Cabaret

Willkommen to the Kit Kat Klub, where you can “leave your troubles outside! In here, life is beautiful!” Outside, the threat of war looms in the city of Berlin. Inside, an eclectic group of characters, led by the bold Emcee, drink, cavort, and survive. Enter Cliff, a repressed American writer looking for his next novel, who finds a welcome in Sally Bowles, a sparkling and unpredictable cabaret performer. As the Nazi party’s influence grows, the threat of the outside world closes in on the cabaret.

Scenic designer Jay Michael Jagim has created an immersive environment that includes guest tables adjacent to the stage. Exclusive table seating is offered and includes a sparkling beverage (prosecco or non-alcoholic option) and chocolates. A limited number of tables are sold as single units with tables for parties of 4 and tables for parties of 2. 

Please join us in the West Lobby 30 minutes prior to each curtain for a pre-show talk presented by Playhouse staff.

Cabaret is presented in-person only; livestream and video-on-demand rights are not available.

Our safety guide has been updated and reflects these main changes.

  1. Masks are required for performances of Cabaret regardless of vaccine status. Volunteers and guests who do not comply will not be admitted and tickets or tuition will be refunded.
  2. The Playhouse will seat at full capacity if demand warrants.
  3. The Playhouse will make adjustments where possible at the time of the performance for those who prefer greater seating distance from other guests.
  4. Seating will begin at 7:00 PM for evening shows and 1:30 PM for the Sunday matinee. A preshow talk will be offered in the West Lobby starting 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Please note: The Playhouse remains committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for volunteers and guests and as such we are monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions to which we are subject. Based on CDC and state guidelines at the time of your event, protocols may include mask enforcement, social distancing, or more. Volunteers and guests who do not comply with Playhouse policies will not be admitted and guest tickets will be refunded. Click here to download our full safety guide updated Aug. 31, 2021.

Performance Times:
7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays; a preshow talk begins 30 minutes prior to curtain in the West Lobby
Theatre:
John Viars Theatre
Run Time:
2 hours 30 minutes including a 15-minute intermission
Content Advisory:
The Playhouse does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show (ie strobe lights and other theatrical effects), please contact the ticket office at 515.277.6261.

Company

  • Bobby

    Giovanni Bahena

    Bobby
  • Clifford Bradshaw

    Calvin Clark

    Clifford Bradshaw
  • Texas

    Ellyn Cowan

    Texas
  • Hans

    Will Donaghy

    Hans
  • Herman / Max

    Brandon Griffis

    Herman / Max
  • Fraulein Kost / Fritzie

    Krystal Hidlebaugh

    Fraulein Kost / Fritzie
  • Boy Soprano (recording)

    Callen Kleene

    Boy Soprano (recording)
  • Frenchie / Gorilla

    Leo LaFlash

    Frenchie / Gorilla
  • Emcee

    Deidra Mohr

    Emcee
  • Herr Schultz

    Craig Petersen

    Herr Schultz
  • Victor

    Sam Rude

    Victor
  • Rosie

    Ashley Schaeffer

    Rosie
  • Sally Bowles

    Maggie Schmitt

    Sally Bowles
  • Helga

    Lexus Thiessen

    Helga
  • Lulu

    Michelle Vaudrin

    Lulu
  • Ernst Ludwig

    Joel Williams

    Ernst Ludwig
  • Fraulein Schneider

    Jill Ziegler

    Fraulein Schneider
  • Director

    David A. VanCleave

    Director
  • Music Director

    Adam Yankowy

    Music Director
  • Choreographer

    Megan Helmers

    Choreographer
  • Set Designer

    Jay Jagim

    Set Designer
  • Costume Designer

    Angela Lampe

    Costume Designer
  • Lighting Designer

    Alex Snodgrass

    Lighting Designer
  • Properties Designer

    Nicholas Amundson

    Properties Designer
  • Assistant Properties Designer

    Sara Guerrero

    Assistant Properties Designer
  • Stage Manager

    Lauren Dursky

    Stage Manager
  • Assistant Stage Manager

    Korey Williams

    Assistant Stage Manager
  • Katy Merriman

    Playhouse Artistic Director

    Katy Merriman

Photos/Video

  • Maggie Schmitt (center) is Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Deidra Mohr (center) is the Emcee in Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Maggie Schmitt is Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Calvin Clark (center) is Clifford Bradshaw in Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Willkommen to Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Deidra Mohr (center) is the Emcee in Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Deidra Mohr is the Emcee in Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Calvin Clark is Clifford Bradshaw and Maggie Schmitt is Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Maggie Schmitt (center) is Sally Bowles in Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

  • Deidra Mohr is the Emcee in Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Steve Gibbons.

Press Release

Des Moines Playhouse Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kill Date: Sept. 26, 2021
Subject: The Des Moines Playhouse 2021-22 Season Opener Cabaret
Photos available Aug. 31 at https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/cabaret/
Contact: Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse Marketing & Public Relations Director, 515-974-5358

The Des Moines Playhouse opens its 103rd season with the daring, provocative, and entertaining Tony Award-winning musical Cabaret, Sept. 10-26, 2021. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com and by phone at 515.277.6261. Cabaret is sponsored by Infomax Office Systems.

Willkommen to the Kit Kat Klub, where you can "leave your troubles outside! In here, life is beautiful!" Outside, the threat of war looms in the city of Berlin. Inside, an eclectic group of characters, led by the bold Emcee, drink, cavort, and survive. Enter Cliff, a repressed American writer looking for his next novel, who finds a welcome in Sally Bowles, a sparkling and unpredictable cabaret performer. As the Nazi party’s influence grows, the threat of the outside world closes in on the cabaret.

The Playhouse cast includes Giovanni Bahena, Calvin Clark, Ellyn Cowan, Will Donaghy, Brandon Griffis, Krystal Hidlebaugh, Callen Kleene, Leo LaFlash, Deidra Mohr, Craig Petersen, Sam Rude, Ashley Schaeffer, Maggie Schmitt, Lexus Thiessen, Michelle Vaudrin, Joel Williams, and Jill Ziegler. Cabaret is directed by David A. VanCleave with music direction by Adam Yankowy and choreography by Megan Helmers.

Scenic designer Jay Michael Jagim has created an immersive environment that includes guest tables adjacent to the stage. Exclusive table seating includes a sparkling beverage and chocolates. Tables are sold as a single unit so guests aren't seated with anyone outside their "bubble." Tables are limited, with tables for parties of 4 and tables for parties of 2.

The Playhouse remains committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for volunteers and guests and as such is monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions to which the theatre is subject. Based on CDC and state guidelines at the time of an event, protocols may include mask enforcement, social distancing, or more. Volunteers and guests who do not comply with Playhouse policies will not be admitted and guest tickets will be refunded.

The Playhouse vision, as Iowa's largest producing theatre, is to be a vital part of a collaborative, energized, and engaged community that values art in its culture, particularly because of the contributions of high-quality avocational, educational, and entertaining theatre experiences. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information about Cabaret and The Playhouse, visit dmplayhouse.com or call 515.277.6261.

Cabaret Performances Sept. 10-26, 2021
7:30 PM Wednesdays-Saturdays
2:00 PM Sundays

Cabaret Tickets
Tickets start at $29, VIP tables for 4 $175, VIP tables for 2 $125
To purchase: Dmplayhouse.com, 515.277.6261, or Des Moines Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312

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Show Credits

Book by Joe Masteroff
Based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Co-directed and choreographed by Rob Marshall
Directed by Sam Mendes
Cabaret is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC, www.concordtheatricals.com

Sponsored by

  • Infomax Office Systems