Cabaret coming soon from the Quebec Art Company
Submitted by the Quebec Art Company
Willkommen im Cabaret!
The Quebec Art Company’s production of the legendary musical Cabaret takes to the stage on April 11 for a six-show run over two weekends. Tickets are on sale through the company website (quebecartcompany.org).
“This is one of our most ambitious and boldest projects to date,” said QAC president Cheryl Rimmer. “The exciting dance numbers, compelling romantic storylines and beautiful songs, all set to a dark political backdrop, are a powerful combination.”
The production features a solid cast of QAC veterans and talented newcomers. Caitlyn O’Brien plays the efferves- cent showgirl Sally Bowles. J.P. Chartier is the struggling American novelist Cliff Brad- shaw and Julian Dawson brings bawdy craziness to the role of Emcee, the ringmaster at the seedy Kit Kat Klub.
Ladd Johnson is suave but steely Nazi official Ernst Ludwig. Peter Calkins plays the charming Jewish fruit merchant Herr Shultz, who is smitten with Frau Schneider, played by Élise Cant.
Then there are the beautiful Kit Kat girls and boys, dancing up an energetic storm under the creative direction of choreographer Brigitte Methot, who also plays the role of Fraulein Kost. Set in Berlin as the Nazis rise to power, Cabaret is an unflinching look at the impact of antisemitism and fascism on ordinary people. It is also a romantic story, with many tender and comic moments.
The costumes alone are a major attraction, designed and created by Mark Lepître. The “orchestra” is first-rate, with seasoned musicians David Parker, Patricia Deslauriers and Hugh Glassco. Chorus director Susan Stewart gets the most from the talented singers in the cast.
Theatregoers will be treated to the 1993/1998 version of Cabaret, which includes many of the songs from the 1972 movie with Liza Minelli, such as “Money,” “Two Ladies,” and, of course, the show’s famous title tune.
The production is a rare opportunity to see the original English stage version of one of the most popular and ac- claimed Broadway musicals of all time.
The six performances, at Holland Elementary School, end with a matinee on April 21.
The Quebec Art Company is Quebec City’s foremost and longest-running English-language theatre group, entertaining audiences with quality productions since 1981.
