As music director Anjali Chudasama guides the ensemble of actors for Shoreline College’s upcoming production of “Cabaret” through rehearsal, she emphasizes one important note: keep your chest open to—facing towards—the audience. An open chest allows for unrestricted emotional exchange between the audience and the actors. “We found it really important to make an intimate connection between the performers and the audience, because we are all in this experience together in the show,” Chudasama said.

The Relevance of “Cabaret”

“Cabaret” the musical follows a young American writer named Cliff and his experiences in Berlin right as the Nazi regime came to power. The musical itself explores themes of societal ignorance, the rise of Nazism and antisemitism. Cliff and the audience are introduced to a collection of lively characters through the cabaret Kit Kat Club. All of its members have a variety of political standings, levels of activism and life journeys that landed them in the club. As for the lead roles, Duncan Thorvilson will play Cliff, Mariah Matney and Lauren McDonogh will both play Sally Bowles, and Ava Hjelle and Felix Coble will both star as the Emcee. 

“They are just like the professionals out there now, so it’s something that we’re really proud of.”

At the helm of this production are co-directors Dugyu Monson and John Nold. More specifically, Monson is the acting and directing teacher, while Nold is the theater manager. The two started preparing for the production in fall quarter but the idea to bring Cabaret to Shoreline first emerged in March 2025. “We find a lot of relevance for what’s happening today, so it’s a really timely play in our mind,” Monson said. 

With the ongoing ICE raids across the country and the Trump administration’s continuous implementation of xenophobic policies and rhetoric, it’s hard to ignore the parallels from the musical’s themes. Both Monson and Nold encourage attendees to watch the production with a curious mind and open heart. “We want the audience to feel these people are relating to us. They are part of us, we are part of them. And that way they also cannot separate themselves from what is happening to the people on stage,” Monson said.

Collaboration Behind the Scenes

There are no small roles in this production. Both directors emphasize their gratitude towards the current and former students involved in the production process. “With Matt and Anjali, they brought their students into the music portion and the orchestra, and it’s almost as if it’s identical, which is amazing. They are just like the professionals out there now, so it’s something that we’re really proud of,” Nold said. Matt Jorgenson, the orchestra director, will conduct the orchestra for the live performances. Jorgenson, a Shoreline alumni himself, has been rehearsing with orchestra students since fall quarter, while Chudasama diligently works with the actors on their vocal performances. Other alumni have been involved in the production, aiding with the costumes, stage lighting and social media marketing. Students within the production and the theater department have been provided opportunities to help with onstage elements like the set design as well.

To help bring the iconic characters to life, the directors have decided to double cast some of the leading characters. In particular, Mariah Matney and Lauren McDonogh will both star as Sally Bowles. Each set of actors—aptly named the Kit and Kat cast—will alternate each night, hoping to each bring a unique perspective to their roles. “It’s kind of challenging to do different things sometimes, but I get so inspired watching Mariah. I think she’s a truly excellent actress. And I think it’s exciting if people see both casts, they’ll see we really took a different take on this character that’s individual to us,” McDonogh said.

A Walk to Remember

In addition to the unique casting, a catwalk has been constructed, allowing the cast to more easily interact with the audience members throughout the show. Attendees should plan on being entertained from the moment they walk into the theater until the last curtain call. As a sneak peak for opening night, Nold and Monson hinted that the entrance to the theater will resemble the Kit Kat Club itself. Shoreline student singers will be performing in the lobby during the preshow and intermission as if attendees never left the cabaret.

February 26th is opening night. The preshow will start at 7 p.m. with the regular show at 7:30 p.m. While on Sundays the show will begin at 3 p.m. Tickets can either be bought online or at the door. There will also be a free showtime before opening night for Shoreline locals on February 24th at 2:30 p.m. ASL interpreters will come one night to sign during the show, however there is not a set date yet.

“We want people to come to their own conclusions and their own thoughts.”

This play has been around since 1966, “Cabaret”, originally used as a mirror to be held up to the issues of the 1960’s. It compared the segregation of African Americans to the treatment of Jewish people during pre-nazi Berlin. Monson and Nold’s production is keeping with that tradition and using this musical as a political statment about modern America.

 “We want people to come to their own conclusions and their own thoughts, because once they start thinking about it, that’s when they can take their own actions and make their own decisions and make this world a better place. Even when we see a lot of darkness and a lot of sadness and a lot of, for lack of better words, hate that seems to be so prevalent. This is the opportunity for people to watch this art form and yet also inspire conversations, because without conversations we can’t move forward,” Nold said.