What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play - and enjoy the singing and dancing, too, when Susquehanna Stage presents "Cabaret." The show will be performed on Fridays through Sundays, Oct. 22 to 24 and 29 to 31, as well as on Thursday, Oct. 28. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. except for Oct. 24, when the show will be performed at 2 p.m.
"This is a very entertaining show," said Ben Fortier, who plays the Master of Ceremonies. "It's a show that you think you're ready for anything to happen, and then you have the rug pulled out from under you. The show opens on a vibrant note, and it ends on an eerie one."
Set in the Kit Kat Klub in 1930s Berlin, "Cabaret" intertwines nightlife with romance and political undertones as the Nazi party is ascending to power. It focuses on the relationship between American writer Cliff Bradshaw and British cabaret performer Sally Bowles with a subplot about a German boarding house owner and her Jewish suitor. The action is overseen by the Master of Ceremonies. Directed by Keifer Kemmerly, "Cabaret" features a cast of 18.
"It's a show about a seedy nightclub, but it's also about the Nazi party coming to power and how the Nazis have an impact on the lives of the characters, almost without you realizing what's happening," explained Kent Gable, who portrays Cliff. "It's a comical show, until it's not."
Jordyn Johnson, who plays Sally, said she was drawn to the role because of the character's depth. "We are taking the audience on a journey with us," she stated. "There are aspects of the show that really hold a mirror up to society."
Gable agreed, adding that he enjoys playing a character who is more developed than many roles in musicals. "Looking at how my character grows and the character arc of Cliff throughout the show made this very appealing and made me want to be a part of this show," he remarked.
Fortier noted that playing the larger-than-life character of the Master of Ceremonies has been a dream role. "It's really such a great show," he said. "I love how there are several subplots going on that make up the big picture, and I like how the (Master of Ceremonies) is retelling or reflecting what's happening in the story."
Susquehanna Stage is located at 133 W. Market St., Marietta. For more information on "Cabaret" or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.susquehannastage.com or call 717-426-1277.
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