“Cabaret takes place in Berlin from 1929-1930. Clifford Bradshaw, a struggling American writer, is looking for inspiration for his next novel. On his first night in Berlin, Cliff wanders into the Kit Kat Klub, a seedy nightclub overseen by the strange, omniscient and gender-bending Master of Ceremonies, “the Emcee.” Here, Cliff meets Sally Bowles, a vivacious cabaret performer, and an utterly lost soul. Sally and Cliff begin a relationship, which blossoms into a dream-like romance. As time passes, however, the situation in Berlin changes from exciting and vital to ominous and violent and things turn for the worst in the world of our protagonists. With a distinctly Brechtian dose of provocation and a score featuring songs that have become classics of the American Musical Theater, Cabaret is a fierce, meaty musical that pushes the boundaries of the form and literally holds “the mirror up to nature.”
Cabaret is such an iconic musical but it really is a genre-bending piece of theatre. The main characters and their stories are presented largely as a play with a few songs springing up from these interactions. Most of the musical numbers are presented as cabaret numbers that interrupt and comment on the action of the play. The setting of the play is The Kit Kat Klub, an underground cabaret club that is a raunchy-anything-goes escape for people who might not be able to be themselves in their regular life. There are few rules or taboos at the Kit Kat.” — Robert Lee, director of Cabaret
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ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
Emcee: The Emcee is an omnipresent, sexually fluid cabaret ring leader who runs the show at the Kit Kat Klub and for the musical itself. This role is pretty taxing with the actor having to dance intensely and sing often throughout the show. He must also be charming, sexually expressive, funny, and sardonically pointed. The age of the Emcee isn’t important.
Cliff Bradshaw: Cliff is a somewhat closeted gay novelist who is travelling Europe in hopes to write a novel. This role requires an actor who is comfortable being in sexually suggestive situations with both men and women. He is struggling with his sexual and artistic identity. He is not very comfortable with intimacy. He is lost and longs for a connection. Acting ability will take precedence over singing ability with this actor. And dancing is not really much of a concern for him. Cliff needs to read as late 20’s to late 30s.
Ernst: Ernst is a man with a lot of dark secrets and secret hate. He is charming and manipulative. He desires deeply to rise in the ranks of the Nazi party, a cause that he deeply believes in. Singing ability is not important for this role. Ernst can be anywhere from early 30s to late 40s. He is not required to dance.Fraulein Schneider
Fraulein Schneider: Fraulein Schneider is the proprietor of the apartment housing where Cliff rents a room. She is alone and has been for some time. She is resigned to her place in life. She is often at times very critical of some people while at the same time looking the other way with others. She is comfortable being alone but does secretly long for companionship. This role requires an exceptional singer and a strong actress. Fraulein Schneider can be anywhere from early 50s to late 60s. She does not need to be a strong dancer.Fraulein Kost
Fraulein Kost: Fraulein Kost is a prostitute that lives and works in Fraulein Schneider’s apartment house. She is strong willed and bitter. She often butts heads with Fraulein Schneider. She has nationalistic beliefs. Fraulein Kost requires a strong actress and a decent singer. She can be anywhere from mid-20s to mid-30s.. She is not required to dance.Sally Bowles
Sally Bowles: Sally is a cabaret singer at the Kit Kat Klub. She is originally from England, but has been traveling and performing for a long time. She would tell you she lives life to the fullest. She is used to being tossed out and is worn out by this point in her life. She hides behind her life of trysts and partying, but she deeply desires a real and deeper connection with someone. Sally must be an exceptional singer. She must be able to move well and dancing ability would be a plus but isn’t necessary. Sally needs to read as early to late 30s.
Schultz: Schultz is a Jewish, always positive owner of a fruit stand. He is a widower and misses being married. He is also quite charming in his own way and quite smitten with Fraulein Schneider. He has lived through some very trying times and though he is bothered by racially charged situations he encounters he does not let it get him down. Schultz must be a good singer and actor. He can be anywhere from early 50s to late 60s. He does not need to be a strong dancer.
Kit Kat Girls: The Kit Kat Klub has an ensemble of dancing and singing ensemble. These performers are often in morally precarious situations and costumes. These girls are an eclectic mix of types and aren’t necessarily a matching unit. It is very important they sing, dance and move well and with confidence. Also one of these girls might actually be a boy. They must also be comfortable interacting with the audience. The Kit Kat Girls can be anywhere from early 20s to early 40s.Kit Kat Boys
Kit Kat Boys: The male ensemble in this show play a range of smaller roles. They don’t necessarily need to be great dancers or singers. The Kit Kat Boys can be anywhere from early 20s to late 30s.
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Auditions for Cabaret are January 28, 20117!
Time: 10am-1pm (singing only)
Callbacks: Sunday, January 29
Callback Times: TBD