Cabaret
Based on the play by John Van Durten and stories by Christopher Isherwood
Book - Joe Masteroff
Music - John Kander
Director - Hamish Glen
Designer - Gregory Smith
Choreographer - Rita Henderson
Musical Director - Hilary Brooks
Company - Dundee Rep Website
Dates - Production first appeared in 1999 - 2000 season the revived
for 2000 & 2001 Summer seasons the toured in 2001 to Inverness Current
Dundee Rep listings
Reviewer - Rachel Natanson
Dundee Rep's Resident Company's production of Cabaret is lively
and another success to add to the ensemble's list. It bridges the mad,
over the top singing and dancing of the Kit Kat Club with the serious
undertones of the Nazis' rise to power and the effect on normal Berliners'
lives.
The stage is laid out well, the front of the Rep audience becomes that
of the Kit Kat Club. This, along with being able to take drinks into
the auditorium, sets the scene well for the fun times to be had in 1930's
Berlin. Unfortunately some the scene changes are a little distracting,
particularly when they take place behind the actors, detracting a bit
from the enjoyment of the piece.
Hilary Brooks' music is emotive and appropriate, and the cast's singing
is also commendable. Really stands out is Fraulein Schneider's, Ann
Louise Ross, solo performance, which is so powerful I could have
cried. Indeed, the stars of this show are Ross and John Buick,
as Herr Schultz. Their portrayal of love which must be denied is extremely
moving. Emily Winter too, deserves praise for her sensitive performance
as Sally Bowles.
All in all, this is a fine production. In general, I do not particularly
like musicals, but I cannot find many faults with this one. The tale
of love stories without happy endings is beautifully told by the cast
and I strongly recommend a look at this piece.
© Rachel Natanson 8 June 2001
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