Review: 'Cabaret' at Broadway Method Academy

Fairfield, CT - Willkommen! And bienvenue! Welcome!

Broadway Method Academy, with their creative partner Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation, is presenting a striking production of Kander and Ebb musical “Cabaret” at the intimate BMA Studio Theatre. The production features an all college-aged/professional company.

“Cabaret” is set in Berlin during the waning days of the Weimar Republic as the Nazis are ascending to power. The musical focuses on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub, and revolves around American writer Cliff Bradshaw's relations with English cabaret performer Sally Bowles. There is a sub-plot that involves the doomed romance between German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and her elderly suitor Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor.

Cabaret' features hit songs by Kander and Ebb such as, "Willkommen", "Maybe This Time", & "Cabaret". Featuring an all college aged/professional company. One of the Executive producers J. Scott Handley is once again in charge of the music direction, coaxing inspiring vocal performances from everyone in the cast.

The talented cast is a mix of professional and college-aged performers. Connor Deane told the opening night audience that the impressive production had been put together in just six days.

Audra Bryant both directed and choreographed the performers. From the Kit Kat dancers interacting on stage as the audience found their seats to the final bows, everything was focused on the authenticity of 1929 Berlin. The choreography was perfectly suited for the Kit Kat Club and at times bordered on acrobatic in style. Kudos to the dancers for pulling it all off so well.

Many of the actors have ties to Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music. Matthew Skrovan, a recent graduate of CCM who is an actor, author and up and coming musician, plays the iconic Emcee at the Kit Kat Klub. Rising junior Sarah Pansing masterfully plays the role of Sally Bowles and sings her numbers from her soul. Recent CCM grad Ben Pimental is the American author Clifford Bradshaw. Nathan Szymanski returns to BMA for his first formal production to play the friendly Nazi operative Ernest Ludwig.

Jamie Goodson, who has both regional and CCM credits, does extremely well in the role of Fraulein Schneider. Rising CCM junior Sasha Spitz steps up to play Fraulein Kost. Rising junior Tate McElhaney ages up well to play Herr Schultz.

Isabel Rina, a Trumbull High School graduate and BMA alumni, returns to this stage to play the role of Frenchie. David Littlefield also returns to BMA to play Bobby as well as serve as associate director.

All of the minor characters are covered by members of the talented ensemble of Kit Kat Girls and Boys. The crew is made up of BMA high school aged interns.

“In Here, Life is Beautiful…”

The scenic design by Ryan Howell can only be described as stunning in its realism and creativity. There is an old upright piano on the floor and an upside-down bed, table and chair suspended from the ceiling, surrounded by pieces of frames lined with lights. Costume design by Dustin Cross is gritty but authentic, with lots of black stockings and leather, and strong make-up and wig design by Kaitie Adams. Lighting design by Curtis Shields enhanced it all and the sound designed by Daniel Bria made sure that every lyric and line could be heard. The accompaniment was recorded but worked well for this space.

“Cabaret” runs June 10 - 20 at the BMA Studio Theatre. The script contains many adult themes and the hedonistic Kit Kat Klub is not really a place for children. I was relieved to read that all guests are asked to bring along proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test and masks are required for all audience members. Cast members perform without masks.

The virtual program is available via a code in the lobby. It made me learn where the scanner is located on my (new to me) cell phone. Luckily I had printed out my tickets and had that paper to use for my notes during the performance.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.