The annual production, presented as a fundraiser for Steamboat Creates, is known for its fast-moving sketches, musical performances and improvisational spirit. This year's performances will take place Wednesday-Saturday, May 13-16 at the Depot Art Center. According to Kelly, this year marks a significant evolution for the show.

“The arts council staff came up with the theme, ‘A Tale of Two Seasons,’ before we were even involved,” Kelly explains. “So we ran with it.”

As rehearsals began and the concept developed, Kelly realized there was an opportunity to weave Steamboat Creates itself into the fabric of the production.

“In past Cabarets, we really haven’t talked much about Steamboat Creates, even though it’s a fundraiser for the organization,” Kelly says. “That became my ‘aha’ moment.”

Instead of relying on the traditional format featuring a master of ceremonies, this year’s show follows an ongoing comedic through-line in which cast members journey through the various venues featured in Steamboat Creates’ First Friday Artwalks.

That structure reflects the spirit of the production itself: collaborative, evolving and intentionally unpredictable.

Cabaret has always thrived on spontaneity, and both directors admitted that embracing uncertainty remains one of the show’s defining challenges.

“Haha, becoming the director?” Kelly joked when asked about the artistic risks involved this year. “Cabaret is just a risky show. It’s sort of a sprint. It doesn’t have a script like traditional shows, and I’m still tweaking the skits right now.”

Andy agreed, describing a creative process driven as much by improvisation as planning.

“Kelly and I printed out scripts last night and realized it was kind of a waste because nothing is going to be what it is by opening night,” Andy says. “Things happen in rehearsals – happy accidents and improvisation – and we think, ‘That’s awesome, put it in.’ Somehow it always comes together.”

That improvisational environment also opens the door for exciting collaborations.

“We have a few prolific writers this year, which has been really welcome,” Kelly says.

Andy pointed specifically to longtime local writer Todd Danielson, whose contribution quickly became a standout.

“He showed up the first day of auditions with a pretty much finished skit,” Andy says. “And it’s good.”

Kelly added that having experienced writers involved has helped strengthen the production as a whole.

“He’s written six or seven shows already, so having that kind of experience is really nice,” he says.

Kelly and Andy perform together as part of We Are Clowns, developing an instinctive creative rhythm over years of collaboration. Directing, however, requires a different set of skills – particularly when balancing a large ensemble cast.

“I’ve tried to be really conscious about making sure everybody who showed up at rehearsals is equally represented throughout the show,” Kelly says.

At its core, though, Kelly said his philosophy for directing remains simple.

“My point in directing this year is just to have fun,” he says. “If we’re having a good time, then the audience will have a good time.”

Whether this year’s reimagined format becomes the future of Cabaret remains to be seen.

“This is a huge change for Cabaret,” Kelly reflects. “It has a much more unified look, so we’ll see what the audience thinks. It’s just a lot different than it used to be – a little more challenging.”

Andy laughed when considering whether the two might direct again.

“It depends on what day of the week you ask us,” he says.

For now, both directors are focused on the final stretch before opening night.

“I’m ready for the frenzy of getting into it,” Andy says. “It’s been a lot of prep, a lot of discussion of what’s in and what’s out. I’m ready to just be there on Saturday and get into the frenzy of Cabaret.”

Kelly echoed that anticipation.

“That’s definitely what I’m looking forward to,” he says. “Letting the birds fly. Once it takes off, the show is just going to go.”

Steamboat Cabaret runs Wednesday-Saturday, May 13-16 at the Depot Art Center. For more information, visit https://www.steamboatcreates.org/events/steamboat-creates-events/cabaret/.