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The cast of "Cabaret" is dedicating the production in honor of the victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue attack. The curtain comes up Nov. 14 to 18 with daily performances in Bucknall Theater in Dodds Hall.

November 14, 2018

The way Michael Kennedy ’19 sees it, the theater program’s production of the Broadway musical classic "Cabaret" could not be happening at a more important time in our country.

"I would love to live in a world where "Cabaret" is no longer a relevant musical, but it still is," says Kennedy, a theater arts major who will play the role of the Emcee.

"Antisemitism is very much alive all over the world, and after the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue, this has become more clear than ever."Michael Kennedy ’19

Soon after the shooting at the Pittsburgh synagogue, the cast decided to dedicate its production in honor of those impacted by the attack.

"We have a lot of work to do as a society if we are going to make change and stop these things from happening," continues Kennedy. "While performing this show is not going to erase antisemitism in a single day, it is a good place to start."

When & Where

Performances will take place in Bucknall Theater in Dodds Hall Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 14 to 17, at 7:30, and a Sunday matinee on Nov. 18 will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased or at the door. Lauren Kempton, a practitioner in residence in sociology, will help facilitate a talkback following the Saturday evening performance of the show.

Kennedy, who says he has wanted to be part of the cast of Cabaret since he saw it on Broadway three years ago, has also starred in the University’s productions of "A Chorus Line," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," "Our Town," and "Psycho Beach Party."

"My favorite part of performing is getting a response from the audience," says Kennedy, who plans to earn an MFA in acting and pursue a career as an actor. "Whether it is laughter or tears, causing the audience to feel something is a beautiful experience that we all share. It is not something that can be replicated in film and television. The live experience of theatre is an incredible thing."

Creating A Peaceful World

Amanda Cohen ’19, a criminal justice major, will play the role of Sally Bowles. "What truly strikes me is how the themes, morals, and lessons of "Cabaret" are timeless," she says.

Cohen who has had roles in the University’s productions of "A Chorus Line," "The Nether", and "The Trojan Women," aspires to combine her background in theater and her education in the psychology of crime and terrorism to help create a more peaceful world.

"The theater is a safe place, where people are equal and belong, which has helped me grow as an individual and enabled me to sculpt my craft."Amanda Cohen ’19

"I feel it is our duty to help spread awareness in order to end these horrific attacks and heartache," she says.

"I cannot picture a life without theater or being on a stage," continues Cohen. "There is no greater feeling than being able to communicate with a live audience, especially through a production that features topics as pertinent as those conveyed in "Cabaret." I have always felt most comfortable and confident on stage."