'Cabaret' comes to ECC
What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play!
The Elgin Community College Musical Theater group presents the musical "Cabaret" opening at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the college's SecondSpace Theater. Running for three straight weekends, the show promises more than your average song and dance.
"It's a great show that resonates on multiple levels," said artistic and musical director John Slawson. "It's entertaining with many recognizable songs, but there is a deeper, political struggle to connect with as well."
Set in Berlin during the rise of the Nazi regime, "Cabaret" focuses on a group of nightclub performers and participants struggling to find solid ground despite turbulent times. Though many characters strive to lead good lives, they find themselves spinning as events unfold.
"The story is very relevant to our current world," said choreographer Konnie Granquist Sherry, who also plays the roll of Sally. "The audience will definitely be able to relate with the political happenings of today."
"Cabaret" debuted on Broadway in 1966 and has been revived multiple times.
"There's a reason why it's been done and redone," said Michael Henry, who plays the show's emcee. "It's a classic that flies under the radar."
Even the directors could not resist taking on the show for a second time. Slawson, along with director Terry Domschke, led a production of the musical five years ago, but their performance space kept them from truly bringing their vision to light.
This time, the pair wanted to create a more engrossing ambience.
To set the feel of "Cabaret's" Kit Kat Club, a majority of the seating has been transformed into nightclub tables and chairs. Audience members will be completely immersed in the setting, as cast members perform tableside and even serve food and drink.
The compact performance space and small cast all contribute to the intimate experience the group is hoping to create.
"We want the audience to connect to the story, to the truly emotional, human aspects of the characters," said Henry. "That is what theater is all about."
If you go
What: "Cabaret," performed by Elgin Community College Musical Theatre
When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, July 18, 19, 25, 26 and Aug. 1 and 2; and 3 p.m. Sundays, July 20 and 27 and Aug. 3
Where: Elgin Community College's SecondSpace Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin
Tickets: $16 adults; $14 students and seniors
Info: (847) 622-0300 or visit www.elgin.edu/arts
Cast of 'Cabaret'
Algonquin: Josh Radde
Chicago: Michael Henry
Crystal Lake: Steve Connell
Elgin: Noel Ella, Jose Lopez, Sarafina Vecchio
Evanston: Lauren LeFevre
Hanover Park: Daniel Espirtu of Hanover Park
St. Charles: Terry Christianson, Jennifer Jungers, Kate Schultz, Konnie Granquist Sherry, Sara Taylor
South Elgin: Michael de la Torriente and Jennifer Kellogg
Streamwood: Amy DeLamoreaux, Anthony Pellegrino Yorkville: Charles Perry