CABARET
CABARET
PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE, 2023
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Joe Masteroff
Based on the 1951 play I Am a Camera by John Van Druten adapted from the 1939 novella Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood
Directed by Michael Weber
Music Directed by Linda Madonia
Associate Directed & Choreographed by Brenda Didier
“THE BEST SHOW OF THE YEAR SO FAR, WITH A KNOCKOUT SALLY BOWLES”
“Michael Weber’s notably fresh and compelling new production, which is the work of highly experienced artists who have worked together often. You don’t easily see where Weber’s direction ends and Brenda Didier’s tightly wound choreography begins, and Linda Madonia’s musical direction holds it all together.”
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
“GLORIOUS…EXQUISITELY CAST, VISUALLY STUNNING”
Catey Sullivan, Chicago Sun-Times
“A BRAVURA PRODUCTION OF A CHILLINGLY TIMELY BROADWAY CLASSIC.”
“Weber’s casting of “Cabaret” could not be more ideal, with outstanding performances by Stephan as the power-voiced, strong-willed, opportunistic Bowles; the elegant Domally (who happens to be Black), as the sexually fluid Bradshaw, who ultimately sees the political writing on the wall; Roth as the fiercely self-protective Fraulein Schneider; Kaplan as her warm-hearted and determined suitor who doesn’t quite see the full threat of the emerging Nazi onslaught; and Walker, the physically diminutive but immensely engaging emcee who brings just the right edge to the time and place and dangerous political change he is witnessing.”
Hedy Weiss, WTTW
“HAUNTING…POWERFUL…NOT TO BE MISSED”
“If you think you’ve seen Cabaret, I’d suggest that you have not until you see Porchlight Music Theatre’s current production…The strong fingerprint, guidance and influence of the direction by PMT Artistic Director Michael Weber with associate direction and often stunning choreography of Brenda Didier deserve to be acknowledged and recognized for triggering all of the emotion which fills the audience…Anyone familiar with the Porchlight Music Theatre knows that its Artistic Director, Michael Weber, is not only a director, he is in fact, an interpreter. He is known to delve into each project as a scientist might seeking a cure for a major disease. One can see that he has studied the ‘Cabaret’ musical as well as the books that the story is based on and perhaps, maybe, even the historical times when this all took place.”
Al Bresloff, Around the Town Chicago
“PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF CABARET IS ONE THAT SHOULD BE SEEN”
“One of the things that I not only respect, but truly love about Porchlight Music Theatre is that their productions tend to have very clear and detailed concepts. And, I love that they take chances and swing for the fences.”
The Life and Times of Rikki Lee Travolta
“A JOURNEY OF RAUCOUS PARTYING AND CABARET…A TOP PICK”
“Porchlight’s production of Cabaret is masterfully well-paced so that we can feel the slow descent into fascism. The costumes, the lighting, the direction, and the musicality all work in harmony together to capture the iconic moments of this classic musical. It’s a journey of raucous partying and cabaret mirth to a slow descent into the horrors of fascism.”
Alexis Bugajski, PictureThisPost