The thing that was running through my mind as I left the Green Valley Theatre Company production of Cabaret was this: Who is Joseph Boyette and how can we get one of him for every theater company in town?!

He was mesmerizing.

To his credit, he was also a consummate professional, giving an amazing performance, but drawing focus only when and how it was appropriate, supporting the other cast members, in an overall very impressive showing of musical theater.

And I’m not easily impressed.

The choreography alone, in such a small space as The Grange, is a feat worth applauding!

Lindsay Grimes did Sally Bowles proud, belting out strong renditions of the shows signature tunes with passion and consistency. She also held her British accent pretty well, no small accomplishment for a performance that stretched beyond two hours. My son, who accompanied me to the show, has very specific criticism of the various attempts at German accents, but, all in all, they didn’t distract from the experience, and I don’t think are worth dissecting. There were a few distracting stage directions, but those, too, came and went, and may not have been as noticeable to people who are less involved in theater.

The Chorus was mesmerizing in its own way, as well. I haven’t seen so much PG-rated lingerie, not to mention fishnet stockings, in one public place since Rocky Horror Picture Show—which, coincidentally, is Green Valley Theatre Company’s next production! Lovely ladies with lovely legs—and a few attractive gentleman, sans fishnets, as well—who, as I mentioned previously, pulled off some impressive moves in a less than ample amount of space. There were some very awkward moments at the beginning of the opening act, a couple of folks who nearly the sank the sync of the cabaret kick line, but things seemed to work out eventually; given the caliber of the majority of the show, I’m sure the issues were resolved after opening night.

The most unfortunate thing about this production is the size of the house. The cast and the pit orchestra probably number higher than the seating capacity, which is a shame, as I would like to see as many people as possible have an opportunity to have a front row seat for this ride. If you are a fan of Cabaret, or, even more if you’ve never seen it, get a ticket, sit back, and "leave your troubles outside!"

Cabaret runs through September 2. Fridays & Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 7pm; Thursday August 30 at 8pm
The Grange Performing Arts Center (Stockton Boulevard and V Streets). Tickets $15 online • $18 at the door

http://www.greenvalleytheatre.com