‘Cabaret’ to be UF’s Spring 2020 Musical

The year is 1929. The place, Berlin’s bawdy nightspot, the Kit Kat Klub. Outside the club, Germany succumbs to the power of the emerging Third Reich. Inside the club, the Emcee, played by senior Ryan “Blake” Bush, Sally Bowles, played by junior Riley Klauza, and a raucous ensemble intoxicate audiences with promises that troubles are forgotten at the Cabaret.

Show times at the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts will be on Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. Adult tickets are on sale for $12 and senior (ages 60+) tickets are $6 at the Center’s box office at 200 W. Main Cross St. They can also be purchased online at www.mcpa.org or by calling 419-423-2787.

With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, “Cabaret” explores the dark and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including “Willkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Don’t Tell Mama,” and “Two Ladies.”

“Cabaret” explores topics including inclusivity, racial profiling, and fear of the other through musical theatre comedy and drama. While set in a different time period, the themes discussed in the show are relevant to today’s political and social climate, Assistant Professor of Theatre  and “Cabaret” Director Meriah Sage said. 

“The show is entertaining and thought provoking,” Sage said. “This Kander and Ebb’s masterpiece has not only survived, but thrived, for over 50 years. It will entertain you, make you laugh, make you think, make you cry, and give you something to talk about after the show is over.”

Music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Joe Masteroff, “Cabaret” is based on the play “I Am A Camera” by John van Druten and “The Berlin Stories” by Christopher Isherwood. “Cabaret” is presented by arrangement with TAMS-WITMARK (www.tamswitmark.com). This production is being underwritten by Jerl Machine, Inc.

PLEASE NOTE: This show contains adult themes/content and is recommended for audience members over 16 years of age.

The show’s creative team includes Director Meriah Sage, Choreographer Brenda Hoyt-Brackman, Music Director Dr. Micheal F. Anders, Scenic Designer Kristin Ellert, Assistant Set Designer Kordell Harr, Costume Designer Kathy Newell, Lighting Designer Dustin Druckman, Props by Jessica Leszkowicz, Sound by Jeff Dean and Eli Garmon, Technical Director Hugh Saunier, and builders Adam Kohman and Eliseo Escobedo.

The cast is comprised entirely of University of Findlay students. They include:

Emcee – Ryan Blake Bush
Sally Bowles – Riley Klauza
Clifford Bradshaw – Jack Yeater
Frauline Schneider – Kaylee Furge
Herr Schultz – Alex Miller
Frauline Kost – Destiny DeWar
Ernst Ludwig –  Jared Dixon
Max – Robbie Riffle
Custom Official – Samuel Oliver
Sailor – Daniel White

Kit Kat Klub girls:
Rosie – Deirdre Wysocki
Lulu – Ashley Hoy
Frenchie – India Miller
Texas – Celia Brand
Fritzie – Eliza Brisbin
Helga – Ashlyn Coleman

Kit Kat Klub boys:
Bobbie – Austin Stevens
Victor – Eli Garmon
Hans – Luke Kleman
Herman – Andrew Peatee
Georg – Thomas Griffin
Rolf – Cody Watson

Kit Kat Klub swings: Jonda Krontz & Robbie Riffle

Engagement party guests & guests at Klub:
Lisa Martinez
Staci Brenneman
Mackenzie Smith
Evelyn Lundbom
Jonda Krontz

Stage manager: Elaine Schaffter
Assistant stage managers: Sara O’Bryan, Brigid Griffin, and Avery Melroy
Assistant directors – Mykayla Ruffing and Leah Chizmar