Frenzie Holds Auditions for 'Cabaret'

Nineteen roles are up for grabs in the upcoming fall production of "Cabaret," directed by Michael Mercer, who co-founded The Frenze - Life Theatre community theater troupe with his wife, Beverly.

Show dates for the musical, set in Berlin with the rise of the Third Recich, are Nov. 11-13 and 18-19.

Auditions for the Tony Award-winning musical are Aug. 22 and 23 at 7 p.m., with callbacks, if necessary, on Aug. 27 at 2 p.m.

"Cabaret" is based on the book by Joe Masteroff, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.

Both the shows and the auditions are set for the Barn Theatre at Winthrop, where the current Frenzie production, Lillian Hellman's "The Children's Hour," is winding up a two-weekend run.

The remaining dates for "The Children's Hour" are Aug. 26-27 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 28 at 2 p.m.; the Barn is at 11349 Bloomingdale Ave. in Riverview, between Watson and Providence roads.

Quick Review (Tams-Witmark):

• "The scene is a night club in Berlin, as the 1920's are drawing to a close. The Master of Ceremonies welcomes the audience to the show and assures them that, whatever their troubles, they will forget them at the Cabaret. His songs provide wry commentary throughout the show. On the train to Berlin we find Cliff, a young American writer, and Ernst, a German who surprises Cliff by putting his briefcase among Cliff's luggage at the German border. History is in the process of being made. Musical numbers include It Couldn't Please Me More, Willkommen, Cabaret, Don't Tell Mama and Two Ladies. We find Cliff on the train again, now leaving Berlin alone. He writes about Sally and the people of Berlin leading up to the Third Reich. It has been a tumultuous and heartbreaking era."

Audition Instructions:

• Prepare a solo that showcases your voice, with recorded accompaniment. An accompanist will not be provided.
• Prepare a one-minute monologue.
• Come prepared to learn and perform a short dance.
• A form will be required; you can download and fill out the form in advance.
• A Parental Consent Form, available online, must be filled out as well for anyone under age 18.