Life’s a ‘Cabaret’ at SLO Little Theatre

“Wilkommen, bienvenue, welcome!”

With those words, the flamboyant master of ceremonies (Toby Tropper) welcomes the audience to San Luis Obispo Little Theatre’s well-crafted production of “Cabaret.” With biting humor and a string of memorable musical numbers by John Kander and Fred Ebb, the musical channels both the allure and the anguish of Germany in the frolicsome final days before World War II.

“Cabaret” begins aboard a train on New Year’s Eve, 1931.

American writer Cliff Bradshaw (Mike Fiore) has traveled to Berlin to work on his novel — or at least, drink, dine and dance his worries away in a city notorious for its nightlife.

Immediately upon his arrival, Cliff catches the attention of two Berliners — Ernst Ludwig (Gregory Gorrindo), a German smuggler with secret political ties, and Sally Bowles (Holly Halay), an English entertainer who’s the star of the seedy Kit Kat Kub.

Sally wastes no time in seducing the seemingly innocent Cliff, who’s naturally smitten by the gin-swilling, cocaine-sniffing chanteuse and her carefree ways. (He, in turn, dazzles her by reciting the baseball poem “Casey at the Bat.”)

When club owner Max (John Mackey) kicks Sally to the curb — explaining, “It is a new year. It is time for a new face” —she runs straight to the writer, becoming his lover and live-in muse.

While the “Perfectly Marvelous” romance between Cliff and Sally has a manic edge, the courtship of Cliff’s landlady, Frau Schneider (Jackie Edwards), and her tenant, Herr Schultz (Michael Siebrass, perfectly cast), shows true tenderness.

A Jewish fruit vendor, Herr Schultz lavishes his lady love with Italian oranges, pears and, at one point, a pineapple — leading to the sweet duet “It Couldn’t Please Me More.” “Marriage” seems the logical next step.

Their relationship does not go unnoticed by another renter, Fraulein Kost (Casey Canino), who entertains sailors in her room. The prostitute might be laissez faire about her attitude toward sex, but she, like Nazi supporter Ernst, frowns at the idea of a Jew marrying a gentile.

Underscoring the action are the M.C. and his scantily clad Kit Kat Girls (Kerry DiMaggio, Shaley Gunther, Katie Gucik, Michelle Hanson, Nicole Holst, Amanda Johnson and Emily Segal). Chris Forrer plays Kit Kat boy Bobby.

Whether singing a cynical ode to “Money,” urging the audience “Don’t Tell Mama” or celebrating the ménage à trois in the delightful “Two Ladies,” they signal that the happy hedonism of pre-war life is about to give way to darkness and dread.

Toby Tropper throws himself into his performance as the M.C., grimacing and gesticulating with all his might.

Still, he manages to find balance between the wild abandon of “Willkommen” and the haunting melancholy of “I Don’t Care Much.” And Tropper successfully captures the bittersweet note in “If You Could See Her,” which finds him serenading a woman in an ape suit.

Holly Halay is also operating full-throttle as Sally, but the high-octane acting style that works so well in the brassy “Mein Herr” seems ill-suited for quieter numbers such as “Maybe This Time.” (Her English accent also wavers from time to time, despite careful coaching from Casey Canino.)

Mike Fiore, in contrast, plays it relatively straight as the square-jawed Cliff.

As far as acting goes, the surprise standout in “Cabaret” is Michael Siebrass. He is the ideal choice to play the sweet-natured Herr Schultz.

Directed by Kevin Harris with musical direction by Lacey McNamara, “Cabaret” benefits from Drew Silvaggio’s sassy, stomp-happy choreography and David Linfield’s innovative set design, which stretches the small stage far beyond its usual confines.

Also helping to set the scene are Keith Wetzel’s costumes — a mix of tattered lingerie, sequin-spangled evening wear and other period-appropriate apparel — and Emy Authier’s vintage hairstyles and enjoyably garish makeup.

Harris also designed the lighting and sound, while Phil Edwards and Rick Johnson handled props.

Their efforts combine to create a production that will linger with audience members long after the party is over.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Life’s a ‘Cabaret’ at SLO Little Theatre."