By
Maggie Burnett
Arizona Daily Wildcat
His Broadway hit opens tonight at Centennial Hall
torical images of World War II include those of war, genocide and Nazi Germany.
However, for Jon Peterson, World War II symbolizes song, sleaze and the undying humanity associated with "Cabaret."
"Cabaret" (directed by Oscar-winning "American Beauty" director Sam Mendes) is the story of an English singer (Sally Bowles, played by former Miss America Kate Shindle) and an American writer who meet at the Kit Kat Klub in Berlin, Germany during World War II. Peterson plays the seductive and pansexual Emcee, both enticing outsiders into the club and leading the tangle of show girls inside.
"It's a very decadent world, like the underworld. The Emcee was almost like a little devil, like the innocent person dropping in," Peterson said. "He was everything - the good, the bad and the ugly, everything you like and hate about yourself."
The Emcee acts as a symbol of both sexual and human freedom during a time in history when freedom was hard to come by. His free expression serves as a direct contrast to the oppression of Nazi Germany.
Born in London, Peterson has devoted his entire life to the artistries of song, music and dance. Although he originally began his career as a dancer, Peterson said he always felt inspired to act and be in a musical.
"I used to really love black and white films made in the 40s. They used to captivate me, and they still do," he said. "I always wanted to be in one of those gothic movies telling a story. They inspired me to be an actor."
Peterson's wish was first granted in 1981 when he starred as Rolf in the London production of "The Sound of Music." He has also performed in musicals such as "Cats," "A Chorus Line" and "Hello Dolly," among at least half a dozen others.
Though the storyline for "Cabaret" may fall a bit on the raunchier side of the Broadway repertoire, Peterson said the crude sexual innuendoes and sleaziness are overcome by the underlying message of human compassion the show conveys.
"It's a very human show. It teaches you about humanity," he said. "It's terribly moving, fascinating and educational. It's a little shocking, too. You can't be educated and moved without being a little shocked."
The show is especially personal to Peterson because of his familial ties to World War II - his grandfather lost his life to the war.
"(These plays are) kind of like second-hand memories," he said. "I've done a lot of war shows. My mum and grandma have been moved to tears because they say 'Oh, you look like your grandfather.'"
Peterson said the glamour of the Kit Kat Klub does not mimic everyday life for the actors traveling with "Cabaret." He has been on the road with the show for nearly 10 months.
"Traveling is really, really tough," he said. "There's really no support system for us. It's trying having to support the whole show on stage and book everything yourself off stage."
Despite difficulties on the road, Peterson added that the opportunity to see the entire country has proven to be a gift in spite of the extensive amount of travel required of the show.
"Meeting people in all different cities is wonderful. People have a different reality," he said. "It's funny in a city because you join a community of people and become a certain way. We are very easily influenced."
"Cabaret" opens tonight at 7:30 at Centennial Hall. The show runs through Sept. 24. Discounted student tickets are still available.
