Midland, MI. –On May 18, 19, 20 and 21, the Midland based Friction Theatre will create magic as they transform Creative 360 into the 1930’s Berlin Kit Kat Klub in the ever popular musical, Cabaret. The talented cast of 17 Great Lakes Bay region performers are creating a fully immersive theatre experience, welcoming the audience into the action as the story of American writer Clifford Bradshaw and English cabaret performer Sally Bowles unfolds on the intimate Bayliss Street Stage.

The show, which debuted in 1966 featuring Joel Grey as the Emcee, is based on the 1939 novel Goodbye to Berlin which was set in the poverty-stricken Weimar Republic.  The hedonistic nightlife in The Kit Kat Klub serves as a backdrop not only for the twilight of the Jazz age, but also the ominous political developments in Germany.

The Friction Theatre production will feature Brock Ritter as the Emcee, Megan Meyer as Sally Bowles, and Chris Krause as Bradshaw. A romance between Fraulein Schneider (Sherri Angelotti) and Herr Schultz (Andy Frikken) serves as a tender subplot.  The Kit Kat Klub Girls & Boys, an eclectic mix of flamboyant singers and dancers, are played by Lexie Schultz, Trena Winans, Amy Delaney, Claudia Marsh, Danessa Hellus, Darby Donna Johnson, Cameron Schott, Brady Katshor, Jared Kaufman and Kyler Spring.  Rounding out the cast are Sabrina Dahlgren as the sharp-tongued Fraulein Kost and Christian Heintzelman as Ernst Ludwig.

The immersive experience of Cabaret is not a new idea for the Friction Theatre.  Co-founders Chris Krause and Megan Meyer had a huge hit in 2023 with Evil Dead the Musical held outdoors in the fall in Midland’s Stratford Woods. The duo are committed to producing unique theatre experiences in Midland and believe that their non-profit can make a difference in many ways.

“We are dedicated to creating experiences that challenge the ideas of what theatre can be, how it can be done, where it can be done, and who it can be for, all at affordable prices,” said Krause. “We also know that we can contribute to the local economy when we attract an audience from outside of town.”

As Meyer and Krause were planning for Cabaret, they looked for a location that could serve both the performers and the stage show, but would also be conducive to the immersive club experience. They approached Creative 360 as the Bayliss Stage has a unique dinner theatre style atmosphere that they knew could be transformed into their vision.

“We are so excited to host this group,” remarked Creative 360’s Laura Vosejpka. “It has been amazing to see the work that is going into the magical transformation of the space.  Not to mention such an extraordinary cast – the singing and dancing is unbelievable.”

Doors will open 45 minutes prior to the show so that as guests enter The Kit Kat Klub they can grab a drink, settle in and enjoy live music and the ambience of the setting. There is even an option for VIP seating which includes a table that is part of the stage setting, with dancers moving around you! Alcoholic beverages will be available at the evening performances. Tickets for any of the four performances of Cabaret can be purchased on the Friction Theatre website at www.thefrictiontheatre.org or by calling Creative 360 at 989-837-1885.

About Creative 360
Creative 360 is a not-for-profit community arts and wellness organization founded in 1994. Its mission is to create environments that allow people of all ages and abilities to experience the creative process, and to enhance physical, mental and spiritual wellness through the arts and humanities. The organization’s core values of inclusiveness, creativity, respect and community drive the culture at Creative 360. Activities at Creative 360 are supported in part by the Michigan Arts and Cultural Council, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, Midland Area Community Foundation and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. Visit www.becreative360.org for information about the offerings at Creative 360, or call (989) 837-1885 to request a mailed copy of the current schedule.

About The Friction Theatre
The Friction Theatre is a not-for-profit arts organization dedicated to producing new and unique theatre in Midland, Michigan.  Founded in 2022, their mission is to provide paid, professional experiences for local actors and technicians while mounting productions that showcase the many unique locations in the city of Midland and partnering with local businesses and non-profits.  Their work to challenge ideas of what theatre can be and how and where it can happen, as well as offering inclusive pricing structures, contributes to the vision to offer theatre experiences for everyone in the community.  Visit www.thefrictiontheatre.org for information.

Creative 360
1517 Bayliss Street,
Midland, MI  48640
(989) 837-1885
www.becreative360.org