John Fisher’s Spectacular Staging Puts Fascism in Our Faces

by Barry David Horwitz

Dramatic genius John Fisher has assembled a heavenly cast to explore the Hell of 1930s Germany—to live out the nightmare of newly-minted Nazism. Substitute MAGA for NAZI and we are re-living “Cabaret” right now in the U.S.

Fisher seduces us into pre-WWII Berlin as we thrill to songs by John Kander and Fred Ebb, sexy choreography by Adin Walker, and seven superb, exciting singers and dancers. Fisher’s spectacular staging has actors hanging from walls and climbing ladders into the attic, using every inch of the small space. A stunning, one-of-kind show.

Rudy Guerrero, as the threatening Emcee, creates a menacing, Satanic overseer in front of the blinking, neon pink KIT KAT CLUB sign. With amazingly quick changes, Guerrero prances and sings hypnotically, from “Wilkommen” to “Money, Money.” In his constantly changing personalities, Guerrero’s self-designed, glittering costumes shout DANGER, in a riot of top hats, spangles, gold, and leather. He centers the show and transfixes the audience.

Brendan Looney plays Cliff Bradshaw, the cunning yet confused American writer. Looney mesmerizes as he executes seductive, sexual dances, even on the ladder. Artfully, he takes us into the heart of a gay dilettante, filled with fear and bravado. With a sensual smirk and pliable body, he casts a delicious, sinister aura.

Megan Soledad as Sally Bowles belts out the classic songs with sardonic smiles and seductive winks. Soledad’s lovely voice defines Sally’s deceptive, selfish character in ironic and satirical songs. Her perfectly pitched “Don’t Tell Mama” and “I Don’t Care Much” reveal Sally’s refusal to face the real-life horrors.

Magnificent Stephanie Fields plays Fraulein Schneider, Cliff’s landlady, with a velvety voice and striking dances. Her strong, thoughtful Schneider sings, “So What?” as she struggles to ignore the Nazi storm. Fields’ heartfelt performance draws us into the turmoil of an extraordinary, yet ordinary woman.

As Herr Schultz, Gabriel A. Ross captivates with warmth, honesty, and passion. Ross embodies the sweet German grocer who rewards his beloved Fraulein Schneider with exotic gifts, from the thrilling “Pineapple” song to the emotional “Married.” Ross chillingly manifests a hunted Jew. Then he quickly becomes a Kit Kat Klub dancer in kinky leather. Ross touches us deeply in both roles—he’s an actor for all seasons.

Landyn Endo plays the secretive Ernst Ludwig, a Nazi who spies on innocents while hanging from the rafters. Endo’s sensuous dances and longing glances form an essential part of Fisher’s astounding staging.

As another tenant in the rooming house, M.C. Mendonca plays a girl who makes her money bringing home sailors. Her singing is delicious and decadent. With just the right bittersweet touch, Musical Director Armando Fox transports us to the louche cabaret. Fox provides the insistent, ominous beats with irony and passion. Yes, “Even the Orchestra is Beautiful!”

When we join the shenanigans at the Kit Kat Klub, we are inexorably drawn into the unforgettable songs, like “Money” and “If You Could See Her Through My Eyes.” It’s time to visit Rhino’s new “Cabaret” with startling parallels to our MAGA future.

Fisher puts tomorrow right in our laps with superb style and flair! Try to get a tik, if you dare.

“Cabaret, The Musical” –book by Joe Masteroff, based on Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood & the play by John van Druten, music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, directed by John Fisher, music direction by Armando Fox, choreography by Adin Walker, at Theatre Rhinoceros, 4229 18th St, San Francisco 94114.

Info: therhino.org – to Sunday, December 29, 2024.

Cast: Landyn Endo, Stephanie Fields, Rudy Guerrero, Brendan Looney, M.C. Mendonca, Gabriel A. Ross, & Megan Soledad.

Orchestra: Armando Fox, Kumi Maxson / Kyle Wong, Tim Vaughn.

Banner photo: Rudy Guerrero (Emcee). Photos by Scott Sidorsky