By Annie Hart

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome!

This past weekend, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, the Shenandoah Conservatory performed Cabaret at OBT (Ohrstom-Bryant Theatre).

Cabaret is based in Berlin at the start of World War II and centers around Sally Bowles and her life working as a cabaret girl in and out of the Kit Kat Klub, a racy cabaret bar.

The show was a huge hit, with long applauses after each song and a roaring standing ovation at the close of the show followed by tears and embraces between cast mates.

While all of the cast members were phenomenal, three characters really stood out on stage to not only myself, but to those around me.

The Emcee, played by senior musical theatre major Drew Becker, was incredible. His interaction with the audience and the other members of the cast created an environment that felt like we were all at the Kit Kat Klub.

Becker’s portrayal of the movement of the character towards the end of the show was phenomenal. His vocal changes during serious moments extracted audible gasps from the audience, myself included. His final reveal silenced the audience, but only for a few seconds, as they exploded into applause soon after his coat was dropped.

Sally Bowles was portrayed beautifully by senior musical theatre major, Kali Haines. Haines truly captured the essence of Bowles and made her come to life on stage. While Sally is a character full of jokes, Haines brought out a softer side of the character and truly made the audience feel for her.

Fräulein Schneider, played by senior musical theatre major Ashley Knaack, was the highlight of the show. Her vocal performance was flawless and her German accent never wavered, even in the most powerful of moments. Knaack created a real person in her portrayal with mannerisms only one who has truly dug into their character could have created. Knaack was truly a delight on the OBT stage.

Cabaret is a show to remember, and I cannot wait to see what the Conservatory brings us next.