MADISON COLLEGE PRESENTS
TONY AWARD WINNING “CABARET”
Book by Joe Masteroff. Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. Music by John Kander. Lyrics by Fred Ebb.
Madison, Wisc., Feb. 12, 2025
MADISON COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS will present the Tony-Award winning musical “Cabaret” in the Mitby Theater, Truax Campus, March 7-15.
The show, directed by Meghan Randolph, is currently enjoying a run on Broadway starring Grammy nominee Adam Lambert. This musical set against the rise of the Nazis in 1920s Berlin feels more relevant than ever.
“Cabaret” explores the decadent and tumultuous lives of Berlin's natives and expatriates. The denizens of the Kit Kat Club take refuge there as Germany yields to the emerging Third Reich. Cliff, a young American writer, is immediately taken with English singer Sally Bowles. The story is told by a provocative club emcee.
The original version of “Cabaret” was turned into an iconic 1972 film starring Liza Minelli as Sally Bowles and Joel Grey as the Emcee (who originated the role on Broadway). A new version was introduced to Broadway in 1998 and starred UK actor Alan Cumming as the Emcee.
“Cabaret” is known for songs such as “Wilkommen,” “Maybe This Time” and “Money.”
Musician Lisa Erdman is the vocal director. Madison College alumnus Brandon Reda is music director, leading the 9-piece orchestra.
Erdman says, “Kander and Ebb’s music work with surgical precision to make you laugh with joy until you realize you’re crying in sadness.” She adds, “The score may have been first performed in 1966, but it still captures audiences today. For starters, the music is incredibly catchy--try listening to “Wilkommen,” “Money,” or “Two Ladies” without singing along.”
Choreography is by Kristin Roling, who works frequently with Edgewood College and Children’s Theater of Madison. Roling is assisted by cast member and dance captain Emma Bartholomew.
The cast of 19—plus four understudies—includes several student actors, plus alumni and community members. M
Students are also filling critical technical roles in stage management, assistant direction, lighting design and stage crew.
Performances will take place in the Mitby Theater, within Madison College Truax Campus. The building address is 1701 Wright Street.
There are six performances, March 7-15: Fridays, March 7 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $20 general admission, with $13 tickets for seniors 62+ and those 17 and younger.
The content includes drug, alcohol and sexual references. The threat of Hitler and Nazism loom throughout.
All performances are free to Madison College students with their OneCard.
Reserve tickets at madisoncollege.edu/student-experience/performing-arts
Published on February 24, 2025
