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SALISBURY, MD---91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Bobbi Biron Theatre Program presents the classic Broadway musical Cabaret Thursday-Sunday, March 30-April 2 and April 6-9, in the Black Box Theatre of Fulton Hall.

Curtain is 8 p.m., 2 p.m. Sundays. For Dr. T. Paul Pfeiffer, longtime professor in the Music, Theatre and Dance Department, and founding artistic director of the theatre program, it will be bittersweet. He directs for the final time before retiring as an SU faculty member.

Set in 1929 Berlin, Germany, the show revolves around American writer Cliff Bradshaw and his relationship with young English cabaret headliner Sally Bowles. While the denizens of the Kit Kat Klub dance the night away, the nation’s mounting tensions are kept outside. As the song goes, “In Here, Life Is Beautiful” — until the tranquility and charm eventually is shattered and relationships broken as the Nazi Party rises to power.

SU’s production is for mature audiences only.

“The role of open sexuality in this revised script is much more emblematic of Berlin in that period and is central to the advent of totalitarian restrictions brought on by the Nazis,” said Pfeiffer. “Our production does adhere to this stance.”

Cabaret’s journey to the musical stage began with the short 1939 novel Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood. Playwright John Van Druten adapted the book into the 1951 play I Am a Camera. In 1966, playwright Joe Masteroff adapted that play into Cabaret, with music by composer John Kander and lyricist Fred Ebb.

Its original Broadway run won eight Tony awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score in 1967. Over 30 years later, it also received the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, along with three others. The 1972 film version garnered eight Academy Awards, including a Best Actress honor for Liza Minnelli and Best Director for Broadway legend Bob Fosse.

Variety said the music of Cabaret “sends shivers up the spine.” The New York Post called the play “fantastic.” The Los Angeles Times summed up: “The time is always right for a production of Cabaret.”

“The lessons of history, Isherwood’s stories and Cabaret argue that we must be ever wakeful, ever vigilant and every ready to act in defense of our beliefs,” said Pfeiffer. “There will always be a ‘gathering storm,’ as Winston Churchill described the pre-war atmosphere. Until we, as humans, surrender the pursuit of ‘same’ in favor of ‘difference,’ the lessons of Cabaret will continue to be needed.”

The cast includes Arianna Carpenito, Kate Carpenter, Seth Caswell, Juliette Chagnon, Jarell Corbin, Chelsea Eline, Veahna Gardineer, Caleb Graham, Dawson Forbes Hill, Marie Hils, Caitlyn Jennings, Camille Johnson, Maggie Jones, Shane Love, Brandon Maher, Benjamin McVay, Michael Mitchell, Megan Murphy, Alli Payne, Chelsea Payne, Andres Roa, Maurice Savage, Brooke Sposato, Emily Stanton, Jake Thereault, Brian Tully, Zach Williams and John Luke Wixted.

Musical direction is by Dr. William Folger. Choreography is by Martha Pfeiffer. Set design is by John Raley. Costume design is by Max Levitt. Lighting design is by Tom Anderson. Samantha Olsen is assistant director and stage manager. Baily Kirk also stage manages.

Admission is $12, $9 for seniors, students and SU alumni with ID. Tickets are available online at www.salisbury.edu/theatreanddance. Tickets also may be purchased through the SU Box Office, Fulton Hall Room 100. SU ID holders receive one ticket free for Thursday performances with advance reservations.

For more information call 410-543-6228 or visit the SU website at www.salisbury.edu.