Masquerade to put up the musical 'Cabaret' at Manoel

The Manoel Theatre is set to be transformed into a sleazy 1930s nightclub as it prepares to host the spectacular, galvanising musical, Cabaret.

Staged by Masquerade, the musical Cabaret is set in 1930s Berlin, transporting the audience back to the seedy glamour of the legendary Kit Kat Klub.

It tells the story of Cliff Bradshaw, a novelist, who comes to Berlin and meets the exotic Sally Bowles - who introduces him to the sleazy lifestyle.

Fraulein Schneider, the landlady, meanwhile, is being courted by Jewish fruit dealer Herr Schultz and agrees to marry him - until she realises what is happening politically to the Jews.

Cabaret is based on a play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood. The music is written by John Kander and lyrics are by Fred Ebb.

Anthony Bezzina, whose name is synonymous with the direction of musicals, is steering the production.

However, as he explained, no musical is ever the same.

"This musical in particular must reflect the 1930s period and must be upgraded in a subtle way to the time we're living in.

"Cabaret is very strong in both singing and dance. The drama side is very subtle and plays a major role in the plot."

Mr Bezzina had planned to stage the musical two years ago but the performing rights were not yet available.

Louiselle Vassallo stars as Sally Bowles, Chris Dingli is the Emcee, Madelaine Attard-Montalto makes a comeback after an absence of 12 years to play Fraulein Schneider, Godwin Scerri is Herr Schultz and Malcolm Galea is Cliff Bradshaw.

The cast also includes Colin Fitz, Pia Zammit, Jean Pierre Busuttil, Jes Sciberras, Marisa Baldacchino, Claudine Zerafa, and Yasmine Nuvoli.

Speaking about her role, Louiselle said: "Sally Bowles is by far the most challenging part I've ever had to play in a musical. What really intrigues me about this character is that, although she's loud and quite tarty, she is also likeable, mischievous and playful, but with a touch of melancholy".

Chris said the beauty of Cabaret was that it started off as a happy natured show and then gradually became tinged with sadness leading to an uncomfortable feeling.

Oscar-winner Peter Howitt is preparing the set for Cabaret, while Ernest Camilleri is busy designing the raunchy costumes to make the nightclub atmosphere complete.

Paul Abela will be the music director while British dancer and choreographer Emma Evans was assigned to create the dance pieces.

Cabaret kicks off on January 31 and runs on February 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. Booking is open.