MONMOUTH — “Cabaret” comes to the Cumston Hall stage in a Monmouth Community Players production opening Friday, Jan. 22.

It’s a celebrated Broadway show that has undergone numerous revivals since its debut in 1966 with a run of 1,165 performances. In 1972, an acclaimed film version of “Cabaret” propelled Liza Minelli’s portrayal of Sally Bowles into the public’s consciousness. It became her signature role and she won the Academy Award for best actress.

Equally acclaimed was Joel Grey for the iconic role of the emcee. He won a best supporting actor Academy Award as the leering, ghoulish, flamboyant figure who personifies the Kit Kat Klub’s metaphor for ominous political developments in 1930s Germany.

The stage version planned for the Cumston Hall is not a replication of the Liza Minelli movie. The song list changed considerably from one revival to another, so director Vincent Ratsavong’s approach to the production can draw upon a variety of interpretations through the years.

Monmouth Community Players is presenting a talented cast in this version of “Cabaret.”

Adam P. Blais, MCP’s artistic director, plays the Emcee.

Lindsay Cagney portrays Sally Bowles, the headlining British singer at the Kit Kat Klub, and Derrick Lacasse plays American writer Clifford Bradshaw, who travels to Berlin in search of inspiration. He finds it in nightclub performer Sally Bowles and they begin a torrid affair.

However, outside their door, the Nazis’ impending rise to power heralds a brutal end to their decadent way of life.

Lucy Poland is cast as Fräulein Schneider, who runs the boarding house where Cliff and Sally live.

Herr Schultz is played by Ray Fletcher, veteran Monmouth Community Players director and actor. Herr Schultz is an elderly Jewish fruit shop owner who falls in love with Fraulein Schneider.

Michael Litchfield, a popular veteran of musical plays throughout the region, is seen as Ernst Ludwig, a German man who befriends Cliff when he arrives in Berlin.

Christine Gill plays Fräulein Kost, a prostitute who rents a room in Fräulein Schneider’s boarding house.

Others cast members are Sarah Wing as Rosie; Becca Hodgdon as LuLu; Olivia Mayo as Helga; Aaron Louque as Bobby; Brandon Chaloux as Victor; Jeffrey Fairfield as Hans; and Cody Watson as Texas.

Rebecca Caron is musical director.

“Cabaret” was written by John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff. The numerous musicals by Kander and Ebb include “Chicago,” “Zorba,” “Kiss of the Spider Woman” and “Fosse.”

Performances of “Cabaret” are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 22, 23, 29 and 30, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Jan. 24 and 31.
Doors open about 30 minutes before each performance.

General admission adult tickets are $14 and student/senior tickets are $12.
Tickets may be purchased in advance with a credit card by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006, or by visiting www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2267144.
Tickets will also be available at the door, and can be purchased with cash or a personal check.

This production is intended for mature audiences.

Cumston Hall is at 796 Main St.