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Role: Fraulein Schneider
Show: 'CABARET' (1998 Version)
Performance Dates: June 2016
Project Blog -
What is your character's "role" in the world of the play? What do you think your character represents to the audience?
What surprised you the most about this show/the process of rehearsing and presenting the show (in terms of your experience playing your character)?
"I was aware of what the show was about, the history, etc. The rehearsal process wasn't surprising as such, but once we opened, what surprised me is how each of us changes in the second act, back stage. We don't talk as much to each other. We don't laugh, joke around, etc, especially Sally, MC and me...other cast members stand quietly backstage, watching what we've seen so often, yet riveted to what's going on onstage, actually leave us alone, give us space backstage. Fascinating."
What do you hope the audience takes away from the show/why should people come see the show?
"It's too clear, yet can't go without saying, that the atmosphere of hate and intolerance that takes hold, quietly, insidiously has parallels to the rise of hate and intolerance in our own country, and around the world. I would hope the audience takes away the need to PAY ATTENTION, and speak up, speak out, act (vote), and realize that we must be ever-vigilant."
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Photo credit: Rene Altamirano
What is your character's "role" in the world of the play? What do you think your character represents to the audience?
"To me Herr Schultz, along with Fr. Schneider to the extent she travels there as the show unfolds, is the uncynical, generous, idealistic to the point of some naïveté, beating heart of the story. If I've done my job inhabiting him, bringing him to life, he is what brings the audience perhaps the most personal sympathetic connection, their entry into (how they see themselves in) the story. Who among us hasn't dared to love someone or something, perhaps in spite of circumstances, and then lost or come up short?"
What surprised you the most about this show/the process of rehearsing and presenting the show (in terms of your experience playing your character)?
"I'll admit to entering the process with an approach which took Schultz at face value as a musical theatre character part, perhaps even a bit stock or conventional. The journey became at times--with Eileen's guidance and my own willingness to be aware, vulnerable, in the moment--an effort to keep it real, to not rely or settle for at any moment any mannerism, character voice, shtick, or any facile choice in my body or voice that merely "portrayed" rather than inhabited the role. I'll admit too to not knowing the show much beyond having seen the movie several times, so in that sense there were surprises that awaited me as well, as the show grew on me. And while I admit to being disappointed that Schultz's Act I song 'Meeskite' was not going to be in this 1998 version of the show, I quickly grew not to miss it at all, and even feel somewhat grateful it's not in it, as it is very much a character set piece that doesn't fit at all in this version, a more 'real' Herr Schultz."
What do you hope the audience takes away from the show/why should people come see the show?
"People should see this show because the thing itself is beautifully crafted, moving and entertaining. And this production is realized with great heart and energy and bravery and virtuosity by our cast. The take away? Personally - Live, dare, risk, laugh, love, be outrageous and even impulsive in embracing your life but try not to hurt yourself or others along the way (hard to do), cherish life, it's fleeting. Politically and socially."
What is your character's "role" in the world of the play? What do you think your character represents to the audience?
"I think that Fritzie and the other Kit Kat girls represent the combination of sexual expression and desperation at the same time. There was definitely an exploration of one's sexuality and sexual proclivities, but there also was a sense that some had to use sex as a way of surviving. I think that is especially true of Fritzie. She is one of the older Kit Kat girls who has had to live this Cabaret life for a long time, losing her dignity and sense of right and wrong. She is a survivor who has learned to use her talents to make it from one day to the next. The quality of her days is not as important as the quantity."
What surprised you the most about this show/the process of rehearsing and presenting the show (in terms of your experience playing your character)?
"I think I was most surprised by how close I became with the other Kit Kat girls. I imagine that the Kit Kat girls would have bonded over their common experience, putting themselves out there nightly, surviving on probably little to nothing. That bond happened off stage as well. We became a family, helping each other through rehearsals and life. Hopefully our closeness comes through to the audience. These are some fierce ladies who have each other's backs. "
What do you hope the audience takes away from the show/why should people come see the show?
"I hope the audience sees the connection between the absurdity and ugliness of the Nazis' hatred and the absurdity and ugliness of the hatred in our own country. We can't continue to admonish the evil of the past and still propagate and support evil in the present. Hatred in all forms is ugly. If we have truly evolved as a society and learned from our past, we will work towards tolerance, understanding, equality, and eventually, and hopefully, love"
Role: Fritzie (Kit Kat Girl) / Gorilla
Show: 'CABARET' (1998 Version)
Performance Dates: June 2016
Photo credit: Hannah Compton
What is your character's "role" in the world of the play? What do you think your character represents to the audience?
"Sally is interesting because she deliberately attempts to remove herself from the major political conflict happening all around her. She uses the Klub to hide from her troubles in a big way. To make a comparison to today's political climate, Sally's the girl you know who not only refuses to vote, but also refuses to read up on what's happening or become at all politically aware. She's on Facebook posting pictures of kittens and planning her next adventure and hiding all her friends who post political articles non-stop. I think sometimes it's hard to not want to be Sally or have her outlook, but her arc is also a great reminder of why we should concern ourselves with what's going on in the world!"
What surprised you the most about this show/the process of rehearsing and presenting the show (in terms of your experience playing your character)?
"Sally just completely surprised me in many ways. Before really reading the script and getting familiar with her, I had this image of a Sally who was really sexy and powerful but it came from a place of emptiness and brokenness from everything she'd been through. I think this is probably thanks to the Liza Minnelli movie. What surprised me was when the script showed me a Sally who is still sexy but not as powerful as she thinks, who still holds on to hope that love means something, and is seriously naive about it all. And we get to see her break, instead of her being broken to begin with, which I think is MUCH more interesting."
What do you hope the audience takes away from the show/why should people come see the show?
"It's truly terrifying to see the parallels between this story and today's political climate. It's a harsh but important reminder that political regimes don't just form overnight. Beyond the political implications, it's a seriously good drama - I'm so glad we're doing the 1998 revival because it just feels so beautifully balanced - you'll have a fun, sexy time, but you'll also get a little emotional punch in the gut. The entire cast is insanely talented, and we so appreciate the people who take time out of their day to support live theatre! Because, believe me, you NEVER know what's going to happen!"
Photo credit: Hannah Compton