Life is a cabaret

Samantha Reho

Fort Bliss Public Affairs

“What good is sitting all alone in your room; come hear the music play” at the Plaza Theatre March 15 for a one-night- only production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Cabaret.”

Set in 1929 Berlin, “Cabaret” highlights the extravagant nightlife in the sleazy Kit Kat Klub where star performer Sally Bowles and traveling writer Cliff Bradshaw’s complicated relationship evolves and changes before the onset of World War II.

The Plaza Theatre of El Paso is known for its circulation of traveling theatrical productions, and “Cabaret” is no exception, especially since it is a one-night-only performance.

“The show is truly a wonderful story that shows events of the past that are still happening today,” said Vincent Ignatius Oddo, who plays Cliff Bradshaw.

Bradshaw said the entire company had only two weeks of rehearsal before their first live performance out of town, which is unusually short for rehearsing a large production. Oddo said he especially felt the nerves being this was his first touring production. 

 

However, in preparation for this show, he researched many articles depicting the historical background and time period of “Cabaret” to help him develop his character.

He explains that the show slyly evolves from a fanciful world of debauchery and relic back to reality and the hardships that come with it.

Oddo, having two friends serve downrange with the U.S. Marine Corps, said this show deals heavily with political issues, which might interest military personnel attending the show.

Military discounts for the show range from $24 to $45.15, including facility tax. For more information and to order tickets, call the Plaza Theatre box office at 231-1100.