Love, German Style

On the surface, things seem to be improving in 1930s Germany. The economy's strengthening, tourists are returning and the citizens are enjoying Berlin's rousing nightlife once again. All three of these elements come together when Cliff, a young American, meets Ernst, a German businessman, on the train into the city. Ernst offers Cliff steady work delivering packages, and introduces him to Berlin's famous nightclubs — particularly the delights of the Kit Kat Klub and its infamous stage show and songstress, Sally Bowles. But behind all the gaiety, the money and the good times lurks the greatest menace of the 20th century: Nazis. The noose is tightening around Germany while Sally and Cliff fall in love, singing and wondering where all their friends and neighbors keep going. In Kander & Ebb's Cabaret, life is just a song to sing until someone rips the microphone out of your hand. The Washington University Performing Arts Department performs Cabaret at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday (October 18 through 28) at the Edison Theatre on Washington University campus (6445 Forsyth Boulevard; 314-935-6543 or edison.wustl.edu). Tickets are $10 to $15.
Fridays-Sundays. Starts: Oct. 19. Continues through Oct. 28, 2012