Cabaret @ The Deen

Tonight I was at The Deen in Northbridge where Scarp staged Cabaret. Strange really as I don't go to musicals generally, but what was even stranger was that I was actually in the cast. But I have an excuse - Jamie Cant is the Director and I wanted to find out if what people say about him is true! Well, my opinion about Jamie is............ sorry, I'm just about to sneeze...... wait a minute..... Ahhhhhhh!..Ahhhhh! Ahhhtosssssaaaa!!!!! There, that's better,. Now, where was I? Oh yes, Jamie Cant. Now what was I going to say? I'm sure it will come back to me soon.
Anyway, Cabaret - go see it! Those all-singin' all-dancin' types are really very talented. I was in total awe of the performances. I won't single people out ,'coz the cast party is yet to come, and everyone (apart from the jerk with the fruit) is excellent.
And if you want even more value for the trivial amount of money you will pay to get in, after the show go and tell Jamie you thought the guy playing Schultz was very good - wait until he's got a drink to his mouth though (which will be difficult as he will also have to be not talking).
And for the sake of Meadows, Buttery et al, the perv factor is very high. God I love being backstage.
Ahhh! Now I remember. About Jamie Cant - what people say IS true!

Don't miss out......tickets selling fast!!!!

Call me!!!

Teri Welch
0419 983418


You're right Dean..you weren't excellent.....

you were superb!!!!!

Went and saw opening night of Cabaret last night and thought it was absolutely fabulous. Congratulations to all those involved with the show, it is a remarkable achievement.

From all of us at Act One Scene One, best of luck for the rest of your season!

Regards,
Grant & Julia.

Yes, Teri, but how was his acting?

JB

huh??????? *blonde*(albiet bleached)

do you mean???...as opposed to his singing???...both fantastic...

The entire cast are amazing!!!!....

Teri

The relationship between actor and director provides an opportunity for profound and insightful interaction, and for creativity to flourish in the most unexpected of ways. Just when a director thinks that he/she has worked with/experienced the full spectrum of actor psychology, an individual comes along that dispels all preconceived notions, and demands that they be reassessed...The extraordinary presence of Dean Shultz(e) as a member of my beautiful and talented cast has created such an occasion...Dean is a trooper. He's a gentleman. He's commited. He's witty and capable of amazing spontenaiety...Dean is never afraid to appear silly or juvenile if the occasion requires it...or infact even if it doesn't. He's there, assing about as if there is no tomorrow...Dean has made a craft of 'assing'. Seldom in my years working in community theatre have I seen such a consistent and dedicated approach to 'assing'. He may be rude, obnoxious, and he might even laugh at his own pithy jokes...but he is never predictable, or dull or apathetic. If your show needs an ass, and I suspect that many of you might do well to consider it, this devil is worthy of your consideration. In the company of such a vast and exquisite array of asses (Dean alluded to his delirium in the dressing room) Dean is well-placed to continue to hone his craft in CABARET at The Deen. Come and see it for yourself, and take the opportunity to tell him exactly what you think of him face to face. You'll find him near the bar.

Thanks Dean. Thanks for being you.

Thank you for supporting CABARET and sincerest best wishes for your upcoming CHICAGO. Kander and Ebb are worthy of our attention because their work and what it stands for never dates. While there is sin and imagination in the world, the theatre will demand its close inspection. K&E are masters of this scrutiny and we thank and celebrate them for it. Social Commentary first, Music second. Where so many musicals allow the tail to wag the dog K&E always maintain the bark and the bite...

Jamie Cant's Cabaret!

The publicity blurb for this production suggested that "You haven't seen Cabaret until you have seen THIS Cabaret" A bold statement considering the recent productions I have already seen. The very commendable Playlovers version is still fresh in my mind. But I think the blurb is a bit misleading. This production of Cabaret isn't the same version of the production we know and love but something very, very different. The director has seen it necessary to add songs, characters, and sub-plots, in order to give the story of an American writer who falls in love with a cabaret girl a brand new twist. Or rather twists... I have no intention of spoiling the fun by analysing it all now. Let's all discuss it sometime next week when the production is down and there are a collection of postings from the purists strenuously objecting to what was done to their favourite musical.

Most of the performances are breathtaking. Nadia as Sally Bowles although a little emotionally flat on opening night (but perhaps this is intentional - I'm still thinking my way through it all) could belt out the songs in a way that earmarks her as a future 'great'. Luke Miller as Cliff provided an urbane foil to her and played the (implied) emotional 'disconnectedness' very intelligently. As to be expected the chorus routines are all musically regimented and visually appealing (if you happen to like that sort of thing...) And even here certain liberties have been taken!

What Scarp has achieved is a very flash and rounded production of the hit musical. What the director has done is loaded it with externally imposed politics. This doesn't take away from the guts of the piece but adds another dimension by attempting to draw comparisons between the Nazi politics of the 30's and the sexual politics of the 80's-90's. So the production actually works on several levels... which is quite unusual in community theatre.

Using the Aberdean Hotel dance area is both a blessing and a curse. It does give a 'cabaret in a cabaret' feel but it creates immense technical problems. I sympathised with the sound and lighting technicians who spent the whole performance struggling to land a fighter plane with one wing torn off. (The reference will make sense when you see the show!)

What Jamie Cant seems to have done is offered a lot of local actors a chance to perform in a significant piece of work. This 'Cabaret' is pitched well above the 'usual renditions' offered by umpteen over community theatre groups over the years (or is it months?). It was a full house the night I saw it but I hope it also attracts the widespread discussion that such a work deserves and does not just disappear into the list of just another 'Cabaret'...

Malcolm

Oh that I had been writ down an ass!

"Nadia as Sally Bowles although a little emotionally flat on opening night..." - Let me just start with he he he, ha ha ha. When the girl's half Dutchy, half Lebo, it's genetically impossible to be emotionally flat ;)

Well done to Jamie & Teri for pushing through. "The show must go on" takes on new meaning for these two.

Cheers
Craig (Nadia's husband)

Malcolm Crisp wrote:
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Jamie Cant's Cabaret!

The publicity blurb for this production suggested that "You haven't seen Cabaret until you have seen THIS Cabaret" A********* bold ********statement considering the recent productions I have already seen.

Teri Writes.....

BOLD???? WHO ME???? *shocked*....now as most people know..i am just a ***shy lil flower***.....*cough*

Playlovers production of Caberet cannot be all that fresh in your mind, because director David Gardette also found it necessary to add songs that were not in the original score and remove songs that were. I am not criticizing either of these productions, however I do question the motives of this practice in general.
INDI

Hi ya Indi!

My memory must really be on the skids in terms of the Playlovers version - unless you are referring to the additional songs from the movie version which are now almost mandatory in the stage play... Please refresh my data bank???

Personally I love the idea of strategically placing a bit of counter text to make the audience renegotiate the work. I find without such 'tricks' some productions take on the statue of museum exhibits.

Malcolm wrote: "This production of Cabaret isn't the same version of the production we know and love but something very, very different. The director has seen it necessary to add songs, characters, and sub-plots, in order to give the story of an American writer who falls in love with a cabaret girl a brand new twist".

Jamie certainly added some of his own clever ideas to 'Cabaret' but the re-written script and additional songs and sub-plots were in fact, mostly, (please correct me if I'm wrong Jamie) part of the recent revival of 'Cabaret' and were not the work of the director.

Personally, I didn't like the script re-writes. It seemed to me that this new version was almost sending up the original one at times. I even found myself shaking my head in disbelief once or twice. I also thought that the absence of the young Aryan Nazi singing "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" was fatal to the power of the show.

This new 'Cabaret' is worth seeing even if you are a 'Cabaret' prude though because of the interesting discussion it elicits.

What I loved about 'Cabaret' was the simple, representational way in which the show was presented and I enjoyed the final twist (which I believe was a Jamie original). The new song "I Don't Care Much" is lovely and was sung beautifully by Ethan Tomas. Nadia Nassif (Sally) is exceptionally talented. It was a pleasure to finally hear her sing (I've got her Myrtle CD, but that's a bit different to Music Theatre) but I was disappointed that she didn't down the egg!!

Chookas to all involved for the rest of the season and all the best for your pro future Jamie.

(Apologies for my copious posts lately, killing time til something interesting happens, maybe a lovely houseguest?)

Gill,

I didn't think the absence of young Aryan was fatal to Caberet's (the Scarp one's) power. While in the Playlovers version the scene was definately my favourite, so chilling in the light of hindsight, it stayed with me for a long time after the show finished. But the way it was used in the Scarp version was totally different. In my mind having the Nazi guy teach the American guy (oh, so familure with the text!) the song was indcative of the German people begining to learn and follow a "tune", when they had no idea what it meant or of it's consequences. Of their innocence and indocrination.

I loved both the treatments of this scene, the Playlovers one and the Scarp one, and found them equally moving and powerful, but in very different ways.

... some productions take on the statue (sic) of museum exhibits.

Did you really mean "statue"?? Or was the word you were seeking perhaps "stature"? Or even "status"?

BarbZ

Hi BarbZ and Malcolm

Barb Z wrote:
-------------------------------
> Did you really mean "statue"?? Or was the word you were
> seeking perhaps "stature"? Or even "status"?

Ten years on and you're still editing Malcolm' typos. I thought the two of you had left that behind?

;-)

Anyone else remember the golden days of Dramatick?

Cheers
Grant

Hi Indi

INDI wrote:
-------------------------------
> Playlovers production of Caberet cannot be all that fresh in
> your mind, because director David Gardette also found it
> necessary to add songs that were not in the original score and
> remove songs that were. I am not criticizing either of these
> productions, however I do question the motives of this practice
> in general.

And how do you feel about people adding in extra "characters"? Genuinely curious to know if you perceive there's been a shift or change in your thinking here. Even more intensely interested in the reasons why.

Cheers
Grant

"the golden days of Dramatick"? You mean it's gone? But I took out an annual subscription. Must apply for a refund. Send all applications to Malcolm Crisp c/o Skase residence, Majorca.

I'm not going to write much, as no matter how much I ramble about the brilliant use of atmosphere, or the talented representation of charaters, or the amazing vocal abilities of the cast, it all boils down to my opinion of the show.

My opinion? I thought it was excellent. I drank from the twin cups of entertainment and fine company and found them not wanting. In fact, I'm going to go again on Tuesday, and I'm bringing people. Hell, I'm lending people money so they don't miss out on this.

My verdict? Book now so I don't get all the tickets.

Troy

I saw Cabaret last week and was most impressed with the show. However, I'm not here to review - I'll leave that to the experts :-)

The person with whom I saw Cabaret is a member of Roleystone Theatre, and is currently appearing in a production at Marloo. In the audience were members of Playlovers and no doubt other clubs. After the show, I spotted Malcolm Crisp (who had assisted with photography for Cabaret) and another cast member of "Dr Koppelius" who had come along to congratulate and exchange experiences. Dean "Herr" Schulze mentioned that he was going to help out with Front of House at GRADS on the following Saturday night.
What a truly communal theatrical atmosphere there was at The Deen - and isn't that a big part of what it's all about? (Grant, do I score extra points if I add that much of this is due to the exchange of info on the website?)

Jenni C

Yeah Grant
I somehow knew you'd bring that up!!
Although I do not like the way in which Lyle said it
I understand now what he was saying.
We do the best with what we know.
When we know better, we do better.

Congratulations to Jamie and his cast, crew and fantastic band. I really enjoyed the show and a perfect venue for it. There was a lot to praise but for my money - Nadia what a knockout! Best version of 'Maybe this Time' I've heard and that's coming from a real Liza fan. My advice to others Go taste the wine, go hear the band......

Ditto on the congrats to the whole production team - took a group of 15 students to see the show - they loved it... not bad considering most have only seen one or two plays in their life and those were big budget extravaganzas...

Keep an eye out for our new setup - SHY - Seen and Heard Youth

Something Nice.

There's been a lot written about CABARET (and it's great to see people getting so enthusiastic over a show and this Reviews Page) so I doubt that I would have anything constructive to add, But Jamie told me to write "something nice" on the ITA page...

Another enjoyable evening for Mr "I Don't Like Musicals". Maybe I'm mellowing in my old age (I'll be ten this year, Angela!), or maybe the recent shows have been so damn good that they're even entertaining to an old pain in the ass like myself.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Playlovers version last year, so, for the first time, I found myself truly looking forward to a musical show - and I wasn't disappointed. There are some great numbers (I believe musical people use that term) and, unlike my understanding of many musicals, CABARET actually has a plot and a story that is both interesting and important. At this stage, I believe I'd happily go and see whoever performs it next.

Nadia was wonderful, but there was never any doubt. There are some shows you go to see because you just KNOW that certain people are going to be good. However, I also took a huge shine to Maria O'Dwyer as Fraulein Kost. I thought she was lovely (reminded me a little of Denise Richards, but every time I mention that, people just look at me strangely - but I get used to that) and did a great job. Hard to believe the programme notes that she doesn't own a single piece of black lingerie, but I'm sure she's now a convert. The other standout for me was Tricia O'Reilly as Fraulein Schneider - a little quiet on occasion, but wonderful characterisation and a great job for a stage newcomer.

The apparently young cast did a good job, and were certainly enthusiastic. The chorus numbers got a little out of synch at times, but the title number was perfection. Costuming was, erm, good - I enjoyed it a lot. No, really, would I joke about a thing like that? I must say, however, that I would consider stockings to be de rigueur. (The fishnet pantihose were nice, though.)

The last time I saw Dean Schulze on stage, I berated him for playing a voyeur and not sufficiently stretching his renowned acting talents. Last night, I watched Dean, on stage, surrounded by gorgeous, talented, scantily-clad, athletic, enthusiastic, beautiful young women cavorting mere inches from his disinterested character. Dean's stentorian voice never wavered, his convincing accent never cracked, his consistent body language never betrayed the dark and unspeakable thoughts that were roiling within his mind. Truly this was an acting performance of the highest order, or a scandalous misuse of recreational pharmaceuticals.

I thought the curtain call was great: a somber, in-character procession of the people involved, reflecting the solemnity of the subject matter, followed by an enthusiastic, personal, encore. Thanks Jamie, and all involved, for a great show. Thanks for those two extra nights at Helena College, otherwise I would have missed a great night's entertainment.

JB

Jarrod,
As the latest two members of the "maybe musicals aren't all that bad club", may I suggest we unite to recruite a third member. Mt plan is we get a club to stage "Sound Of Music" (sorry Gill) and cast Leah Maher as Maria. (After all, who do you think of when the phrase "virgin nun who sings" gets mentioned?). It's foolproof! (Or maybe foolish - whadever).
Dean (who wishes to play the little girl who sings "I flit, I float, I fleeting flee, I fly" or somesuch).

Heh, heh, heh.

This is great. We can say whatever we like because we know she's currently occupied with some of her favourite things.

JB

Dean Schulze wrote:
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Mt plan is we get a club to stage "Sound Of Music" (sorry Gill) and cast Leah Maher as Maria..............


Great idea, Dean. My hills are alive just thinking about it.

Leah

Actually with the gorgeous Leah as Maria and Dean as the littlest Von Trapp, that would be one production of SOM that I'd actually consider checking out!

Ditto.

I'm happy to report we are now deep in rehersal for our musical. We're thinking of calling it "The Sound of Music; A Radical Reinterpretation" or possibly "Rave Von Trapp".

And I must say that Dean in his leiderhosen and Jarrod in a spanking red frock (to match his beard), doing their rendition as Fritz and Leezel in "I am 16 going on 17...." is truely breath taking....

This will be Sound of Music as you've never seen it before. A sexy reinterpretation with an edgy ensemble cast that will blow you away. The poster is currently being designed around the theme of Julie Andrews being pack-raped by Nazi soldiers.
The music will be provided by Perth's latest top band Stinkfinger who have taken the old score, set fire to it and introduced their own funky sound to new lyrics. This will be an adult show so if nudity or smutty talk offend, this show is not for you.

i went to see cabaret with scarp last friday. it was very very good in my opinion. !!!! i like ethan tompson who played the emcee!
jamie ( the director) is a very nice person

Dean Schulze wrote:
-------------------------------
Tonight I was at The Deen in Northbridge where Scarp staged Cabaret. Strange really as I don't go to musicals generally, but what was even stranger was that I was actually in the cast. But I have an excuse - Jamie Cant is the Director and I wanted to find out if what people say about him is true! Well, my opinion about Jamie is............ sorry, I'm just about to sneeze...... wait a minute..... Ahhhhhhh!..Ahhhhh! Ahhhtosssssaaaa!!!!! There, that's better,. Now, where was I? Oh yes, Jamie Cant. Now what was I going to say? I'm sure it will come back to me soon.
Anyway, Cabaret - go see it! Those all-singin' all-dancin' types are really very talented. I was in total awe of the performances. I won't single people out ,'coz the cast party is yet to come, and everyone (apart from the jerk with the fruit) is excellent.
And if you want even more value for the trivial amount of money you will pay to get in, after the show go and tell Jamie you thought the guy playing Schultz was very good -....

i loved it all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:-D
ethan tomas ( emcee) is SEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yep. i was one of those 15 students. i liked it.
- amanda Tyler.