Cabaret by New Vintage Theatre
June 8, 2022 - by Miles Overn
We entered the Mary Irwin Theatre, in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District, Wednesday night not so much with palpable excitement about the musical we were about to attend but rather with a hopeful curiosity about our first attendance of a
production by Kelowna’s New Vintage Theatre group.
It became clear very early into the performance that this would not be yet another attempt at frivolity for its own sake or pure escapism that focused solely on the denialism that permeated much of minds of the denizens of Berlin during those
earliest years of the rise of Nazism. Instead, this work would delve into deeper layers of the zeitgeist and the ethos that included not only stunted manifestations of the rampant denialism, but also shine light, albeit darkly, onto the anger,
fear, and resignation that caused many to retreat to make belief in spaces such as the Kit Kat Klub, while causing many others to rise up or to in fact leave.
From the opening scenes of Neville Bowman in the role of emcee of the legendary jazz age club we were struck by the lighting choices and left wondering where they were going to go with this. Bowman’s performance was excellent, creating questions
early in the show whose answers were ultimately exposed and expressed over the course of the presentation in subtle ways of showing that required no spoken telling. Quite masterful from a local actor in a local production. Bravo. And then there was
the voice. This was yet another side of the young but veteran musical theatre artist that once again displayed the full range of his vocal ability.
Lyndsey Wong, as the troubled teenage cabaret performer Sally Bowles, was, for us, the highlight of the show. Strong vocals coupled with the ability to fully embody the character of Sally and inhabit the threshold of coming of age in such an
historically significant point and place in both space and time was indeed captivating.
Both Deanna MacArthur and Michael Kalmuk also delivered noteworthy performances, elevating the sub plot of their love relationship to almost challenge the main story line through both engaging acting and, particularly in MacArthur’s case, exceptional singing.
The spartan set design worked perfectly for the telling of this story, from the limited furniture and props to the placement of the orchestra on the extreme side of the stage. It reminded us of the minimalist design aesthetic that we have observed and enjoyed
on our trips to European cities such as Munich and Amsterdam over the years. It also allowed for seamless transitions between scenes in the play.
There were a handful of technical issues during the first act that were resolved as the night went on. While they were very momentary in nature, still it would have been better had they not occurred at all.
The band, as this was a musical, simply has to be mentioned. Comprised of local professionals Stephen Buck, Stefan Bienz, Scott Gamble, and the visiting Alex Buck, they created an aural ambience and soundscape that transported one to that specific place in time
and space and kept one there throughout the evening by artfully utilizing skillful hands and musical minds rather than by brazenly employing a heavy hand.
Reflecting on this performance on the way home and again this morning, we cannot call to mind a better performance of a musical production here it Kelowna by a local group in the 2 plus decades that we have been here. Bold choices in direction and production
by Bonnie Gratz, creative lighting and set design, good choreography that never attempted to overtake the telling of the story. All of these were important to the realization of the artistic vision that we were afforded on this night. That we as a city are
home to the musicianship and musicality of the singers and players, as well as the acting chops of such seasoned talent as was pulled together for this production, shows once again how very fortunate we are here in Kelowna.
If you have not yet attended this production, or it you want to have your idea of what local theatre can be challenged, stretched, and ultimately elevated, do take in one of the remaining performances. The show continues through the weekend but is gone after that.