Andrea Pane News

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre has announced the cast and creative team for their upcoming production of RENT. The Pulitzer Prize-winning musical opens September 16 and runs through October 15th at Connecticut's most historic Cabaret Theatre.

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.

The Downtown Cabaret Theatre is well into rehearsals for their all-new musical Decades in Concert: Spirit of the 60s. The production opens Friday, April 15th and runs through May 15th at Connecticut's most historic Cabaret Theatre.

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 Saturday, January 11, I had the pleasure of seeing THREE PIGS at the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre in Bridgeport, CT.   This was an excellent start to a new decade of theatrical experiences!  The stellar cast brings their A game to this Chris Gensur adaptation of this classic children's tale. 

On Friday, December 13, I had the pleasure of seeing JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT spectacularly performed at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, CT.  Marking the fiftieth anniversary of this very first musical collaboration between songwriter Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice, this show remains entertaining to audiences across multiple generations.   Under the direction of Andrea Pane and choreography of Cassie Caroll, this stellar cast delivers a phenomenal performance!  The cast includes some of my favorite familiar local talent, such as Robert Peterpaul, Andrea Pane, Everton Ricketts, and Cassie Caroll.  This show has now also introduced me to the amazing talent of Desi Amato, who shines as the best narrator I have ever seen in this show.

On Sunday, November 24, I had the pleasure of seeing RUDOLPH performed at the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre in Bridgeport, CT.   This is my favorite of the three Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre Christmas shows I have seen.  Written by Phil Hill and directed by Frank Root, it brings comedy, familiar music, and an excellent cast of six, all of whom are in roles that showcase their incredible talents.

Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat are heading back to their pre-Broadway home. The Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice penned phenomenon returns to the Downtown Cabaret Theatre's Main Stage for a four-weekend run beginning Friday, December 6th.

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.

I had the pleasure of catching Downtown Cabaret Theatre's production of THE FULL MONTY before they closed on May 19th. This high energy, heartfelt production let all inhibitions go and let the audiences to their insecurities. It was easy to feel empathy and care for each character on that stage. It evoked emotion and also kept you smiling with toe tapping songs. Based on the cult classic movie of the same name, THE FULL MONTY (book by Terrence McNally and music by David Yazbeck) brought joy to all audiences and is truly a reflection of excellent work of the director, Andrea Pane, who also played Keno.

On Saturday, April 27, I had the pleasure of seeing SNOW WHITE at the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre in Bridgeport, CT.  This is an excellent season finale to what has been another wonderful season at the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theatre.  Under the direction of Frank Root and choreography of Cassie Carroll, the stellar cast has once again brought life to Phill Hill's brilliant writing that keeps the children enthralled while simultaneously providing entertainment for the adults.