Cabaret at Theatre At The Center

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...This powerful production is emotionally riveting as it reaches audiences deeply. It hints at the troubles to come through the scary German patriotic song "Tomorrow Belongs To Me" that taps into the nationalistic pride of the Germans. Cabaret is a wonderful musical with a warning about repressive government that could be relevant today. TATC's Cabaret is wonderful."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...There are plays that I have seen so many times, I have lost count. One of these is “Cabaret”, with a book by Joe Masteroff and music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. This musical is based on the original play by John Van Drutten which was based on the stories written by Christopher Isherwood. The time is 1929/1930 and the place is Berlin, Germany. As history shows us, these were times of fun and frivolity in Germany, as well as political uncertainty. These were the days of Hitler and his party growing in strength and while the play does bring us the events of this time, it is not to glorify, but to keep it in our minds. We must “never forget” and this play allows this to become a reality for the audience."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...Linda Fortunato does Christopher Isherwood proud, while always keeping her target audience in mind. She's presented this Kander and Ebb classic respectfully, much in the manner that it was originally written, without offering any new or shocking twists. Even the finale, which usually leaves more sensitive theatergoers aghast, is underplayed here, with just a hint of horror that will eventually befall most of the characters. But as a musical, this production is well-cast and looks and sounds gorgeous. A talented cast that includes Danni Smith, Sean Fortunato, Patrick Tierney, Iris Lieberman and Craig Spidle in leading roles creates a production that's both "Perfectly Marvelous" and "Sitting Pretty.""

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...It is hard, for example, to recall a more touching presentation of the ultimately tragic love story between the Jewish grocer Herr Schultz (Craig Spidle) and the landlady Fraulein Schneider (Iris Lieberman). The lead roles also dazzle with Danni Smith’s Sally Bowles not only frequently applying her vocal talents to dizzying effect but also connecting emotionally with the audience in the final dramatic scenes. At the same time, however, several of the big dance numbers felt a bit restrained."