By Barbara Yoresh
Entertainment writer
VERO BEACH - The time was pre-World War II Germany, a place still suffering psychological and economical after-effects of losing WWI.
Berlin in the early 1930s was a place where dissatisfaction was mounting and the radical ideology of Adolf Hitler was gaining acceptance.
It was a dangerous time that ultimately would rock the world. And if such impending doom and dire days were on the horizon (and they were), then one would hardly expect that horrific era would inspire one of Broadway's most important and innovative musicals.
"Cabaret" debuted on Broadway in 1966. It became a smash hit that won 12 Tony awards. Based on a book by Joe Masteroff and with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, "Cabaret" has been performed since then and revised in a movie version starring Joel Grey and Liza Minelli.
Set in Berlin and featuring the scandalous Kit Kat Club cabaret, where one is advised to "leave your troubles outside" by the club's emcee, the show focuses on the doomed romances of two couples whose fates are uncertain.
In what is unquestionably one of the most ambitious projects in its 52 year history, the Vero Beach Theatre Guild will present "Cabaret" to area audiences from Nov. 12-29.
Directed by well-known Vero Beach director and thespian Mark Wygonik, the show features stage veteran Danielle Ferretti as club performer Sally Bowles; Walter Wells IV as her love interest, Cliff Bradshaw; Robert Johnston as the club emcee; Patty Carreau-Souza as German landlady Fraulein Schneider and Jim Daly as her Jewish fruit vendor suitor.
Supporting cast members include Caitlin Harris as club performer/prostitute Fraulein Kost and Jim Mitchell as Ernst Ludwig.
Choreographer Tammy To of Los Angeles has assembled an accomplished dance team of Amber Garr, Holly Hmielewski, Jhane Davellia, Amanda Jordon, Jocelyn Sample and Danielle Zimmerman.
Appearing in the ensemble are Laura Bladwin, Dan Bogart, Jonathan Clark, Angela DiPasquo, Wally Gagel, Heather Grall, Eva Pickart, Sandi Hellstrom, Joseph Kelly, Gerry King, Mary Moriarty, Shamara Turner, Robin Volsky, Steve Warren and Greg Steenburgh.
Although the show is set nearly 80 years ago, performers and Mr. Wygonik believe the issues of emerging Nazi Germany still have pertinence today.
"There is still prejudice which predominates in the world, so these themes resonate," said Ms. Ferretti.
"This musical is so pivotal involving so many things. It's extremely haunting," said Mr. Wells.
During the early years when the Nazi regime was gaining followers, there was great diversity of acceptance among Germans, Ms. Harris noted.
"The show deals with the many attitudes during it all. Sally (Bowles) was oblivious. And then there was me, the Nazi (Fraulein Kost) who was very aware and embraced it," she said.
Mr. Wygonik noted that "Cabaret" broke new ground in its unique staging, as well as with controversial subject matter.
"The show is important in that it moved theater from being only onstage, to where they interact with the audience.
"The form of the musical was changed, as well as the subject matter, which included abortion and prostitution. Up to 1966, it was "Oklahoma" and "South Pacific" where they didn't throw it right in your face like the Nazi-Jewish thing," Mr. Wygonik said.
He had high praise for his accomplished cast, including several who have worked professionally on stage.
"They're working harder than I've seen people work. They have to be enthusiastic about being Nazis and that's the hard part.
"We see that the idealism of Nazism appealed to the young. Germany was a mess and the young embraced it," Mr. Wygonik said.
Aside from the obviously political overtones, the show also deals with matters of ill-fated love and self-awareness.
"I'm living in the moment in my character," Ms. Ferretti said. "Sally Bowles embodies female independence. She's confidant and she's always true to herself."
Ms. Carreau-Souza, formerly of Massachusetts and now residing in Port St. Lucie, has spent most of her life onstage and, as evident even in early rehearsals, brings a high level of skill and appeal to her role as the German landlady in love with a Jew.
"It's a very tough show and people who get offended by it don't know the necessity of showing these things.
"I'm happy the story is still being told because it's very important. This is all true and we can't forget it. I'm glad Mark's doing it," she said.
The Vero Beach Theatre Guild is located at 2020 San Juan Ave. in Vero Beach.
Tickets for "Cabaret" are $18 and $20 and may be purchased by calling (772) 562-8300 weekdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased beginning two hours prior to curtain.
For more information, visit online at www.VeroBeachTheatreGuild.com.