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Tri-State Theater

Let's discuss upcoming shows, secrets behind the scenes, things you never knew about the theater and why live theater is so darn entertaining.

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

"Cabaret" Interview #4 - Michael Naglee

   For our next interview with the cast of Cabaret, here’s my pal Michael Naglee, who plays the Emcee of the Kit Kat Club – a pivotal character in the musical.

   Mike's an amazing, gifted actor / singer / dancer (and a heck of a nice guy), and this show give him lots of chances to show off his talent!

   Here's Mike: 

Q: Cabaret is a hit Broadway musical and movie - tell us the basic story.

Mike: Cabaret is the story of an American writer who comes to Berlin looking for inspiration shortly before the second World War - instead he finds Sally Bowles, an English cabaret singer. The musical tells the story of their and others' relationships in the harsh reality of 1930s Germany during the Nazi rise to power, with periodic cuts to the Kit Kat Club where Sally works. The Club serves a dual purpose, providing a decadent counter to and an often hilarious allegorical commentary on life outside its walls.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mike:: I play The Emcee, Master of Ceremonies at the Kit Kat Club. He's the very soul of decadence, but in a slightly unsettling way. He always seems to know too much.

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Mike: My fellow actors, of course! :) Seriously, there are a lot of individual moments that I thoroughly enjoy watching or being a part of. The scene where Sally's fur coat goes "missing," my wife's duet as Kost with Ernst, "Two Ladies," "If You Could See Her." I could go on and on.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Mike: First and foremost - the people. I've worked with most of these fine folks before, and it's always a fantastic experience. Second - it's a great show and a bucket list role for me.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Mike: It's a perspective on a time in our history that you probably haven't seen before. It's heavy material served up lightly, and all the more effectively for it. I have it on good authority you'll be humming the tunes for days after.

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Mike: You can catch Cabaret in the newly converted Renaissance Ballroom at ARTS - 900 8th Street in Huntington - this Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m.  $15 for General Admission, $30 for dinner (at 6:30 p.m., reservation required) and show. We were nearly sold out for the first weekend, so call 304-722-ARTS for reservations!

Thanks, Mike!

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