I Am a Camera

The play that inspired the musical Cabaret gives us a peek into 1930s Berlin and the beginning days of Hitler’s ascent to power. Through a noteworthy cast and period-perfect set and costume design, the small, intimate space of the B3 stage reveals a boardinghouse where inner lives are imploding just as the streets outside are exploding. Bursting on the scene is the incomparable Sally Bowles, presented with much aplomb and underlying sensitivity by B Street newcomer Julie Granata. She supported by the always-on-the-mark Jason Kuykendall as the writer Christopher Isherwood, as well as a cohesive, talented cast. The only misstep is the overplay of the overbearing American, which a quick tone-down should fix. T, W 7pm; Th 2 & 7pm; F 7pm; Sa 8pm; Su 1pm. Through 4/24. $22-$30. B Street Theatre, 2711 B St.; (916) 443-5300; www.bstreettheatre.org.