Renaissance Performing Arts Association will open their 2020-2021 Season with the Broadway classic, Cabaret, October 2-3 and 9-10 at 8:00 PM and October 4 and 11 at 2:30 PM in the Renaissance Theatre. The show is directed by Ryan Shealy with Musical Direction by Jacob Poiner, and is part of the Park National Bank Broadway Series.
Based on a 1939 novel by Christopher Isherwood and a 1951 play by John Van Druten, Cabaret features music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. Cliff Bradshaw, an American author working on a novel in Berlin, encounters Sally Bowles at the seedy Kit Kat Klub where she sings. When she is fired by the club’s owner, also her jealous boyfriend, she moves in with Cliff and the two fall in love. As the Nazis begin taking control of the German government, the atmosphere of the Kit Kat Klub and the lives of Cliff and Sally begin to change dramatically.
Director Ryan Shealy stated, “Cabaret is a classic musical that sadly never seems to lose relevance and staging it in 2020 presents more challenges than usual. The essence of this musical is that it is meant to be a commentary on political and social issues using the framework of Nazi Germany. To present Kander & Ebb’s work without commenting on the current pandemic, racial tensions, and resurgence of fascist rhetoric would do a disservice to the spirit of the piece. Using modern design and avant-garde video and projection elements; we hope to bring new life to this classic cautionary tale.”
The cast of Cabaret will include Leiah Lewis, Matti-Lynn Chrisman, Justin Woody, Lori Turner, Scott Smith, Jacob Poiner, Anna Scheurer, Emily Bare, Nykera Gardner, Jenna Krivosh, Elli Nickoli, Jake Sustersic, George Swarn, and Caroline Grace Williams.
The Renaissance will be utilizing a thorough strategy for patron, staff, cast, crew, and volunteer health and safety. The complete plan can be found at RenTickets.org/our-commitment-to-you, but will include reducing the house capacity to 15% (210 seats our of 1402) leaving six feet in all directions between groups, the scanning of tickets, HVAC systems set to maximum for fresh air ventilation and pre- or mobile ordering of concession items. Patrons are required to wear masks while in the building and will be provided one if needed.
Tickets for Cabaret are $25 and are available now at RenTickets.org or by contacting the Box Office through their online form or calling 419-522-2726. The Box Office is currently not open for walk-ups but will arrange an appointment for patrons wishing to pay in person. Date Night, Me +3, and Student Rush tickets are also available for this show. See RenTickets.org for details.
Cabaret is sponsored by Coffy Creations Photography.
Source, Photo: Renaissance Performing Arts Association; Image by Facundo Malanchino from Pixabay
