9 Maine events include ‘Cabaret’ in Auburn and Ogunquitfest
AUBURN — The Community Little Theatre opens its latest production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Cabaret” this week, inviting audiences into the volatile world of a 1920s Berlin nightclub as the shadow of the Third Reich begins to lengthen over the city. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, at the theatre’s home on 30 Academy St.
The story follows American writer Cliff, newly arrived in Berlin, who finds himself drawn to Sally Bowles, an English singer performing at the Kit Kat Club. Their budding romance plays out alongside the developing relationship between Fräulein Schneider, the boarding house owner who houses Cliff and Sally, and Herr Schultz, a mild-mannered Jewish fruit seller who brings a quieter, more grounded humanity to the stage. Together, the personal and political threads weave a narrative about love, ambition, and the creeping dangers of extremism.
Hillary Perry takes the title role of Sally Bowles, while Owen Lewis steps into the Emcee’s charismatic—and unsettling—footlights. The supporting cast brings the club’s eclectic ensemble to life, underscoring the production’s blend of glitz and grit. Musical numbers include the iconic opening “Willkommen,” the mischievous “Don’t Tell Mama,” and the haunting title song that has become synonymous with the show’s bittersweet tone.
Tickets are available at $25 for general admission, $22 for seniors and students, and $17 for audience members 13 and under. More information and ticket purchases can be found at laclt.com. The run offers a timely reminder of how art can capture both the joy and the warning signs of history as it unfolds.
