Sean Fallon

Truly romantic dramatized love stories are rare these days, but on Saturday, June 7th, I had the pleasure of seeing what I would consider to be the most romantic love story I have ever seen acted out on stage! This is a phenomenal production put on at the Goshen Players Playhouse in Goshen, CT, a Civil War love story called A GOODNIGHT KISS. This amazing drama, based on a true story, is written by award winning musical dramatist and writer Cinzi Lavin, and directed by Kathy Kelly who helps bring out the best in this stellar cast! About ninety historical love letters compiled by Ernest Barker fuel the content of this stage production. The show depicts how in the 1860s, in this town of Goshen, CT, basic Christian values had a far larger impact on the general day to day lives of mainstream American citizens, a fact that naturally lends itself to greater true romance, since the personal love stories of every successful genuinely married couple are ultimately written by God, the very Author of love.

On Friday, June 6th, I had the pleasure of seeing yet another phenomenal installment of the Downtown Cabaret Theatre's Decades in Concert series, Decades in Concert: 80S (2025). Of the three so far, this one has been my favorite!

On Saturday, May 10th, I had the pleasure of seeing SISTER ACT as performed by Fairfield Center Stage in Fairfield, CT, at Wakeman Hall inside First Church Congregational of Fairfield.

On Friday, May 2nd, I had the pleasure of seeing another first-rate production as put on by the Castle Craig Players at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse in Meriden, CT, a comedy called HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES, written by Alan Ayckbourn. Under the excellent directing of Pamela Amodio, this first-rate cast includes Wilson Belbin, Samantha Brown, Gina Marie Davies, Richard Gaudiosi, Cindy Harris and Jeffrey Liggett all of whom have a strong stage presence and excellent stage chemistry with each other.

On Saturday, April 5th, I had the pleasure of seeing a phenomenal show that I was not previously familiar with, THE LAST FIVE YEARS, performed at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton, CT!

On Saturday, March 1st, I had the pleasure of seeing an extraordinary production of the musical ALMOST HEAVEN, featuring the music of John Denver, as performed by the Castle Craig Players at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse in Meriden, CT. This is much more than a tribute concert. This is a theatrical presentation that includes some fascinating biographical information about John Denver’s life. The songs are sung by a highly talented six person cast featuring Kaite Corda, Mason Andrew, Timothy Barton, Bret Bisaillon, Em Kramm, and Sheri Sanders.  Orchestrations and vocal arrangements are by Jeff Waxman. The original concept is by Harold Thau. Director Ian Galligan, assisted by Jennifer Del Sole, and music director Marc Sokolson help bring the audience a show that is entertaining for the entire family! As someone who has been a fan of John Denver’s music since I was a very young child, I thoroughly enjoyed this production!

On Friday, February 21st, I had the pleasure of seeing one of my all-time favorite musicals, GUYS AND DOLLS wonderfully performed at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton, CT. This musical features music by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, based on characters created by Damon Runyon. Led by director and musical director Liz Muller and enhanced by choreographers Brandy and Michael Bailey, this cast entertained the packed house who all seemed to enjoy this performance, as I did!

On Saturday, November 30th, I had the pleasure of seeing yet another wonderful performance at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT.  The theatre for young audiences, that features adult performers, always manages to provide entertainment for the entire family so that parents can be entertained, themselves, as they experience the joy of watching their smiling children being entertained.  SANTA STORY 2 is yet another brilliantly written and performed story that is guaranteed to add to the Christmas cheer of all who see it!  Carly Jurman excels as the writer, director, and choreographer, showing her myriad of first-rate talents, including her acting performance as Mrs. Kringle.  She is joined by other highly talented cast members including Ashley DePascale, Andrea Pane, Emily Pisarra, JoJo Devellis, and Karen Hanley.  This stellar cast gels together excellently, with tight stage chemistry, all of them playing extras beyond their main characters, bringing positive energy to every role they play. 

On Sunday, November 10th, I had the pleasure of seeing yet another first-rate production put on by Fairfield Center Stage at Wakeman Hall inside First Church Congregational of Fairfield at 148 Beach Rd.  OLIVER!, the musical, based on the Charles Dickens book Oliver Twist, adapted for stage by Lionel Bart. is an exciting production that the entire family can enjoy!  Director/Choreographer Todd Santa Maria, Music Director Eli Newsom, and Children’s Chorus Director Elissa Ranney combine their talents to help bring out the best in this amazing cast!  A talented eight piece live band enhances the production!  When I was in the fourth grade, I had an ensemble role in this show, but have not seen it on stage, since.  Seeing it performed by Fairfield Center Stage brought back the childhood memories of one of the greatest shows for a young cast that has ever been written!

On Friday, November 1st, I had the pleasure of seeing a phenomenal opening night performance of IN THE HEIGHTS at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT! Set in Washington Heights in New York City, in a predominantly Latino community, this show delivers the right blend of drama, action, and comedy, enhanced by high quality dancing, singing, and acting, with music and dialogue delivered with the ideal combination of Spanish to create believability, and English so audience members who only speak English can clearly follow the story, while remaining intrigued and entertained.  The music, written by Lin Manuel Miranda includes moving slow ballads, intense rap and hip-hop, Salsa, and other mostly Latin influences.  Director Ben Tostado combines his talents with choreographer Olivia Rivera and music director Mark Ceppetelli to bring out the best in this first-rate cast!

On Saturday, October 26th, I had the pleasure of seeing yet another first rate production put on by the Castle Craig Players at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse in Meriden, CT.  Bram Stoker’s DRACULA is brought to life on stage, through the adaptation by Hamilton Deane & John L. Balderston.  The brilliant direction of Stephen Amato brings out the best in this stellar cast that includes Erin Aldrich, Timothy Barton, Sara Courtemanche, Griffin Kulp, Meghan Magner, Tullio Milani, Bill Rodman, and Mike Zimmerman, all who excel in their respective roles, as individuals, and as a collective group!

On Sunday, August 4th, I had the pleasure of seeing the musical GREASE at Musicals at Richter in Danbury, CT.  With book and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, director Jessica Smith combines her talents with music director Andrew Gadweh, and choreographer Melissa Arizzi to help bring out the best in this stellar cast of actors and actresses who come across as professional ringers, enjoying their roles, and radiating positive energy from the stage, drawing the audience right in, as we all enjoyed this wonderful performance in this newly renovated first-rate outdoor venue. 

On Saturday, July 27th, I had the pleasure of seeing SPRING AWAKENING as put on by the Castle Craig Players at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse in Meriden, CT. The stellar acting, singing, lighting, and choreography draws the audience right in.  The talented vocalists and skilled musicians combine to create the melancholy and ominous feel behind the music written by Duncan Sheik, with book and lyrics by Steven Slater, setting the tone of the story in a way that captivates the audience and reveals the deep and dark feelings of the characters. The song, 'I Believe,' a full ensemble number at the end of the first act showcases particularly strong harmonies.  Director Oliver Kochol, musical director Jill Brunelle, and choreographer Todd Santa Maria combine their skills to help bring out the best in this highly talented cast.

On Friday, May 31st, I had the pleasure of seeing the phenomenal musical WE WILL ROCK YOU at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT. This is neither a tribute concert to Queen nor a biography of their lives. Rather, the concept is similar to Mamma Mia! in that the show is a fictional story built around the music of one specific music group, in this case, Queen. Playwright Ben Elton, however, has written a storyline that digs much deeper. Director Andrea Pane, with Assistant Director Carly Jurman, Musical Director Mark Ceppetelli, and Choreographer Olivia Rivera bring out the best in this first-rate cast!

On Friday, May 3rd, I had the pleasure of seeing yet another first-rate production by the Castle Craig Players at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse in Meriden, CT! This stellar cast keeps the audience entertained with their excellent stage presence, stage chemistry, and positive energy, as this intriguing story unfolds, THE 39 STEPS. Director Todd Santa Maria helps bring out the best in this phenomenal cast featuring Matthew Griffiths, Angelina D’Albero, Matt Monitto, and Gabriel Sousa. I was not previously familiar with this show, but seeing it performed by this cast, I feel as if they elevated it to heights that were never reached before! This casts’ delivery, mannerisms, and comedic timing shine through in ways far superior to that which could be detailed or explained in a script. The constant laughter and applause from this lively packed house strongly suggests that the rest of the audience tremendously enjoyed this show, as I did!

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG as performed at Center Stage Theatre, in Shelton, CT, has the most spectacular set I have ever seen!  Director Betsy Kelso helps bring out the best in this amazing cast!  It is clear that the entire cast is having as wonderful a time performing their roles as the audience is having watching them perform!

On Saturday, March 2nd, I had the pleasure of seeing another phenomenal performance put on by the Castle Craig Players at the Almira F. Stephan Memorial Playhouse in Meriden, CT, FOREVER PLAID, a comedic jukebox musical written by Stuart Ross. Director Melanie Del Sole, with help from musical director Nick Ciasullo and choreographer Stephen Koehler bring out the best in this amazing cast featuring Henry Tobelman, Stephen Koehler, Jeffrey Rizzo and Brandon Gregoire, accompanied by David Marottolo on piano. The show reflects the music of the male 1950s harmony groups, placing it into a highly entertaining storyline! The actors have incredible stage chemistry with each other, and amazing vocal harmony. Their dance maneuvers are performed with sharp synchronicity. Most importantly, it is clear that they are having an excellent time performing their roles, radiating positive energy throughout the audience.