I’m a sucker for heavy shows with a twist of dark humour. Next to Normal? Sign me up. Spring Awakening? Hand me a box of Kleenex and I’m ready to go. Cabaret presents an interesting mix of vaudeville-esque comedy and crippling reminders of the horrors of the holocaust. The juxtaposition of a baudy no-boundaries nightclub caught in the middle of a shift in power is not only an incredibly interesting way to spark conversation about WWII, but an incredibly effective one, and Theater La Ti Da put on one heck of a show.

The set and costumes were beautifully designed, the actors were phenomenal and danced like the dickens, and their simple six piece band pumped out more sound than a Kesha concert at the Xcel Energy Center, Despite a few odd, clunky moments, the show was an excellent mix of good old fashioned debauchery and chilling moments of clarity.

As in every production, the technical elements can make or break a show, and though the production could have stood without, the set and costumes only enhanced what the actors were already doing. The only regret I have is that I lost the intimacy that a smaller venue can provide. This is the third time I’ve seen Cabaret this theater season, and the two previous productions I saw I was close enough to conceivably touch the actors. In the second balcony, one loses a lot of the intimacy so favored in the Kit Kat Klub, and the humour and fun that comes with audience interaction.

Even though I was far away from the action taking place on center stage, the actors were larger than life in the right moments and delicate as your grandmother’s favorite lace doily in others. At one point, the Emcee literally ascended into the air by hanging on a trapeze one-handed.

The cast threw their all into the show, and it was as obvious as it was enjoyable. The Emcee was, as always, a mixture of super creepy, weirdly attractive, and disgustingly talented, Sally belted among the best of them and acted her role brilliantly,.Cliff was as endearing as a puppy and gave more depth and honesty to the character than I’ve ever seen done before. Frau Schneider and Herr Schultz lent the show a bittersweet undertone, and the ensemble put out so much energy I was surprised they made it out to take their bows. The cast as a whole– and individually– were fantastic.

Finally, the orchestra. Oh my lord, the orchestra was a force to be reckoned with. The six piece band, led by Denise Prosek, were so intune with one another and the cast, they made it look easy to play a two hour show in drag. They were a constant presence in the show, and provided as much enthusiasm and energy as the cast did.

Basically, Cabaret is an outstanding musical, and Theater La Ti Da’s rendition is no exception. If you’re looking for something to make you laugh and cry, check out Cabaret at the Pantages Theater.

The Show runs through February 9 and tickets can be ordered by phone at 800-982-2787 or in person at the State Theatre Box Office open Mon-Fri, 10am – 5pm and Sat, Noon – 3pm