Theatre Bristol closes season with Cabaret

Contributed By The Theatre Bristol
Published: May 30, 2008

(Bristol) Cabaret, a musical made famous by Joel Grey’s memorable portrayal as the Master of Ceremonies is Theatre Bristol’s season closer. When the Kander & Ebb musical first opened on Broadway in 1966, it was viewed as daringly innovative. Set in 1929-1930 in pre-war Berlin, the story focuses on the lives of Sally Bowles (an English cabaret singer) and Clifford Bradshaw (a struggling American writer). For this production Theatre Bristol’s ARTspace will transform the viewer back in time into the notorious Kit Kat Club, complete with tables and a live orchestra.

The cast of Cabaret represents a mix of familiar and new faces. Brant Colvin (Master of Ceremonies) made his Theatre Bristol debut earlier this season in Seussical. Brant has performed at several theatres in Alabama in shows such as Grease, Into the Woods and The Wizard of Oz. Sierra Allen (Sally Bowles) is a Kingsport native who made her stage debut in Seussical. Michael Thomas Griffith of Lebanon, VA will portray Clifford Bradshaw, the young, idealistic American writer. Audiences may remember Michael Thomas from roles such as Melvin P. Thorpe in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Rooster in Annie at Theatre Bristol. Newcomer Edward Price of Bristol, VA will portray Ernst Ludwig. Long-time Theatre Bristol company members Kathy Story will portray Fraulein Schneider and Fred Dunagan will portray Herr Schultz. Elizabeth Paxton will bring to life Fraulein Kost. The roles of Bobby and Victor are portrayed by Brandon Bentley and Eric Vaughn. Max, the owner of the Kit Kat Club is played by William Blake Housewright. The vivacious Kit Kat Club Girls are made up of newcomers and veteran Theatre Bristol company members: Elizabeth Burns, Keegan Byington, Bridget Cummings, Bethany Fuhrken, Natasha Gage, Meaghan Gray, Sara Harless and Laura Renfro. The ensemble of cabaret goers, sailors and Berliners features Nathan Davis, Cindy Gray, Derrick Justus, Jonathan Luttrell, Duncan Okes, Lisa Okes and Nicholas Price.

Cabaret is directed and choreographed by Nicholas Spencer, musical direction is by Brian Hodge and the stage manager is Beth L. Morgan. Sylvia Fuhrken is the costumer, Elizabeth Paxton is lighting designer, Jonathan Neal is sound engineer, with James Testerman and Emily Anne Thompson doing duty as the technical directors.

Cabaret is the last show on the 2007-2008 Theatre Bristol season. Performance dates are June 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. and June 15 & 22, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices are: Adults $15 and Seniors (over 62)/Students $12. All performances of Cabaret are at Theatre Bristol’s ARTspace, limited seating, reservations suggested. Reservations can be made by calling Theatre Bristol (423) 968-4977. Cabaret contains adults themes and language.

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