There was a lot to like about Wednesday night's production of Cabaret. Even the costumes caputured the fevered climate of Berlin in the pre-World War II period, and the action of the play represented the frenzied bitter-sweetness that many felt during that period.

Throughout the play, the staff and patrons of the Kit Kat Klub struggled with their relationships and how their lives would change if the Nazis came to power.

The play has a mix of outrageous, sexy cabaret songs, as well as musical theater tunes. All were handled with polish and poise. Betsi Morrison, who played cabaret singer Sally Bowles, has an outstanding voice perfectly suited to her songs. For example, "Don't Tell Mama," one of her "Klub" numbers, was bright and bubbly, while "Maybe This Time" captured all the hesitance of new love.

Morrison was able to carry off the sensitive and saucy aspects of Sally's character, including the costume changes. Sally's garb ranged from simple dresses to elaborate lace and sequined costumes for her shows at the Klub. Morrison carried both with panache.

But the character most people associate with Cabaret is the Emcee (Tom Kenaston). Not only does he guide the people at the Klub through the nightly performances, he also guides the audience through the entire play. He watches much of the action on the stage, approving or mocking the decisions that the characters make.

Emcee's numbers are all sexy, outrageous Klub songs with dancing and costumes that might make Madonna blush. Kenaston was able to portray the smarmy nature of the clown-faced Emcee, shifting easily from tuxedoed host to ridiculous costume without a hitch.

But Cabaret was more than just a musical about a nightclub. It was also about how politics have an effect on people's lives. Songs like "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" have a a dual effect on the audience. The lyrics told of a sense of hope for the future, but as the company joined together to sing the final chorus, some of their arms are raised in the traditional Nazi salute -- reminding the audience of the growing reality of the Nazis.

The nearly sold-out audience seemed to like the peformance, but was quiet. Perhaps with the success of Schindler's List, they recognized the true danger that the characters faced underneath the lighthearted facade of the Cabaret.