THEATRE

• Official Website
• Buy Tickets
• Add to My Favorites

SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!

Presented by Summer Stock Austin at The Long Center: Debra & Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre

July 22-August 7, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.7 Stars):
Add Review/Comment | Read Reviews/Comments

Comment on Facebook

Cabaret is based on John Van Druten's 1951 play I Am a Camera, which in turn was adapted from the novel Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood. Set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, it focuses on nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around the 19-year-old English cabaret performer Sally Bowles and her relationship with young American writer Cliff Bradshaw. Featuring popular show-stoppers such as 'The Money Song,' 'Mein Heir,' 'Tomorrow Belongs to Me,' and, of course, the title number 'Cabaret,' audiences are led into a world of darkness and seduction where feelings can only be released in the safety of the Cabaret. Sweet Charity, based on Federico Fellini's screenplay Nights of Cabiria, was originally choreographed and conceived by Bob Fosse, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields, and book by Neil Simon. Top hats, canes, slinky costumes and Bob Fosse's stunning choreography typically outshine the true heart of this charming musical. The driving force is a young woman trying to find relevance and fulfillment in an America that didn’t readily offer opportunities to women. On a more universal level, it’s also about being trapped; trapped in dead-end jobs, toxic relationships, and the gender roles imposed by a rigid, unimaginative value system. Featuring well known songs such as 'If My Friends Could See Me Now' and 'Big Spender,' Sweet Charity is an upbeat, touching tale of a young woman's search for 'Something Better....'

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    The Long Center for the Performing Arts > The Long Center: Debra & Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre

    The Long Center for the Performing Arts
    701 W. Riverside Drive
    Austin, TX 78704

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Tickets:

    $25 General Admission Students/Seniors: The prices will be $20 for opening and closing, $13 weeknights, $15 Weekends.

    Info Phone: 512-474-LONG or 512-474-5664

    Email

    Buy Tickets

  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    July 22-August 7, 2010

    Times:
    

    Tues-Sun: 7:30 pm Saturday July 31st: 2 pm Sunday August 1st: 2 pm Saturday August 7th: 2 pm

  • Accessibility Info

    

  • Video & Image Gallery

    Video | Images Images

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "SummerStock does it again!"
      Review posted by: AustinTheatreFan from Austin, TX, Aug 03, 2010
      

      Take 2 shows with similar starting premises (girls working as nighttime entertainers), assemble an extremely talented cast of high-school and college students, and then see where those shows take you.... Expand

      Take 2 shows with similar starting premises (girls working as nighttime entertainers), assemble an extremely talented cast of high-school and college students, and then see where those shows take you. In the case of Sweet Charity, you get a wonderfully bubbly and charming family musical, starring the amazingly talented Sarah Burke. There's Fosse-style dancing and several show-stopping numbers like "Big Spender" and "Rhythm of Life." Cabaret is darker and more intense, and deals with the Nazi's rise to power, as seen through the eyes of the entertainers and patrons of the Kit Kat Club. Aaron Moten's portrayal of the Emcee is powerful and chilling. He is equal parts devil and commentator, and more than once shines the light on some hypocrisy. Kelli Schultz as Sally Bowles offers a heart-breaking rendition of "Life is a Cabaret." SSA never disappoints - the talent they manage to find every year, and the professional level of shows they produce are simply amazing. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Extra Sweet."
      Review posted by: J. Meyer from Austin, Texas, USA, Aug 03, 2010
      

      Is there ANYthing that this show won't do to entertain? Extennnnnnnnded dance numbers? Check. Physical comedy? Check. Delightfully bad wigs? Check and Check. A leading role that gives Sara Burke a... Expand

      Is there ANYthing that this show won't do to entertain? Extennnnnnnnded dance numbers? Check. Physical comedy? Check. Delightfully bad wigs? Check and Check. A leading role that gives Sara Burke a chance to shine so brightly? CHECK! Ms. Burke brings firecracker energy, great comic timing, and a lot of heart to the lead, such that her exclamations of "SOMEONE LOVES ME!" leading into I'M A BRASS BAND sent real chills up this audience member's spine. The rest of the cast makes a grand ol' time of it as well, with Josean Rodriguez doing particularly good work in his role as Oscar. And the SCORE... My God, the SCORE... Pure musical theatre joy injected into your brain stem, leaving you with little choice but to buy the original Gwen Verdon cast recording on ITunes and maybe return to see the whole thing again. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "SWEET CHARITY!"
      Review posted by: Anonymous from Austin, TX USA, Aug 01, 2010
      

      A wonderful night at the theatre! I have given very few standing ovations in eight years of Austin theatregoing, but after Sarah Burke turned to face the audience with one last infectious smile as... Expand

      A wonderful night at the theatre! I have given very few standing ovations in eight years of Austin theatregoing, but after Sarah Burke turned to face the audience with one last infectious smile as the horn section offered one final blast, I couldn't help but leap to my feet. The cast seemed to devour the material, executing with ease each delightful and difficult sequence. In addition to the afore-mentioned and pitch-perfect Ms. Burke, Brandon Edwards as the strangest Daddy imaginable, Josean Rodriguez channeling Don Knotts whilst breathing new life into an ages-old "nervous guy" routine, and what must be the best use EVER of male falsetto in an eleven o'clock number make this essential viewing. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Don’t miss your chance to see this show!"
      Review posted by: TxReviews from Houston, TX, Aug 01, 2010
      

      Can’t take the heat outside? Then come in and see Austin’s Summer Stock “Sweet Charity” it is a home run! This is an amazing feat with young actors (high school & college students) It is... Expand

      Can’t take the heat outside? Then come in and see Austin’s Summer Stock “Sweet Charity” it is a home run! This is an amazing feat with young actors (high school & college students) It is hard to believe that they mounted this show is just two weeks. The vocals are lead by “Charity” the talented high school senior Sara Burke, this heart wrenching love story and funny musical gives the all age audience a really fun time. The choreography & dancing would make Fosse smile. Congrats to Michael McKelvey, Ginger Morris and the very talented cast of Sweet Charity! Don’t miss your chance to see this show! Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "CABARET"
      Review posted by: Linda in Cedar Creek from Cedar Creek, Texas , Jul 28, 2010
      

      CABARET, is one of the best musicals I've seen. Aaron Moten, shows so many emotions and he receives a 5-star just for himself. This musical is put on by Summer Stock and all the actors and actresses... Expand

      CABARET, is one of the best musicals I've seen. Aaron Moten, shows so many emotions and he receives a 5-star just for himself. This musical is put on by Summer Stock and all the actors and actresses have done a tremendous job of singing and performing. This is absolutely MUST SEE musical. 5 Stars for all the performers!! Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Abracadabaracabaret"
      Review posted by: Hans Conreid from Austin, TX, Jul 26, 2010
      

      Great show. Even if you're like me and are dog tired of Cabaret's book scenes... even if you watch the movie and find yourself skipping to Liza's big numbers... you'll find more than a few moments to... Expand

      Great show. Even if you're like me and are dog tired of Cabaret's book scenes... even if you watch the movie and find yourself skipping to Liza's big numbers... you'll find more than a few moments to really savor in this production. Kelli Schultz is a stunning Sally Bowles, and she brings to the role the charismatic, carefree appeal of not-trying-too-hard. Aaron Moten's MC-by-way-of-drag queen/soul diva also shines by keeping his interpretation fast, loose, and mischievous. Other standouts in the cast include Nicholas Kier as a handsome and hapless Cliff Bradshaw, Alexa Doggett as Rosie, and Coy Branschum as Nazi Youth. And really, the whole cast performs admirably. I did find myself questioning one or two of the song interpretations, and, yes, wished I could have skipped past a few of the secondary romance scenes, but that still leaves PLENTY to recommend. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Electrifying Production; Shockingly Good!"
      Review posted by: Preston Kirk from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Jul 25, 2010
      

      I confess to low expectations for a version of "Cabaret" by high school and college students on the limited Rollins stage. BUT, I was literally blown away Fri. night by the in-your-face... Expand

      I confess to low expectations for a version of "Cabaret" by high school and college students on the limited Rollins stage. BUT, I was literally blown away Fri. night by the in-your-face professionalism of this production. Top hats off to Bill Henry Prod. Co. and Summer Stock Austin on its 6th Season -- cast, crew & staff. Now, I'm salivating to see "Sweet Charity!" The Kit Kat Klub may have sparkled more in previous versions I've seen, but it was never more licentious, libidinous or lascivious. And you dare not look away from Aaron Moten's Emcee. Forget Joel Grey's version. Aaron makes this role over, and completely his own. He puts the US in LUST. Kelli Schultz: great Sally Bowles. Wonderfully choreographed & costumed dancers highlight unbridled hedonism, one of multi themes here. The social and political issues brewing in Hitler's early years (1930s) remind us all to look up from the rave, HDTV, ipod and freeway and tune in to unbridled, unchecked powers & racism in our own nation. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Developing Broadway Stars"
      Review posted by: Ronda Dale Kirk from Spicewood (Austin), Texas, USA, Jul 25, 2010
      

      If you go to the Long Center for a performance of Summer Stock Austin (Cabaret or Sweet Charity), I truly believe you will be seeing some future Broadway actors. Musical theatre here looks like... Expand

      If you go to the Long Center for a performance of Summer Stock Austin (Cabaret or Sweet Charity), I truly believe you will be seeing some future Broadway actors. Musical theatre here looks like professional quality to me, especially the choreography which fit the smaller Rollins stage perfectly. The set pieces are stark, but well done, and the band placement, elevated above the stage is a fine decision. Take time to see the excellent young talent Texas has to offer ... right here on an Austin stage . . . because the Great White Way and bright lights elsewhere or on tour will surely be snapping up many of these talented dancers, actors, and yes, musicians, too, to say nothing of the creative crew from set design and costumes to props and choreography. CAVEAT: Cabaret's themes explore dark recesses of the humany psyche -- religion, racism, sexuality. Think hard before you take the youngest teens to this show, since the racy costumes and situations may be too much. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      ""Talent Galore in Summer Stock Austin""
      Review posted by: Zelda Austen from Austin, Texas, Jul 23, 2010
      

      This is the first Summer Stock Austin production I've seen and I came away excited and happy at the sight of so much young talent. The performers are all high school and university theatre students.... Expand

      This is the first Summer Stock Austin production I've seen and I came away excited and happy at the sight of so much young talent. The performers are all high school and university theatre students. Clearly the most brilliant was Aaron Moten, whose name I hope to see in lights one day. He played the MC and I'd seen both Joel Grey and Alan Cuming in the role; he had to stand on big shoulders. He is a totally unique, gifted, subtle, stylish performer. The young man playing Cliff Bradshaw, the visitor to Berlin who meets Sally Bowles, also stood out. But the whole cast were professional, charming, sang and danced wonderfully. Forget the movie; this is a chilling, great musical theatre piece by Kander and Ebb, who were geniuses (Chicago is also their work). The onset of the Nazis builds slowly and subtly to a fearsome climax. Kudos to the director, David Valdez, for guiding these players; they really "got" the story and conveyed it with passion. GO. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Cabaret is Must See Theatre"
      Review posted by: Round Rock Theatre Fan from Round Rock, TX, Jul 23, 2010
      

      Cabaret may not be a "feel good" musical but it is definitely a musical with feeling. Aaron Moten managed to pull out just about every emotion I have in his portrayal of the emcee. He is a... Expand

      Cabaret may not be a "feel good" musical but it is definitely a musical with feeling. Aaron Moten managed to pull out just about every emotion I have in his portrayal of the emcee. He is a phenomenal actor and the role of the emcee seems made for him. Don't worry that the rest of the cast can't measure up - the extremely talented cast put together by David Valdes is more than up to the challenge. Kelli Schultz as Sally Bowles and Nicholas Kier as Cliff work together wonderfully. Ms. Shultz's rendition of Cabaret was filled with raw emotion. I especially loved Stephen Mercantel's portrayal of Herr Schultz. The Kit Kat Club "boys and girls" were outstanding. I loved the fun and sassy choreography but also the emotion that the actors put into their characters. Their final scene with the emcee is still very much with me. Kudos to Summer Stock for showcasing this talented group of high school and college actors, musicians and technical crew. Cabaret was all around first rate! Collapse

• Media
  Gallery

  • All Media Gallery

    Video | Images Images

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "SummerStock does it again!"
      Review posted by: AustinTheatreFan from Austin, TX, Aug 03, 2010
      

      Take 2 shows with similar starting premises (girls working as nighttime entertainers), assemble an extremely talented cast of high-school and college students, and then see where those shows take you.... Expand

      Take 2 shows with similar starting premises (girls working as nighttime entertainers), assemble an extremely talented cast of high-school and college students, and then see where those shows take you. In the case of Sweet Charity, you get a wonderfully bubbly and charming family musical, starring the amazingly talented Sarah Burke. There's Fosse-style dancing and several show-stopping numbers like "Big Spender" and "Rhythm of Life." Cabaret is darker and more intense, and deals with the Nazi's rise to power, as seen through the eyes of the entertainers and patrons of the Kit Kat Club. Aaron Moten's portrayal of the Emcee is powerful and chilling. He is equal parts devil and commentator, and more than once shines the light on some hypocrisy. Kelli Schultz as Sally Bowles offers a heart-breaking rendition of "Life is a Cabaret." SSA never disappoints - the talent they manage to find every year, and the professional level of shows they produce are simply amazing. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Extra Sweet."
      Review posted by: J. Meyer from Austin, Texas, USA, Aug 03, 2010
      

      Is there ANYthing that this show won't do to entertain? Extennnnnnnnded dance numbers? Check. Physical comedy? Check. Delightfully bad wigs? Check and Check. A leading role that gives Sara Burke a... Expand

      Is there ANYthing that this show won't do to entertain? Extennnnnnnnded dance numbers? Check. Physical comedy? Check. Delightfully bad wigs? Check and Check. A leading role that gives Sara Burke a chance to shine so brightly? CHECK! Ms. Burke brings firecracker energy, great comic timing, and a lot of heart to the lead, such that her exclamations of "SOMEONE LOVES ME!" leading into I'M A BRASS BAND sent real chills up this audience member's spine. The rest of the cast makes a grand ol' time of it as well, with Josean Rodriguez doing particularly good work in his role as Oscar. And the SCORE... My God, the SCORE... Pure musical theatre joy injected into your brain stem, leaving you with little choice but to buy the original Gwen Verdon cast recording on ITunes and maybe return to see the whole thing again. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "SWEET CHARITY!"
      Review posted by: Anonymous from Austin, TX USA, Aug 01, 2010
      

      A wonderful night at the theatre! I have given very few standing ovations in eight years of Austin theatregoing, but after Sarah Burke turned to face the audience with one last infectious smile as... Expand

      A wonderful night at the theatre! I have given very few standing ovations in eight years of Austin theatregoing, but after Sarah Burke turned to face the audience with one last infectious smile as the horn section offered one final blast, I couldn't help but leap to my feet. The cast seemed to devour the material, executing with ease each delightful and difficult sequence. In addition to the afore-mentioned and pitch-perfect Ms. Burke, Brandon Edwards as the strangest Daddy imaginable, Josean Rodriguez channeling Don Knotts whilst breathing new life into an ages-old "nervous guy" routine, and what must be the best use EVER of male falsetto in an eleven o'clock number make this essential viewing. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Don’t miss your chance to see this show!"
      Review posted by: TxReviews from Houston, TX, Aug 01, 2010
      

      Can’t take the heat outside? Then come in and see Austin’s Summer Stock “Sweet Charity” it is a home run! This is an amazing feat with young actors (high school & college students) It is... Expand

      Can’t take the heat outside? Then come in and see Austin’s Summer Stock “Sweet Charity” it is a home run! This is an amazing feat with young actors (high school & college students) It is hard to believe that they mounted this show is just two weeks. The vocals are lead by “Charity” the talented high school senior Sara Burke, this heart wrenching love story and funny musical gives the all age audience a really fun time. The choreography & dancing would make Fosse smile. Congrats to Michael McKelvey, Ginger Morris and the very talented cast of Sweet Charity! Don’t miss your chance to see this show! Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "CABARET"
      Review posted by: Linda in Cedar Creek from Cedar Creek, Texas , Jul 28, 2010
      

      CABARET, is one of the best musicals I've seen. Aaron Moten, shows so many emotions and he receives a 5-star just for himself. This musical is put on by Summer Stock and all the actors and actresses... Expand

      CABARET, is one of the best musicals I've seen. Aaron Moten, shows so many emotions and he receives a 5-star just for himself. This musical is put on by Summer Stock and all the actors and actresses have done a tremendous job of singing and performing. This is absolutely MUST SEE musical. 5 Stars for all the performers!! Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Abracadabaracabaret"
      Review posted by: Hans Conreid from Austin, TX, Jul 26, 2010
      

      Great show. Even if you're like me and are dog tired of Cabaret's book scenes... even if you watch the movie and find yourself skipping to Liza's big numbers... you'll find more than a few moments to... Expand

      Great show. Even if you're like me and are dog tired of Cabaret's book scenes... even if you watch the movie and find yourself skipping to Liza's big numbers... you'll find more than a few moments to really savor in this production. Kelli Schultz is a stunning Sally Bowles, and she brings to the role the charismatic, carefree appeal of not-trying-too-hard. Aaron Moten's MC-by-way-of-drag queen/soul diva also shines by keeping his interpretation fast, loose, and mischievous. Other standouts in the cast include Nicholas Kier as a handsome and hapless Cliff Bradshaw, Alexa Doggett as Rosie, and Coy Branschum as Nazi Youth. And really, the whole cast performs admirably. I did find myself questioning one or two of the song interpretations, and, yes, wished I could have skipped past a few of the secondary romance scenes, but that still leaves PLENTY to recommend. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Electrifying Production; Shockingly Good!"
      Review posted by: Preston Kirk from Spicewood (Austin) TX, USA, Jul 25, 2010
      

      I confess to low expectations for a version of "Cabaret" by high school and college students on the limited Rollins stage. BUT, I was literally blown away Fri. night by the in-your-face... Expand

      I confess to low expectations for a version of "Cabaret" by high school and college students on the limited Rollins stage. BUT, I was literally blown away Fri. night by the in-your-face professionalism of this production. Top hats off to Bill Henry Prod. Co. and Summer Stock Austin on its 6th Season -- cast, crew & staff. Now, I'm salivating to see "Sweet Charity!" The Kit Kat Klub may have sparkled more in previous versions I've seen, but it was never more licentious, libidinous or lascivious. And you dare not look away from Aaron Moten's Emcee. Forget Joel Grey's version. Aaron makes this role over, and completely his own. He puts the US in LUST. Kelli Schultz: great Sally Bowles. Wonderfully choreographed & costumed dancers highlight unbridled hedonism, one of multi themes here. The social and political issues brewing in Hitler's early years (1930s) remind us all to look up from the rave, HDTV, ipod and freeway and tune in to unbridled, unchecked powers & racism in our own nation. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Developing Broadway Stars"
      Review posted by: Ronda Dale Kirk from Spicewood (Austin), Texas, USA, Jul 25, 2010
      

      If you go to the Long Center for a performance of Summer Stock Austin (Cabaret or Sweet Charity), I truly believe you will be seeing some future Broadway actors. Musical theatre here looks like... Expand

      If you go to the Long Center for a performance of Summer Stock Austin (Cabaret or Sweet Charity), I truly believe you will be seeing some future Broadway actors. Musical theatre here looks like professional quality to me, especially the choreography which fit the smaller Rollins stage perfectly. The set pieces are stark, but well done, and the band placement, elevated above the stage is a fine decision. Take time to see the excellent young talent Texas has to offer ... right here on an Austin stage . . . because the Great White Way and bright lights elsewhere or on tour will surely be snapping up many of these talented dancers, actors, and yes, musicians, too, to say nothing of the creative crew from set design and costumes to props and choreography. CAVEAT: Cabaret's themes explore dark recesses of the humany psyche -- religion, racism, sexuality. Think hard before you take the youngest teens to this show, since the racy costumes and situations may be too much. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      ""Talent Galore in Summer Stock Austin""
      Review posted by: Zelda Austen from Austin, Texas, Jul 23, 2010
      

      This is the first Summer Stock Austin production I've seen and I came away excited and happy at the sight of so much young talent. The performers are all high school and university theatre students.... Expand

      This is the first Summer Stock Austin production I've seen and I came away excited and happy at the sight of so much young talent. The performers are all high school and university theatre students. Clearly the most brilliant was Aaron Moten, whose name I hope to see in lights one day. He played the MC and I'd seen both Joel Grey and Alan Cuming in the role; he had to stand on big shoulders. He is a totally unique, gifted, subtle, stylish performer. The young man playing Cliff Bradshaw, the visitor to Berlin who meets Sally Bowles, also stood out. But the whole cast were professional, charming, sang and danced wonderfully. Forget the movie; this is a chilling, great musical theatre piece by Kander and Ebb, who were geniuses (Chicago is also their work). The onset of the Nazis builds slowly and subtly to a fearsome climax. Kudos to the director, David Valdez, for guiding these players; they really "got" the story and conveyed it with passion. GO. Collapse

    • Event Name: SummerStock Austin Presents Cabaret and Sweet Charity!
      "Cabaret is Must See Theatre"
      Review posted by: Round Rock Theatre Fan from Round Rock, TX, Jul 23, 2010
      

      Cabaret may not be a "feel good" musical but it is definitely a musical with feeling. Aaron Moten managed to pull out just about every emotion I have in his portrayal of the emcee. He is a... Expand

      Cabaret may not be a "feel good" musical but it is definitely a musical with feeling. Aaron Moten managed to pull out just about every emotion I have in his portrayal of the emcee. He is a phenomenal actor and the role of the emcee seems made for him. Don't worry that the rest of the cast can't measure up - the extremely talented cast put together by David Valdes is more than up to the challenge. Kelli Schultz as Sally Bowles and Nicholas Kier as Cliff work together wonderfully. Ms. Shultz's rendition of Cabaret was filled with raw emotion. I especially loved Stephen Mercantel's portrayal of Herr Schultz. The Kit Kat Club "boys and girls" were outstanding. I loved the fun and sassy choreography but also the emotion that the actors put into their characters. Their final scene with the emcee is still very much with me. Kudos to Summer Stock for showcasing this talented group of high school and college actors, musicians and technical crew. Cabaret was all around first rate! Collapse

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    There are currently no media reviews for this event.