A GRIPPING ‘CABARET’ AT CELEBRATION THEATRE

REVIEW: CABARET

BY RYAN M. LUÉVANO

To say Cabaret is a well-known musical is an understatement—its tuneful score and chilling story are iconic earning itself a rightful place in the musical theater canon. What is also true is that it’s only produced by theatre companies that have both the means and aptitude to fully realize the force that the show requires. Earlier this year La Mirada Theatre presented a dazzling version of Cabaret on the big stage, and now Celebration Theatre presents this show as the final offering of its 2017-2018 season—and what an offering it is for LA audiences. Simply put, whereas La Mirada’s version allows audiences to sit back to watch the show from afar, Celebration Theatre’s version encourages you to lean in close to become part of the drama at hand.

Alex Nee as The Emcee (center) with the ensemble. PHOTO CREDIT: Matthew Brian Denman

Yet again the tiny black box at Celebration Theatre is transformed into an immersive experience that transports audiences into the Kit Kat Club in 1930s Berlin. Stephen Gifford’s scenic design is breathtaking—velvet walls, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, faux balconies, audience seating on stage, elegant sconces, mirrors, paintings on the walls and the band framed above the stage. This coupled with Michael Mullen’s sexy-German-period-chic costumes that range from tailored suits, silk night gowns, to traditional German lederhosen, corsets, silk stockings and school girl uniforms that are removed piece by piece in “Don’t Tell Mamma”, and it’s a smorgasbord of eye candy from wall to wall, floor to ceiling—utterly delicious.

Once again Janet Roston’s chorography sizzles in this limited space. She manages to open up the walls of this tiny black box to what feels like a football field full of kick lines and jazzy struts. All the big dance numbers’ use of circle formations and fast-moving lines keep your eyes thoroughly engaged—it’s a kaleidoscope on stage that drips with sweat.

Talisa Friedman as Sally Bowles (center) with the ensemble. PHOTO CREDIT: Matthew Brian Denman.

Director Michael Matthews contribution to this production extends far beyond visual elements but delves deep into the fabric of the characters and the sinister atmosphere of Nazi Germany as he draws a parallel to today’s Trump America. Upon briefly speaking with Matthews after the performance he mentioned that to him the Emcee is a “possessed gramophone”. In Celebration Theatre’s Cabaret the Emcee is an omnipotent being that floats in and out of scenes, plays minor characters and with the use of a metal full finger ring becomes the gramophone that plays “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” and in the end of the show something completely different taking audiences full circle and placing a mirror before us.

Christopher Maikish and Talisa Friedman. PHOTO CREDIT: Matthew Brian Denman.

The Emcee played by Alex Nee is superb. Nee is able to physically and emotionally represent this multifaceted character in everything he does—all his cabaret songs are at the surface merry and amusing, but there’s also bitter irony in these moments. Talisa Freidman’s Sally is refreshing and compelling, we see her struggling with her inner demons from start to finish. She reveals her vulnerability in “Maybe This Time” and shows us her showgirl can do in “Don’t Tell Mamma”—whenever she’s on stage you simply can’t look away. Christopher Maikish plays Cliff, the only major character that is virtually non-singing, yet even surrounded by characters who get to sing how they feel, Maikish holds his ground with conviction and skill. The chemistry between June Carryl (Schneider) and Matthew Henderson (Schultz) is palpable all their numbers together are charming and tragic at the same time.

WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC DIRECTOR?

Music director and pianist Anthony Zediker has put together a fabulous band whose full sound adds sparkle and drive to all of Kander’s iconic numbers.

Alex Nee (center) as the Emcee with the ensemble. PHOTO CREDIT: Matthew Brian Denman.

Celebration Theatre reminds us of the magnificent power that intimate theatre holds and this production is a sign that the intimate theatre scene in LA is thriving. If you’ve never seen a production at Celebration Theater, or even if you’ve visited before, now’s the time to get your ticket because their Cabaret is chock full of grit, guts and some of the best performers you’ll ever see.

INFORMATION AND TICKETS

OPENS FRIDAY, JUNE 1 THROUGH SUNDAY, JULY 15

Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm;
Sundays at 2pm (with an added performance on Monday, June 25 at
8pm).

Celebration Theatre
6760 Lexington Ave.
Los Angeles, CA, 90038

Tickets: $75.00 (Limited Premium Onstage Seating); $55.00 (House
Seats); $45.00 (Reserved); $35 (General Seating)

For tickets, please call (323) 957-1884 – or visit www.celebrationtheatre.com to purchase tickets