OGDEN, Utah, June 8, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The lights at Ogden’s Ziegfeld Theater come up on its new production of “Cabaret,” not too brightly because a certain amount of anonymity is preferable at a seedy nightclub like the one on stage.
The Emcee appears in a leather-look harness top with black shorts. He is surrounded in Kit Kat Club girls dressed in what looks fleshtone and black undergarments, with flashes of scarlet here and there.
The song is accompanied by rhythmic dance, featuring provocative moves and an abundance of thrusting.
That’s when the nice couple, seated in audience seats to my left, stumbled through the vacant seats between us, climbed over the top of me, and hightailed it out of the theater.
Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome, to “Cabaret” — the John Kander/Fred Ebb musical, set in 1933 German during the rise of the Nazis — designed to make its audience squirm.
The Ziegfeld production does just that, capturing the decay of a culture, when sex, money and ominous new politics rule, and neighbors attack neighbors.
The “Cabaret” world is not for everyone. Young children should stay home. Adults with issues should do the same, or at least dress in clothing well suited to hurdling over other audience members.
Joshua Samuel Robinson is stunning and startling in the role of Emcee. His vocal delivery is cutting, sarcastic and gleeful. Shadowing makes his eyes appear sunken. Dark crimson lipstick makes him look like he has just devoured his young. His cutting humor devastates.
Kelly Tansey brings a powerhouse voice to the role of British singer Sally Bowles, who alternates between charming and manipulative, hopeful and resigned.
And Nathan Allen Vaughn shines as Clifford Bradshaw, a young American and an aspiring writer, trying to find his own way until at least part of his path becomes clear.
Kevin Ireland and Carol Madsen are moving in their love-story subplot, as an older landlord and tenant who must decide between a hopeful beginning and grudging survival.
Costume kudos go to Kelsey Nichols. Trent Cox does a masterful job at directing, as usual, and designed a creative and flexible set as well.
The Zig’s production offers a chilling and sobering take on a show known for great music and enduring social relevance. If you like theater that moves you, and even shakes you a little, don’t miss the Zig’s “Cabaret.”
Click the links for ticket information on the show’s run, first in Ogden and later in Park City.
