CABARET Opens at Dallas Theatre Center, 4/22

 

Dallas Theater Center presents Cabaret directed by Joel Ferrell and staring Wade McCollum, Kate Wetherhead and DTC Resident Acting Company members Chamblee Ferguson, Lee Trull and Sally Nystuen Vahle April 22 – May 22 at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

"One of the most important aspects of Dallas Theater Center is our ability to take dramatic literature that that is a meaningful piece of theater history and to reinvestigate how the piece is pertinent to us now," says director Joel Ferrell.  "Cabaret is one of the most important works in theater history, not only because of the songs and the costumes, but because it sits on the tipping point of a new kind of musical theater.  It boldly redesigned the standard organization of musicals and proposed a new way of doing things in this particular art form."

Set in Germany in 1930, Cabaret explores a world of decadence inside the Kit Kat Klub and the lives of the people who work there while political turmoil and economic disaster rage in the streets outside.  The Kit Kat Klub provides an escape to people living in despair and upheaval as Germany tries to recover from the loss of World War I.

"This is such a historically rich and valuable piece of work," says Ferrell.  "Though it speaks very specifically to the tragedies occurring in Germany on the brink of World War II, there are themes that transcend time and political boarders and that have repeated themselves throughout history all over the world.  This idea of retreating to a decadent lifestyle to leave the harsh realities of life behind is not a new one and it is something that many people are familiar with."

Dallas Theater Center has partnered with the Dallas Holocaust Museum: Center for Education and Tolerance to provide Cabaret cast, crew and patrons an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the Holocaust and to provide an open forum to discuss the themes of the play.  The culmination of the partnership will be highlighted in DTC's Stay Late experience, which at times will feature DHM staff and Holocaust survivors.  Stay Late is a post-show conversation with a cast member from the play and provides an opportunity to engage with artists, learn about the production and share insights about the play in lively discussion.

"Having the Dallas Holocaust Museum: Center for Education and Tolerance as the community partner on Cabaret allows the Dallas theater-goer to experience a deeper level of understanding about the Holocaust," says DHM/CET president and CEO Alice Murray.  "Kudos to DTC for recognizing the importance of our mission to teach the moral and ethical response to hatred and indifference."

Leading the cast into this lavish world of indulgence as Sally Bowles is Kate Wetherhead.  Wetherhead's first production with Dallas Theater Center was Sarah, Plain and Tall and she took on the villainous role of Blackbird in last season's It's A Bird… It's A Plane… It's Superman!.

"It is extremely important to build ongoing artistic relationships with actors.  Kate returning to DTC for the third time in such and intense and dynamic role is an example of a relationship that works," says Moriarty.

Also starring in Cabaret are Wade McCollum (Emcee) and Brierley Resident Acting Company members Chamblee Ferguson (Ernest Ludwig), Lee Trull (Clifford Bradshaw) and Sally Nystuen Vahle (Frauline Kost).  Cabaret marks the 30th production for Ferguson with Dallas Theater Center.

Leading the design team is Bob Lavallee (scenic designer), who has created a visually stunning set that invites patrons to sit in the Kit Kat Klub and enjoy the performance from an up close and personal perspective.  Costume designer Clint Ramos and lighting designer Lap Chi Chu both return to DTC after working on The Good Negro.  The music for Cabaret was designed by Ray Nardelli and Elaine Davidson will conduct the six-piece live band.

All performances of Cabaret will be held in the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre at the AT&T Performing Arts Center located at 2400 Flora St., where it runs April 22 – May 22.  Preview performances are April 22 – April 28.  Opening night is Friday, April 29 at 8:00 p.m.  Performance times are Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.; and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m.  Ticket prices are $15 for standard seating - $200 for cocktail seating (subject to change) and are available by calling the box office at 214-880-0202 or by visiting www.dallastheatercenter.org.  The Pay-What-You-Can performance of Cabaret will be Friday, April 22 at 8p.m.  Tickets for this performance will be available online beginning Monday, April 18.  A limited number of tickets will also be available at the Wyly Theatre Box Office beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the performance.  Pay-What-You-Can allows patrons to purchase ANY seat in the house for ANY amount they choose.  For as little as a penny, theatergoers can see world-class live theater at Dallas Theater Center.

 

 

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