Theatre VCU performs 'Cabaret' in spring production

Theatre VCU stages “Cabaret,” the beloved Tony Award-winning musical, with dates scheduled from April 10 through April 27 at the Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, 922 Park Ave. 

“Wilkommen” to the Cabaret, the emcee of the Kit Kat Club sings through painted lips as Theatre VCU takes its audience into the decadent, provocative world of 1929 Berlin, when political unrest racked economically troubled Germany and millions of unemployed roamed the streets.

The play sets the rise of the Nazis against the apathy of the masses, and describes a wind of change that would have terrifying consequences for all. “Cabaret” is known for its many memorable songs, including “Money Makes the World Go 'Round,” “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Two Ladies.”

Director Mark Ramont is in his fourth season as the associate producer/artistic director for Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. Other professional positions have included associate artistic director for New York’s Circle Repertory Co., artistic director for Capitol City Playhouse in Austin, Texas, and artistic director for the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, N.Y.

Ramont has directed the world premieres of “Walking the Dead,” “Dalton’s Back,” “The Colorado Catechism” — all at Circle Rep — and “Mad River Rising” at Vermont Stage Co., winner of Moss Hart Award for Outstanding Production in New England. He has won awards for his productions of  “Jeffrey,” “Amadeus,” “Goodnight Desdemona (Good Morning, Juliet),” “Lips Together, Teeth Apart,” “Mass Appeal” and “Agnes of God.”

Choreographer Patti D’Beck, an assistant professor of theater at VCU, is a veteran of 13 Broadway shows. Her credits as associate choreographer, dance captain and performer/understudy include the Broadway productions of “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Bells Are Ringing,” “Grease!,” “The Will Rogers’ Follies,” “My One and Only,” “Evita,” “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” “A Chorus Line,” “Pippin,” “Seesaw” and “Applause.” D’Beck also choreographed the opening number for the 1997 Tony Awards for Rosie O’Donnell.

"Cabaret"’s costume designer, Toni-Leslie James, assistant professor of theater at VCU, is a New York-based costume designer. Since her off-Broadway debut in 1990, James has been nominated for 19 costume design awards for her contributions to various theatrical productions, garnering a Tony Award nomination, three Drama Desk nominations and the American Theatre Wing Hewes Award, among other honors.

Performances of  “Cabaret” are scheduled for April 10-12, 17-19 and 24-26 at 7:30 p.m. and April 13, 20 and 27 at 3 p.m. High school matinees are at 10 a.m. on April 9, 15 and 16. Ticket prices are $20 for general admission, $18 for VCU faculty and staff, $8 for VCU students with a valid ID, $18 for other students with a valid ID and $18 per person for groups of 20 or more. Tickets can be purchased at the Hodges Theatre Box Office at the performing arts center, or reserved by contacting 804-828-6026 or theatretix@vcu.edu.