“Cabaret” presents a series of individuals in Paris in the 1930s and how each has their own goals in mind.
“They’re not really focused on other people at the beginning of the show, but that changes over the course of the show,” said director Robb Zahm.
He chose the production for ShenanArts for its relevance to socio-political events in the United States today.
“People have a tendency to say: ‘well, that’s politics, that’s not theater, that’s not me, that’s not my life, that’s not going to impact me. I don’t have to worry about it.'”
“Cabaret” highlights what happens when you don’t face the truth.
While the show does not have an intention to persuade anyone about what to think or how to vote, the message is to think and vote and get engaged.
“You can’t stay focused on your own ambitions in life,” Zahm said.
Sitting back and letting events pass you by is not an option today just as it wasn’t in the 1930s in Europe.
“It is a fun show, though. It’s got some really upbeat songs,” Zahm said. “It’s very upbeat and positive and warm until you get close to the end.”
Larry Friedland portrays “the Emcee,” who suspiciously appears on stage during other characters’ conversations and provides the audience further insight into what is happening.
‘This character is an interesting exercise in mindful participation in what’s going on around you,” Friedland, who audiences recently saw perform in “Proof” at ShenanArts, said.
By the end of the production, it is possible that the Emcee is the only character fully aware of everyone’s situation.
Friedland said his character lives in the moment and he, like the other characters, is unaware of just how fast a situation can change.
“You can absolutely live in the ‘Cabaret’ and everything is still happening around you,” Friedland said of what he hopes audience members take from seeing the show. Distractions are a part of life but should not keep you from facing reality. “We focus on the wrong thing so often.”
“Sally” is brought to the stage by Buffalo Gap High School graduate Charlie Trzell, who attended Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School and is now pursuing musical theater at Marymount Manhattan College in New York.
Trzell said that “Sally” is a character who comes across as confident and unchangeable. She is who she is and unashamed.
“Think and be aware, and certainly take this out of the theater and into the world,” Trzell said of what she hopes audience members take away from seeing the production.
At college, Trzell said that she and her fellow students talk a lot about what they hope their work in theater is able to change in the world.
She cautioned, however, that balance in life is necessary while also taking time to think and get engaged.
“You can have fun. Finding the balance between characters like “Sally” and “Cliff” is kind of how you have to live life, so you don’t fall apart,” Trzell said.
Theater has an impact on politics and the world around us.
“Musical theater is always underestimated,” Trzell said. 
Jayden Golder has previously performed with Shenandoah Valley Governor’s School and performed in “The Wizard of Oz,” “Shrek” and “Rock of Ages” at Staunton High School. He brings “Cliff” to the stage.
“He is a lot more serious than I am,” Golder said of his character. He has had to tone down his personal goofiness and be more serious on stage.
Less politically aware himself, Golder said “Cliff” is aware of what is going on. In fact, he does what he can to encourage a sense of urgency in “Sally’s” behavior.
“He sees what’s happening and he says: ‘we’ve got to get out of here.'”
His awareness creates conflict with other characters, especially “Sally.”
“I hope that they understand that complacency isn’t an option for change,” Golder said of what he hopes audience members take away from seeing the show. “You can’t sit around and wait for things to happen.”
Golder said you have to put in the work for change. Change does not just happen.
“Cabaret” will be performed Friday, August 2 to Sunday, August 4, 2024 and Friday, August 9 to August 11, 2024. ShenanArts is at 300 Churchville Ave., Staunton. Tickets are available online.
Related stories:
‘Reconnect with empathy’ at ShenanArts with stage production of ‘Cabaret’ (augustafreepress.com)
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Rebecca Barnabi
