“Cabaret,” a musical originally written in 1966, was certainly on the edgier and raunchier side of musicals from its time. It tells the story of a nightclub in Berlin during the rise of fascism. I was privileged enough to preview the WashU Performing Arts Department’s (PAD) production of the show on Thursday, the last dress rehearsal before opening night.

I decided to attend this year’s All Student Theatre (AST) Cabaret (entitled “Putin on the Ritz”), both because a friend was performing and also to take my first step toward understanding what is so great about public performance.

The Performing Arts Department’s production of “Cabaret,” an eccentric musical set in a raunchy nightclub in 1930s Berlin, was successfully stirring in its first round of performances at the Edison Theatre last weekend.

While the Performing Arts Department production of “Cabaret” may be officially opening on Friday, there will be an unofficial chance for students to see the action early. Thursday, Oct. 18, there will be a free dress rehearsal open to students, with 18 seats on the actual stage of the Edison Theatre.