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Director / Direção: Chaz Wolcott
Music Diretor/ Direção Musical: Emily Off
Costume Design/ Figurinos: Zandra Siple
Playhouse Theatre, University Park, PA
October 25–November 5, 2022


The musical "Cabaret", music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Joe Masteroffthat was first produced on Broadway in 1966. The story is set in Berlin, Germany, in the early 1930s, as the Nazi party is rising to power. The musical revolves around the seedy cabaret Kit Kat Club, and as the story unfolds, the characters are drawn into the tumultuous political climate of the time. “Cabaret” explores themes of sexuality, love, and the tension between personal desire and political turmoil. The musical also provides a powerful commentary on the rise of fascism, authoritarianism and the dangers of remaining passive or apathetic in the face of rising intolerance. In the current political climate, where the world is grappling with issues of nationalism, xenophobia, and social justice, Cabaret serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, activism, and resistance. The scenography of Cabaret was designed as an act of resistance that considered the historical and political context and represented diversity and subversion in all its forms. The set conveys feelings of fear and decay, but at the same time a vision of resilience through symbols and design strategies. This project is a powerful example of how art can have a transformative role and be used as a means of resistance against oppression and intolerance.