Welcome to the Cabaret opening at JCC, March 17th

BY LEE STEPHENS

The Miami Stage Company presents Cabaret, Kander and Ebb’s musical about the bleak world of Berlin’s 1930s subculture. The show, which runs March 17 - April 3, contains a strong collection of musical numbers, including the title song, Cabaret, which is this production’s show stopper, and the catchy Wilkommen.

The Dave and Mary Alper JCC’s Russell Theater, 11155 SW 112 Ave., will be transformed into the flamboyant, depraved Kit-Cat Club of Berlin in the 1930s, for this will be the venue for the world-famous story of nightclub singer Sally Bowles living in the shadow of the rising force of fascism.

Both as stage play and as film, this extravaganza has written musical history. Directed by Angela Ardolino, the actors and actresses have been cast, with Yamile Lima playing the role of Sally, Debra Lynn Ginsberg as landlady Fräulein Schneider and Arnold Bueso as the Emcee. The role of the man who Sally finally’ abandons to continue her assumed career, Clifford Bradshaw, has been given to actor Leo Lopez.

The history behind Cabaret has an endless theme. Oppression has been around for centuries from slavery to Nazism to religious persecution in some countries. “I think Cabaret is a strong reminder to audiences of the reality that is our history and not apart that we should be proud of nor should we ignore,” Ardolino said. “Acceptance and acknowledgement of the past will hopefully help us to change the future and take more positive action to assure that history does not repeat itself.”

Performances are March 17, 19, 26, 31 at 8 p.m. and March 20, 27 and April 3 at 2 p.m. at the Alper JCC Russell Theater.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.miamistagecompany.com or by calling 786-263-0041