`Cabaret': Love story set in Nazi era still relevant today.Byline: Fred Crafts The Register-Guard The return of a favorite musical and the revival of two popular productions will open on local stages this week. Cabaret cabaret Restaurant that serves liquor and offers light musical entertainment. The cabaret probably originated in France in the 1880s as a small club that presented amateur acts and satiric skits lampooning bourgeois conventions. Very Little Theatre Friday through April 3 When it comes to the Broadway musical "Cabaret," Michael Watkins wants to take it for a walk on the dark side. OPENING THIS WEEK "It is a brilliant combination of musical entertainment and biting social commentary," says Watkins, who has directed for many years at Actors Cabaret of Eugene and is now making his directorial debut at the Very Little Theatre. "It deals with a very real and ugly period of history and hopefully reminds us of where we came from and, if we're not careful, where we could, at any given time, be headed again." By John Kander and Fred Ebb Fred Ebb (born April 8 1933 in Manhattan [1] — died September 11 2004 in New York City) was a musical theatre lyricist who had many successful collaborations with composer John Kander. , "Cabaret" is strong, sexy stuff (not recommended for children). It's one of the most popular musicals of the last half-century. Set in pre-war Germany, ``Cabaret'' follows Clifford Bradshaw (played by Evan Howells Evan Park Howell (1839 – 1905) was an American politician and early telegraph operator, as well as an officer in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. ), an American writer who visits Berlin as the Nazis are coming to power. He meets Sally Bowles (Liz Kadel), an English nightclub singer, and the two fall in love. Tragedy enters as the Nazi takeover begins. Watkins believes the musical speaks directly to today's audiences. "In these days of cell phones, personal computers and the general self-absorption we have, it is important to not lose sight of the fact that history can and often does repeat itself," he says. Watkins is emphasizing "the historical elements a little more, such as representing not only the Jews being persecuted, but also gay men (lesbians were more or less ignored, unless they were political dissidents Political dissidents are people severely persecuted by governments or other organizations for political reasons. They are not necessarily the only or most important dissidents, but they become famous or semi-famous often through the stories told by themselves or by others. , since they could still propagate prop·a·gate v. 1. To cause an organism to multiply or breed. 2. To breed offspring. 3. To transmit characteristics from one generation to another. 4. the race), gypsies, black people and political prisoners." To Watkins, the 1920s and the 1970s have a lot in common. "They were both periods of sexual revolution and free-living," he says. "In the case of the '70s, AIDS brought an end to the party. In the '20s, it was Hitler and the Nazis, which is far more terrifying ter·ri·fy tr.v. ter·ri·fied, ter·ri·fy·ing, ter·ri·fies 1. To fill with terror; make deeply afraid. See Synonyms at frighten. 2. To menace or threaten; intimidate. . After all, a disease has no agenda; an extreme political regime almost always has bigotry Bigotry See also Anti-Semitism. Beaumanoir, Sir Lucas de prejudiced ascetic; Grand Master of Templars. [Br. Lit.: Ivanhoe] Bunker, Archie middle-aged bigot in television series. and hatred as one of its basic tenets - something we would be wise to keep in mind." "Cabaret" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and March 18-20 and 25-27 and April 1-3 and at 2 p.m. March 14, 21 and 28 at Very Little Theatre, 2350 Hilyard St. Tickets, $12 and $15, are available through the box office (344-7751). Sealed for Freshness Actors Cabaret of Eugene Friday through March 27 Those wacky, fast-talking, soul-bearing, back-biting, Tupperware-popping women are back. Actors Cabaret of Eugene will revive Doug Stone's new comedy "Sealed for Freshness: A Tupperware Party n. 1. a social gathering at which the host (or more typically hostess) entertains the guests, and provides them with an opportunity to order Tupperware. This was used as an effective sales strategy by the Tupperware manufacturer, and provided income to the host(ess) from Gone Awry a·wry adv. 1. In a position that is turned or twisted toward one side; askew. 2. Away from the correct course; amiss. See Synonyms at amiss. ," for six performances, starting his week. The play concerns five good-hearted Midwestern women in the 1960s who let their hair down at a Tupperware party. Directed by Joe Zingo, the play features Christine Cody (as Sinclair Benevente), Storm Kennedy (Diane Whettlaufer), Katie McClatchy (Tracy-Ann McClain), Marla Norton (Jean Pawlicki), Mindy Nirenstein (Bonnie bon·ny also bon·nie adj. bon·ni·er, bon·ni·est Scots 1. Physically attractive or appealing; pretty. 2. Excellent. Kapica) and Richard Leebrick (Richard Kapica). ACE's production last fall sold out its 12 performances. "Sealed for Freshness" will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and March 19-20 and 26-27 at the Actors Cabaret Annex, 39 W. 10th Ave. Tickets, $12, are available through the ACE box office (683-4368). Hamlet South Eugene High School South Eugene High School is a public high school located in Eugene, Oregon, United States. It was founded as Eugene High School around 1900, and was located at Willamette Street and West 11th Avenue in a brick building that later served as Eugene's city hall. Friday and Saturday That melancholy Dane Hamlet is back trying to puzzle things out at the South Eugene High School auditorium. Recently produced, the school production of William Shakespeare's tragedy has been selected to be performed during the statewide high school drama conference next weekend. To get it ready, it has been slimmed down to two hours. The production features Drew Barton as Hamlet, with Celina Hess as Ophelia. "Hamlet" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the South Eugene High School auditorium, 400 E. 19th Ave. Tickets, $5 each, are available through the 19th Avenue Promotions Box Office (334-4882) or at the door. CAPTION(S): Michael Walker There are several people with the name Michael Walker:
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