Cabaret, the risque musical about pre-World War II Europe, concluded its two-week run on Sat., Dec. 6. The seductive play, set in Berlin, was the first fall musical produced by Play Production in recent history.

The story opens with an American author, Cliff Bradshaw (double cast Mahrad Enayati and Erwin Orellana), seeking inspiration for his next novel. Upon his visit to Berlin, a city where everyday is a party and life seems carefree, he becomes acquainted with a German native, Ernst Ludwig (Thomas Rubinsky and Chris Williams). Bradshaw quickly finds a temporary home with Fraulein Schneider (Jennifer Hong and Alexandra Stein).

With additional assistance from Ernst, Cliff is introduced to Sally Bowles (Julia Garcia-Combs and Courtney Washington), an English singer at the local Kit Kat Club. Eventually, the couple falls in love, just as the elderly neighbors announces an engagement. As both couples enjoy their new-found love, they are confronted with the horrors of Nazism and its repercussions. As the Nazi party gradually gains power over Germany, both relationships are unfortunately destroyed by political views.

From the start of the show, every element glittered and sparkled, immediately capturing the interest of the audience.

Perhaps the most lauded aspect of the play was the costuming, which coordinated perfectly with the occasion and fit every character to a tee. The most intricate details, from lace to feathers, were emphasized, creating a lavish appearance. Yet no costume would be complete without the ideal hair styling and make-up that highlighted the characters’ personalities, producing the professional effect of a Broadway show.

The choreography blended seamlessly with the play, exposing just enough scantily clad bodies to intrigue the crowd.

The props helped complete the eerie sets and created the atmosphere of pre-war Germany in Stivelman Theater.

With pulsating rhythms, the orchestra brought the Kit Kat Club to life as dancers did the can-can and the Emcee enthused the audience.

The actors showcased a variety of abilities, contributing to the frenzied yet ultimately somber tone of the play. The cast, crew, and all other contributors deserve a tremendous amount of respect for so effectively incorporating the audience into their performances. Those in attendance didn’t simply watch the play unfold, they were pulled into the lives and actions of the characters. Overall, the cast deserves great recognition for its production of Cabaret.