Conception
The Downtown Cabaret Theatre was established in 1976 in Bridgeport, CT under the artistic direction of Claude McNeal. The theatre was a passion project inspired by the success of the Sacred Heart University Cabaret. After witnessing several successful seasons of the cabaret in an academic setting, Mayor Nicholas Panuzio and other business and civic leaders took the initiative to create a resident professional theatre company, deeming it essential for the development of the downtown area.
The visionary transformation from university musical theatre to the Cabaret required the conversion of an assembly room of the former YWCA to a theater, and the addition of a balcony and air conditioning. Our official opening act was with VAUDEVILLE TROUPE on February 27, 1976.
In 1995, the Cabaret underwent a $1.3 million renovation to the facility. Renovations included the construction of a fly house over the stage, the remodeling of the backstage bathrooms, lobby, and house, as well as major upgrades to lighting, sound, and air conditioning equipment. These renovations were funded by a $900,000 grant from the state of Connecticut and a capital fundraising campaign. The newly renovated theatre now holds 290 people.
What’s All the Fuss About?
Over one million adults and children have enjoyed high quality musical productions in our “Bring our Own Picnic” cabaret atmosphere. There is something for every generation and we embrace all theatrical genres, from Broadway-style book musicals to original avant-garde works.
The Downtown Cabaret is now recognized as an important regional theatre and cultural resource, drawing upon Connecticut and New York talent, and nurturing seasoned and up-and-coming artists.
Leadership
Richard C. Hallinan was the Theatre’s Executive Producer from 1981 to 2006. His productions included popular Broadway musicals as well as the American premiere of BLOOD BROTHERS in 1988 and a production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT in 1979, before it appeared on Broadway. Hugh Hallinan became Associate Producer in 1994 and has been the Executive Producer since 2006.
The Downtown Cabaret Theatre is incorporated as a not-for-profit tax-exempt regional theatre that offers year-round musical theatre and entertainment. The theatre recovers 85% of its costs through box office revenues and relies upon the support of the public and private sectors. Click here to donate.
Awards
2011
CONNECTICUT CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS
Best Director of a Musical, Scott Thompson, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
2008
CONNECTICUT CRITICS CIRCLE NOMINEES
Outstanding Ensemble, SHE LOVES YOU!
Outstanding Ensemble, 8-TRACK, THE SOUNDS OF THE 70′S
2006
CONNECTICUT CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS
Outstanding Production of a Musical, SWEET CHARITY
Outstanding Choreography of a Musical, Scott Thompson, SWEET CHARTIY
NOMINEES
Outstanding Actress in a Musical, Leslie Stevens, SWEET CHARITY
Outstanding Director of a Musical, Scott Thompson, SWEET CHARITY
Outstanding Lighting Design, Hugh Hallinan, SWEET CHARTIY
2005
CONECTICUT CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS
Outstanding Director of Musical, Julie Arenal, HAIR
Outstanding Ensemble, HAIR
NOMINEES
Outstanding Production of a Musical, HAIR
Outstanding Actor in a Musical, Lance Zitron, IDOLS OF THE KING
Outstanding Choreography of a Musical, Julie Arenal, HAIR
Outstanding Lighting Design, Hugh Hallinan, HAIR
Outstanding Sound Design, Joe Boerst, HAIR
2004
CONNECTICUT CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS
Tom Killen Award: Bert Bernardi, Director of Downtown Cabaret Children’s Company
Outstanding Director of a Musical, Gary John La Rosa, La CAGE aux FOLLES
NOMINEES
Outstanding Production of a Musical, La CAGE aux FOLLES
Outstanding Choreography of a Musical, Gary John La Rosa, La CAGE aux FOLLES
Outstanding Lighting Design, Hugh Hallinan, BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
Outstanding Debut, Teddy Eck, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM
2003
CONNECTICUT CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS
Outstanding Actress of a Musical, Josie de Guzman, THE KING & I
Outstanding Choreographer, Lisa & Gary McIntyre, SWING!
NOMINEES
Outstanding Production of a Musical, THE KING & I
Outstanding Production of a Musical, SUGAR BABIES
Outstanding Production of a Musical, SWING!
Outstanding Actress of a Musical, Lyn Philistine, SUGAR BABIES
Outstanding Actor of a Musical, Kirby Ward, SUGAR BABIES
Outstanding Director of a Musical, Lisa & Gary McIntrye, SWING!
Outstanding Director of a Musical, Richard Sabellico, THE KING & I
Outstanding Director of a Musical, Richard Sabellico, SUGAR BABIES
Outstanding Lighting Design, Hugh Hallinan, THE KING & I
Outstanding Ensemble, SWING
2002
CONNECTICUT CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS
Outstanding Production of a Musical, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ
Outstanding Choreographer of a Musical, Jamie Rocco, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE
Outstanding Actress in a Musical, Lovena Fox, JEKYLL & HYDE
NOMINEES
Outstanding Production of a Musical, JEKYLL & HYDE
Outstanding Director of a Musical, Jamie Rocco, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ
Outstanding Director of a Musical, Lynnette Barkley, JEKYLL & HYDE
Outstanding Actor in a Musical, Brad Little, JEKYLL & HYDE
Outstanding Ensemble, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ
Outstanding Lighting Design, Hugh Hallinan, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE
Outstanding Sound Design, Joe Boerst, JEKYLL & HYDE
2001
CONNECTICUT CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS
Outstanding Actress, Kristen Howe, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Outstanding Lighting Design, Hugh Hallinan, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
NOMINEES
Outstanding Production of a Musical, BLOOD BROTHERS
Outstanding Production of a Musical, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Outstanding Actress, Maree Johnson, BLOOD BROTHERS
Outstanding Actress, Kirsten Wyatt, BLOOD BROTHERS
Outstanding Director, Lynette Barkley, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Outstanding Choreographer, Lynette Barkley, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Outstanding Director, Richard Sabellico, BLOOD BROTHERS
2000
CONNECTICUT CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS
Outstanding Production of a Musical, GUYS & DOLLS
Outstanding Actor in a Musical, Anthony Santelmo, Jr., GUYS & DOLLS,
Outstanding Director of a Musical, Jamie Rocco, GUYS & DOLLS
Outstanding Actress, Amy Eschman, GUYS & DOLLS
Debut Award, Kirsten Wyatt, DAMES AT SEA
NOMINEES
Outstanding Actress, Cindy Summers, ALWAYS PATSY CLINE
Outstanding Actress, Kirsten Wyatt, DAMES AT SEA
Outstanding Actor, Paul DePasquale, GUYS & DOLLS
Outstanding Choreography, Sharon Halley, GUYS & DOLLS
Outstanding Set Design, J Branson, GUYS & DOLLS
Debut Award, Amy Eschman, GUYS & DOLL
