Director’s Note
“There is no present or future – only the past, happening over and over again – now.”
-Eugene O’Neill, A Moon for the Misbegotten
Wilkommen
Why Cabaret? I get this question a lot. No matter what the production, I am asked why. Coming from other theatre educators, this usually is a question of process; What is the concept we are going for? What is the moral or message we are trying to convey? What is the deeper educational component that we are trying to teach to the students in the cast and crew of the production.
Why Cabaret? Didn't Peninsula just do Cabaret a few years ago? Peninsula did do Cabaret in 2005. Relatively recently in the pantheon of musicals that could be done.
These are dangerous times we live in. At the time, the director was concerned about the direction of our country and the War on Terror. Those were frightening times in our country and all over the world. Eleven years later, the world is a much more frightening place. America has witnessed atrocities in other nations for nearly 250 years, and long a place people could turn to for safe haven. We stand at the precipice of a new America, one where we may be closing our doors and no longer accepting the 'tired, the weak and the poor, yearning to breathe free'.
So, here is why we are doing Cabaret: First, it's a darn good show with some great music. The show is iconic. Who doesn't want to see Cabaret again, every few years.
Second, we need to do Cabaret. The students need to learn about what happened in Europe eighty years ago. How the events of the Weimar Republic have happened in different forms again and again. How Chancellor Hitler was a charismatic speaker, leading the National Socialist Party to correct economic turmoil and restore Germany's greatness. A leader that was trusted by many of Germany's citizens, even his eventual victims. It is important for students and adults to see Cabaret again so they are reminded of what has happened and be aware of what is happening all around them, so that it never happens again. Anywhere. And to help ensure that nothing like this ever happens here in America.
Enjoy the show,
Seth Cohen
Special Thanks
Mitzi Cress – I really appreciate all you have done for me and the department, and for always having our back.
Micah Farrell, Lea Toombs, Michael Wanmer, Season Pollock, the Facilities Crew and the rest of the Staff and Faculty – For the constant support to our students and department.
Jim Bell – For everything you have done over the years.
The Cast & Crew – For all of the hard work. I hope the experience has been a good one.
The Parents and the PVPHS Drama Boosters – Thank you for all of contributions. Without your assistance this program would cease to exist.
Susan Breitenstein – For your ticketing wizardry.
Debby Barri, Vickie Bronaugh, Jana Kelly & Jennie King– For working so hard for this production.
Bob, Steve, Matt and Your Teams - For helping to make the show sound and look so great!
Kirsten and Doc – For all of the hard work and hours training our students.
Leon and Donna
