The Mercyhurst Theatre Program kicks off its third season with the showing of the classic musical “Cabaret” in Taylor Little The: facebook.com/MercyhurstUniversityTheatreProgram photo

Beginning next week, the Mercyhurst Theatre Program will be kicking off its third season with their presentation of the classical American musical, “Cabaret.”

This 1966 Broadway production, based on the book “Cabaret” by Christopher Isherwood, became an immediate hit with viewers, inspiring many other productions in London and New York City.

Eventually, the hit musical was turned into an award-winning movie in 1972, starring Liza Minelli as Sally Bowles.

The musical “Cabaret” takes place in the year 1931 in Berlin, Germany, just as the Nazi regime is begining to rise to power.

It is based on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around 19-yearold cabaret performer Sally Bowles.

The main storyline focuses on her relationship with a young American writer, Clifford Bradshaw.

A sub-plot involves the inevitably doomed romance between German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and her elderly suitor Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit vendor.

Overseeing the action is the Master of Ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub.

The club serves as a metaphor for the increasingly threatening state of late Weimar Germany, with the songs and dance routines mirroring the ominous events taking place in the real lives of The Kit Kat Klub’s patrons.

“Cabaret” is exciting and filled to the brim with raucous energy.

Come hear some of the most memorable songs in Broadway and musical theater history, including “Willkommen,” “Maybe This Time,” and the popular,“Cabaret.”

The Theatre Program’s production of “Cabaret” features Nam Nguyen as the Emcee, Sarah Creighton as Sally Bowles, Maxton Honeychurch as Clifford Bradshaw, Jordan Strange as Ernst Ludwig, Tonya Lenhart as Fraulein Schneider, Grant Clark as Herr Schultz, Michael Rowe as Max, Bethany Sulecki as Rosie, Leah Miori as Lulu, Taylor Bookmiller as Frenchie, Sarah Krempasky as Texas, Claudia Rose Cauchi as Fritzie and Jennie Cross as Helga.

The production is directed by Brett D. Johnson, Ph.D., with choreography by Kelly Jean Graham and musical direction by Ian Gayford.

Performances are Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 22 to 25, at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25 to 26, at 2 p.m. in Taylor Little Theatre.

During all performances, special seating will be availible on-stage, so audience members can become a part of the cast as the musical happens all around them.

Single tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students and $5 for youths and Mercyhurst students with ID.

All performances are general admission, with the doors opening 30 minutes before curtain.

Seating is limited, so reserve your tickets today by calling 814-824-2663 or by visiting the box office, located in the lobby of the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center.

Tickets will also be on sale at the theatre beginning one hour before curtain.

Warning: This production contains strong language and adult situations.

For more information, call Dr. Brett D. Johnson at 814-824-2663.