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November 03, 2009

CABARET

Whitworth AMDS

Director: Andrew Kearns
Musical Director: Andrew Kelly
Choreographer: Maggie Laurence 

Being called in as a last minute substitute to review this production - Tony Adler being unavailable - and this being the first time I have attempted such a task, I offer my humble, and probably inadequate, comments.

Cabaret is not an easy show to stage and although some disappointment was felt at the lack of adequate scenery and problems arising from the action fluctuating between the Kit-Kat Club and Fraulein Shneider's rooms, these were mainly overcome with slick performances from the chorus and excellent acting from the cast.

The whole show was held together superbly by the orchestra, which took every advantage and made full use of the night-club scenario. Their positioning high back stage was a risky decision and did cause some distraction when the action was away from the Kit-Kat Club. Taking into account the difficulty of staging Cabaret, the continuity and tempo was excellent and the whole show lively and enthusiastic.

Andrew Kearns showed some innovative direction by including the audience as part of the night club scene, although the line between audience participation and the night club action was, on occasion, obscure and did present some visual problems. The idea however was much to be admired.

Every character played their part well. Sybil Murray (Fraulein Schneider) and Mike Conroy (Herr Schultz) leading with experience. The younger members followed their example with youthful enthusiasm. Alex Parker (Sally Bowles) has a beautiful voice and her solos were a delight. Andy Kelly (Emcee), apart from his superb musical direction, provided a most convincing link man. This physically demanding role greatly contributed to the show's success. Michael Lambert (Clifford Bradshaw) and Ean Burgon (Ernst Ludwig) both gave good performances whilst Geraldine Greatbanks (Fraulein Kost) made her presence felt and brought out all the humour of this small cameo role.

The plot in Cabaret has a political undertone - pre war Germany and the beginnings of Nazi socialism. The situations. and dramatic representations of this period were well staged and the balance between reality and entertainment was beautifully defined. An example of this was the pathos and atmosphere created by the delightful voice and presence of Jodi Hills as the Nazi youth.

Considering the challenge of lighting such a large area of stage and part of the auditorium, the general result was a tribute to some very hard work from the lighting crew and must be commended

The choreography was neat and tidy and, together with an excellent male and female chorus, was very appropriate for the cabaret venue*

This was director Andrew Kearns first senior production and I must congratulate him for directing a difficult musical with such maturity and skill: one looks forward to his future efforts.

This Society has always played an important-part in the Whitworth community and with its enthusiasm and talent may it continue to do so and have the support it so richly deserves.
(John Wood)