'Cabaret' stirs a bit of controversy

'Cabaret,' one of Cabrini's largest productions ever, will be performed in the Grace Hall atrium April 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26. Some aspects of 'Cabaret,' such as the costumes, are controversial.

by Dina M. Tartaglia assistant copy editor

"Cabaret," one of Cabrini ·s largest productions in years, is preparing its debut, bringing singing, dancing and even a bit of controversy to Cabrini's campus. This sensational musical, which debuted on Broadway in 1967. will be performed by the Cabrini theater beginning on Friday, April 11. Set in Berlin, Germany in 1930. "Cabaret" depicts Gennany just before the rise of Hitler.

Neal Newman, theater director, said ''Cabaret'' is very unusual and exciting for college students to take part in.

"It is an unusual opportunity that we would do something this large," Newman said.

However, the idea for this particular production stemmed from Dr. Antoinette Iadarola, college president. Newman said Iadarola had performed in her college's production of "Cabaret" and felt that is was a gre.at experience. However. with the onset of the 40th anniversary celebration of the college, special monetary provisions were made in order for "Cabaret" to debut this Friday.

The dress and dance, along with original memorabilia donated from veterans in the area, are some of the aspects of "Cabaret" that are controversial.

Sophomore Jamie Fagan, assistant choreographer and dance coach, also portrays Hilda, a kit-kat dancer in "Cabaret." Fagan said the clothes and dance movements are very characteristic of those in the 1930s. In many pictures of that time period the girls were even shown dancing naked. according to Fagan.

However, Fagan said she is not uncomfortable in what she has to wear on stage.

"What makes me uncomfortable is that other people may not hold the same views," Fagan said.

However, Newman said the dress and costume is historically accurate, but some people may find them offensive. He also said Berlin during the '20s and '30s was a very debauched and open city where anything went. such as sexual openness, language and views on politics.

Fagan's biggest challenge is the combination of dancing and singing. Fagan, who has had much dance training, has had no fonnal voice training. "A majority of my anxiety stems from singing," Fagan said.

Junior Paul Monte, who plays Cliff Bradshaw, a novelist from Pennsylvania, expresses the same concern about singing. Although most of his role is pure acting, he must perform one solo number.

"My challenge comes with executing my solo song and acting in an environmental setting," Monte said. In an environmental production the audience will be asked to participate.

·'It is a different experience for all of us. I am expanding my horizons," Monte said.

Since "Cabaret" is such an exten- sive project, it will be performed in the Grace Hall atrium instead of the Red Cloud Coffeehouse. The set includes four stages. with no back area, so the stage crew must also participate in the performances.

Monte said one of the main themes of·'Cabaret" is that everyone must have a political philosophy in order to identify with who you are.

"Cabaret" expresses such a concern through singing, dancing and acting.

First-year student Shannon Downs is a member of the chorus in "Cabaret,'' and who also is a hostess, attends to the audience.

She said the most eerie part of "Cabaret" for her is at the end of Act I where members of the chorus, one by one. begin to sing the Nazi theme song.

Downs said the song '·helps people to understand how easy it was to become a part of Nazi Germany. This scene is so important to show how one person can drag everyone else into it."

''The controversial aspect is what brings people to the theater. Controversy is what sells seats," Monte said.

Seats cost $5 for students with identification and $12 for non-students. Performance dates are April 11, 12, 17, 18, 19,24,25and26at8 p.m. in the Grace Hall atrium.