Cabaret at the Civic Theatre heats up a cold February

On a chilly Fort Wayne Valentine's Day night, it was very pleasing to go see a steamy live show. In fact, it was a delight to enjoy the Civic Theatre's performance of Cabaret, which will continue its run at the Arts United Center in downtown Fort Wayne on weekends through March 1, 2015.

The songs are so fun, and alternatingly cheerful and sad - they are the ones you remember from the movie version and the Broadway stage. Set in Berlin, Germany, it is the story of the rise of nationalism and Nazi power, and how it effected citizens around this particular setting: the people connected to the racy nightclub Kit Kat Club.

Evan Hart plays a fabulous Emcee, nearly stealing the show for himself with his portrayal of this role. Inviting, sexy, provocative, emotive - he does it all, struting confidently in his suspenders and lipstick. He sings well, and adds the dance elements neatly - I especially liked his hand work and boot steps. Bridget Pearson made a convincing Sally Bowles, and I was almost frustrated with how good I thought her English accent came across; maybe I found the assumedly intentional over-pronunciation distracting. I was pleased, though, with how well I could hear all the characters' lines.

I was also impressed with Maggie Kole Hunter, portraying Fräulein Schneider, on how powerfully she sang and played her role. And Gary Lanier was delightful as Herr Schultz, the Jewish fruit vendor who is the love interest of Fräulein Schneider. The beautiful high vibrato in his voice was thrilling to hear in his vocal solos.

This cast did a nice job with the dancing - I thought they tackled some difficult, seemingly Bob Fosse-inspired numbers. The cast was dancing on chairs in heels, doing handstands and splits, etc.: I'm sure much of that credit goes to choreographer Leslie Beauchamp. The show was sexy for conservative Fort Wayne, but not too sexy- just right. The set featured audience members seated at lounge tables on each side of the stage, and the orchestra is set up high on stage at loft level. It all works well and transitions easily with the story without fuss.

The Arts United Center, formerly known as the Performing Arts Center, is an impressive venue for local performances. Its modern, concrete architecture is a great fit next to the art museum in this downtown corner. Much of Fort Wayne's architecture is traditional and historic, so the moderness of this building is a nice complement for our town. I like the modern theatre, but I feel the seating must be updated, because the stark uniform rows of seats are, alas, not completely user-friendly. At the very least, the long rows desperately need a perpendicular aisle or two to make it easier for patrons to get to their seats. I also believe that the seats need to be angled to face the stage from the sides - sitting there requires turning at an awkward angle.

Tickets are available for Friday and Saturday evening performances at 8 p.m., and Sunday shows at 2 p.m. now through March 1. Inexpensive wine, beer, and other refreshments are available at the show. I think this is a perfect choice for date night. Welcome to the cabaret!