Ok–so its opening night and the lead in the musical falls off a roof! What happens now? Wil Kilroy book director of the upcoming “Cabaret” has dealt with this exact scenario. His solution? Take the stage himself. Kilroy, on more than one occasion has swooped in and saved the day–even when it required playing the role of the stepmother in “Cinderella.”
Although Kilroy said this kind of tension can improve a performance by increasing energy levels it isn’t the most desirable situation. To avoid this kind of upheaval, understudies were cast for each role in “Cabaret.”
An understudy is a kind of insurance policy against potential loss or damage (e.g. roof injuries). The understudies in “Cabaret ” were expected to learn their roles on their own with virtually no coaching from a director. Because the understudies for “Cabaret” are also part of the ensemble (chorus), they were saddled with simultaneously learning their own roles as well as observing the leads.
“It’s a big responsibility and we don’t get to go onstage,” said Ashley Emerson, freshman vocal performance major and understudy for lead role Sally. Emerson who will also take the stage as a kit kat girl–a dancer at the club where the show takes place, has had to learn Sally’s role completely on her own. The department had only a month and a half to stage the entire production and there was little time to work with understudies for a maybe performance.
Rosie Schoneberg, freshman vocal performance major plays lead Sally, a British cabaret performer living in Germany. For Schoneberg, watching her understudy reminded her how important Kilroy’s instruction and individual intensive sessions have been for the development of her character. “Wil’s helped me realize a lot about her character, but a lot of things she’s (Emerson) doing I did in the audition, “said Schoneberg.
Last Wednesday, the understudies ran through the entire show for the first time while the leads sat in the audience, clapping and chuckling from both intended and unintended stunts. This one rehearsal was their first chance to get commentary from Kilroy on their progress, just a week before the show.
“They’ve obviously worked. I’m pretty impressed” said Kilroy of his understudies performances. Kilroy wasn’t the only one appreciative of the efforts of the understudies. Andrew Menard, senior musical theater major playing the role of Schultz, a Jew living in hostile Germany, sat in the audience cheering his understudy on. Menard said seeing his part played differently opened up interpretive possibilities.
A two -week run of “Cabaret” begins March 14 on the main stage in Russell Hall. Although the performers aren’t anticipating any roof diving they’re prepared for the unexpected. For tickets and times call the box office at 780-5151.