Reigning over the Kit Kat Club with effusive energy - and shocking costumes - is the Emcee, who conducts the audience on a tour of Berlin's seediest hotspots. Based on the play "I Am a Camera," by John Van Druten, which in turn was based on Christopher Isherwood's collection of two short novels, Berlin Stories, "Cabaret" won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Lyricist and Composer, Best Director and Best Choreographer.
The Saint Joseph's University Cap & Bells Dramatic Society, under the direction of assistant professor of fine arts Renee Dobson, present the original 1966 version of "Cabaret" tonight, playing through April 22. Dobson's choice to perform the original version of the musical, rather than the more recent production conceptualized by director Sam Medes for Roundabout Theatre Company in New York, sprung from her interest in the way the role of the Emcee differed between the two versions.
"I was struck by how political the original version is, and that was brought into sharp focus by the way the two versions handle the character of the Emcee," she said. "The later version treats the Emcee as a victim of Hitler's rising fascist movement, and he is someone to be pitied. In Harold Prince's original production, the Emcee starts as an entertainer - someone we look forward to seeing on stage - he's funny, he sings and dances; he is the consummate performer. But by the end of the musical, he is a monster. The Nazi machine has transformed him, and he represents all that is evil and threatening in Weimar Berlin."
To further explore the intent of the original "Cabaret," Dobson hired Norb Joerder as choreographer. The New York actor, director and choreographer was the understudy for the original Emcee, Joel Gray, and was directed by Harold Prince in the 1966 version.
The 17-member cast is comprised of Saint Joseph's students, with the exception of Laura Patillo, Ph.D., assistant professor of English, who will play the role or Fraulein Schneider. Douglas Lutz will serve as musical director during the performance.
Lindsay Warner can be reached at calendar@thebulletin.us