan Cummings proud. In addition to this, Sally Bowles played by Nola Latty gave a commendable performance. Her high belts were absolute music to my ears. It is no doubt that the role of Sally Bowles is extremely difficult to play, yet with Latty's vocal, dance, AND acting skills, she attempted the role with grace and energy-- a very fine job on her part. The Kit Kat Club dancers, an ensemble consisting of predominantly females rather than men, served as the single ensemble in "Cabaret." Featuring solo dancers such as Rosie, played by Emma Miller, The Kit Kat Club dancers were humorous and a joy to watch. The way that they all played off of each other yet kept in tact with their own originality was a bold choice for this show, yet one that worked well. With the help of student costume designer, Kate McGrath, the Kit Kat Club dancers, as well as the rest of the cast, looked exuberant, colorful, and each had a unique style depending on the character. Because of the time period and setting as a whole, along with the emotional diversity of the characters and the maturity of content, "Cabaret" is considered a very difficult show, especially at the high school level. Despite this, the cast members put on a show that undoubtedly captured my attention with simply their energy and characterization. by Chelsea Chaet of Eastern Regional High School -------------------------------------------------- In Friends Select School’s production of “Cabaret,” life was beautiful. The girls were beautiful. Even the orchestra was beautiful. The musical “Cabaret” takes place in Berlin, Germany just before, and then during, the rise of the Nazis. It follows the story of American novelist Cliff Bradshaw, want-to-be-star Sally Bowles, aging landlord Fraulein Schneider, and her relationship with Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit salesman. The entirety of the show is underscored by the Emcee, who works as the bridge between the audience and the characters, often breaking the fourth wall. The cast did an outstanding job of transporting the audience into 1930s Germany, specifically the Kit Kat Club girls and boys. Their numbers - choreographed by student Kayla Warren - were well performed and highlights of the show. Additionally, the costume crew for “Cabaret’s” work showed and paid off in spades. Each costume was so clearly selected for a reason, and fit appropriately in the time period. Alex Giganti as the Emcee was the stand out of this production. His portrayal of the Emcee was dark, gritty, hilarious, and heartbreaking. Giganti’s enthusiasm for the role shined through in all of his numbers, making each and every time he was on stage a treat. Even his ballad - titled “I Don’t Care Much” - kept the audience engaged and left some in tears. Additionally, Nola Latty was commendable in her portrayal of Sally Bowles. She especially excelled in the moments of the show in which Sally’s break down becomes evident to the audience. Playing the roles of Ernst Ludwig and Fraulein Schneider, Eli Luchak and Mary Graham, respectively, did great jobs in creating characters that are both likable and despicable in their own ways. Ludwig, for obvious reasons - his strong ties to the Nazi party - and Schneider in her cowardice and refusal to stand up against the party. To paraphrase a line from the show, if she was not against it she was for it. In addition, Fraulein Kost, played by Kyra Stetler, and Herr Schultz, played by Avery Johnson, provided a few much needed moments of comic relief with their characters. And, as the show went on, they both did outstanding jobs in showing the darker change in both characters. These days, “Cabaret” is all too relevant. Friends Select School’s cast and crew truly did a first-rate job in translating a script written in the 60’s to be just as relatable to today’s audiences. by Alyssa Rosenberg of Eastern Regional High School -------------------------------------------------- History is rarely more alive than when performed on stage. Friends Select School’s Cabaret is the perfect example of art imitating life through a show that proves that theater need not always create a fantastical world in order to find a fantastic story. The musical takes place in 1930’s Berlin, amidst a whirlwind of social experimentation and liberation before Hitler’s rise to power. It follows characters from Europe and America while they navigate the complicated society, with frequent interruptions by the larger-than-life “Emcee” who breaks the fourth wall to bring the audience closer to the action. Friends Select displayed strong ensemble work and an admirable commitment to very challenging subject matter. The cast effectively took advantage of the limited space and student leadership in the production shone through both in the artistic and technical realms. Alex Giganti (the Emcee) anchored the show, never allowing the energy to drag or the glamor to fade, while embodying multiple levels of German society. His intentional acting choices grounded his character and brought a certain maturity to the stage that is rare in high school theater. Often seen lurking in the background of scenes, Giganti managed to create many sinister and striking tableaus throughout the night. Nola Latty (Sally Bowles) gave a robust performance, and, while occasionally difficult to understand, the production would have suffered without her quiet confidence. In the supporting cast, Mary Graham (Fraulein Schneider) was charismatic and believable. Often by her side, Avery Johnson (Herr Schultz), brought a gentle, grandfatherly humor to the show, which nicely complimented Graham. Additionally, Daniel Nelson (Bobby) capitalized on his few lines to cement himself as a comic presence on stage. Kayla Warren’s Fosse-esque choreography was truly a highlight, showcasing the abilities of the actors with simple yet elegant movement. Friends Select School’s Costume Crew put together period- appropriate pieces for all actors. From the swastika on Ernst Ludwig’s sleeve to Sally’s evolution from a glittery night-club girl to a sensibly-clad mother-to-be, the costumes undeniably enhanced the story. Friends Select School reminded us that, although we are not yet immune from the contagious effects of fear and hatred, art will always heal. by Zoe Walker of Friends' Central School -------------------------------------------------- Wilkommen! Bienvenue! Welcome! With these sung greetings, Friends Select School ushered their audience into the racy, raucous, and risque nightlife of 1931 Berlin, Germany. On Friday night, FSS Theater presented Cabaret to a packed house. Cabaret premiered on Broadway in 1966, and became popular both in the U.S. and overseas. With book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, the musical focuses on an American writer’s time spent in Berlin and his encounters with the sleazy Kit Kat Club. However, as Hitler’s Nazi regime arises, the world of Cabaret and its cast of characters grow darker and more sinister. The FSS theater program tackled this challenging production with maturity, and did not let the increasingly sobering material dampen their dynamic show. The FSS Costumes crew helped maintain the tone the show by outfitting the cast with fantastic ensembles. The Kit Kat Girls’ costumes were especially fitting for their individual personas. Working in tandem with costumes was the superb choreography by Kayla Warren. Simple and deliciously fun, Warren created dance numbers that reeled the audience in and kept our attention. She smartly made use of the small stage and aisles of the theater, and played to the strengths of each dancer. The leading actors shone on Friday night. In particular, the Emcee, played by Alex Giganti, gave a hilariously stellar performance. His character was eccentric, bawdy, and outrageous, and Giganti took ownership of his role and the space whenever he appeared onstage. Giganti’s ballad, “I Don’t Care Much,” showcased his powerful vocals, and highlighted Sally Bowles’ (Nola Latty) sorrow. Latty played an energetic and endearing Sally. Due to sound troubles, it was difficult to hear her voice over the orchestra; however, her jazzy belted high notes were easily distinguished. The supporting characters were brought to life by their impressive actors. Mary Graham (Fraulein Schneider) and Avery Johnson (Herr Schultz) played a delightful old couple, and their chemistry was palpable. Johnson’s one liners, followed by Graham’s blushing retorts, received many chuckles from the audience. The Kit Kat Girls worked well together, and despite a few mishaps, they recovered quickly and kept the show moving. Overall, Friends Select School’s Cabaret was a captivating and jarring production that garnered a standing ovation at their final curtain. The cast’s energy and dedication to the show encouraged their audience to leave their troubles outside because in there life was beautiful.
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