Cabaret

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
directed by JOSEPH HAJ
Wurtele Thrust Stage

A provocative musical masterpiece

Inside Berlin’s sultry Kit Kat Klub, a charismatic Master of Ceremonies invites patrons to partake in a decadent world of musical numbers, kicklines and torrid affairs — a welcome reprieve from the ever-growing Nazi influence just outside its doors. As the political unrest nears a tipping point, the beautiful life the cabaret promises slowly begins to fade, putting love, friendship and loyalties to the test. This Tony Award-winning sensation, featuring masterful hits such as “Willkommen,” “Don’t Tell Mama” and “Maybe This Time,” is a daring and dazzling musical you won’t want to miss. 

Three things to know

  • Cabaret quickly became a critical and box office success, running on Broadway for 1,165 performances in its original production. It won the 1967 Tony Award for Best Musical and Grammy Award for Best Score.
  • Kander and Ebb based their musical on the play I Am a Camera by John Van Druten, a British-American playwright best known for romantic comedies. Van Druten in turn based his play on The Berlin Stories by British-American novelist Christopher Isherwood who, like Clifford, was living in Berlin in 1930.
  • In an interview with Broadway Direct in 2024, Kander praised Cabaret's ongoing relevance, stating, "When we first did the show, it was only 20 years after World War II, and it was reflective and a history lesson. But ever since then, and particularly now, it seems like we're doing it all over again."

Venue info

This production will take place on the Wurtele Thrust Stage.

Pro tip: Can't do stairs or have a special seating request? Call the Box Office for details. 

Ticket prices

Ticket prices range from $39 to $105, including handling fees. Read about our ticket handling fees and policies

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Group sales

All student and adult groups of 15 or more qualify for discounts on tickets to Guthrie productions.

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A note about ticket resellers

The Guthrie Theater Box Office is the official and most secure way to purchase tickets. We cannot guarantee that tickets purchased through any other vendor or third-party seller are valid.

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Age recommendation

We recommend this production for ages 13 and up. Because content sensitivities vary from person to person, we encourage you to read the content advisory below or call the Box Office to determine if this production is suitable for you and your party.

Content advisory 

This production contains mature themes and the use of production effects. Click below for more details.

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Run time

Approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes (including intermission)

Post-play discussions

Patrons are invited to stay in the theater following select performances for a 20-minute conversation about the production facilitated by Guthrie staff. Cast members may join the discussion as they are able. 

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Accessibility

ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.

Audio describer: Laura Wiebers

ASL interpreters: Erin Gardner, James Gardner and Genna Middlebrook

Captioner: Caitlin Childe-Archuleta

Download the audio description notes and ASL program

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Relaxed performance

The Guthrie will offer a relaxed performance of Cabaret on Sunday, August 3 at 1 p.m. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater.

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Kiki at Cabaret

Thursday, July 24, 5:30–7 p.m.
Dowling Studio

LGBTQIA+ community members are invited to join us for a night of networking and theater. The evening includes a pre-show reception with upbeat jazz music and more, plus a ticket to the 7:30 p.m. performance of Cabaret.

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A Taste of Berlin

Thursday, July 31, 6–7 p.m.
Level Nine

Join us for a special pre-show tasting event in celebration of Cabaret. In partnership with Maverick Beverage Company, Surly Brewing and 1010 Washington Wine & Spirits, we invite you to indulge in the rich flavors of Germany. You'll enjoy curated samples of wines, beers and delicious bites inspired by German cuisine. Willkommen! Tickets are $45 (including handling fees). Performance ticket sold separately.

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Digital program and play guide

Want to dig deeper into the story? Download the digital program and play guide.

Kit Kat Bar at Cabaret 

Leave your troubles behind and step inside the Kit Kat Bar at Cabaret! Sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits, this pop-up bar on Level Four is serving up specialty cocktails, wine, beer and spirit-free delights with a Cabaret twist throughout the run. Bar service begins 90 minutes before showtime and is available through intermission.

See the Menu

Lobby installation

Head to Level Five to experience an informational exhibit that delves into the Weimar Republic, the period of artistic freedom and frenzy in Germany that serves as the backdrop for Cabaret. You’ll discover influential cabaret artists of the era, plus follow the timeline of German history from the end of World War I to the Nazi Party’s rise to power.

MAC Lip Bar

July 11, 17, 18, 19 and 29
Aug 8, 9, 14 and 15

Experience the glitz and glamour of the Kit Kat Klub before the curtain rises! On select performance dates, visit the MAC Lip Bar on Level Four one hour before showtime for a complimentary lipstick application by MAC makeup artists. Whether you’re channeling your inner Sally Bowles or you want to add a little flair to your outfit, discover bold shades that capture the spirit of the show and celebrate Cabaret in style.

Video

Cabaret | Studio Session

Join us in the recording studio for a look at "Maybe This Time," featuring Mary Kate Moore as Sally Bowles in Cabaret.

Teaser

Cabaret is playing all summer long. Experience the daring, Tony Award-winning sensation for yourself now through August 24.

In the news

"Alluring. Sizzling. Shocking."

See why The Minnesota Star Tribune called Cabaret “one of the Guthrie’s best productions in years.”

Read the Review 

Cast

Sasha Andreev

Ernst Ludwig

Remy Auberjonois

Herr Schultz

Stephanie Anne Bertumen

Rosie

Joe Bigelow

Sailor/Herman

Berto Borroto

Sailor/Victor

Brian Bose

Bobby

Michelle Barber

Fräulein Schneider

Dorian Brooke

Swing

Vie Boheme

Texas

Jason Forbach

Clifford Bradshaw

Jon Andrew Hegge

Max

Nathan Huberty

Rudy/Hans

Jo Lampert

Customs Official/Emcee

Abby Magalee

Swing

Joey Miller

Swing

Andrea Mislan

Frenchie

Mary Kate Moore

Sally Bowles

Janely Rodriguez

Lulu

Monet Sabel

Fräulein Fritzie Kost

Elly Stahlke

Helga

Jon Michael Stiff

Swing

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Creative Team

John Van Druten

Playwright

Christopher Isherwood

Novelist

Joe Masteroff

Book

Fred Ebb

Lyrics

Joseph Haj

Director

Mark Hartman

Music Director

Casey Sams

Choreographer

Marion Williams

Scenic Designer

Jen Caprio

Costume Designer

Josh Epstein

Lighting Designer

Mikaal Sulaiman

Sound Designer

John Kander

Composer

Carla Steen

Dramaturg

Keely Wolter

Vocal Coach

Jason Clusman

Stage Manager

Karl Alphonso

Assistant Stage Manager

Lyndsey R. Harter

Assistant Stage Manager

Laura Topham

Assistant Stage Manager

Jay Owen Eisenberg

Gender Consultant

Annie Enneking

Fight Director/Intimacy

Jennifer Liestman

Resident Casting Director

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Photos 

Photo: The cast of Cabaret (Dan Norman)

Photo: Elly Stahlke and Jo Lampert (Dan Norman)

Photo: The cast of Cabaret (Dan Norman)

Photo: Jo Lampert (Dan Norman)

Photo: Mary Kate Moore (Dan Norman)

Producer spotlight

"Cabaret at the Guthrie is a powerful, timely production that explores the rise of extremism through art. This powerful take on an iconic musical reminds us of theater’s power to provoke thought, awaken empathy and reflect our times. We’re proud to support work that challenges, engages and moves us — and this production is a great example of the Guthrie at its best."

– Lynn & Anders Myhran, Leading Producers

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