Ashley DePascale

What did our critic think of WINNE THE POOH at Downtown Cabaret Theatre?

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 2:30, I had the pleasure of seeing what is arguably the absolute best younger audiences production I have ever seen at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT, WIZARD OF OZ!  Phill Hill has created a phenomenal masterpiece in his adaptation of the classic story by L. Frank Baum in a brilliant and entertaining manner, loaded with great music from the 1980s!

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for their original Theatre for Young Audiences musical Jack and the Beanstalk, which will have its world premiere on February 18, 2023. 'Fe fi fo fum, I smell a brand new DCT show that is fun for the whole family!' Artistic Director and writer Phill Hill says.

This comedic musical stage adaptation of a classic children’s story has been brilliantly written and directed by Andrea Pane, who also performs in it, showing that in addition to his already well established versatile first-rate acting, he is also phenomenally gifted as a playwright and as a director.

Connecticut's Downtown Cabaret Theatre will present the world premiere of The Ugly Duckling musical on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for their original Theatre for Young Audiences musical The Ugly Duckling, which will have its world premiere on January 7, 2023.

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre's original TYA musical The Santa Story returns to Connecticut by popular demand to kick off the holiday season on Saturday, November 26. 

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre has announced that their original TYA musical The Santa Story will return to Connecticut by popular demand to kick off the holiday season. 

On Saturday, April 2, at 2:30 PM, I had the pleasure of seeing BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT. Directed by Andrea Pane, this tale as old as 1740 is reinterpreted by Phill Hill for a modern, young audience and features music primarily from the 1990s.

Connecticut's beloved Downtown Cabaret Theatre will open their new musical version of Beauty and the Beast this weekend. This exciting adaptation revamps the classic story of a cursed beast and heroic beauty.

Connecticut's beloved Downtown Cabaret Theatre has announced the cast for their new musical version of Beauty and the Beast this spring. This exciting adaptation revamps the classic story of a cursed beast and heroic beauty. Filled with enchanting characters, the tale will remind audiences that true beauty comes from within. Beauty & The Beast is slated to bow out Downtown Cabaret's Theatre For Young Audiences season.

On Saturday, February 12, at noon, I had the pleasure of seeing yet another Phill Hill masterpiece, at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, in Bridgeport, CT, a musical adaptation of the classic story of RAPUNZEL.  This is the story of a princess who is trapped by an enchantress, high up in a castle, waiting for her unknown male hero to rescue her.  This adaptation also contains elements of another legendary story involving a sword and a stone.   Phill Hill writes in a comedic manner that simultaneously entertains adults and children, while giving the entire cast fun roles to portray.

Downtown Cabaret Theatre will open Rapunzel this weekend in Bridgeport, CT. The Theatre for Young Audiences production opens Saturday, February 12 and runs through March 20 at Connecticut's most historic Cabaret theatre. DCT's Rapunzel puts a “twist” on the classic tale about the girl with the long golden hair who's been locked away in a tower by an evil enchantress. 

The cast of Downtown Cabaret Theatre's Rapunzel is having a blast in rehearsals. The TYA musicals puts a new “twist” on the classic tale about the girl with the long golden hair. When young Rapunzel has been locked in a tower by a wicked enchantress, it takes a young hero to help her escape, and that’s just the beginning of the story!

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre has announced that their Theatre For Young Audiences season will continue with a new musical version of Rapunzel this winter. 

On Saturday, December 4th, at 12:00 P.M., I had the pleasure of seeing yet another Phill Hill written masterpiece, THE SANTA STORY, at Downtown Cabaret Theatre, in Bridgeport, CT.   Phill Hill has incredible writing talent in putting new spins on traditional children’s tales, while his creative genius particularly shines on shows like this that contain original storylines.  Directed by Frank Root and choreographed by Cassie Carroll, this talented cast of five performs a comedy with a family friendly vibe for the younger audience members, while simultaneously keeping an adult audience entertained through one-liners, familiar cultural references, and clean double entendres. 

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre's all-new holiday musical The Santa Story is opening this Saturday, December 4th at the historic CT staple. The world premiere TYA show tells the heartwarming and hilarious story of a young St. Nick and his journey to becoming Santa Claus.

The cast of Downtown Cabaret Theatre's The Santa Story is having a blast in rehearsals. The world premiere TYA musical tells the heartwarming and hilarious story of a young St. Nick and his journey to become Santa Claus. The perfect blend of music, mayhem, and merriment for the whole family that is sure to have audiences ringing jingle bells this holiday season.

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre's Theatre For Young Audiences season will continue with the world premiere of The Santa Story this December. 

On Sunday, October 6, I had the pleasure of participating in SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE HAUNTED CABARET at the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre in Bridgeport, CT.  I say, a?oeparticipating,a?? because this musical comedy with book by Phill Hill not only involves audience interaction, but goes one step further and lets the audience vote (by applause) to determine what happens, like a a?oechoose your own adventurea?? stage show.  Ricky Altamirano directs a spectacular cast of five that includes himself and showcases the strong talents of all five cast members in five well written and wonderfully performed roles.