author: Andrew Worthington
Life is a cabaret, old chum. Come to the cabaret! In the heart of downtown Havre de Grace, MD, Rogue Swan Theatre company is presenting an impressive, though startling, rendition of the Kander and Ebb masterpiece, Cabaret. The cast and creative team have created a fabulous production filled with incredible music, impressive dancing, gritty storytelling, and a message that is needed now more than ever. Director Lilli Burril-Gordon, Music Director Jarrett Rettman, and Choreographer Katie Gordon expect audiences to go into the performance with their minds open and leave with their jaws dropped.
The production team has done well creating a structure in which the cast and band can thrive while setting up in the beautifully redone STAR Centre. Scenic Designer Jimmy Burril has used a simple, yet efficient unit set behind the traveler curtain to create space for larger numbers, and the clever use of moveable doors turns the small apron of the stage into an effective and believable apartment building. The Backstage Team of Jasper Burril, Maire Watkins, and Breonna Lewis handles the many scene changes with ease, which allowed the high energy and momentum of the show to flow easily throughout the night. Lighting Designer Allie Beerman smartly uses color, shadow, and movement well to highlight the action appropriately while creating some truly beautiful moments throughout the show. While there were some inexcusable sound issues in Act I, they were fixed during intermission for a much smoother Act II. It is understandable that microphones are sometimes inconsistent or are accidentally turned off, etc., but there were many times in Act I where mics were simply turned on late into a scene or song or unbalanced leaving the audience to miss crucial dialogue or lyrics, and this was a significant distraction from an otherwise stellar production.
The massive, twelve-person orchestra on stage, led by Music Director Jarrett Rettman, provides a sound that is truly sublime as they provide a flawless accompaniment that matches the razzle dazzle being presented by the cast. Rettman should also be commended for his work with the cast; although there are few moments of ensemble singing and harmony, these moments shine with wonderful balance and high energy when they occur. Choreographer Katie Gordon has the cast moving all night with feats of athleticism, lockstep precision, oozing sexuality, and some downright disturbing moments.
The talented girls of the Kit Kat Klub, including April Burril, Arianna Costantini, Melissa Fazzino, Lisa Geiger, Jess Langley, and Amy Tucker, bring the space to life and move in tandem throughout the show. With great individual character moments throughout, incredible ensemble singing, and impressive dancing and physicality, this group of girls brings the energy, the sound, and the attitude, especially in standout moments in “Mein Herr” and “Don’t Tell Mama.” Not to be outdone, the club boys, including Caleb Gordon, Conner Hartland, and Callum Howard, are impressive throughout the show, and all have incredible chemistry in their moments on stage no matter who they are interacting with.
Speaking of chemistry, the relationship between Katie Gordon’s Fraulein Schneider and Brian Ruff’s Herr Schultz was incredible. Their moments together, including the beautifully performed “It Couldn’t Please Me More” and “Married,” made their moments apart that much more heartbreaking. As Ernst Ludwig, Andy Wentsel is steadfast in his commitment to the character and German accent. Wentsel portrays a seemingly safe, charming Ludwig, which makes the realizations that come throughout the show that much more dangerous. Michael Maistros does a great job as well while serving in multiple roles throughout the evening as he contributes to the juxtaposition of the present charm and rising danger of 1929 Berlin.
Amy Tucker’s performance was a standout of the evening as she took every opportunity to show off her voice in the beautifully-sung “Married” and “Tomorrow Begins With Me,” her dancing prowess as a member of the Kit Kat girls, and her comedic acting as the neighboring Fraulein Kost.
As the Master of Ceremonies, LH James overcame a slow start in the opening to reel in the audience with ruthless charisma and impressive physicality and did not let go of their hearts or attention until the curtain closed. James has many standout moments throughout the night, including the comically chaotic “Two Ladies” and a truly haunting rendition of “Money.”
Jesse Hutchinson gives a solid and energetic performance as visiting novelist, Clifford Bradshaw. Though there were instances of overacting in moments that called for subtlety and focus, Hutchinson’s commitment to the character and beautiful voice, especially in the song “Perfectly Marvelous,” contributed to an overall strong performance.
Marion Jackson is a revelation as the troubled performer, Sally Bowles. From the moment Jackson steps on stage, her voice, character, and physicality are relentless. Jackson stays true to the troubled character throughout scene and song, and her impressive (and sometimes chilling) vocals are on full display in “Maybe This Time” and “Cabaret.” Jackson’s performance during “Mein Herr” while balancing on a chair alongside the Kit Kat girls was an absolute feat, and her scenework only further showed her grasp of such an iconic character.
If you are looking for an evening of wonderful music, impressive performances, and a necessary story with a gritty twist, then make your way to see Rogue Swan Theatre Company’s stunning performance of Cabaret. With only a few performances left, this production is one that should not be missed!
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission
Cabaret plays through Saturday September 26th 2026 with Rogue Swan Theatre Company at the STAR Centre — 700 Congress Ave, Havre De Grace, MD. For tickets, can be purchased at the door (the STAR Centre is a cash-free establishment) or in advance online.
