Welk Theater takes a dark trip to ‘Cabaret’

The Welk Theater is going dark with its latest offering, “Cabaret.”

“It’s very dark,” said Ray Limon, the show’s director and choreographer, “but it has great music, a great cabaret score.”

“Cabaret” is currently running through July 26 at the Welk Theater, 6680 Lawrence Welk Drive in Escondido.

Show times are 1 p.m. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and 8 p.m. Thursday and Saturday.

Ticket prices are $48. You may add a pre-show buffet lunch, brunch or dinner starting at $19 more. Tickets can be purchased online at www.welkresorts.com or by calling the box office at 888-802-7469.

“Cabaret” takes place at a small, seedy cabaret, the Kit Kat Klub, in 1931 Berlin, as the Nazi regime begins its rise to power. The story focuses on young English cabaret performer Sally Bowles, and her romance with Cliff Bradshaw, an American writer.

“(Cabaret) starts light, as a breezy romance story,” said Limon. “But halfway through it turns dark. It has thought-provoking messages that are still current today, about accepting people for who they are and understanding each other. It has a very dramatic ending, people are still moved by it.”

The Welk’s performance is based on the successful 1998 Broadway revival, said Limon. “It’s a little more aggressive and dark. This is probably the darkest show the Welk has ever done. I think the Welk is changing with the times, and stepping up their game a bit.”

Limon said the show, which opened on May 1, has received great reviews and even has seen some repeat viewers in the same week. “The Welk had a big hit with “Chicago,” which is also dark,” said Limon. “It was very successful for the Welk.”

“Cabaret” boasts a cast of 16, many of whom are veteran San Diego actors. “We have such a great cast,” said Limon, “lots of local San Diego favorites. We’re really blessed to get such a high-quality cast of triple threats — acting, singing and dancing. I think it’s one of the strongest casts we’ve ever assembled at the Welk.”

The cast stars Jeffrey Scott Parsons, Ashlee Espinosa, David Allen Jones and Sue Boland. Other cast members include Charlene Koepf, Eric Hellmers, Michael Kelly, Andrea Williams, Adrian Mustain, Catie Maron, Stephanie Wolfe, Fisher Kaake, Hanz Enyeart, AJ Maynes, Collin McCarthy and Leif Corbell.

Limon said the Welk’s smaller stage works in favor of the show, creating an intimate setting for the audience. “We have a seedy little club on stage, a one unit set,” said Limon. “It works quite well on the small stage, it makes the show very intimate. It plays better (here) than in a larger house.”

The show is rated PG-13, so caution should be taken with small children.