Page 67 - Sonoma County gazette September 2018

Willkommen to ‘Cabaret’
at Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma
Blissfully unaware that their home is being undermined by Nazi ideology of antagonism toward anything “other,” the residents of Berlin revel in playful night life and quiet romances. Political tension builds, turning friends against
allowing Snider to “hear certain accents within the music I wouldn’t have known existed otherwise.” Since she was a teenager, Snider has been working with dancers to hone their skills, and recommends that the audience should be “open to let the emotion hit them” rather than trying to decipher the message. “Be prepared to actively watch and take in every moment.”
Memorable songs like “Don’t Tell Mama” and the lyrical “Why Should I Wake Up?” are integral to the success of ‘Cabaret’ and in the hands of Chun’s adept musicians, are likely to shine.
What do the following have in common: a dedicated but woefully underpaid community college professor; a conniving nephew manipulating his elderly aunt; a most unusual creation story; and vigilante enforcement of handicap parking rules?
each other, and culminating in a chilling transition into Nazi controlled Germany.
“Never before in my lifetime has it been so terrifyingly relevant,” director Elly Lichenstein comments, “and
yet, it entertains while packing that punch.”
Pegasus Theater Serves Up Tapas
Photo by Victoria Von Thal
Choreographer Michella Snider has created an unequivocal world where characters “are not afraid to go after what they want.” Music director Mary Chun recorded rehearsal tracks,
Invited from New York, Michael McGurk’s dream role has been the Emcee. He worked with Lichenstein on “So Nice to Come Home To” in 2012, and was an obvious choice for the complex, intelligent Master of Ceremonies. Through his character, the play moves from a lighthearted evening at the Kit Kat Klub to a haunting warning.
This classic musical reflects our current political climate in a way that is disturbing and timely. Whether you have seen ‘Cabaret’ a dozen times, or have yet to experience the sensual underworld of 1930s Berlin, Cinnabar Theater is the place to be this September.
‘Cabaret’
The answer is that you’ll see these situations, and others, unfold at Pegasus Theater Company’s presentation of Tapas: A New Short Play Festival. Now in its 12th year, Tapas will run from September 21 through October 7 at Mt. Jackson Masonic Lodge in downtown Guerneville.
August 31 – September 23
Tickets for Tapas are $18 general admission and $15 for seniors and students. They may be purchased in advance online at pegasustheater8. brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Performances on September 21 and 28 are pay-what-you-can, with seats available on a walk-in basis only, and Pegasus will not be taking reservations.
Friday/Saturday at 8:00pm Sunday at 2:00pm
Cinnabar Theater
3333 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Joe Masteroff
Music Direction by Mary Chun Stage Direction by Elly Lichenstein Choreography by Michella Snider Assistant Direction by James Pelican
Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m.
www.cinnabartheater.org 707-763-8920
The Masonic Lodge is at the corner of Third and Church Streets in Guerneville. Its official address is 14040 Church St., but please note that the entrance to the theater space is on Third Street. Driving directions are
Come see why audiences keep coming back year after year for more Tapas -- and why Pegasus is always overwhelmed by the quality of the play submissions it receives from so many highly talented Bay Area playwrights.
available on our website at pegasustheater.com.
Some of the Tapas plays contain adult themes and language.
READ Alexa Chipman’s REVIEWS all month @ SonomaCountyGazette.com
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