Arts Covid 

St. Thomas University Production of “Cabaret” Upcoming for Invited Audience

Avery Morton , ,

FREDERICTON – After three years of the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Thomas University’s production of “Cabaret” still faces similar challenges to stage productions in 2020 and 2021.

Cabaret, with book by Joe Masteroff, and music by Kander and Ebb; follows the lives of 7 eccentric individuals living in the twilight age of the Weimar Republic. The message and imagery of Cabaret speak on the rising politics of hatred and fear in Germany in 1932. A message which is still startlingly relevant today.

Cabaret, released in 1966, was revived in 1998. This revival version is being performed by STU. (Avery Morton/STU)

The class is much more hopeful for a successful run, now that New Brunswick has returned to level 1 of the COVID-19 winter plan. With the end of COVID-19 restrictions on the horizon, cast members are thankful that the shows run will fall between these two changes. This will allow for students to preform for a small audience, while also not needing to face too significant of a risk.

The class is as a pre-professional training program. With local industry leaders taking many roles as part of the production. Conductor, pianist and sound designer Michael Doherty will be conducting the band, many of whom also have ties to the university.

Students in the class often act as an audience for their peers as they rehearse. (Avery Morton/STU)

The class makes extensive use of outside resources, collaborating with UNB Theatre, Theatre New Brunswick, and St. Thomas University alumni to create the best possible show. STU alumna Sydney Hallett returned this year as a choreographer for the class, creating every dance from scratch for the entire production.

A unique feature of the class is the integration of production work as well as acting, singing, and dancing. Students join various production groups at the beginning of the school year and work within their teams to help the show succeed on stage and off.

Props team member Ben Geurts is overjoyed to be back in the theatre once again after two years away from the stage.

“I feel like it’s kind of a situation of – you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. And COVID kind of cutting things off for a little bit really made me recognize at least, how important it was in my life. And I’m sure many other people’s lives as well,” Geurts said.

Student Leaders, often doing related independent studies, run these production groups, coordinating with students as well as professors and other outside resources.

Julia Haldeman, the leader of the props team found inspiration in the historical age and context of the musical: “I’m really looking into the history of the show, as it relates to the props and I think it’s really interesting and a lot to learn,” said Haldeman.

Students in this course have worked fervently since September on the production. Learning from director Tania Breen, students have balanced memorization and rehearsing with their work in production groups. With many unique responsibilities such as creating and sourcing costumes, designing and organizing marketing materials, and organizing ticketing procedures.

Educators in this course work separately at the start, later bringing all the pieces together for the final rehearsals. (Avery Morton/STU)

The cast of Cabaret is determined to not let COVID-19 prevent them from learning and enjoying the work that they do.

Cabaret is running from March 2nd – 5th in the Black Box Theatre for an invited audience.