The character and story arcs are remarkably sharp, unified and moving in the superb production of “Cabaret” at the New Jewish Theatre.

The action takes place in Germany in 1929 and 1930. The central characters are Cliff Bradshaw and Sally Bowles. He is an American writer who comes to Berlin for inspiration after failing to find it elsewhere in Europe. He is unsure of his talent and his sexuality when he meets Sally at the Kit Kat Club, a seedy cabaret where she is the star.

Sally is cheerful, self-assured and well-practiced in using her wiles to sustain her happy-go-lucky existence. A day after meeting Cliff and losing her job and lodgings, Sally talks her way into sharing Cliff’s apartment.

Dustin Lane Petrillo evinces Cliff’s diffidence, while Hailey Medrano embodies Sally’s allure. The performers dig even further into the characters as Cliff and Sally’s relationship deepens. The turning point is Sally’s pregnancy.

Petrillo makes Cliff’s joy palpable when he hears the news. Sally’s response comes out in “Maybe This Time.” Medrano’s performance provides a counterpoint to the hopeful lyrics, revealing Sally’s fear of a genuine connection. This fascinating take on the song sounds much more like Sally than a straightforward interpretation does.

Petrillo and Medrano confirm their mastery when the reversal of the characters’ self-confidence is complete. Cliff finds clarity and purpose when he awakens to the dangers posed by the Nazis. Petrillo projects the full intensity of Cliff’s rage when he tells Sally the truth about herself, achieving the opposite of what he intended. Medrano’s searing rendition of the title number is an X-ray into Sally’s inner turmoil over a fateful decision.

Cabaret’s other thwarted couple is expertly depicted by Jane Paradise as Fraulein Schneider and Dave Cooperstein as Herr Schultz. This late-in-life romance begins in laughter and ends in tears after Schneider is warned of the consequences of marrying a Jew.

The most iconic figure in “Cabaret” is the Emcee. Spencer Davis Milford’s Emcee is the shameless libertine he needs to be, but he is also sly and perceptive. Emphasizing the Emcee’s shrewdness pays off because he is more than just the presenter at the Kit Kat Club. His numbers can comment on the action. Milford does not let Emcee’s salaciousness undermine his penetrating insights.

Aaron Fischer is equally adept at showing the initial affability and eventual ruthlessness of Ernst Ludwig, who is Cliff’s great friend before politics get in the way. Caroline Pillow’s portrayal of the prostitute, Fraulein Kost, is a hoot until her expediency aligns her with the Nazis. The versatile supporting cast includes Jayson Heil, Otto Klemp, Amarachi Kalu and Lillian Cooper, who shine in multiple roles.

Director Rebekah Scallet’s staging is immersive. The cabaret’s stage takes up about half the theater. The seating area begins as it would in a cabaret, with a row of tables surrounding the front of the slightly elevated stage. Arrive early if you want to sit at a table.

David Blake’s scenic design gives the set the look of an industrial building that has been repurposed as a theater. Scallet’s direction cleverly uses a catwalk running along the perpendicular rear walls to facilitate seamless action. An authentic atmosphere for the production is established by Michele Friedman Siler’s costumes, Abby Pastorello’s hair and make-up, Dennis Milam Bensie’s wigs, Denisse Chavez’ lighting and Justin Smith’s sound. Musical director Carter Haney and choreographer Ellen Isom capture the anarchic energy of the setting.

Three versions of “Cabaret” are available for licensing. The current production uses the revision that ends with a chilling look into the future. NJT stages this scene with power and sensitivity that drive home the show’s warning about the danger of political complacency.

‘Cabaret’

WHEN: Through April 13
WHERE: The New Jewish Theatre’s Wool Studio Theatre in the Jewish Community Center’s Arts & Education Building, 2 Millstone Campus Drive
HOW MUCH: $29–$61
MORE INFO: Visit newjewishtheatre.org or call 314-442-3283