WATCH: New Vintage Theatre promises 'spectacular show'

• Performers ready to put on big show
• Live band adds to experience and period

One of the most well-known stage productions over the last 50 years is heading to the Mary Irwin Theatre this month.

Cabaret will be New Vintage Theatre’s first show with a full audience in over two years.

Artistic Director Bonnie Gratz told Kelowna10 having the live shows back really helps arts organizations who’ve had a tough couple of years because of the pandemic.

“We’ve been struggling to stay open and then to take on massive productions like this when we haven’t had the income over the last two years is a tricky situation,” she said. “We’ve gone all in; we want to make this a big spectacular show for our audiences. We’d love to see everybody come out to enjoy it and love it the way we do.”

Gratz summarized the musical as an unlikely love story set in 1931 Berlin between an American and an English showgirl. It has subplots about The Kit Kat Club, and a couple who run a German boarding house.

The theatre will be filled with music from a live band that transports the audience to that period.

Gratz said patrons won’t be disappointed with what’s to come.

“This is going to be one of those shows for our audiences that are unforgettable. Once you’ve seen Cabaret, you never forget it,” she said. “This cast and crew are so spectacular; we’ve got masters in their craft for this production. Whether it’s in our band, actors, or dancers, they are at the top of their game.”

Lyndsey Wong and Josh Richardson play Sally Bowles and Cliff Bradshaw, the main couple in the story.

Wong, who primarily performs in musical theatre, said the show feels more like a play with its heavy themes. She also has to master a British accent.

“I’ve never had to do an accent before, and I’ve never done a straight play. This has a lot more serious elements in it and that’s been a challenge, but it’s been great,” she said. “It’s got a little bit of that razzle dazzle of musical theatre but it’s not like that the whole way through. There’s a lot of dialogue compared to some musicals. It’s a hybrid between a play and musical.”

Richardson, who’s in his second show with New Vintage Theatre, kept tight lipped about what audiences can expect, but did praise the cast and crew he’s gotten to work alongside.

“They’re some of the most talented and professional people I’ve had the chance to work with.,” he said. “It’s been a great experience so far and I’m looking forward to doing this run and more shows in the future with them.”

Cabaret runs from June 3 until June 13.