Broadway Smash Hit Musical 'Cabaret' Coming To McCallum Theatre

PALM DESERT, CA — College of the Desert’s musical theater department will perform the Broadway hit "Cabaret" next month at the McCallum Theatre. The staging marks the department’s first live performance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This will be our first full production since 2019, when the pandemic shut down performances of all kinds,” Director Michael Hadley said. “Cabaret will have full Broadway staging, orchestration, incredible costumes, and the phenomenal talent available here at College of the Desert.”

"Cabaret" will run May 5-8 at McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., in Palm Desert. Tickets are on sale ($23 to $43) for evening and matinee shows: 7 p.m. Thursday May 5; 8 p.m. Friday May 6; 8 p.m. Saturday May 7; and 2 p.m. Sunday May 8.

Author and dramatist Christopher Isherwood's tales of expatriates existing amid the artistic and political chaos of 1930s Berlin were the basis for the stage and film versions of “Cabaret.” The original Broadway play opened on November 20, 1966 — with dialogue written by Joe Masteroff, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. It was based on John Van Druten's 1951 play "I Am a Camera," which was adapted from Isherwood's 1939 novel Goodbye to Berlin. The smash-hit stage production of "Cabaret" was then adapted into a 1972 film directed by Bob Fosse and starring Liza Minnelli, Michael York and Joel Grey.

"Cabaret" explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of some of Berlin’s natives and expats through the stories and songs of a Berlin nightclub cabaret show in 1930s Germany. Led by the garish master of ceremonies, characters and audience members "forget their troubles at the Cabaret."

Musical Director Scott Smith said the show will feature the work of "many talented students and faculty."

"We are excited to be back in person and sharing this cultural experience with the public,” Scott shared.

For more information or to buy tickets, visit https://www.mccallumtheatre.com/index.php/shows/2021-2022-season/cod-cabaret.

Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that the 1966 stage production of "Cabaret" was based on John Van Druten's 1951 play "I Am a Camera," which was adapted from Christopher Isherwood's 1939 novel Goodbye to Berlin.