Russell Fish

Hey y'all!  On November 30, I had the pleasure of seeing my favorite Connecticut Cabaret Theatre show of 2019, which is my outright favorite live comedy I have seen in 2019, A GOOD OLD FASHIONED REDNECK COUNTRY CHRISTMAS!  This comedy by Kristine Bauske had this packed theatre laughing all throughout the show.  Director Kris McMurray has found a stellar cast featuring many Connecticut Cabaret Theatre favorites, and continues to bring out the best in them all.   Every actor and actress in this production does so well that it feels like they truly have become their character on stage, something particularly impressive among cast members who we have previously seen also excel in other roles, some that are very different from these roles.

What if the three wise men weren't really all that wise? What if they were just three ordinary guys, avoiding conflicts at home, who happened upon the greatest story ever told? Set the entire story in modern day America, sprinkle in a little redneck humor, and you have the smash A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Country Christmas! Bill, Dave, and Jimmy (played by Connecticut Cabaret favorites Russell Fish, Chris Brooks and Rick Bennett) have had it with their women! Even though it's Christmas Eve, and tradition dictates they should be home, drinking hot cocoa and singing carols, the boys decide to high-tail it into the mountains for a little hunting and a lot of beer.

On Saturday, June 29, I had the pleasure of seeing another first-rate production at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Berlin, CT, CALENDAR GIRLS. Based on a true story, this comedy is written by Tim Firth. As director, Kris McMurray continues to bring out the best in this stellar cast that includes many familiar faces within Connecticut Cabaret Theatre.

Based on the true story and the 2003 movie of the same name, Calendar Girls is a hilarious yet touching production, sure to warm your heart!. When Annie's husband John dies, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow ladies social members to pose nude with them for an 'alternative' calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women's charitable venture spreads like wildfire, and hordes of press descend on the small town. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of their new-found fame.

WAIT UNTIL DARK delivers suspense and mystery, a great show for people who are looking for a well performed theatrical experience that is a break from the more common musicals, comedies, and dramas.

The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre has yet again put forth a great comedy called SOCIAL SECURITY. The show is guaranteed to generate laughs through excellent acting with a talented cast that gels together like a real family.

This hilarious Broadway comedy surrounds a married couple Barbara and David Kahn, portrayed by Connecticut Cabaret Theatre favorites, Rachel West-Balling and Chris Brooks, who are art dealers.

A hilarious farce, adapted by Steve Martin, comes to life on the stage of the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre! This first-rate production will have you laughing from start to finish. An excellent cast brings the characters to life and draws the audience in to this amazing show!

Theo Maske has an unusual problem, his wife's underpants won't stay on. One Sunday morning they fall to her ankles right in the middle of town--a public scandal! Mortified, Theo swears to keep her at home until she can find some less unruly undies. Amid this chaos, two infatuated men, a dapper poet and a whiny hypochondriac want to rent the spare room in the Markes' home. Oblivious of their amorous objectives, Theo splits the room between them. In which the prospective lodgers now have some underlying surprises of their own.   Don't get caught with your pants down. Especially not your underpants.

NANA'S NAUGHTY KNICKERS is a comedy that has the audience laughing from start to finish, with brilliant acting performances highlighted by the three lead actresses who make an amazing comedy trio. I highly recommend this show.

Bridget and her Grandmother are about to become roommates. However, what Bridget saw as a unique opportunity to stay with her favorite Nana in New York for the summer quickly turns into an experience she'll never forget. It seems her sweet Grandma is running an illegal boutique from her apartment, selling hand-made naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the five borough area! Will Bridget be able to handle all the excitement? Will her Nana get arrested or worse - evicted!

The classic horror story of Dracula is magnificently performed by a talented ensemble cast at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre, in Berlin, CT. Between excellent acting, sound effects, and props, all on a brilliantly designed set, I highly recommend this show!

This thrilling stage adaptation is closely based on the original, presenting the frightening story that made Dracula a horror classic.

Three widowed Jewish friends visit their late husbands' graves together each month. When one of those widows begins to enter a new romantic relationship, the other two take issue for their own unique reasons. This plays out in comedic and dramatic ways that will keep the entire audience invested and entertained from start to finish in this brilliantly written, directed, and acted performance.

As one of the nation's leading professional theaters and recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) has a well-earned reputation for launching both performers and shows to Broadway.

As one of the nation's leading professional theaters and recipient of the 2016 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director, Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) has a well-earned reputation for launching both performers and shows to Broadway.

Three Jewish widows meet once a month for tea before going to visit their husbands' graves. Ida played by Barbara Horn, is sweet tempered and ready to begin a new life, Lucille, played by Karen Gagliardi, is a feisty embodiment of the girl who just wants to have fun, and Doris, played by Tracy Costa, is straitlaced and judgmental, particularly when Sam, (Russell Fish) the butcher and an eligible widower, enters the picture with Mildred (Bonnie Sprague). 

Tommy Tune and an overflow audience at The Triad on 72nd street met Patrick Rinn last night, and Broadwayworld was also there.  

There's always time to remember this funny and romantic tale about a boy, a girl, their two fathers and a love that grows with each season. At the heart of this breathtaking show lies poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication with purity and simplicity.