COTTAGE GROVE – In a bold artistic endeavor that intertwines entertainment and activism, Cottage Theatre’s production of “Cabaret” captivates audiences with its haunting portrayal of love and defiance amidst the rise of fascism.
Set in 1931 in Berlin during a turbulent political era, the play is a semi-autobiographical novel about Christopher Isherwood, an English and American novelist, playwright, screenwriter, autobiographer, and diarist who died in 1989.
From left: Emcee (Chelsea Lovejoy) and Sally Bowles (Sophie Warren-Blades).
“When the time came to pitch shows for the 2026 season, ‘Cabaret’ was the first and only show that I submitted for this year,” said Kory Weimer, play director. “The message and the music have always been incredibly timeless – even more so currently – so it was a perfect time to tackle it.”
As the story goes, while the Kit Kat Club offers escape and entertainment in Berlin, political tensions rise outside as the Third Reich and political unrest intensify. Against this political backdrop, two love stories bloom – and then struggle – due to the uncertainty of their fate in this climate.
Rather than shying away from politics, this theatre leans into deep, heavy issues.
Progress is not always comfortable.
But neither is fascism.
Audience member Jack McCornack of Creswell said, “It wasn’t until intermission that I realized what a bold choice this was with our political climate.”
Another audience member, Kassy Cave of Cottage Grove, said she was glad that Weimer “chose a play that is art as protest.”
The actors, choreography
Warren-Blades, playing Sally Bowles, wowed the audience with her singing. The Emcee did an incredible job of expressing emotion – and evoking emotion as the mood of the play changed. The shift in musical tone and energy is executed well.
Jenna Kelly of Springfield said that Larry Brown playing Herr Schultz, “has an amazing voice, and his expressions are insane.”
From left: Fräulein Schneider (Nancy West) and Herr Schultz (Larry Brown).
Brown plays a warm-hearted Jewish fruit shop owner and middle-aged bachelor who seeks to win the heart of his boarder, Fraulein Schneider. Their budding romance unfolds in a time shadowed by the increasing anti-Semitism of the Nazi regime.
A naïve yet optimistic character, he is unaware of the escalating threats around him.
The songs are catchy, and the dance numbers choreographed by Darcy Rust are fun and sultry.
“Prior to choreographing, I did research on the burlesque culture in Germany in the 1930s. I wanted to understand the intentions and qualities of the performances happening at that time,” Rust said.
Rust captures the flirty tone of burlesque while also tracing its roots in comedy, entertainment, and political satire, unlike the modern version. Rust and the live orchestra cleverly use music and dance to subtly shift the mood, then shift it dramatically.
From left: Sally Bowles (Sophie Warren-Blades) and Clifford Bradshaw (Hayden Shoop).
People who enjoy jazz, dance, and musicals will enjoy this play. But people who want a deeper message, who believe that art can liberate and fight oppression, will also find a special relationship with this piece.
“I am always excited to share art with people, and especially art that makes people think and have discussions on the way home,” Weimer said.
Cottage Theatre effectively provides warnings about adult content, violence, and loud noises that may be triggering for some audiences. However, it is important to note that there are also flickering lights, which could potentially trigger seizures and migraines.
The play runs through April 26 at Cottage Theatre, 700 Village Drive.
Sarina Dorie is the arts writer for The Chronicle.
