BEMIDJI, Minn. — The Bemidji State University theatre program presents the American musical classic “Cabaret” for five performances, opening Friday, March 20 and closing with a matinee performance on Sunday, March 29.

“Cabaret” opens Friday, March 20 with a 7:29 p.m. opening curtain, and will be performed Saturday, March 21 and Friday-Saturday, March 27-28, also with 7:29 p.m. opening curtains. The production will close Sunday, March 29 with a 3 p.m. matinee performance.

BSU’s production of “Cabaret” will be directed by Patrick Carriere, assistant professor of theater and communication arts. Ellen E. Jones, assistant professor of theater and communication arts, is the scenery and lighting designer, and Jennifer Swanson, assistant professor of music, is musical director. Robbie Stanton is the costume designer.

“Cabaret” is set in the decadent and tumultuous times of Depression-era Germany. People are seduced into the seedy world of the Kit Kat Klub under the illusion they are escaping their troubles, only to find those troubles multiplied as fascism rises around them.

“Cabaret” is adapted from book by Joe Masteroff with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.

Admission is $8 for adults and $4 for students, children and senior citizens. BSU students are admitted free with a valid student ID. Due to mature content, “Cabaret” is intended for an adult audience.

Tickets are available in the Bangsberg Fine Arts Complex box office, located in Bangsberg 101 on the BSU campus, beginning Monday, March 16. The box office is open from 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m. weekdays; call (218) 755-3935 for more information.

Talkback scheduled after March 20 opening performance
Members of the cast and crew, along with Bemidji State faculty, will host talkback event following the opening March 20 performance of “Cabaret.” The panel will discuss the historical context of the play, and how the events portrayed reflected the time period in which it is set.

For more information, please contact Patrick Carriere at the Bemidji State University theater program at (218) 755-3901.