Come hear the music play!

Trustus Theatre’s production of the famous musical Cabaret grabs you from the beginning. The set is magical, with a perfect nod to the time period. It’s flashy and impressively transformative—big kudos to scenic designer Heather Hawfield and technical director Corey Langley for providing the perfect atmosphere. Director and choreographer Terrence Henderson has a huge hit on his hands. His direction and choreography are fluid and enchanting, and the dancing captures the bawdy spirit of the Kit Kat Club in1920s Berlin. Don’t go expecting the film version. This one is true to the original musical, and it’s fabulous.

Cabaret is based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. It was later adapted into a musical by Joe Masteroff. The story, masterfully narrated by Walter Graham (Master of Ceremonies), takes place in 1920s Berlin. It explores the difficult times the characters live in as Germany slowly bows to the Third Reich and its antisemitism. The use of multimedia to reinforce this issue and mirror it with today’s political climate was very effective and chilling.

Then there are the love stories: Cliff, the young American writer, beautifully portrayed by Olan Domer, and Sally Bowles, the young British Kit Kat Club performer with a little “side hustle,” delightfully played by Elaine Werren.

Cabaret’s music is so iconic, and the vocals in this production did not disappoint. Walter Graham opens the show with a show-stopping version of “Willkommen,” giving the audience a taste of what is to come. Elaine Werren and the ensemble’s “Don’t Tell Mama” was powerful and fabulously choreographed. “Two Ladies,” sung by Werren and Domer, and “Money” were other favorites of the night, as was the best-known number, “Cabaret,” a rather sad rendition near the end of the show.

The vocals in this production were amazing. It is impossible to pick a favorite. However, some of the best performances of the night came from long-time Trustus favorites Robin Gottlieb and Hunter Boyle, as the boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered fruit seller who happens to be Jewish. Both couple’s relationships are deeply affected by the horrors of the German occupation and the rise of the Nazis. Their scenes were dynamic and heartfelt. Lauren Lawson, as the “ever-entertaining” tenant at the boarding house, was perfectly delightful, with powerful vocals and a great sense of comic timing. Trustus’ technical director, Corey Langley, gave us the pleasure of seeing his acting chops with a very strong performance as the Nazi sympathizer Ernst Ludwig.

The entire cast was mesmerizing, with extremely strong dance skills and splendidly blended vocals. The ensemble includes Véronique Chayer, Carly Alexis, Te’Jah Beaton, Katherine Brown, Scarlett Heaton, Taylor McCullough, John Ballard, Chandler Musgrove, Collins McBeth, Billy McNeil, Hurshel Tanner, and Jarron Guy. Each performer had a strong, distinctive character, helping to make the story even more riveting.

Cabaret runs through October 25. Tickets are available online at trustus.org or by phone at 803-254-9732.

Although the show is a little long—nearly three hours—the time flies by. Make plans today before tickets are gone. You won’t be disappointed!