Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome.. to Manoa Valley Theatre’s 54th season. I’m so glad you’re joining us tonight for an evening of fantastic musical theatre. For the past 53 years we’ve had the privilege to have you in our house and on our lanai, and we intend to host you for the next 53. Tonight, we are pleased to present to you, Cabaret. Given its subject matter, it’s hard to believe it was 1966 when Cabaret made its Broadway debut at the Broadhurst Theatre- yet, its themes continue to resonate even today. It’s even more unbelievable that the creative team, John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Joe Masterhoff based the musical on John Van Druten’s 1951 play I Am a Camera. Due to its “perceived immoral content” Cabaret was not an immediate success. When Cabaret opened in Boston, Masterhoff recalled “there were a lot of walk outs.” With Some of the themes Cabaret explores are love, sexuality, honesty, politics and pragmatism. No doubt, these universally human qualities and quandaries have contributed to the musical’s timelessness. The unlikely romance of American writer Cliff Bradshaw and English cabaret singer Sally Bowles; Cliff’s exploration of sexuality and personal honesty; the looming storm of fascism and what one is willing to do to survive. As Fräulein Schneider posits, “what would you do?” What we will do, is to continue to bring you first-class theatre that both entertains and provokes. We do, however, need your help. It’s your ticket purchases and generous donations that have seen us through the pandemic and will continue to make it possible for Manoa Valley Theatre to thrive. Willkommen, and enjoy the show! Kip