Life is a “Cabaret” at 7 p.m. today at Flathead Valley Community College with the opening performance of a local version of the famous musical.

“It’s a monstrous undertaking,” director Joe Legate said of the effort that involves 45 actors and a live orchestra. “Everyone’s fairly exhausted but so excited to finally have it all come together.”

Billed as the largest production ever tackled by Flathead Valley Community College Theatre, “Cabaret” revives film memories for the older generation of Liza Minnelli in lingerie belting out “Life is a Cabaret, old chum — come to the Cabaret.”

Legate laughed as he said some of the young actors had little idea what the musical was about when they showed up to audition. But the show’s timeless intrigue continues to ensnare new fans in countless Broadway revivals.

Legate said he decided to take on the demands of the huge production for the most basic of reasons.

“I adore the music and the show — pretty much everything about it,” he said. “It’s a marvelous learning experience for my students.”

Set in Berlin in the early 1930s just before the rise of Hitler, the story line involves a young American writer who, in search of inspiration for a new novel, becomes seduced into the seedy burlesque world of Sally Bowles, lead singer/dancer at the Kit Kat Club. Love blooms between the young couple as well as for an elderly woman and a man of Jewish descent.

Legate said “Cabaret” presents a dramatic contrast to the typical musical formula of boy meets girl, they fall in love and everyone bursts into song.

“It’s really a very complex story,” Legate said. “Much of it involves prejudice — hate for Jews.”

Although based on a play from 1951, “Cabaret” still resonates with audiences, Legate said, because the social and political issues depicted in the original play continue today. He points to discrimination against people with alternative lifestyles as an example.

“It’s interesting — disheartening — to see this mirrored again in society,” he said. “This group hates that group, leading to violence.”

But in spite of poignant themes woven through “Cabaret,” Legate said the touching love stories and musical performances uplift and entertain the audiences.

“The music and songs are tremendously funny,” he said. “Afterward, you feel a twinge of guilt for enjoying yourself so much.”

To bring the production to fruition, the FVCC Theatre began with auditions in mid-September. Legate said the casting call brought a huge response of students as well as community members.

Since the youths had little knowledge of the musical, the director was careful to explain that “Cabaret” performers dance in fishnet hose and garter belts.

“If this were a movie, it would be rated PG 13,” he said. “There are some fairly revealing costumes, but nothing approaching nudity.”

Even though people see more skin in nearly any movie these days, Legate said live theater exerts a more powerful impact than the screen. As a result, the college advertises “Cabaret” as appropriate for mature audiences.

The cast and orchestra feature a mix of students and community members as well as new and experienced actors, singers and dancers. Alyssa Hands, a student, nabbed the coveted role of Sally Bowles.

“She’s a beautiful lady with a knockout voice and she’s a dynamic dancer,” Legate said.

Joshua Kelly, also a student, won the role of emcee for which actor Joel Grey won an Oscar in the film version in 1972. Kelly brings acting credentials from interning with Equity Theater. He also recently performed in “The Art of Dining.”

“He’s a great dancer and has a wonderful voice,” Legate said. “He’s also a very compelling actor.”

Other principal cast members include Jeffrey McCormick as the American writer Cliff Bradshaw and Linnea Springer and Jonathan Phipps as the courting elderly couple.

The director said Alanna Ober worked miracles with the dancing aspects of the production. Legate said many of the people never had danced professionally but more than hold their own on stage.

His theater-instructor colleague Rich Haptonstall designed the sets, which Legate describes as industrial in feel rather than the typical soft scenery.

“It’s like part of the theater itself — perfect for ‘Cabaret,’” he said.

All the parts came together this week in dress rehearsals prior to tonight’s opening performance.

Shows begin at 7 p.m. Dec. 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19. People may take in matinee shows at 2 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 12.

Ticket prices are $20 for general admission or $10 for students and seniors. Theater enthusiasts may purchase tickets in advance at the college bookstore, online at www.fvcc.edu or by calling 756-3814.

Legate, a veteran of 30 years in theater, said the college musicals usually draw large audiences. Although performers include people at both ends of the experience curve, he recommends “Cabaret” without hesitation.

“I just can’t believe the quality of the dancing as well as the singing and acting,” he said.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.