Finding His Way Back: Brandon Anderson in “Cabaret”

After eight years directing and teaching at St. John’s Preparatory School, Brandon Anderson is stepping back into the spotlight as Cliff in Cabaret.

For him, this story felt urgent.

“I think the relevance of the story now in this time of history has haunting parallels, and I wanted to use my voice as an artist to help be a part of a collective group of people to help raise awareness.”

Years in the director’s chair have changed how he approaches performance. He understands the bigger picture now, not just his place in it.

“When looking at Cliff, I am more conscious about how my character fits into the global scope of the show.” Even when he wrestles with Cliff’s choices, he sees their necessity. “Although I personally do not agree with some of his motives, I understand why they are necessary to accentuate the gravity of the given circumstances in this specific period of time.”

What’s shifted most isn’t skill. It’s perspective.

“When I was younger, I think there was part of myself that wanted to land a role to feel successful. Now that I am older and have been on the other side of production as a director and casting, I know it has very little to do with me as an individual.”

This return has allowed him to work without the need to prove himself.

“I no longer have the insecurities… and have been open and vulnerable in a way that I haven’t been in the past.”

He puts it simply: “Accepting one’s self and identifying your own unique personality and bringing the character to you is very different from you trying to reach for the character.”

One moment in particular stays with him. Cliff’s exchange with Herr Schultz at the end of the show.

“I truly believe that there are more individuals that believe in kindness and compassion than there are those seeking fear and destruction.” When Cliff wishes Schultz “Mazel” as they part, it’s a small but powerful act.

“He’s willing to set aside his own beliefs and meets Schultz where he is… If only we all were able to set aside our own beliefs and meet people where they are just for a moment. Imagine how tender this world would be.”

Though he never originally planned to become an educator, teaching now shapes his artistry. After finishing work overseas in South Korea, he sent his résumé to Saint John’s Prep. “And the rest is history.”

In the classroom and rehearsal hall, he goes simply by Brandon.

“I am a person who has feelings and emotions who has good days and bad days and I do not hide those components of myself.” That authenticity, he believes, models both discipline and creativity. “Rather than shoving them from behind into the unknown, I like to think of myself as leading them from the front with an outstretched hand looking back and saying to them, ‘come follow me.’”

The connection between school programs and the broader arts community also matters deeply to him.

“We are stronger in numbers… Theatre isn’t about a specific place but rather about the stories being told. And at the heart of everything is people.”

For Brandon, theatre has always come back to one thing: storytelling. “Long after we leave this earth it is our stories that live on. I can think of no greater or meaningful career than to move people through this art form.”

And that’s what he hopes audiences carry with them.

“I hope people take away humanity. There’s so much more that unites us than separates us… Be moved, be changed, continue becoming. That’s the power of theatre.”

Cabaret continues at the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre through March 8. Performances explore a world on the brink, told through music, intimacy, and sharp-edged storytelling that feels as relevant now as ever. Tickets and remaining performance information are available through the GREAT Theatre box office.