The characters in “Cabaret” are based upon characters in Christopher Isherwood’s novel “Goodbye to Berlin.” Isherwood’s characters, however, were loosely based on the real stars of the cabarets in 1930s Berlin.

The character of Sally Bowles was modeled after nightclub singer Jean Ross, who starred in a stage production of Offenbach’s “Tales of Hoffmann.”

The play tells the tale of a Venetian courtesan, and Ross bragged that she not only simulated sex onstage, she actually carried out the acts in full view of the audience.

Isherwood reportedly attended several shows with binoculars in tow to witness Ross’ onstage escapades, but was never able to prove her claims.

Ross and Isherwood were romantically linked for some time, but never married. Ross died in 1973.

—Megan Hinds