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From Hugo Vera's article in the Tri-City Voice, Tuesday, October 22th, 2019.

Seize the night with “Cabaret”

By Hugo Vera

Photos by Georgia Lee Barnes

Lights. Cameras. Action. Nazis.

This is the tumultuous, yet electrifying world audiences are treated to in Chanticleers Theatre’s production of “Cabaret.” Based on the 1998 Broadway adaptation of the classic musical by John Kander, director John Baiocchi and his incredible ensemble of performers deliver a live theater experience that makes the price of admission worth every penny and then some.

Brace yourselves as Emcee (Johnny Orenberg) flaunts the stage in the most flamboyant and braggadocious manner possible while recalling the story of the famed *Kit Kat Klub in pre-World War II Berlin. Orenberg shines in his role as his clown-like makeup, in sync with his burlesque style of singing and dancing, perfectly captures the ostentatious feel of closeted-gay Berlin.

In addition to Orenberg’s “Emcee,” the crux of the musical lies within Melissa Momboisse’s portrayal of lead character Sally Bowles. Not since Liza Minnelli’s iconic performance of Bowles in the 1972 film adaptation has an actress channeled Bowles “hopeless romantic” energy so well. Bowles voice carries every note seamlessly and profoundly, as evidenced during songs such as “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Married.”

In the background of this team of well-choreographed singers and dancers is the impeccable orchestra led by music director Dr. Luis Zuniga. Zuniga’s percussion, wind and string ensemble’s sound can be heard especially well in the small, but rather intimate dimensions of the theater.

Backing Orenberg and Momboisse is a supporting cast comprised of veteran stage actors including C. Conrad Cady and Marsha Howard. The two expertly portray the ultimately-doomed couple of Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz. Baiocchi’s decision to include Schneider and Schultz’s storyline is a refreshing theatrical decision as their storyline is often omitted in other adaptations of “Cabaret.”

Adding fire to this cast’s performance is Darrien Cabreana’s depiction of Cliff Bradshaw. Cabreana nails Bradshaw’s 1930s New Yorker accent while also proving to have fantastic on-stage chemistry with Momboisse. The two convincingly act out the relationship between Bowles and Bradshaw, which over the course of two acts, veers from the romantic to the tragic.

Audiences will also appreciate the impeccably-timed and well-orchestrated dance sets choreographed by Joe Ayers. Ayers and his team would give the likes of Bob Fosse a run for his money as a team of dancers navigates the small stage dimensions gracefully and effortlessly. The passion and meticulous planning put into the choreography is evident with every twirl, “can-can,” pelvic thrust and tap dance sequence. Numbers such as the Kit Kat Klub’s rendition of “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” juxtapose the hedonistic pleasures of the cabaret to the cold, unforgiving nature of the Nazi Germany in 1933.

A show that is both uplifting and heartbreaking, while also balancing opposite ideologies, John Baiocchi’s “Cabaret” is sure to please adult audiences throughout the East Bay. This show delivers on all the classic elements seen in the 1972 cinematic adaptation while providing modern dance and musical elements that make this production an unforgettable experience.