“Cabaret” cast says “Willkommen” to audiences
From March 14 to 30, the Civic Arts Plaza was transformed into the “Kit Kat Club.” “Cabaret,” a musical which takes place in pre WWII Germany, tells a story known for its eccentric costumes, lively dance numbers and most of all, its intended lesson about the dangers of apathy in a time of rising hatred.
Sean Samuels portrayed the Emcee, a protagonist who is the host of the Kit Kat Club. Samuels, with help from the cast and crew, created his own vision of the Emcee. “He was just someone who wanted to have a good time. He wanted everyone to see life in the most beautiful light possible,” Samuels said. Samuels felt that the issues brought up in “Cabaret” are more relevant now than ever. “I just hope that the audience leaves asking powerful questions of themselves and of their greater environment, and I hope they can see the similarities between the 1930s and what’s happening now,” Samuels said.
“It’ll all work out. It’s only politics. And what has that got to do with us?” These are the infamous words of Sally Bowles, another one of the show’s protagonists, portrayed by Emily Goglia. Goglia, a Westlake High School alumna, performed “Cabaret” previously in college and noticed many differences between the two productions. “In college, it felt like it was such a period piece…now, it’s just so relevant,” Goglia said. Developing her character took lots of effort, and Goglia noticed the stark contrast Sally presents throughout the show. “I think [the show] is just so well written that if I just did the show and went and did each scene…you see her slowly get to her breaking point, and then suddenly I was there,” Goglia said. Goglia developed bonds with the entire cast, but particularly with Connor Bullock, who played Sally’s lover, Cliff. “I knew from the audition that I was going to have a good time with him. We have a similar sense of humor, and we both saw the characters in the same way,” Goglia said.
Jacob Wilson portrayed Ernst Ludwig, a character whose motives and beliefs are revealed throughout the show. Wilson tried to portray his character as a complex being. “With those kinds of characters, it can be really easy to just play an idea of a person rather than a human being who got swept up in very dangerous ideologies, thinking he was doing what was best for his country,” Wilson said. While portraying Ernst, Wilson held on to the relevant messages of “Cabaret.” “It’s a reminder of what happens when good people do nothing in the face of bad things happening,” Wilson said.
Combining singing, dancing, acting and many poignant messages, the cast of “Cabaret” worked together to form a renowned production. “This has been the most amazing set of artistic people that I’ve ever met, and I love each and every one of my cast mates, crew, wardrobe and hair…everyone involved. We became a little family,” Samuels said.
