THEATER: Life is a "Cabaret" at NU

April 23, 2008 02:46 pm

— The performers in Niagara University’s production of “Cabaret” may be several generations removed from the show’s setting.
The meaning of the era — during which the Nazi party rose to power in Europe — has not been lost over the decades, though.
The classic Kander and Ebb show focuses on Briton Sally Bowles, a dancer at the Kit Kat Klub in Berlin who gets involved with American writer Cliff Bradshaw. Most of the show’s characters are oblivious to the social changes going on around them, instead focusing on the frivolity the club provides.
“It’s intense because while there’s songs and dancing and all this stuff, the play really breaks down how the world is so much different in the Kit Kat Klub than it is outside of it,” said Joanna Farrell of the Town of Tonawanda, who will share the role of Bowles with Lisa LeCuyer of Getzville. “While there’s all this song and dance and all this fun stuff ... the reality is the world is not a good place.”
One of the characters most affected is Herr Schultz, whose pending marriage with Fraulein Schneider is threatened because of his Jewish heritage. Despite repeated threats and insinuations, he fails to recognize that the Nazis are singling him out.
“He’s extremely ignorant to what’s going on around him,” said Steven Sitzman of Alden, who plays Schultz.
A Jew himself, Sitzman said the storyline of the show — which was written in 1966 — remains relevant today.
“It’s not really a touchy subject, but i’s something that happened and that we can’t forget about,” said Sitzman, a sophomore theater studies major. “We can’t let it happen again.”
Great effort was made to maintain the show’s authenticity, including some of the racier scenes in the Kit Kat Klub involving showgirls. Sitzman was quick to defend such content.
“It’s not a dirty play,” he said. “It’s a good play about immoral people.”
Authenticity also meant that Sitzman and Farrell had to develop German and English accents, respectively. Theater classes in the school help with that, both actors said, but it’s not easy.
“It’s quite challenging. When we’re doing it in the Leary, especially, we’re not wearing mics, so diction is the problem,” Sitzman said.
“It was probably one of the most challenging shows for me in terms of learning different languages and dialects,” said Farrell, a junior with a dual major in theater studies and English.
Whether a theater-goer is looking for something relevant to society or for simpler fun, Farrell feels “Cabaret” is the answer they seek.
“It takes place 60 years ago, but a lot of the stuff happening in the show is happening now with the war in Iraq. I think it’s definitely something for people to come see and relate to and the hard times we’re having now,” she said. “Plus, it’s going to be a phenomenal show.”
The last show of NU’s theater season, “Cabaret” opens tonight and runs through May 4. Included in its run is a matinee Saturday as part of the annual Friends of Niagara University Theater Gala, which also features an auction and dinner at the Castellani Art Museum. For more information on the gala, call 286-8480.
A student rush program is available that offers free tickets to students of any age. Students should visit the box office 15 minutes before curtain time with a student I.D. card. If tickets are available, students will receive one free ticket.
Other local cast members include Nicholas Gnacinski of Grand Island (German sailor), Mary Beth Lacki of Grand Island (Gorilla), Mary Beth Lacki and Jenna Beth Stockman of Grand Island (Kit Kat Klub girls), and Jimmy Moses of Niagara Falls (male ensemble).

Photos

"Cabaret" performers take the stage during dress rehearsal for NU's production of the play. Niagara Gazette