By Kashif Stone, Staff Writer

Jernigan, Cioffi and Wease pose during mid-dramatic number.

The UNCG School of Music, Theatre and Dance premiered the Tony Award-winning musical “Cabaret” Friday night with a stellar performance that earned a standing ovation from the audience. The production, which is deemed for mature audiences, featured well-rehearsed sexualized dance numbers and memorable musical performances that attracted the attention of everyone in the Taylor Theatre.

“Cabaret” is set in early 1930s Berlin, Germany, a time when the Nazi Party began establishing itself as a global power. The show kicked off with the performance of “Willkommen” by the emcee of the fictional Kit Kat Klub, sardonically introducing the club, cabaret girls and waiters.

“In here, life is beautiful, the girls are beautiful, even the orchestra is beautiful… we have no troubles here,” says lead Alex Cioffi, describing the girls as “virgins” and one waiter as having the “biggest Hans in Germany”. The performance featured sexually emphasized choreography and humor that had the audience roaring with laughter.

Meanwhile, in a Paris train station we meet Cliff Bradshaw (Brady Wease), who is an American novelist from Harrisburg, P.A. traveling to Berlin to work on his new novel. At the station Bradshaw is introduced to Ernst Ludwig (Lee Wilson), who is a smuggler and member of the Nazi Party. Generously enough, Ludwig offers Bradshaw work and a place to stay once they arrive in Berlin. Once in Berlin we are introduced to Fraulien Schneider, portrayed by Laura Bess Jernigan who brings the character to life with her performance of “So What”, which encompasses a back story of Schneider’s life. She’s a negotiable older woman who allows Bradshaw to stay at her boardinghouse after reducing the monthly rent payment to nearly half its original rate. Schneider then welcomes Bradshaw to Berlin and at that moment the production began to sail its course.

The production features musical performances and dance numbers that wowed the audience. “Don’t Tell Mama”, performed by Carly Ruda, introduces Sally Bowels to the musical. Bowels is a flirtatious and scandalous cabaret singer who works at the Kit Kat Klub and an essential character within the musical. During her performance of “Mein Herr”, Bowels succeeded at stealing the spotlight, posing as the center of attention while the cabaret ensemble performed a seductive dance routine on stools. The unison leg choreography and gyrations left members of the audience mesmerized.

Another big musical moment of the night came with the performance of “If You Could See Her” by the Emcee, Alex Cioffi. The song underlined its meaning that we should love who we want to love regardless if others accept or disapprove of it. Cioffi’s hilarious gestures and commentary made the performance entertaining while also emphasizing an important message: It’s more to love than just appearance.

“Come out with an open mind because you may see things you aren’t used to seeing,” said Deonte Goodman, a cast member of the production. Above all, “Cabaret” is an all-around versatile production that carries a positive message beneficial for all people despite the sensual scenes, raunchy dancing and emphases on sexuality.