IU Theatre’s ‘Cabaret’ sells out opening night

As a crowd entered the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center on Friday evening, they were greeted by the sight of a chair suspended over the stage of a smoke-filled, swanky club.

The scene was set for IU Department of Theatre and Drama’s last performance of the 2011-12 season, “Cabaret.” The opening night sold out.

“Cabaret” is set in war-torn Germany in the 1930s and focuses on the relationship between American writer, Clifford Bradshaw, and English singer, Sally Bowles.

Freshman theater major Frankie Levenson-Campanale attended the sold-out performance and said she was impressed with the production.

“I love this show, and I am so proud of the way this one is being put on,” Levenson-Campanale said. “I have seen a high-school interpretation of ‘Cabaret’ and an off-Broadway production in New York, and this is definitely the best show I’ve seen.”

She said she was dazzled by the quality of the set and costumes used in the show.

“I think people will be really drawn to both the flashy costumes and all of the great dancing,” Levenson-Campanale said. “Not to mention, they get to look at Evan Mayer’s face all the time.”

Junior Evan Mayer played the role of Emcee, a member of the cabaret, for the Friday evening performance.

Mayor’s character narrated the dark love story between Bowles, played by sophomore Hannah Slabaugh, and Bradshaw, played by Kurt Semmler.

Levenson-Campanale said she wanted to attend the performance because she loves “Cabaret” and is always interested to see what IU’s Musical Theatre Department is doing.

“It’s nice to know we have a good singing, dancing, acting, all-around total package
program here,” Levenson-Campanale said.

Freshman Haley Conger worked as an usher for the Friday night performance and agreed the production value of the company was very high.

“This musical is really different from a lot of the others I’ve seen here,” Conger said. “It’s a different style of music, not to mention the choreography for this show is amazing.”

Conger said that she had never seen a production of “Cabaret” before but was pleasantly surprised and enticed by the plot of the show.

“It’s a really fun show. It’s funny, but it has some serious bits,” Conger said. “I really enjoy the story behind the English dancer and American writer. It’s been fun to see how that plays out. I think it really has something for everyone.”

Sophomore Elizabeth Stilwell also attended the show and said she was blown away by the production’s quality.

There’s still time to see the show

2 and 7:30 p.m. April 21
Ruth N. Halls Theatre in the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center
Tickets cost $25 for general admission, $15 for students and $20 for senior citizens.