Presented by
The Canberra Philharmonic Society
Dave Smith (Ernst Ludwig), Kitty McGarry (Frauline Kost) and Ben
Trabinger (Max), all contribute strong characterizations supported by an excellent ensemble cast,
superb orchestra, spectacular sound, lighting, set and costume design for this
outstanding Philo production.
An edited version of this review published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 11.07.14
Erindale
Theatre until July 26.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
Kander and
Ebb’s searing view of the rise of Nazism as seen through the prism of the lives
of the habitués of a seedy Berlin cabaret venue loses none of its unsettling power
in this brilliant new production by the Canberra Philharmonic Society.
Confidently
and imaginatively guided by director, Jim McMullen, who also conducts the
excellent orchestra, and co-designed the impressive set, the well-focussed
scenes flow seamlessly between the stage of the Kit Kat Klub and the bedrooms
of Frauline Schneider’s run-down guest house to tell two concurrent stories of
love under oppression.
 |
| Kelly Roberts as Sally Bowles |
Kelly
Roberts, all steely fragility and wilfulness as the young English singer, Sally
Bowles, hopelessly entangled in the decadence of the Kit Kat Klub, who captivates the sexually-ambivalent young
American writer, Cliff Bradshaw, charmingly portrayed by Mat Chardon O’Dea,
who, together with Ros Engledow and Ian Croker, both superb as the guest-house
proprietor, Frauline Schneider and her Jewish suitor, Herr Schultz, anchor the
show with strong ,well-judged performances which provide touches of warmth in
an otherwise un-forgiving milieu.
 |
| Angel Dolejsi (centre) with the Kit Kat girls |
Angel
Dolejsi is mesmerising as the edgy, reptilian Emcee, commenting on events,
singing and dancing up a storm with the brilliantly choreographed and costumed
Kit Kat girls.
An edited version of this review published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 11.07.14
