John Kander and Fred Ebb's remarkable musical turns the pre-war Berlin of 1931 into a dark and sexually charged haven of decadence. Its extraordinary and morally ambiguous inhabitants are determined to keep up appearances as the real world—the world outside the comfortable sanctuary of the cabaret—prepares for the nightmarish chaos of war.

Cabaret follows the lives of Cliff Bradshaw, an American writer searching for inspiration for a second novel, and Sally Bowles, a young British singer performing at the seedy Kit Kat Klub. In spite of their wildly different personalities, the two soon fall in love.

But the relationship is doomed from the start. Cliff becomes involved in a web of illegal smuggling for the Nazis, and can’t seem to extricate himself. Sally’s aggressive ex doesn’t care for Cliff, and her unplanned pregnancy doesn’t help matters.

In the flat below is another blossoming romance; that between Cliff’s landlady, Fraulein Schneider, and the sweet, elderly Jewish shop owner, Herr Schultz. Your heart will ache as the Third Reich gains strength, and the chaos of the political world affects both relationships, eventually leaving Cliff with the inspiration needed for that second novel.

Since its Broadway debut in 1966, and the famous movie version with Liza Minnelli, Michael York and Joel Grey, Cabaret has won a staggering number of stage and screen accolades, including eight Oscars, 12 Tonys, and three Drama Desk Awards. Racy and raucous, Cabaret has been revived on Broadway twice (1987 and 1998) and remains in high demand on national tours.

Due to sexual induendo and mature nature, Cabaret is not suitable for young children.

Cabaret Trivia

• The song, “Tomorrow Belongs to Me" was written by John Kander and Fred Ebb in the style of a traditional German song, sung by the Nazi youth in the movie, to stir up patriotism for the "fatherland". It has often been mistaken for a genuine "Nazi anthem" and has led to the songwriters being accused of anti-Semitism, though they are, in fact, Jewish.

• In an interview given at the time of the film's release, Liza Minnelli said you could tell she was the star of the cabaret in which the movie is set because she's the only performer with shaved armpits.

• Joel Grey is one of just a handful of actors who have won both a Tony Award and an Academy Award for the same role. He played the Emcee on Broadway in 1966 and 1987, and in the 1972 film.

Single tickets for CABARET are available at The Capitol Theatre box office: 509-853-ARTS or 800-325-SEAT after November 2, 2009.