“Here, life is beautiful; zee girls are beautiful; even zee orchestra is beautiful!”
On Thursday March 21 at 7:00 P.M., the cast of Cabaret performed scenes from its upcoming performance at the Middletown Township Public Library. Friends, families, and curious library goers flocked the library’s Conference Room for a glimpse at the exceptional acting and exuberant songs. Mr. Koumoulis, director of the musical, calls Cabaret “a live exposition of both verbal communication and emotions.”
The musical is set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are ascending to power due to Germany’s war-ravaged economy. Cabaret focuses on the promiscuous nightlife at the Kit Kat Klub. Overseeing the action, both in and outside the Klub, is the Emcee, played by sophomore Elias Kotsis. The Emcee recounts the love story between nineteen year old Sally Bowles, played by senior Emily Keefe, and American writer, Cliff Bradshaw, played by junior Anthony Forte. A simultaneous love story emerges in the romance between German boarding house owner Fraulein Schneider, played by senior Stephanie Occhipinti, and Jewish fruit vendor Herr Schultz, played by senior CJ Marsini. Through these strained relationships, the audience witnesses the juxtaposition between the “divine decadence” within and the escalating tension outside the Klub, as Hitler’s regime transforms Weimar Germany into a land of xenophobia and fear.
The performance at the library began with the German hit “Wilkommen”; the Kit Kat Klub dancers displayed their agility and the Emcee serenaded audience members for a thrilling opener. Emily Keefe’s scandalous rendition of “Don’t Tell Momma” wooed the crowd, as the senior demonstrated her exemplary vocal ability.
Spencer Mullen, assistant director of the Cabaret, recognizes the new heights South’s Drama Club has soared to through its many rehearsals: “The cast, as a whole, is fantastic. We have great actors and talented people in our school such as Elias Kotsis, Anthony Forte, CJ Marsini, Emily Keefe, and Dan Ahl. Our cast has worked very hard to put on an amazing show that is sure to be one of the most memorable productions at South.”
As the Emcee so eloquently sings in “Wilkommen”: “Come to the Cabaret! Leave your troubles outside!” The musical runs April 11, 12, and 13 at 7:00 P.M. in the Southside Theater. Tickets are $7 for students and seniors, and $12 for adults.