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REVIEW: SummerStock Austin’s Cabaret at the Rollins Theatre

By Olin Meadows

Come to the cabaret, old chum, because SummerStock Austin has a smash hit on stage with its production of Cabaret, directed by David Valdes with musical direction by Dr. Micheal McKlevey. The concept is simple: a great classic with a new twist, uniting the social climates of the past with the social problems of the present.

Valdes does a wonderful job of conveying the present day tension in the gay community - along with the social services issues - with the starting of the Second World War and the founding of the Nazi Party. The symbolism and lyrics of this classic piece of Broadway history are skillfully utilized to issue his warning of history about to repeat itself.

Aaron Moten artfully and emotionally portrays "The Emcee," who is the glue that holds this twisted and tormented script together. Moten proves that he has been trained by some of the best, as he is a well-oiled machine that keeps this show moving. Toward the end of the show, you are able to feel the depression and sadness of the situation - as he makes his graceful entrances and exits, as if he was never even there at all and was just a figment of your imagination.

Kelli Schultz - or as I would like to rename her, "The Girl with the Golden Throat" sings like a songbird in the role of "Sally Bowles" - and she can act and dance with the best of them. She takes a rather cookie cutter character, thanks to the infamous Liza Minnelli, and gives her new life and genuine emotion. Her portrayal shows a Sally who is just a girl with a dream - but beneath all those dreams is a person who wants to be loved and wants to love, but just can't stop herself from her dreams.

Nicholas Kier plays the protagonist "Clifford Bradshaw" a bit drier, which works well with the vibrancy of Sally. Kier shows us the real soul of a man who wants to have a family - and wants to love an unlovable girl. He is a very talented actor with a voice that is a surprise for such a traditionally underrated role.

Sarah Becker brings out the comedy of the story as "Fraulein Schneider," who reminds us that whatever comes along, we must survive. And the rest of the company is equally as wonderful, creating a big production in just a few short weeks - and managed to produce a show that is worthy of touring.

I look forward to the next installment from SummerStock Austin. The entire cast and crew - from the actors and dancers to the great band and the directors and producers - should feel proud. I give this show a coveted "5 Out of 5 Stars;" everyone should see this show.

Performances of Cabaret continue through August 7th, running in repertory with Sweet Charity. The productions are performed entirely by a student company, and feature student musicians in the orchestra.

Tickets range from $15 to $25. Performances run Wednesdays through Sundays at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Click here for a complete list of show dates and times.

SummerStock Austin is a sponsored project of St. Edward's University and Zilker Theatre Productions. For reservations and more information, call (512) 428-1297 or visit www.SummerStockAustin.org.