Western Oregon Journal

Gallery Theatre's fall production, Cabaret, is an extravaganza of lights, a flurry of costumes and skin, and features a cast to fall in love with.

Set in Berlin during the rise of Hitler's Nazi party, this performance captures the seemingly carefree lives of the voluptuous stage girls and the dramatic and entertaining emcee of the "Kit Kat Klub." It follows two couples' love stories and trials, as they try to focus on their feelings, instead of the changing of time and political power.

Director Teresa Pratt selected a very talented group of singers and dancers to complete the cast of Cabaret, based on the 1930's book. The actors draw the crowd to laughter, tears and surprise, providing a professional level of drama that was unexpected.

The musical takes place mostly in the "Kit Kat Klub;" club known for scandal, flirtation and fun, as well as a blatant ignorance of the rising political problems related to Nazi Germany.

Kathleen Van De Veere gives a commanding performance as Sally Bowles, a nightclub singer and performer at the "Kit Kat Klub." Seth Renne, playing Bowles' American playwright love interest, tries to open her eyes to the rising concern of politics in Berlin. However, all Sally Bowles can see is her beloved Berlin and the fun and carefree life she leads there.

Although the performance lasts well over two hours, every minute entertaining and engaging. Van De Veere impresses and captures the audience with her flamboyant acting skills and her breathtaking singing.

Every part of the cast, even down to the patrons in the "Kit Kat Klub" work very hard and give a performance to be remembered. To capture the entire experience, a quote from one of the songs performed by Bowles in the closing scene is the best way to do the show justice: "Life is a cabaret, old chum-welcome to the cabaret!"

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