Our hearts are low, as Heaven has opened its gates for one of our dear family members. Audrey Brolin, our beloved, extraordinarily talented musical director and longtime friend passed this morning after her brave and fearless battle with cancer. We know her angel wings will be glorious, and the angels choirs will sing the most beautiful harmonies now that she is with them. But she will forever be missed here on Earth, our theatre will never be the same without her and she will NEVER be forgotten. Always in our hearts, we love you Audrey, and we pray that you will always look down on us.
BERLIN (2010) – The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is holding auditions by appointment only for the scheduled comedy “BREAKING LEGS” by Tom Dulack. To schedule an appointment, please call (860) 829-1248 and speak with Artistic Director, Kris McMurray. You may also email kris@ctcabaret.com or his assistant Matthew at mcm_ctcabaret@me.com. The theatre is located at 31 Webster Square Road, Berlin, just off of Route 9 North or South, exit 22 (Mill Street), or seconds off the Berlin Turnpike.
The company is currently seeking a character actor between the ages of 30-65 to play "FRANKIE SALVUCCI". Applicants will be asked to read from the script. Please prepare a 2 minute monologue. Show dates are every Friday & Saturday from August 20th thru September 25th, 2010. Rehearsals will begin around mid-July.
BREAKING LEGS: A Hilarious Comedy By Tom Dulack
SYNOPSIS: The action occurs in an Italian restaurant owned by a successful mobster and managed by his beautiful unmarried daughter. When the daughter's former college professor arrives to ask for financial backing for a play he's written about a murder, the fun begins. The three main Mafiosi are intrigued with the idea of producing a play. The daughter becomes enamored of the playwright, who is delighted to have the family's support. His bubble is burst when he discovers, through the "accidental" death by train of a lesser thug, that his backers are gangsters. In this madcap situation, murder and menace are served up with plenty of pasta and laughter.
This is the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the forty-eighth year. He is a retired professor, nearing eighty, with heart palpitations and a failing memory—but still as tart-tongued, observant and eager for life as ever. Ethel, ten years
younger, and the perfect foil for Norman, delights in all the small things that have enriched and continue to enrich their long life together. They are visited by their divorced, middle-aged daughter and her dentist fiancé, who then go off to Europe, leaving his teenage son behind for the summer. The boy quickly becomes the "grandchild" the elderly couple have longed for, and as Norman revels in taking his ward fishing and thrusting good books at him, he also learns some lessons about modern teenage awareness—and slang—in return. In the end, as the summer wanes, so does their brief idyll, and in the final, deeply moving moments of the play, Norman and Ethel are brought even closer together by the incidence of a mild heart attack. Time, they know, is now against them, but the years have been good and, perhaps, another summer on Golden Pond still awaits.
Swing
Original Concept by Paul Kelly
"Two thirds rhythm and one third soul." That's how Fats Waller defined the uniquely American form of popular music and dance known as "swing." Requiring only joyful enthusiasm and a ready partner, swing exploded out of pre-war Harlem's hotbed of youth culture and swept the world. It shattered ethnic and cultural barriers, generating specialty styles such as Jive, Swing, Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Hip-Hop Swing. SWING! celebrates this remarkable diversity to the beat of the most exhilarating songs of the period. But as this enthralling song-and-dance show makes abundantly clear, swing was never a time or place -- it has always been a state of mind!
Breaking Legs
Written by Tom Dulac
The worlds of the Mafia and the theatre clash hilariously when a professorial playwright seeks funding for his new play from the family of a former student. The "family" turn out to be minor Mafia godfathers who are willing to underwrite the play provided they never have to read it. The fact that the lusty, unwed daughter of the house falls in love with the playwright only furthers his involvement with the Mob. "There is a buoyant joy to be had in the comic confrontation between two of the wackiest gangster chieftains ever to wack…" —NY Post. "There are funny lines throughout." —NY Daily News.
"BREAKING LEGS is a crowd pleaser that should provide an additional layer of enjoyment for people in and of the theatre. It is what comedies on Broadway used to be like not that many years ago. Welcome back." —BackStage.
Ain't Misbehavin'
Music by Thomas "Fats" Waller, Lyrics by Various
Based on an idea by Murray Horwitz & Richard Maltby,Jr.
The outrageously prodigious comic and musical soul of 1930s Harlem lives on in this rollicking, swinging, finger snapping revue that is still considered one of Broadway's best. The inimitable Thomas "Fats" Waller rose to international fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club, honky tonk dives along Lenox Avenue, rent parties, stride piano players and that jumpin' new beat, Swing. Although not quite a biography,"Ain't Misbehavin'" evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy of this American original as a versatile cast struts, strums and sings the songs he made famous in a career that ranged from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood and concert stages in the U.S., Canada and Europe.
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress
A Comedy by Alan Ball
During an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tennessee, estate, five reluctant, identically clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason to avoid the proceedings below. As the afternoon wears on, these five very different women joyously discover a common bond in this wickedly funny and touching celebration of the women's spirit. “An irreverent and funny look at the intricacies of friendship and the power of similar dressing. "…[a] wonderfully entertaining play…" -NY Post. "This show is a fresh-as-a-daisy comedy, funny as can be…" -NY Daily News.
Posted on
05/23/2010
STARMAKERS: The CT Cabaret Theatre's Youth Company happily completed its 4th full length show. In this clip, watch the closing number of our show, which is "HAPPINESS" originally from You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Followed by some pics from rehearsals.
STARMAKERS puts together a youth show about 2 - 3 times a years. Stay tuned for audition notices for STARMAKERS 5!!
Attention CT Cabaret Theatre Fans and RENT Fans! We are proud to announce that due to popular demand, we have added a Thursday Night performance of RENT on May 20th, 2010.
For this night only we have a SPECIAL TICKET RATE of only $20!! Call 860-829-1248 to book your tickets to one of the hottest shows in CT! Tickets are going fast, so call now!
Show is at 8:00pm, doors open at 7:15pm. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! See you at the show!
Posted on
04/30/2010 THE CT CABARET ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL AUDITIONS FOR MUSICAL “SWING!” BERLIN (2010) – The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is holding auditions by appointment only for the scheduled dance musical “SWING!” We are seeking to fill male and female dancer/singers between the ages of 18 – 35 in this high energy swing musical. To schedule a 15 minute appointment, please call (860) 829-1248 and speak with Kris McMurray, Artistic Director or Matthew Marrero, Public Relations Director. You may also email mcm_ctcabaret@me.com. We ask you to prepare 16 bars of both a ballad and up-tempo, and also be prepared to move/ dance at your audition. The theatre is located at 31-33 Webster Square Road, Berlin, just off of Route 9 North or South, exit 22 (Mill Street), or seconds off the Berlin Turnpike. SHOW DATES: (Every Friday & Saturday Night) JULY 9th thru AUGUST 14th, 2010 Rehearsals typically begin 6 weeks prior to the shows opening, approximately the first week of June.
(BERLIN, 2010) - Continuing the tradition after four very successful and exciting shows starring several youth performers from all over the state, the CT Cabaret is pleased to announce auditions for its FIFTH Starmakers show! With this program, youth from all over CT come together to learn how it is to work together as a team, contribute and live up to their highest potential, while at the same time having fun, singing, dancing and preparing to mount a full-blown semi-original musical production!
The company is seeking male and female performers between the ages of 8 to 20 to be considered for roles in this musical show. All applicants must have a song prepared: ballad, up-tempo or both. Dance/Movement skills for the production will range from easy to intermediate. All applicants should be confident in their ability to move and sing. All applicants must be prepared to read and/ or have a monologue prepared as well.
Auditions are by appointment only. So to make an appointment, please email or call.
REGISTRATION FEE: $100 per performer
REHEARSALS DATES: Beginning in MAY, mostly weekends, with occasional weeknights near show dates. (Exact start date TBA)
SHOW DATES: SUNDAY, AUGUST 8 @ 1:00pm and 4:30pm
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE IN JUNE.
CONTACT INFO:
Matthew Collin Marrero, STARMAKERS Artistic Director & Creator
Phone: 860-829-1248
Email: mcm_ctcabaret@me.com
If you have any questions or concerns about rehearsals, etc,
Posted on
04/21/2010
The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is proud to announce its production of the Jonathan Larson Pulitzer Prize winning musical "RENT", produced in special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
"NO DAY BUT TODAY"
Book your tickets NOW! They are going FAST!! And we have a tremendously talented cast taking the stage by storm in this powerful and moving musical that you DO NOT WANT TO MISS!
To book your tickets this this rockin' show, call 860-829-1248!
TICKETS ARE $30 per person.
To learn more about the CT Cabaret Theatre, visit our website!
www.ctcabaret.com
Come to the Cabaret!
THERE ARE 12 SHOWS!!
RENT runs EVERY FRIDAY and SATURDAY from April 16th thru May 22nd, 2010. Doors open at 7:15pm and the show begins at 8:00pm!
STARRING:
(ROLE - ACTOR)
Roger Davis - JAMES McKIRDY
Mark Cohen - IAN STARR
Tom Collins - MARQUES RUFF
Benjamin Coffin III - JONATHAN ESCOBAR
Joanne Jefferson - JENNIFER IRELAND
Angel Schunard - MATTHEW COLLIN MARRERO
Mimi Marquez - BLANCA AYALA
Maureen Johnson - KARA NIELSEN
Co-Starring:
ERICA BRYAN
JUSTIN GUGLIELMETTI
TOBY HENST
KELLY LUCAS
ALAINA MONTS
JAMES J. MORAN
STEPHANIE PAUL
RAVEN TURNER
RACHEL ULLRICH
GARTH WEST
STAFF:
KRIS McMURRAY - PRODUCER/ ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
REBECCA FRANCIS - MUSICAL DIRECTOR
MATTHEW COLLIN MARRERO - ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/ CHOREOGRAPHER
JAMES J. MORAN - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/ HEAD CHOREOGRAPHER
JACQUELINE HESS - STAGE MANAGER/ LIGHT TECHNICIAN
SHOW SPONSOR:
J.P. JEWELERS
47 Whiting Street
Plainville, CT 06062
860-747-6353
EMAIL: info@jpjewelers.com
CALL TO BOOK YOUR OWN PRIVATE EVENT OF "SHIRLEY VALENTINE"!
Call 860-829-1248 for more information!
The heroine in this classic tour de force (played by Kelly Boucher) is an ordinary middle class English housewife. As she prepares chips and eggs for dinner, she ruminates on her life and tells the wall about her husband, her children, her past, and an invitation from a girlfriend to join her on a holiday in Greece to search for romance and adventure. When her husband shuns the eggs and chips, Shirley escapes to Greece, has an “adventure” with a Greek fisherman and decides to stay. This hilarious and honest one woman play was a hit in London and New York and a tremendous success at the CT Cabaret Theatre.
Posted on
02/03/2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRED!
We celebrate your love and life!
Almost a year and a half after the tragic loss of our dear friend and fellow actor, the CT Cabaret family looks back at why we loved him so much. Please take five minutes to watch our very first podcast, dedicated to the big man himself...FRED DESIMINI!
The actor, the singer, the comedian, the son, the friend, the one and only!
Posted on
02/01/2010
When we first announced RENT was going to be produced and performed at the CT Cabaret, people were shocked and excited! We received call after call, email after email about casting, who was going to be in it, etc.... After months of auditions and seeing over 100 people, we have narrowed it down to the new cast of our upcoming production.
Kris McMurray, Artistic Director and Owner, said that the audition and casting process for this show was one of the most difficult to date. Over 25 years in theatre, and he said he had never seen so much talent in such a short amount of time. He wished he could have cast everyone. But being show business, thats unfortunately not how it works.
In a positive light, Carolyn Kirsch said it right when she addressed the over 40 talented people invited to the RENT callbacks. She said "You young people are the next generation. You are it. You are the future of theatre and musical theatre. All the best to you." Being the Broadway veteran she is, she meant it. It was moving and inspiring. When all 40+ performers got up onto our stage to sing "SEASONS OF LOVE" one last time for the night, it was magical. The power and joy lifting from that stage was undeniable.
After a week long, late into the night debate, the casting of the 2010 CT Cabaret Production of RENT was complete. We're very excited to be welcoming a large amount of talented NEW faces to our company and RENT cast along with a few veteran members as well. So get ready to meet the next generation. We are EXTREMELY PROUD AND PLEASED to introduce the cast as follows:
(ROLE - ACTOR)
Roger Davis - JAMES McKIRDY
Mark Cohen - IAN STARR
Tom Collins - MARQUES RUFF
Benjamin Coffin III - JONATHAN ESCOBAR
Joanne Jefferson - JENNIFER IRELAND
Angel Schunard - MATTHEW COLLIN MARRERO
Mimi Marquez - BLANCA AYALA
Maureen Johnson - KARA NIELSEN
Co-Starring:
ERICA BRYAN
TOBY HENST
STEPHANIE LAYNE
KELLY LUCAS
ALAINA MONTS
JAMES J. MORAN
STEPHANIE PAUL
JERMAINE RISBY
NELSON RAFEAL ROMAN
RAFEAL SIERRA JR.
RAVEN TURNER
RACHEL ULLRICH
STAFF:
KRIS McMURRAY - PRODUCER/ ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
REBECCA FRANCIS - MUSICAL DIRECTOR
MATTHEW COLLIN MARRERO - ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR/ CHOREOGRAPHER
JAMES J. MORAN - HEAD CHOREOGRAPHER
SHOW SPONSOR:
J.P. JEWELERS
47 Whiting Street
Plainville, CT 06062
860-747-6353
EMAIL: info@jpjewelers.com
Be sure to check back soon to see photos, podcasts and more on rehearsals, cast members and the show!!
Posted on
01/21/2010
This hilarious musical comedy is like Saturday Night Live meets Broadway. Packed with laughs, parodies, impersonations and tunes you know and love, FORBIDDEN BROADWAY turns things upside down and inside out poking fun at such shows as Hairspray, Les Mis and The Lion King, along with stars like Carol Channing and Liza Minelli.
Posted on
09/23/2009
In this podcast, we see the CT Cabaret Theatre cast of the Stephen Schwartz musical PIPPIN recreating the classic Bob Fosse choreography. Matthew Collin Marrero, James J. Moran and Carolyn Kirsch are the choreographers of the show. Artistic Director: Kris McMurray
PIPPIN opens OCTOBER 16th and runs every Friday and Saturday until NOVEMBER 21st, 2009, starring IAN GALLIGAN as Pippin, MATTHEW COLLIN MARRERO as The Leading Player, JULIE LEMOS as Catherine, SARAH GILBERT as Fastrada, CROSS WOODFIELD as Charles, JAMES J. MORAN as Lewis and CAROLYN KIRSCH as Berthe.
www.ctcabaret.com
PIPPIN: Once upon a time, the young prince Pippin longed to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He sought it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father King Charlemagne the Great). But in the end, will he ever be satisfied? Will he continue to wander or will he find comfort finally with home and family?
This hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale captivated Broadway audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere. The energetic pop-influenced score by three-time Oscar®-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Children of Eden and the animated films Pocahontas, The Hunchback Of Notre Dame and The Prince Of Egypt) bursts with one show stopping number after another, from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers.
THE CONNECTICUT CABARET THEATRE ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR
MUSICAL PRODUCTION OF “PIPPIN”
OPEN AUDITIONS:
MONDAY, AUGUST 24th, starting at 7:00pm – 15 minute appointments
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26th, 2009, starting at 7:00pm – 15 minute appointments
TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION, call 860-829-1248 or email mcm_ctcabaret@me.com
SHOW DATES: OCTOBER 16, 2009 thru NOVEMBER 21, 2009 - every Friday & Saturday night
FIRST REHEARSAL: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2009
The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre, is pleased to announce its auditions for its production of the Stephen Schwartz musical PIPPIN. This hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale captivated Broadway audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere. The energetic pop-influenced score by three-time Oscar®-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Children of Eden” and the animated films “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback Of Notre Dame” and “The Prince Of Egypt”) bursts with one show stopping number after another, from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers.
The PIPPIN cast is large and the company is seeking male and female performers between the ages of 18 to 60 to be considered for several roles in this musical. Some character descriptions are below.
All applicants must have a song prepared: ballad, up-tempo or both. Dance/Movement skills for the production will range from intermediate to advanced. All applicants should be confident in their ability to move and sing. All applicants must be prepared to read from script or have a monologue prepared as well.
Leading Player (Baritone/Tenor to high G – aged 25-45): dynamic, mysterious, magnetic master of ceremonies
Pippin (Baritone/Tenor – aged 18- 28): Earnest, attractive, stubborn, misguided son of Charlemagne. Struggles with the burden of his father's identity while unable to find his own purpose in the world. Wide-eyed and unsatisfied with life.
Fastrada (Mezzo Soprano – aged 35 - 60): Pippin's conniving stepmother, dedicated to the career of her son, Lewis
Catherine (Mezzo Soprano – aged 20 - 35): an attractive, sharp woman. A widow.
King Charles Charlemagne (Baritone/Bass – aged 45-60): military, imposing, arrogant, not too bright. Pippin's father, but too preoccupied to pay much attention to him.
Lewis (Baritone, comic role): Pippin's foppish stepbrother - annoying, egotistical
Theo (Boy Soprano – aged 8-10): Catherine's 8-year-old Son
Band of Players (Various ensemble): Each sings, and plays a variety of roles, places and objects. The show's individual characters emerge from this "band".
Posted on
06/30/2009
Check out the WORK WITH US tab on top of the home page for information on how to audition for our upcoming 2009-2010 Season! We have some VERY EXCITING SHOWS lined up.
Posted on
05/26/2009
We can't believe how fast this show has flown! Throughout the past 5 weekends of performances, we have completely SOLD OUT! It has been amazing! With so much buzz, its hard to see a great thing come to an end. But alas, it must. THE FULL MONTY will close on Saturday May 30th! If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, we highly recommend you call the box office and reserve your tickets. Come see the show that has been featured all over the state of CT, on FOX 61, NBC 30 and several other local news broadcasts! We have even had several customers come back for a second or third time!! Its that great and fun!
Posted on
05/26/2009
It's time to LET IT GO! The musical "THE FULL MONTY" is ready to open and we are thrilled to present it on our stage. This hilarious musical that dares to bare is full of laughs, heartfelt moments and rockin' music! Definitely not a show to miss. Also keep an eye out of your local news stations (NBC 30 and FOX 61) for some special appearances from some of the Full Monty guys!!
Not a show to miss! Book your tickets TODAY!! They are going fast!!
Posted on
04/27/2009
Jeff Valin of FOX 61 paid a visit to the CT CABARET THEATRE early this morning to do a "FULL FRONTAL FUNNY" story on the guys from THE FULL MONTY! We spent all morning dancing and having a laugh, all on LIVE TELEVISION! The calls have been pouring in to see this hilarious musical! Check it out!!
Posted on
03/17/2009
Laughter and music flowed last night as the cast of THE FULL MONTY gathered for the first time in preparation for its upcoming production. Sitting in a circle, the first read thru brought to light just how fun and funny this show is going to be. The music is rockin', the story both hilarious and heartwarming and the actors already started forming terrific chemistry. This is not going to be a show to miss! STAY TUNED FOR A FUTURE PODCAST!!
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AND GOING FAST! Call the Box Office 860-829-1248 to book your seats for the hottest show in town. The musical that BARES ALL!
(The show is rated R for strong language and content.)
Posted on
03/14/2009
The CT Cabaret kicked off its 24th season with the moving comedy AFTER-PLAY by Anne Meara. Customers raved how wonderful this one act show was as they left at the end of the opening night performance. The evening was alive with laughter and contemplation. The cast really shined! If you haven't booked your tickets to see this great show, please do so!
And did you know?? If you are NOT a subscriber, you still can become a SUBSCRIBER! If you purchase tickets to AFTER-PLAY and decide after seeing it that you would like to join our family, we will subtract the AFTER-PLAY ticket price OFF of the regular season ticket price! QUITE A DEAL! Check out the OUR SEASON section on our website to see what shows are coming soon!
STARMAKERS: Continuing the tradition after three very successful and exciting shows starring several youth performers from all over the state, the CT Cabaret is pleased to announce auditions for its fourth Starmakers show! The company is seeking male and female performers between the ages of 8 to 20 to be considered for roles in this musical show. All applicants must have a song prepared: ballad, up-tempo or both. Dance/Movement skills for the production will range from easy to intermediate. All applicants should be confident in their ability to move and sing. All applicants must be prepared to read and/ or have a monologue prepared as well.
AUDITION DATES: TUESDAY, MARCH 17 and THURSDAY, MARCH 19, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
REHEARSALS DATES: Begin Mid-Late April, mostly weekends, with occasional weeknights near show dates.
SHOW DATES: SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 @ 12:00pm, and SUNDAY, AUGUST 23 @ 12:00pm and 4:00pm
CONTACT INFO:
Matthew Collin Marrero, STARMAKERS Artistic Director
Phone: 860-829-1248
Email: mcm_ctcabaret@yahoo.com
If you have any questions or concerns about rehearsals, etc, please do not hesitate to contact.
Posted on
03/02/2009
If you haven't seen it yet, you have one more weekend to catch "LITTLE ME". The show is hilariously entertaining. Every character big and small is full of laughs. Come and see this Cy Coleman and Neil Simon classic...and see what everyone is laughing about!!
Posted on
03/01/2009
Hello CT Cabaret Patrons, Friends and Family!
We are thrilled to welcome you to our newly updated website, thanks to our friends over at Normal Kings Productions! We hope you will come check back here often for news, special annoucements, podcasts, videos, and more!
In the meantime, EXPLORE!!
THE WILDEST! is OPEN!! Posted on 07/12/2010 The Connecticut Cabaret Theatre is thrilled with the response to its new show "THE WILDEST! Hip, Cool and Swinging!!!", directed and produced by Kris McMurray, conceived and written by Randy Johnson, Thomas Porras, Luanne Prima & Toni Elizabeth Prima.
This exciting new musical features nearly 40 tunes performed with HIGH ENERGY on stage with a live band, including "I've Got You Under My Skin," "Just a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody," "That Old Black Magic," "Sing, Sing, Sing," and "I Wish You Love." Louis Prima and Keely Smith's musical sounds and style defined an era that has transcended generations and has become timeless in its appeal, and this cast is giving it their all to fill their monumental shoes . Check out this wild and cool video podcast to just get a taste of the fun evening you'll have! It is a journey to the past that will lead some to new discoveries and others cherished memories. You DON'T want to miss this show!
AUDITION FOR "BREAKING LEGS" Posted on 06/29/2010 CT Cabaret Theatre seeks character actor for the role of "FRANKIE SALVUCCI" in the upcoming theatre meets mafia hilarious comedy "BREAKING LEGS"!
