Sage Theater Institute is kicking off its new season with a production of "Cabaret."

"This production is vivid and exciting and fun, but at the same time, it's thought provoking," said choreographer Kyrie Ellison.

Cabaret focuses on the nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub in 1931 Berlin, Germany as the Nazis are rising to power. The central story evolves around young American writer Cliff Bradshaw and his relationship with cabaret performer Sally Bowles.

The entire cast, orchestra and crew are Sage Theater Institute students. The choreography is done by a former student.

"My experience here was an excellent one, and to be able to come back and relive it through these current students is a gift," said Ellison.

Though the staging is glitzy, the students say they don't want audiences to forget the importance of the musical's political themes.

"A surprisingly relevant story which is about kind of being negligent of what's going on in the world and how that can lead to consequences," said Lucas Phayre-Gonzalez, who plays the emcee.

"Come see it. It's really good, and we really want to share the story with everyone," said Taylor Fuld, who plays Sally.

Cabaret is playing at Sage College in Troy through October 15. For more information on tickets and showtimes, log onto https://theatre.sage.edu.