CSUEB's Theatre and Dance Department to Perform 'Cabaret'
- BY Cal State East Bay
- February 28, 2017
California State University East Bay’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present “Cabaret,” directed by professor Darryl V. Jones, March 4-5 and March 10-12 at the University Theatre on the Hayward campus. This will be the fourth show in the department’s 2016-17 season. Tickets are currently available at the Pioneer Bookstore and online at .
Set in the midst of decadent pre-World War II Berlin, this 1998 version of the musical revolves around vibrant cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with a closeted gay writer, Cliff Bradshaw. As the Nazis begin taking control of the German government, the atmosphere of the Kit Kat Klub and the lives of the characters begin to change dramatically.
Cabaret became a landmark performance at its Broadway opening in 1967, winning eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. In 1972, it was turned into an Academy Award-winning movie and in 1998, a Broadway revival production combined elements of both the play and film and went on to win four more Tony Awards.
Jones said the musical’s portrayal of the decadent and freewheeling “cafe society” of Berlin in the 1920s and 30s is particularly timely.
Jones said he personally finds the play particularly timely and hopes audiences do as well.
“Cabaret” will feature various Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival-nominated students including Kylara Pankow as Sally Bowles, Ronny Marasigan as Cliff Bradshaw, Asia Gamble as Texas, Blake Weaver as Herr Schultz, Mariah Kuhn as Fraulein Schneider, Sean Scott as Bobby, and Lucas Hernandez as Max. In addition, Bay Area actor Antonio Rodriguez III will fill the role of Emcee.
KCACTF-honored faculty Laura Ellis choreographed the production alongside Jones. Theatre Bay Area winner and alumna Courtney Flores served as costume designer and musical direction will be provided by Sierra Dee.
Group rates and discounts are available. For more information about the production call Cal State East Bay’s Department of Theatre and Dance at 510-885-3118, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets will also be on sale at the box office one hour before showtime.