Theatrical Review: Cabaret

CABARET
Book by: Joe Masteroff
Based upon John Van Drutten’s Play “I Am A Camera”
Lyrics by: Fred Ebb
Music by: John Kander
Directed by: Dr. Margaret Ball
Theatrical Review by: Paul Adam Smeltz

The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA presented The Pocono Lively Arts* production of “Cabaret” by Joe Masteroff which was based upon John Van Drutten’s Play “I Am A Camera” with Lyrics by Fred Ebb and Music by John Kander. The play, “Cabaret,” takes place in Germany just prior to the rise of Nazism in which the economic desperation and social upheavals were remedied by entertainment venues found in cabarets throughout the country. These cabarets presented the issues of the day to their audiences in humorous and often bawdy ways which (as most comedy does) allowed them to relieve the pressures of living their lives by laughing at the horrors they encountered.

The Pocono Lively Arts* production of “Cabaret” welcomes its audience into the world and lives of those living in pre war Germany and to experience their joys and sorrows while reflect upon how their lives and times are similar to ours. The play offers itself as a haven from our fears and worries from the storm clouds we sense lurking over the horizon of our dreams. We learn that, although laughing at our forebodings can help us to cope with the fears they bring, actions need to be taken to keep those who would diminish our freedoms and rights to self determination us at bay. History has often shown Democracies seldom end with the sound of gunfire but with the thundering applause a dictator inspires.

As mentioned in previous reviews, The Pocono Lively Arts* often presents theatrical productions which shy away from controversial issues and designed to please as many audience members as possible. It is very rare to see a Pocono Lively Arts* production with the depth a play like “Cabaret” contains. This reviewer has seen one attempt and it was demonstrated how difficult it is to change a people pleasing approach of theatrical presentation to a more meaningful one. However, this production of “Cabaret” has more than proven it can be done.

The Pocono Lively Arts* has involved a large number of faculty and students from East Stroudsburg University (ESU)* in the production. ESU has gained a well deserved reputation of presenting theatrical works not commercially viable due to their subject matter. In other words, plays which might offend certain sensibilities and don’t draw large audiences can be found on the ESU Stage. This has allowed ESU to present works designed to challenge and enhance their audiences’ perceptions of their world through their theatrical experiences. This experience in theatre proved to be the perfect shot in the arm The Pocono Lively Arts* needed to make “Cabaret” the quality production it deserves to be.

The cast of Cabaret” included Grant Snuffer* as the Emcee who omniscient presence not only relays to us the deeper meaning of the musical numbers but that of the lives presented to his audience, Kathi Spigelmyer as Sally Bowles the singer of the cabaret called, “The Kit Kat Klub“ who is able to look at the hard cold reality of life as long as they don‘t interfere with her dreams, Justin O‘Neal Rosario* as Clifford Bradshaw whose innocent approach to life seems inappropriate to the situations he encounters until he realizes their true natures, Jane Asher as Fraulein Schneider a survivor who finds she must forego her heart’s desire to continue surviving in an uncertain future, Richard Cox as Herr Schultz who becomes a tragic figure because he does not know what will become of him in the new order of things but we do, A. J. Snapp as Ernst Ludwig whose seductive manners and aura of success entices others while hiding a darker side of his nature shared by those who will soon engulf a nation touched by its hypnotic propagandas, Molly Brunkard* as Fraulein Kost the prostitute who has learned how to utilize her charms to survive the difficult times she lives.

Rounding out the main cast were a number of actors whose talents enhanced the production. The included, Spencer Taylor and Gregory Palencer as Bobby and Victor two patrons of “The Kit Kat Klub,” Michael Demyan as both the Sailor (a customer/cousin/brother etc of Fraulein Kost) and Taxi Driver, Angelo Revilla III* as the Customs Officer, Robert Morgan as Max the “Kit Kat klub” owner, and Dr. Peter Pruim as Hans-Dieter. “The Kit Kat Klub” ensemble consisted of Dana Bartolomeo as Lola, Michele Buzzelli* as Estella, Rachel Cohen as Gisele, Alexandra Dickison as Cecile, and Jenell Manzi as Inge, Stephanie Reyes as Tabitha along with Lauren Santarelli as Ilse and Shelly Snapp who served the production as Dance Captains.

Musicians for the production consisted of “The Beautiful Orchestra” led by the Musical Director Dr. Betsy Buzzelli-Clark* on piano (who also served as Rehearsal Accompanist), Clarissa A. Gallo on Bass, Marta Overlin and Dot Cacchio on Reeds, Lizzy Donovan on Trumpet, Tim Eick and Robert Bottger on Trumpets, Bill Keller on Trombone, Marta Oberlin, Larry Gordon, and Dot Cacckhio on Reeds, Kathryn Vallilee on Trombone, and Adam Benefield* on percussion. Rehearsal Accompanist included Jenny Collins and Pauline Fox.

“Cabaret” by Joe Masteroff with Lyrics by Fred Ebb and Music by John Kander was Directed by Dr. Margaret Ball while Mary Ellen Van Camp served as Stage Manager with Kim Van Camp as the Assistant Stage Manager. The Rehearsal Stage Manager was Amber Swiatocha. Jeanna Maldonado served as the production’s Choreographer. The Set Designer and Builder was Michael Eyth while the Sound Designer was Glenn Kern with Michael Pierson as the Lighting Designer. The Production was ushered by Volunteers of The Pocono Lively Arts* and The Sherman Theatre*.

This production of “Cabaret” proved to be wonderful and meaningful theatrical experience. It is recommended to those seeking a breath of fresh air in theatrical presentations from The Pocono Lively Arts*. Unfortunately, like all Pocono Lively Arts* Productions, the run of the show is brief. In fact, it’s run from June 27th - 29th is over. The next Pocono Lively Arts* production will be “a shorter and more suitable” version of “Grease” to be performed July 25th - 27th at The Sherman Theatre* in Stroudsburg, PA. Please contact The Sherman Theatre* at 570-420-2808 or visit their website for more information and to reserve your ticket. More information on The Pocono Lively Arts* can be gained by visiting their website. A few Picture can be found on The Forwardian Arts Society Cabaret at The Sherman Gallery at myspace.

(*) denotes members of The Forwardian Arts Society in good standing and are considered Our Good Friends.