Unusual Cabaret offers intelligent theater

If you drive down Mount Desert Street in Bar Harbor, you won’t be able see The Unusual Cabaret from the road. Tucked away behind the more common novelty shops and T-shirt factories, the cabaret may be difficult to find. But once you’ve found it, you’ve found some of the most innovative and intelligent theater in the state.

In its second year of residency on the island, The Unusual Cabaret presents weekly repertory shows in a Bohemian, coffeehouse atmosphere. This summer’s creative lineup includes two original scripts, each of which plays on a different night and lasts about an hour.

The first, “Hamlet — The Anti-Musical,” resurrects the Prince of Denmark — and all his assiduous angst. The story begins with several writers desperately brainstorming to convince a producer that their ideas will be the next Broadway blockbuster. They suggest a musical about a third baseman studying to be a rabbi (“Fielder on a Roof”), and one about a group of 1960s dentists, who become addicted to their own anesthesia (“Teeth”).

But the producer is quickly unimpressed, until a director walks in off the the street and identifies herself as “someone with an idea.” She convinces the producer that her musical version of “Hamlet” will have more sex and politics than “Dallas,” “Dynasty,” and “Wiseguy” put together. He agrees to hear the opening number, which launches the new musical into rehearsal.

The conflict arises when the director can’t find the right actor to play the lead, but notices a dark loiterer peering in the window. It’s Hamlet. Or an actor playing Hamlet. Or Hamlet playing an actor.

You may, in fact, be confused by several elements in this show within a show within a show, particularly if you haven’t read “Hamlet.” The script tries to explain the action, but it never really comes together as a coherent whole. It does come together, however, as a terrific performance piece, because the music is often snappy, and the eight actors are energetic, sincere, and extremely talented.

Although several of the performers scream so loudly that their volume and intensity may make you cringe, these young thespians know how to make the musical the thing wherein they’ll capture your imagination. Of particular note are John Kaufmann as the funky and funny narrator, and Inger Hatlen as Ophelia. Hatlen’s pure singing voice, thorough characterization, and stunning control are among the finest you’ll see in the state.

The second musical, “Time Traveler,” was collaboratively written by members of the company, and captures the same impetuous energy and excitement of “Hamlet,” but is more accessible and enjoyable.

Discouraged with the prosaic events of the time, a historian from the year 3096 uses her “time wings” to travel back through history/herstory in search of the excitement of earlier civilizations. With adventurous stops in the Stone Age, Ancient Egypt, Medieval Europe, the American West, the Roaring 20s, and, finally, 1991, she learns that history cannot live up to its romantic reputation.

Plucky, clever, and droll, “Time Traveler” is a satirical romp ultimately about how we might see the past if we were politically correct.

Dinah Stewart plays the lead role, and generally excels as a singer rather than an actress. Hatlen and Dan Janssen present a variety of absurd and ridiculous characters from the past, and show a terrific range of talent with each one.

Musical director/pianist Larrance Fingerhut (who also composed the music for “Time Traveler”), adds a sophisticated richness to both shows, and proves his own astute versatility as a composer/director. Beginning at 6 p.m., Fingerhut and the singing waiters/performers present continuous music, featuring jazz, ’40s classics, and Broadway numbers.

Next week, the company opens a third show, “Who Killed Cock Robin?” a musical murder mystery starring a cast of birds. Chances are this whodunit will be worth seeing, too.

“Hamlet” will be performed 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 18; “Time Traveler” will be performed 10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday through Aug. 21, with a closing show 10 p.m. Aug. 24; and “Who Killed Cock Robin?” will be performed 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday through Aug. 30, with a week-long run 10 p.m. Aug. 27-31 at The Unusual Cabaret, 14 1/2 Mount Desert St. Monday nights, the restaurant hosts an open mike. For information, call 288-3306.