Cabaret

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SINGLE TICKETS FOR CABARET RANGE FROM $25—$77 AND ARE NOW ON SALE.

For performance times and to purchase tickets, click on the BUY TICKETS button at the top or on the calendar above. Season Subscriptions are also available on sale, starting at $83. For more information on how you can save on season tickets, click here.

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TICKETS AT 12

Based on availability, a select and limited number of Mainstage tickets will be on sale for $25 per ticket the day of select performances. Rush tickets are subject to availability and limited to two per person. All handling fees still apply.

When tickets are available, they may be purchased directly through our box office, either in person or via phone, when we open each day at noon (on Saturdays, Sundays, and select Mondays; box office hours vary). Tickets at 12 discounts cannot be combined with additional offers or applied to previously purchased tickets.

For more information, you can call our box office at (773) 777-9884. Please view our complete box office hours here.

STUDENT TICKETS

Based on availability, a limited number of student tickets are on sale for our Mainstage shows for $20 per ticket. Tickets are subject to availability and limited to two per student. Students must present a valid student ID when picking up tickets from will call. All handling fees still apply.

When available, tickets may be purchased directly through our box office, either in person or via phone, when we open each day. Student Ticket discounts cannot be combined with additional offers or applied to previously purchased tickets.

For more information about our ticketing options, please call our box office at (773) 777-9884. Please view our complete box office hours here.

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MICHAEL WEBER (Director) is the Artistic Director of Porchlight Music Theatre. Previously served as Artistic Director for the inaugural season of Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place (now The Broadway Playhouse) and at Theatre at the Center (1998-2004). His productions of Sunset Boulevard, Sweeney Todd, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Pal Joey, Assassins and Side Show here, as well as Grand Hotel at Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place and She Loves Me at Theatre at the Center were each nominated for the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Production-Musical. Directing credits include Living the History-125 Years of The Auditorium Theatre starring Patti LuPone and John Mahoney, Fifth of July and Talley’s Folly at the Oak Park Festival Theatre, The Petrified Forest at Theatre at the Center, Beauty and the Beast at Marriott Theatre, Over the River and Through the Woods at The Mercury Theater, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Pheasant Run Theatre, and Cirque du Symphony at Sears Center Arena. The recipient of two Joseph Jefferson Awards, he wrote and directed nine Joseph Jefferson Awards ceremonies (2009-2018). Weber’s regional acting credits include Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy (both starring Patti LuPone) at Ravinia, Disney’s My Son Pinocchio at First Stage Milwaukee, Around the World in 80 Days at Cleveland Playhouse, The Winter’s Tale and Henry V at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, It Had To Be You (starring Cindy Williams and Eddie Mekka) at Little Theatre on the Square, Angel Street at First Folio Shakespeare, and The Gifts of the Magi at Indiana Repertory. Weber is proud to serve as a pledge host on WTTW, Channel 11, and is author of the play, WAR of the WELLeS.

LINDA MADONIA (Music Director) is thrilled to return to Porchlight Music Theater for Cabaret. Linda most recently music directed “New Faces Sing Broadway 1947″, “ICONS Gala 2021”, “A Chorus Line” and “Billy Elliott” at Porchlight where Linda also serves as the orchestra manager. Other theatres where Linda serves as Music Director and Conductor are Music Theater Works, Mercury Theater Chicago, and Drury Lane Oakbrook where she is getting ready to start “Holiday Inn”. Recently, Linda has conducted Chamber Opera Chicago’s International tour of Persuasion. Linda is also the vocal coach for the Masters Degree Music Theatre Voice program at Carthage College and owns American Eagle Productions, a touring theatre company that takes shows and workshops and theatre classes directly into schools. American Eagle has been doing shows for twenty-nine years and presents 150 shows a year to Chicago area schools.

BRENDA DIDIER (Associate Director/Choreographer) A freelance director/choreographer based in Chicago, credits include: Kenny Rogers Christmas Tour, Second City, Six Flags, Busch Gardens, T-Mobile’s national commercial Home for the Holidays, Leo Burnett’s Leo on Ice at the Chicago Theatre, Cirque Shanghai at Navy Pier’s Skyline Stage, Atlantic City, Las Vegas and off-Broadway, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Goodman, Paramount Theatre, Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, Kokandy Productions, Boho Theatre, industrials and live events. She is the Artistic Director and owner of the Lincolnshire Academy of Dance, now in its 25th season. Ms. Didier is a multiple Joseph Jefferson Award recipient (direction & choreography), After Dark Award and National Youth Theatre Award recipient and was honored with the 2018 Guy Adkins Award for the advancement of Musical Theatre in Chicago.

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NEALA BARRON* (Fräulein “Fritzie” Kost/US Fräulein Schneider)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in Merrily We Roll Along, A Funny Thing…

Neala Barron is thrilled to return to Porchlight, previously seen in Merrily We Roll Along and A Funny Thing.... Other favorite credits: 110 In the Shade (Jeff Nom.), Marie Christine (Boho Theatre); Botticelli in the Fire (First Floor Theater); Queen of the Mist (Firebrand Theatre); Ragtime, Titanic (Griffin Theatre Company); Adding Machine (The Hypocrites); Hello Again (Theo Ubique); Assassins, The Full Monty (Kokandy Productions) and more. TV credits include Chicago Med (NBC), Night Sky (Amazon).

FRANKIE LEO BENNETT+ (Standby Emcee and Max)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in In The Heights, New Faces Sing Broadway 1985, Porchlight Revisits 1776

Porchlight: In The Heights (Broadway World-Chicago Award), New Faces Sing Broadway 1985, Porchlight Revisits 1776. Chicago: Head Over Heels (Kokandy); Sweeney Todd, Altar Boyz (Theo Ubique); Poseidon!, Christmas Dearest (Hell…Handbag Prod.). Direction: RENT (Asst. Dir.), Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree, Broadway In Your Backyard, Chicago Sings Stephen Sondheim (Co-Dir.), New Faces Sing Broadway 1971 (Porchlight). Regional: The Golden Girls – The Lost Episodes (Hell…Handbag Prod., Assoc. Dir.) Playwright/Composer: Resident Services: A Crossed-Up Animal Musical.

JORDAN BEYELER* (Swing)
Porchlight Music Theatre Debut

Jordan is a Chicago based dancer and dance teacher. Her previous performance credits include: West Side Story (South Bend Civic Theatre), The Polar Express (Universal Studios Chicago Cast), Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (Music Theater Works), A Chorus Line (Metropolis PAC), Anything Goes (Metropolis PAC), La Traviata (Lyric Opera of Chicago) and Norwegian Cruise Line. When not in the studio, Jordan is a judge for IDA and Applause Talent Competitions.

ANNA BROCKMAN* (Lulu/Ensemble)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in Sunset Boulevard, New Faces Sing Broadway 1947

Anna is excited to be returning to Porchlight Music Theatre where she was previously seen in Sunset Boulevard and New Faces Sing Broadway 1947. Other Chicago credits include: Cinderella and Wizard of Oz (Paramount Theatre), Mamma Mia and Pirates of Penzance (Music Theatre Works), and Baked! (Chicago Music Theatre Festival). Anna holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University and is represented by Paonessa Talent. All the love and thanks to her family, friends, and pup Grommet. IG: @annabrockman

LA MAR BROWN+ (Victor – Ensemble)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in A Chorus Line)

La Mar is thrilled to join this fantastic cast! His previous theatre and concert dance credits include: A Chorus Line (Porchlight Music Theatre), Kiss of the Spider Woman, and The Boy from Oz (Uptown Players), “Mr. Mistoffelees” in CATS (Garland Summer Musicals), Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Metropolitan Ballet, and The Dallas Opera. Also an arts manager, he currently works with Chicago Dancemakers Forum, and Ruth Page Center for the Arts.

MORGAN DIFONZO* (Texas – Ensemble/US Fräulein Kost)
Porchlight Music Theatre Debut

Morgan is so excited to be making her Porchlight debut in Cabaret! Originally from Los Angeles, California, Morgan moved to Chicago to obtain her BFA from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Recent: Cabaret (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre). Absolutely stoked to rejoin the Kit Kat club! Big thanks to her parents, friends, teachers and her students for all the support and inspiration! Wilkommen and enjoy the show!

JULIA FLECKENSTEIN* (​​Helga – Ensemble)
Porchlight Music Theatre Debut

Julia Fleckenstein is so excited to be performing with Porchlight! BFA in Musical Theater (Dance Emphasis) from the Chicago College of Performing Arts 2021. Originally from Dallas, TX! Some favorite Chicago performances include: A Chorus Line, Can-Can, Anything Goes. Regional: Newsies (Casa Mañana) Film: Cassie (Chicago St-ART), Promise of the Butterfly (Amazon Prime). IG @jflecki. Love & gratitude <3.

TIM FOSZCZ+ (Hermann – Ensemble/US Clifford Bradshaw)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in New Faces Sing Broadway 1987

After last performing with Porchlight in 2020’s New Faces Sing Broadway 1987, Tim is really quite stoked to be making his mainstage Porchlight debut in Cabaret! Recent: Cliff, Cabaret (Metropolis PAC); Cinderella (Paramount Theatre); Beauty and the Beast (Drury Lane and Paramount); Wizard of Oz (Chicago Shakespeare). Regional credits: West Side Story, Pippin, Newsies, Into The Woods. Endless thanks to Kyle and the team at BMT and his family, as always. For and with you, Adele. @timothyfoz

HALEY GUSTAFSON*/^ (Frenchie – Ensemble/US Sally Bowles)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in New Faces Sing Broadway 1979

Haley is overjoyed to make her Porchlight Music Theatre Mainstage debut. Previous credits include New Faces Sing Broadway 1979 (PMT), Lizzie (Southern Plains Productions), ShakesFest, Wizard of Oz (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Legally Blonde (Metropolis PAC), Education: Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, LINK Program, Class of 2022. Rep: Stewart Talent. “For politics is not like the nursery; in politics obedience and support are the same. ”- Hannah Arendt, Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil

JOSIAH HAUGEN+ (Ernst Ludwig)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in New Faces Sing Broadway 1971

Josiah Haugen is grateful to be working again with Porchlight alongside the company of Cabaret. Recent credits include: New Faces Sing Broadway 1971 (Porchlight Music Theatre); “Beadle Bamford”, Sweeney Todd (Kokandy Productions), “Dan u/s”, Sex Tips for Straight Women From a Gay Man (Matt Murphy Productions). Education: BFA Musical Theatre; CCPA. He would like to thank his amazing family (both chosen and blood), his partner Jack and all those who have come to support along the way!

NATALIE HENRY* (Rosie – Ensemble)
Porchlight Music Theatre Debut

Natalie Henry is delighted to have her Porchlight debut in Cabaret with this cast. She has recently graduated college in May of 2022 from Columbia College Chicago. Credits: Sister Mary Patrick in Sister Act at Metropolis Performing Arts Center and understudied the Urchins in Little Shop of Horrors at Citadel Theatre. Natalie is from Pella, Iowa where she and her twin sister were adopted into an amazing family who support them achieving their dreams in theatre.

MARK DAVID KAPLAN+ (Herr Schultz)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in Porchlight Revisits Minnie Boys and Host of New Faces Sing Broadway 1985

Recent: Clue (Mercury Theater Chicago); Fiddler on the Roof (Lyric Opera). Select Credits: Mr. Dicken’s Hat (Northlight), Kinky Boots (Paramount), Into the Woods, The Mystery of Love and Sex (Writers), Wonderful Town (Goodman). Jeff Award Winner: (Les Misérables, Ragtime, Forbidden Broadway [Int’l and Off-B’way]). Nat’l Tour: The Lion King (Zazu). TV: Utopia (Amazon Video), Chicago Fire (NBC), T-Mobile, Chicago Cubs. AEA since 1986, Mark currently sits on the board of Season of Concern.

DARREN PATIN= (Clifford Bradshaw)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in Sophisticated Ladies

Darren Patin is so excited to be joining the cast of Cabaret! They were last seen at Porchlight in Sophisticated Ladies. Recent acting credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Mercury Theatre) and The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice (Court Theatre). Recent Assistant Directing credits include Kinky Boots and Sweat (Paramount Theatre). In drag, they host every Monday and Tuesday night at Roscoe’s Tavern. They want to thank you for coming to the show, and they hope to see you around!

SHANE ROBERIE+ (Max – Ensemble/US Herr Schultz)
Previously at Porchlight : Appeared in Sunset Boulevard

Shane Roberie Porchlight: Sunset Boulevard. Chicago: Head Over Heels (Kokandy Productions); Poseidon! (Hell in a Handbag); Evil Dead, Nightmare & Nightcaps (Black Button Eyes); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Citadel Theatre); Disaster! (Chicago Theatre Workshop); Into The Woods (Metropolis PAC)

MARY ROBIN ROTH* (Fräulein Schneider)
Porchlight Music Theatre Debut

Meadowbrook Theatre: Ladies in Lavender (Ursula; Andes Award), Spitfire Grill (Hannah), Arsenic & Old Lace (Abby). Mason Street Theatre: Deathtrap (Helga), Chicago (Mama Morton), The Full Monty (Jeannette). Chicago credits: Gypsy (Mama Rose), Hello Dolly! (Dolly), Mame (title role & Vera), Sister Act (Sr. Lazarus), Shear Madness (Mrs. Shubert), Follies (Carlotta; Jeff & After Dark Award), Streetcar Named Desire (Nurse). Tours: Evita, Sunset Blvd. Broadway: The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Senator Joe.

ERICA STEPHAN* (Sally Bowles)
Porchlight Music Theatre Debut

Porchlight debut! Chicago credits include Clue (Mercury Theater Chicago); Holiday Inn, Beauty and the Beast, South Pacific, Saturday Night Fever, Crazy for You, White Christmas (Drury Lane Theatre); Emma, Madagascar, The Little Mermaid (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Wonderful Town (Goodman Theatre); Nice Work If You Can Get It, White Christmas ( Theatre at the Center). Les Miserables and Tommy (Paramount Theatre). Education: The Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. AEA Member. Rep: Stewart Talent Chicago.

CAM TURNER+ (Swing/US Ernst & Bobbie/Dance Captain)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in Porchlight Revisits Woman of the Year

Cam is ecstatic to be back on stage with Porchlight in one of his favorite shows of all time. Performer/Choreographer/Director credits: Porchlight Music Theatre, Mercury Theater, American Theatre Company, Theo Ubique, Music Theatre Works and Pride Films & Plays (The Boy from Oz, Jeff nom.). Thanks to the Porchlight team for inviting him back on stage, friends and family for endless support and mom, who has kept pushing him to go after the dream.

JEROD TURNER= (Swing)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in New Faces Sing Broadway 1951

A proud Missouri native, Jerod comes from a small town named Eureka but has resided in Chicago for the past four years. After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from Columbia College Chicago in May, Jerod had the chance to perform in the 2022 summer stock season at Post Playhouse in Crawford, Nebraska. Most recently, Jerod just performed at MGM’s Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Finding Christmas this holiday season. Credits include: Damn Yankees, Desperate Measures, The Sound of Music, Something Rotten, The Music Man, Mary Poppins, A Year with Frog and Toad, Sister Act (Post Playhouse); A Man of No Importance, Xanadu (Columbia College Chicago). Much thanks to family and friends for the unending love and support. @jerod_turner

RACHEL THOMAS* (Swing)
Porchlight Music Theatre Debut

Swing. Recent: Children of Eden (Broadway in Chicago) with Stephen Schwartz, All’s Well That Ends Well, Romeo and Juliet, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Eleven Months of Nuclear Summer. Choreographer: Jesus Christ Superstar, My Heart Says Go, West Side Story, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Dance Training: ballet, hip hop, tap, jazz, contemporary, and ballroom. Certified intimacy choreographer in training. On-Screen: Pursuit of Freedom (2021); various TV spots and commercials. Tik Tok (280K+): rachel.ann.thomas. She is extremely grateful for her 8 siblings and parents, who have supported her performing arts career her whole life!

JOSH WALKER+ (Emcee)
Porchlight Music Theatre Debut

Josh Walker is thrilled to be making his Porchlight debut! Acting credits include: Side Show (Broadway and Kennedy Center–Helen Hayes Award), Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Radio City Music Hall), Cosi Fan Tutte (Metropolitan Opera), La Campana Sommersa (New York City Opera), Nick in Godspell (Ivoryton Playhouse), Beauty & The Beast (Theatre By The Sea), Toulouse: A New Musical (New York Theatre Barn). Love to Peter, Mom, family and friends! Thanks to Michael and Porchlight for bringing me aboard! www.joshwalkerofficialwebsite.com

SHAUN WHITE+ (Bobby – Ensemble)
Porchlight Music Theatre Debut

Porchlight debut! Shaun spent this past Halloween season touring with Ginger Minj in her Hocus Pocus drag show! Chicago: Priscilla Queen of the Desert (Mercury Theater). Other: La Cage Aux Folles, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Crazy For You, A Christmas Story, A Chorus Line. Education: CCPA; BFA in Musical Theatre: Dance. He would like to thank his family and friends for their constant love and support! Enjoy the show! instagram: @shaun_white11, drag instagram: @missariahard

EVAN WILHELM+ (Hans – Ensemble)
Previously at Porchlight: Appeared in New Faces Sing Broadway 1971

Evan Wilhelm is a theatre artist as well as a pole dancer/instructor in the city of Chicago. He is thrilled to be making his Porchlight Mainstage debut in Cabaret! He graduated from the Chicago College of Performing Arts with a BFA in musical theatre. You can find him teaching at Fly Club Chicago for all levels of pole dancers – come twirl and take a class! Thanks as always to the girlies and Elix. DPTL.

Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); * (she/her/hers); ^ (they, them, theirs); = (any with respect)

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY OF CABARET

CABARET ORIGINS

CABARET INFLUENCES

CABARET AT PORCHLIGHT

CRITICS ARE RAVING ABOUT CABARET!

AUDIENCES ARE MOVED BY CABARET!

INTERVIEW WITH THE CAST & DIRECTOR OF CABARET — PAUL LISNEK’S BEHIND THE CURTAIN

CATCH THE CAST OF CABARET ON WGN’S AROUND TOWN

MEET THE CAST & COMPANY OF CABARET

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Read the rave reviews of Porchlight’s Cabaret!

Click each headline to read the full review.

Chicago Tribune – Chris Jones

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

“THE BEST SHOW OF THE YEAR SO FAR, WITH A KNOCKOUT SALLY BOWLES”

“Right now, this Chicago-based trio is featuring a lead performance from Erica Stephan that deserves to introduce her to a much broader swatch of Chicago theatergoers than those of us who know and admire her already. She’s simply a knockout Sally Bowles: vulnerable, empathetic, restless, relentless and pitch-perfect to boot.”

 

“Michael Weber’s notably fresh and compelling new production, which is the work of highly experienced artists who have worked together often. You don’t easily see where Weber’s direction ends and Brenda Didier’s tightly wound choreography begins, and Linda Madonia’s musical direction holds it all together.”

Chicago Sun-Times – Catey Sullivan

FOUR OUT OF FOUR STARS

“GLORIOUS…EXQUISITELY CAST, VISUALLY STUNNING”

“Costume designer Bill Morey’s flattering, intricate, perfectly tailored lingerie should be available to the masses.”

 

“In set designer Angela Weber Miller’s trenchant design, the oncoming train partially obscuring the band is a constant reminder. You can’t look at the Kit Kat Klub — even at its most intoxicating — without being cognizant of what’s coming for them all.”

(AroundtheTownChicago.com) WGN.com – Paul Lisnek, “Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com  

FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS

“HAUNTING…POWERFUL…NOT TO BE MISSED”

“If you think you’ve seen Cabaret, I’d suggest that you have not until you see Porchlight Music Theatre’s current production.”

 

Bravo to  Erica Stephan as Sally, Gilbert Domally as Cliff and Josh Walker as the Emcee; they do not emulate or re-create the well known performances we have come to know from the classic 1972 film; they truly reinterpret and make these roles their own.

 

The strong fingerprint, guidance and influence of the direction by PMT Artistic Director Michael Weber with associate direction and often stunning choreography of Brenda Didier deserve to be acknowledged and recognized for triggering all of the emotion which fills the audience. 

Chicago Reader – Dan Jakes

READER RECOMMENDED

“AN EMOTIONAL WILLKOMMEN”

I found my eyes welling up with spectacle tears long before the first emotional blow, and I suspect that has to do with just how masterfully pieced together these musical theater elements are, from the crystalline vocals to the bombastic ensemble-wide numbers to the intimate conversations between (ahem) “roommates.”

WTTW – Hedy Weiss

“A BRAVURA PRODUCTION OF A CHILLINGLY TIMELY BROADWAY CLASSIC.”

Didier’s unabashedly sexually charged choreography for the chorus girls of all shapes and sizes (outfitted in Bill Morey’s suggestive costumes), along with the acrobatic male dancers and singers, sets the tone of the Kit Kat Klub. And Angela Weber Miller’s multi-level set deftly suggests the public and private worlds of the story.

AroundTheTownChicago.com – Alan Bresloff

FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS

“OUTSTANDING…UNIQUE IN EVERY WAY…WONDERFUL”

“Anyone familiar with the Porchlight Music Theatre knows that its Artistic Director, Michael Weber, is not only a director, he is in fact, an interpreter. He is known to delve into each project as a scientist might seeking a cure for a major disease. One can see that he has studied the “Cabaret” musical as well as the books that the story is based on and perhaps, maybe, even the historical times when this all took place.”

 

“Those of us who are familiar with Weber know that he is very intense and interprets each piece to the nth degree. His choreographer, Brenda Didier constantly proves that her style and steps are her own and like a Bob Fosse, Didier has moves that are her trademark. This being said, below you will find the reviews- please note that each of us have our own thoughts and ideas.”

Newcity – Amanda Finn

NEWCITY RECOMMENDED

“[ERICA] STEPHAN HAS UNDOUBTEDLY SET THE BAR FOR SALLY BOWLES.”

“You may be so dazzled by the incredible talent of the ensemble, the shimmering costumes a la Bill Morey, and enamored of Angela Weber Miller’s multifaceted set that you, too, may be caught off guard when everything comes to a crashing halt.”

 

“A dark, tortured soul, almost Lucille Ball-esque at times, Stephan’s Bowles is unlike anything one imagines her to be. Like a well-loved knit scarf, she unravels in the wind of unrest around her. Stephan’s Toast of Mayfair wants to be everything for everyone but not for herself. Her voice envelopes us without relenting whether she’s making us laugh or not. Stephan has undoubtedly set the bar for Sally Bowles. Juxtaposed with [Gilbert] Domally’s interpretation of Cliff, these two are ideally matched.”

Talkin Broadway – Christine Malcolm

“THE ENTIRE ENSEMBLE BRINGS THE KIT KAT KLUB TO LIFE”

“Mark David Kaplan and Mary Robin Roth do wonderful work together as Herr Schultz and Fraulein Schneider. Roth carries the whole history leading up to Berlin, 1930, in the power of her voice and the stoop of her shoulders, while Kaplan charms even as his performance underscores the dangers of unwarranted optimism.”

 

“The entire ensemble brings the Kit Kat Klub to life, not just in their scripted numbers, but also in fully realized, individual characters whose love affairs, rivalries, and friendships come through in the casual and not-so-casual embraces and the way they crowd and make way for one another.”

The Life and Times of Rikki Lee Travolta – Rikki Lee Travolta

“PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S PRODUCTION OF CABARET IS ONE THAT SHOULD BE SEEN”

“One of the things that I not only respect, but truly love about Porchlight Music Theatre is that their productions tend to have very clear and detailed concepts. And, I love that they take chances and swing for the fences.”

 

“Among the supporting cast, Josiah Haugen is very convincing as Ernst Ludwig and Neala Barron is a standout as Fräulein ‘Fritzie’ Kost. Barron’s voice is simply magnificent.”

PictureThisPost.com –  Alexis Bugajski

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

 “A JOURNEY OF RAUCOUS PARTYING AND CABARET…A TOP PICK”

“The parties, the drinking, the love — it’s all fun and games as we follow Sally and Cliff through their carefree relationship.”

 

“Porchlight’s production of Cabaret is masterfully well-paced so that we can feel the slow descent into fascism.  The costumes, the lighting, the direction, and the musicality all work in harmony together to capture the iconic moments of this classic musical.  It’s a journey of raucous partying and cabaret mirth to a slow descent into the horrors of fascism.” 

Buzz Center Stage – John Accrocco

“THIS PRODUCTION IS EVERY BIT AS GOOD AS THE BROADWAY REVIVALS”

“Porchlight’s revival of ‘Cabaret’ delivers the exact kind of razzle-dazzle audiences expect when they think of the Kit Kat Club. Directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber and choreographed by Brenda Didier, this production scrubs off some of the grit that’s become a hallmark of the iconic Rob Marshall Broadway revival. By using the same script, and borrowing some of the aesthetic, there’s a really satisfying buoyancy about Porchlight’s approach to this essential musical.”

 

“The success of any production of ‘Cabaret’ hinges on the actors playing the Emcee and Sally Bowles. This cast has two strong leads in the respective roles. Josh Walker channels neither Joel Grey nor Alan Cumming, but instead something more playful, adding a little mirth to the eerie Kit Kat Club host.”

BroadwayWorld.com – Rachel Weinberg

“GLITTERING, GRITTY…POWERFUL”

“While Cliff isn’t a hefty role on paper,  [Gilbert] Domally makes him immensely likable and convincingly naive-and he makes the most of Cliff’s bit singing parts.”

 

“The ensemble shines when performing Didier’s choreography, and the cast is an incredibly flexible and agile group. I was particularly delighted by Shaun White as Bobby; he has superb timing for his line deliveries in Joe Masteroff’s book, and he has a stellar voice. Neala Barron, always welcome on any Chicago stage, is also fantastic as Fraulein “Fritzi” Kost, a resident at Fraulein Schneider’s boarding house.”

PicksInSix – Scott Gryder

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

“WHAT A PRODUCTION OF ‘CABARET’ OUGHT TO BE. IT’S BAWDY. IT’S SINCERE. IT’S DISTURBING.”

“I was in no way prepared for the runaway train experience coming down the track brought on by an engine of brute force talent fueled by the finest directorial and choreographed momentum.”

 

“The glamor and vulnerability of Erica Stephan’s Sally Bowles is breathtaking, while Mary Robin Roth brings a fierce compassion to her Fräulein Schneider to a degree that would make even Lotte Lenya green. Additionally, Neala Barron’s brash Fräulein ‘Fritzie’ Kost, with a vocal apparatus that bellows, belts and sears, comes through with humor and heart. While, lastly, wreaking of a smarmy charm, Josiah Haugen’s Ernst Ludwig is nearly irresistible, embodying the Nazi nature with a frightening charisma.”

AroundTheTownChicago.com – Julia W. Rath

FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS

“TERRIFIC…EXCEPTIONAL…”

“The showstoppers charm the audience, especially whenever the character of the emcee takes the stage. Josh Walker is amazing! His vivacity holds the whole story together!”

FourthWalsh.com – Katy Walsh

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

“A UNIQUE AND MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE! I LOVE THIS CABARET…”

“This Porchlight production lives up to all the past award-winning acclaim. In a word, it’s Ausgezeichnet… Excellent!”

 

“Another standout is Neala Barron (Fritz). Barron plays it with full-on moxie as she ‘entertains’ her sailors. In addition, her singing often adds depth to the ensemble’s numbers.”

Hyde Park Herald – Anne Spiselman

‘CABARET’ TWEAKED WITH AN EYE TO OUR TIME

“Renowned actors ranging from Joel Grey to Eddie Redmayne have put their stamp on the role of the Emcee in “Cabaret,” and I’m ready to add Porchlight Music Theatre’s Josh Walker to that list.”

“Walker has a Broadway-quality voice and is by turns hilarious and heart-wrenching, risible and raunchy, satirical and sinister.”