by Janice Gardner, University of Southern Maine
“Cabaret”
Russell Hall, USM Gorham Campus
Thursday, April 2, 7 p.m.
Friday, April 3, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 4, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8, 10 a.m.
Thursday, April 9, 7 p.m. – Pay-What-You-Can
Friday, April 10, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 11, 7 p.m. – USM Theatre Gala: Willkommen to the Cabaret
Sunday, April 12, 2 p.m.
For tickets or more info, go to https://usm.maine.edu/department-theatre/
The USM Department of Theatre concludes its 2025-26 season with a decadent and haunting production of “Cabaret” and a fundraising celebration, “The USM Theatre Gala: Willkommen to the Cabaret!”
Produced in collaboration with the Osher School of Music, “Cabaret” runs April 2-12 at Russell Hall on the USM Gorham Campus. “The USM Theatre Gala: Willkommen to the Cabaret” fundraiser includes the April 11 performance of “Cabaret.”
In a Berlin nightclub, as the 1920s draw to a close, a garish Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience and encourages them to forget all their troubles at the Cabaret. With the Emcee’s bawdy songs as wry commentary, “Cabaret” explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.
Daring, provocative and exuberantly entertaining, USM’s production of Kander & Ebb’s iconic musical features a cast of 26 USM theatre and musical theatre majors. With direction from Danny Hutchins, musical direction from Edward Reichert, and choreography from Vanessa Beyland, all USM faculty, this production offers an optional immersive audience experience with seating on stage in the middle of the cabaret.
Director Danny Hutchins says, “Our goal is to make the audience feel as immersed in the Kit Kat Club as possible. ‘Cabaret’ is a piece that is designed to be experienced, not just watched, and this design puts the audience in the center of the action.”
Karoline Brechter, a graduating musical theatre major who plays the role of Sally Bowles, is thrilled for audiences to experience this production. “Not only are there iconic dance numbers and music, but also incredibly intricate design and direction. It’s an amazing show.”
The production offers the perfect backdrop to celebrate the work of the USM Department of Theatre with “The USM Theatre Gala: Willkommen to the Cabaret.” Centered around the April 11 performance of “Cabaret,” this fantastic event features food, a cash bar, a silent auction with great items from local businesses, and special student performances before the show. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $75 for immersive seating in the Cabaret. All proceeds support student scholarships, student professional development stipends, theatre production needs and performance accessibility upgrades.
Content Advisory: “Cabaret” explores themes of antisemitism, Nazism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, abortion and sexual content. This production includes depictions of domestic violence, physical violence, and Nazi and Holocaust imagery.