Marshall University’s School of Music and Theatre presented its opening night of “Cabaret” Wednesday at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre.
The performance kicked off the eight-night run of the show.
Before the production, Nicole Perron, director and choreographer, said Wednesday’s show was a special performance due to the cancelation of classes Monday and Tuesday. Perrone said Wednesday’s performance was to be a dress rehearsal for the cast because of the lost rehearsals. The cast started rehearsals at the beginning of the spring semester Jan. 12.
The experimental theatre was designed to bring the Kit Kat Klub—setting of the show—to life for audience members. Cabaret tables placed around the stage helped set the mood for the show. According to the program, this design became tradition for productions of the show since its revival in 1998.
Marshall freshman Victoria Mabe said she likes how interactive it is.
“They can connect with everybody,” Mabe said. “It’s just different from any show I’ve ever seen.”
The cabaret sign used in Marshall’s 1979 production of “Cabaret” was also used for the set.
“Cabaret” takes place at the Kit Kat Klub in Berlin, Germany during the Nazis’ rise to power in 1931. The musical focuses around Sally Bowles, a cabaret performer played by Marshall senior Emily Pritchard, and her relationship with Cliff Bradshaw, an American writer played by Timothy Woda, a junior.
Seven performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Feb. 26 through Feb. 28. There will be a matinee performance 2 p.m. March 1 at the experimental theater.
Mikaela Keener can be contacted at [email protected].