'Cabaret' Coming to Pitt-Bradford

“Cabaret,” winner of 12 Tony awards including Best Musical and Best Revival, is bringing its energy and famous songs to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Bromeley Family Theater on Thursday, April 29, as the final performance in the university’s 2009-2010 Prism Series.

The show, performed by Windwood Theatricals, begins at 7:30 p.m., with a pre-show dinner at 5:45. Tickets are $36 and $30 for the public, $32 and $26 for Pitt-Bradford faculty and staff, and $16 and $13 for students.

“Windwood Theatricals is an excellent touring company. They have brought us ‘Urban Cowboy,’ ‘Little Women’ and ‘Bye Bye Birdie,’ all first-rate productions,” said Randy Mayes, director of arts programming at Pitt-Bradford. “They love performing in Bradford, and we love having them back.”

Mayes continued, “Of all the shows, however, ‘Cabaret’ is my favorite, and I am very excited about it coming here. From the results on their tour so far, we have every right to be excited about this show. I cannot think of a better way to end the Prism Series season this year.”

Set in Berlin as Hitler and the Nazis are rising to power, “Cabaret” revolves around a young English singer, Sally Bowles, who works at Berlin’s Kit Kat Club and strives to embrace the thrilling lifestyle that Berlin was known for. As the clouds gather, Sally cannot hear the noises of Nazism around her, but the others can.

The opening café scene will feature two Bradford residents, Dr. Rick Frederick and his wife, Jan. “Rick and Jan have been strong supporters of all the arts in Bradford,” said Mayes. “I am very happy that they agreed to be in the café scene.”

Songs include “It Couldn’t Please me More,” “Tomorrow Belongs to Me,” “Wilkommen,” “Cabaret,” “Money, Money” and “Maybe This Time.”

“Cabaret’s” awards include a 1967 Tony Award for Best Musical and 1998 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. The 1972 film directed by Bob Fosse won eight Academy Awards including Best Actress for Liza Minelli in the role of Sally Bowles.

The 2010-11 Prism Series season will be announced during the performance of “Cabaret.” To purchase tickets for the show, please call the Pitt-Bradford Box Office at (814)362-5113 between 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Cost of the pre-show dinner is $20, and includes: coq au vin, braised chicken in wine, tomatoes and herbs; Cabernet pasta with grilled vegetables; Haricot Vere, French green beans; Nicoise-style salad; and crème brulee. Dinner will be served in the KOA Dining Room, Frame Westerberg Commons. Reservations for the dinner can also be made through the box office.

“Cabaret” contains adult themes and may not be suitable for children.

For disability-related needs, contact the Office of Disability Resources and Services at 814-362-7609 or arj4@pitt.edu.