WILLKOMMEN TO CABARET: Members of the Clarke Central Players perform the song Willkommen during the opening number of Cabaret on Feb. 28 in the Mell Auditorium. Photo courtesy of Christopher Byrne
By KEVIN MOBLEY – Print Junior Copy Editor
Despite school cancellations and illnesses, the Clarke Central High School drama department was able to put on their Spring performance of Cabaret.
The night before final rehearsal for the Clarke Central Players’ Spring musical, Cabaret, the Clarke County School District issued a cancellation of all afterschool activities on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Then on Wednesday night, after already being prevented from rehearsing one last time, CCSD cancelled school completely on Thursday. Nonetheless, the drama department was granted permission to go ahead with their opening performance on Thursday night.
“Opening night was a bit nerve-wracking for everything,” senior Marina Byrne said. “We weren’t allowed to rehearse the day before because of ‘snow’ so everyone was kind of on edge, but we still gave a very tight show that we were proud of.”
Various illnesses among the cast and crew also hindered rehearsal in the final weeks before opening night.
“One unfortunate thing that did affect our morale during the performances a bit was illness. A few people were very sick or got very sick over the course of the weekend, myself included, so there was this kind of paranoia because of that,” Byrne said.
Cabaret takes place in Berlin, Germany during the rise of the Nazi Party and the beginnings of World War II. The play is set in the Kit Kat Klub, and mostly centers around cabaret performer Sally Bowles, played by Byrne, and her relationship with American writer Cliff Bradshaw, played by junior Anthony Zuniga, while also addressing the state of Germany and anti-semitism at that time.
“It was a lot more work than past shows. I’ve been a part of a lot of shows at Central, but none were that much (work),” senior Addie Downs said. “With all the dances and songs, the show required a lot of focus and dedication in order to prepare.”
Ultimately, Byrne feels that in spite of obstacles throughout production, the cast and crew were able to put on three quality performances.
“The shows were progressively stronger because we got more comfortable with our performance,” Byrne said. “Everyone in the cast who I’ve spoken with is very pleased with the way the show turned out.”
