Grants Pass Now

The show must go on. But in the case of Cabaret at Barnstormers Theatre, opening night went on with many empty seats which were initially thought to be due to an advertisement deemed too racy for Grants Pass audiences.

Director Daniel Grossbard introduced the play on opening night February 2nd, noting that 15 ticket reservations were cancelled after people saw the ad in the Daily Courier featuring the 2 romantic leads and a shirtless man wearing nothing but suspenders above the waist. It was later realized that ticket reservations were cancelled due to variety of circumstances, including the recent inclement weather. It was merely a coincidence that there were so many empty seats during one of Barnstormers’ most controversial productions.

The musical Cabaret was written by Kander and Ebb, the same duo who brought the scandalous Chicago to the stage. The play is exactly what you remember from the ‘70s Bob Fosse-directed movie starring Liza Minneli. It’s filled with scantily-clad ladies, gay men, and Nazis, and most of it takes place in a cabaret theatre, complete with tables featuring phones in which the dancers can call tables soliciting drinks and “dates.” It takes place in depression-era Berlin and the story includes an unusual romance between one of the dancers and a traveling American writer, an unplanned out-of-wedlock pregnancy, and a resulting abortion. Managing Director, Susan Russell, says that there was definitely a little concern in the Artistic Committee when this play was first considered. She said that when the group finally decided that Cabaret would be part of the season they thought they might “risk offending a few of our patrons since more enlightened adults no longer consider the topics taboo.”

Reactions in the small theatre seemed initially quiet as some of the more controversial topics unfolded. But by the middle of the play, the theatre-goers were thoroughly engrossed in the story’s humor and magic. Some patrons congratulated Grossbard at the end, telling him how brave he was to put on such a show. He seemed surprised by this commentary, considering his statement before the show, noting his hopes that it would touch people and that the political and romantic themes were still relevant today. The often-conservative Rogue Valley may be changing. The day after this “brave” opening night performance, Medford hosted two sold out performances of comedian George Carlin, who sold both shirts and posters at the show featuring over 2400 filthy words.

Ashland resident, Prairie Smallwood, saw the play on opening night and did not understand what the fuss was about. “Their version of Cabaret, in addition to being well done, conveyed the turmoil of the early WWII times vividly and with passion. This was not an attempt to shock Grants Pass, but an attempt to bring to light a notable time in history.” She openly praised the actors, singers, and the theatre itself stating, “It was accomplished with a style and panache that only Barnstormers could produce.”

Other positive endorsements poured in, such as standing ovations for each performance and a great review from the Grants Pass Daily Courier. Patrons have spoken highly of the directors, the quality of the production, and the issues tackled throughout the musical. Many who have seen the show have even asked about getting tickets to see it again. According to Russell, this success took hundreds of volunteer hours and a lot of flexibility. The production endured a cast flu bug in early January and a constantly changing musician roster. “Most productions are miracles of interdependence. This was no exception,” she says. According to Russell, she spoke to a 90-year-old patron after the show who said, “Honey, I grew up with burlesque. You aren’t showing me anything risqué.”

Russell notes that while Barnstormers has often had a reputation for doing “safe material,” it was the goal of the Artistic Committee to do a more balanced season to include light comedies and mysteries but also dare to do “plays and musicals that challenge the audience to confront issues such as prejudice, sexuality, sexual awakening, etc.”

Cabaret runs through February 24^th.